Vertical Stringing and Horizontal Stringing??

[Shadow_Warrior]

The last few days I have been trying to dial in my Surgeon 7WSM in with the 180gr Berger's. I've narrowed down my load and started to play with the neck tension. The lighter NT seems to yield Vertical stringing as the .001 heavier NT yields horizontal stringing.
Testing is done at 200 yards. Wind is 3-4mph at 2 o'clock.
The horizontal stringing for 8 rounds is aprox. 7/8"tall x 3/8"wide.
The vertical stringing for 8 rounds is aprox. 3/8" tall x 7/8" tall.
If I could somehow find a happy medium between the two the rifle would be aprox. 1/4 MOA.
Any advice??

 

[jasonk]

Re: Vertical Stringing and Horizontal Stringing??

There are plenty of people here whos opinion I value much more than my own, I'm sure they'll chime in too, but here's my thoughts.

I'd go with the NT that has the least vertical stringing and then vary the seating depth a few thousandth or two in and out. Where are you now as far as the lands? Jammed?

 

[Jeffvn]

Re: Vertical Stringing and Horizontal Stringing??

+ 1 on what Jason says. Find the load that shoots teh best with the least vertical. At distance, vertical is critical. Once oyu find it, test teh seating depth - go much farther than you would think in both directions (pressure awareness is key though).

As one of the more well known smiths (Jered) here once told me (in a not so PC kind of way) vertical is most likely the load, while horizontal tends to be the shooter.

JeffVN

 

[Clark]

Re: Vertical Stringing and Horizontal Stringing??

You have a 7/8" group in a wind that can make 1" of difference.

I fail to see the problem.

Vertical stringing is usually when the barrel gets hot and pushes off the stock.

 

[308isgreat]

Re: Vertical Stringing and Horizontal Stringing??

Vertical stringing is probably the result of neck tension issues according to your info given.

The only way to reduce horizontal string is to work on your shooting technique and learn to read the wind better.

 

[sp388]

Re: Vertical Stringing and Horizontal Stringing??

I thought the typical - most common cause of vertical was velocity variations ??

Does neck tension cause a difference in velocity ?

 

[308isgreat]

Re: Vertical Stringing and Horizontal Stringing??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SP308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I thought the typical - most common cause of vertical was velocity variations ??

Does neck tension cause a difference in velocity ? </div></div>

Yes, typically vertical stringing is caused by velocity variation. In your case though it sounds more like neck tension is the problem. Why? Because at short distances large variations in velocity do not produce extreme vertical stringing while neck tension does. This is typical, not absolute.

What is your extreme spread in FPS with the load you are shooting?