What's wrong w/my build?

[CowboyBart]

Had bad results at the range with my newly rebarreled 6.5 WSM.
3 shots averaged a 4" pattern with 2.5" being the best "group". I am using a Savage 10 action, PacNor 8" twist polygonal rifled barrel, Burris Euro-Diamond scope. I got these groups while "breaking in" the barrel. The bullet fires fine (.5" and .65") in 2 other 260's that I have, so I don't think that is the problem.
I am thinking the problem could be the use of the factory plastic/flimsy stock. Another pattern I noticed was the nickel plated brass shot worse than the brass brass. I headspaced on a case that I was going to be firing.

I'll take any and all advice on possible solutions.

I would like to keep this rifle light. I have a heavy barreled 264 WM and want this to be a lightweight 6.5. IMO rifle stocks should be wood. If a synthetic material is used for a stock it should be used to reduce weight only. I don't like the feel or looks of syn stocks and only tolerate them as a weight saving means. I will take recomendations on quality lightweight replacement stocks, but if they weigh close to wood, I'll get a bright laminate stock from Stocky's or Boyd's

 

[PowerstrokeOBX]

Re: What's wrong w/my build?

You sure the scope is secure and works? Loose scope can cause some havoc.

I thought my scope was GTG found out the front ring was barely tightened - oops!

 

[Topstrap]

Re: What's wrong w/my build?

You were shooting for group size while doing your breaking in process? Guessing this was shot at 100 yards? Might let another shooter with known ability try it and see if they get duplicate results before tearing too much apart.

Topstrap

 

[Beef82]

Re: What's wrong w/my build?

I'll assume the .5s and .6s in the other rifles were shot by you, which reduces the probability of it being you.

Loose scope, ring, or base can play hell, first new rifle I ever put a base on loctited and everything, must've had some oil in the holes a couple shots and it opened up to the 3" range @ 100yds, just grabbing the scope I couldn't feel any play, when I got home and really messed with it I felt the tiniest amount of play.

Load may not be compatable with that rifle.

Barrel could be loose.

I wouldn't expect the stock to open up your groups that much, especially if the barrel isn't getting really hot. However if it contacts the barrel and your shooting off a bipod or have your rest all the way forward it will have a greater effect.

So, make sure everything is tight. Try some different charges and projectiles. Make sure the stock is not applying pressure to the barrel. Use a rest as close to the action as possible if it is. Fire some fouling shots before attempting to fire any groups, residual solvent will screw up results, as can an a squeeky clean bore if its not shined up for every shot.

If everything else is GTG try another scope.

Good luck, let us know what you find

 

[25MAN]

Re: What's wrong w/my build?

I am going with a scope or ammo issue...can't assume since you have two other 260's shooting that ammo well, that they all will. What twists are the other barrels?

Pacnor makes a decent barrel but they are hammer forged opposed to hand lapped like the top of the line barrels, so if your other barrels are hand lapped barrels chambered with tighter tolerances...again ammo could be your problem.

4inch groups @ 100 is worst than any factory rifle shooting factory ammo I've seen! so if this was worked on by a smith something is seriously wrong.

I would start with trying a different scope if that doesn't work, do some load development to see what the gun likes...if you can't get anything to shoot...change barrels.

 

[flynlow3]

Re: What's wrong w/my build?

Check and see if the magazine is binding up against the receiver. That has caused me issues once. I torqued the stock down to tight and could not get my gun to group for crap!

 

[CowboyBart]

Re: What's wrong w/my build?

I'll pull the base and rinds apart and maybe switch over to a "turn-in" system, rather than the Weaver bases. This is the first time I used Burris rings with the inserts, so I will check them too. Scope is new-but still could have issues.
The other 260's are an 8" twist T/C Encore and a 8.5" twist DPMS LR-260. Yes, I shot the other guns/groups and all of the #'s are at 100 yds.
During break in I ran a dry patch down the bore before shooting. I only ran 1 dry patch down and some solvent could have been left behind. Towards the end of my break in groups did start to improve - giving merit to the "fouled barrel might shoot better" idea.
I was shooting off of a bench and rest. I do not know if the stock was touching the barrel with the weight of the gun on the stock. W/o any weight the barrel is free from the stock. Also, the rest was more toward the front of the forearm as the bench I was on was deep.
With my schedule it will take 2-3 weeks before I can get this to the range again. I'll keep ya updated.

 

[CowboyBart]

Re: What's wrong w/my build?

Just got a chance to take it apart and found all 4 base screws were loose!
3 of them are back in place with redneck loctite (fingernail polish). The front screw is bottoming out on the barrel threads. I'll shorten this one, then "loctite" it back in place.
Hope this was my problem.

 

[DerMeister]

Re: What's wrong w/my build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CowboyBart</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just got a chance to take it apart and found all 4 base screws were loose!
3 of them are back in place with redneck loctite (fingernail polish). The front screw is bottoming out on the barrel threads. I'll shorten this one, then "loctite" it back in place.
Hope this was my problem. </div></div>
Good to hear! Hope that was your problem too. Do you have any idea why they may have come loose? I'm new to this, but my gut tells me to always clean the threads and blue loctite them. I mark them with a paint pen to see if they move.

 

[Tripwire]

Re: What's wrong w/my build?

Screw the glue....a torque wrench is your friend.