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Join the contestAlmost as mind boggling as purchasing a British made rifle in the first place.send it back for free or chop up a 300 dollar hand guard? Choice is clearly obvious guys
send it back for free or chop up a 300 dollar hand guard? Choice is clearly obvious guys
With bottom of the barrel S&B 250 grain ammoStop wasting your time with 285-300g projectiles, your rifle clearly doesn't like them. I tried 285ELDs in my AX338 and they shot like shit (almost 1.5-2" at 100m).
Factory 250g Swiss RUAG, my AX338 does this all day, every day...
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View attachment 7564974
I want to add that parts can be enough loose to move around and still not make a "clunk".I've had mine loosen before, too. But you can feel it "clunk" when you pick it up, even if they're just a little loose. I'm not sure how much it affected accuracy as I wasn't noticing a problem, but I wasn't shooting for groups either. It sure can't help though!
Then yesterday, this thread was on my mind when I was shooting one of mine, and it reminded me to check them again. They were tight, but I found a little play in the key slot screws that hold the Pic rail section for the bipod. That gun has an Elite Iron bipod and the mount covers up the front rail screw. Of course I had the wrench for the key slot screws (in the stock), but for some reason I didn't have the wrench that fits the bipod screws, so I couldn't remove it to access the front rail screw. The bipod had a little wiggle in it because the rail itself was wiggling in the slots. I just tightened the rear rail screw that I could access, and carried on without issue. I found it before I started shooting, and I haven't noticed an accuracy issue prior, so I don't know if there was a measurable effect on accuracy. When I got home I got the right wrench and removed the bipod. Rear rail screw was already starting to loosen up again because the front screw was still loose obviously. I grabbed the manual and looked for a key slot screw torque value but couldn't find one. I tightened them up by feel as much as I thought I safely could and re-installed the bipod.
Out of curiosity, does anyone know of a published torque value for those keyslot screws?
So duracoat is the fix the
No I have checked. I have removed and fitted the barrel with out taking off the handguard unit. No contact. Then did it the other way around. Take guard of and put back on. No contact.Maybe your barrel is rubbing on the handguard. Just saw it off like this guy did.
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Ok will go this Saturday to the range. Will swap over scope ( scope and rings together as one piece). While scope off will check.I want to add that parts can be enough loose to move around and still not make a "clunk".
I noticed this when my rimfire rifle was benched and I zoomed on the scope. I saw the image wiggling as I watched through the scope. But my hand could not feel any movement of parts. I could have bet 500 that the part was not loose, but there it was. I had not even noticed weird grouping, in use it probably settled and then stayed pretty much still.
Since that, I have of course always torqued every screw until I hear a loud SNAP.
Thanks rub it in.Stop wasting your time with 285-300g projectiles, your rifle clearly doesn't like them. I tried 285ELDs in my AX338 and they shot like shit (almost 1.5-2" at 100m).
Factory 250g Swiss RUAG, my AX338 does this all day, every day...
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Thats pretty typical here..theis is quick about it but others will go digging too.You guys are just mad because a 12 moa shooter owns a AI. The best part of this thread is theis actually taking time to search all his past posts to prove his point
I think the “guys” are mad because we all know he 12moa shooter but he’s blaming everything else under the sunYou guys are just mad because a 12 moa shooter owns a AI. The best part of this thread is theis actually taking time to search all his past posts to prove his point
To be fair those cheating bastards all use muzzle breaks. 7mm Mag/300 Win mag is about the most you can tolerate w/o one.I once shot the cheapest browning x bolt in 7mm rem mag you could buy. I was helping a friend sight in his hunting rifle.
That rifle made me it's bitch shooting 180 Bergers at 2930 fps. I probably had a 1.5 inch group at 100 yards. Never again. I think I shot 15 rounds and Id had enough. Kudos to you guys shooting those 338 Lapua Mags.
Eh. There is a lot of movement so you have to manage recoil properly to shoot well, but honestly that 7 Mag hunting rifle you were shooting (typically light, and no brake) was probably a lot more punishing and challenging. A heavy, braked 338 is more of a heavy shove with a longer impulse spread out over more time (milliseconds), vs. the swift, sharp punch you probably experienced.Kudos to you guys shooting those 338 Lapua Mags
Eh. There is a lot of movement so you have to manage recoil properly to shoot well, but honestly that 7 Mag hunting rifle you were shooting (typically light, and no brake) was probably a lot more punishing and challenging. A heavy, braked 338 is more of a heavy shove with a longer impulse spread out over more time (milliseconds), vs. the swift, sharp punch you probably experienced.
yepStop with the “your rifle doesn’t like xyz bullet” or other load stuff.
It’s probably almost impossible that it’s strictly shooter error or load error.
I don’t think one could actually do this via either without purposely trying.
I would be happy if it could do 2 moa with factory.With bottom of the barrel S&B 250 grain ammo
View attachment 7565153
Not saying it does this every time but it is pretty damn close. If I use high end Bergers with 250 grain scenarios, I have shot 0.3 MOA at 300 yards on more than a couple of occasions. I don't reload.
Good luck OP...
I wish I were there to give it a go. It is highly strange. I have shot mine sub MOA out to 600 yards with a variety of factory ammo. Some does work better than others but it is never dramatically different. I don't reload so I have no choice but to characterize a bunch of factory ammo. My experience is that any cartridge using over a 285 grain bullet is to be avoided. I think 300 grain bullets are too heavy for this caliber. 90% of my shooting uses ammo with a 250 grain slug and the results always put a smile on my face.I would be happy if it could do 2 moa with factory.
I would expect it to do sub moa with good factory rounds.
but 50 meters and you see what it did.
At the test last week it did get better.
they said it did under .75 moa ( That was 3 shots just three shots)
To me you would need to shoot 3 rounds 3 times at least to say it shoots sub moa group.
thank will let you know how it goes.
Not rubbing anything in.Thanks rub it in.
It is great to see.
You are running fast. I was getting around 2680 speeds.
Ok will try and find them. It can not hurt. Thanks.
Ok getting so light projectiles 250grain and 265 that I have.Not rubbing anything in.
And that's not running fast, that is the normal expected factory 250g speed.
Try listening to AI owners who have 338LMs and experience.
XYZ bullets are very relevant. I could never get the 285s (factory or handloads) to shoot. At best they were 1.5" at 100m, and it had nothing to do with the rifle or my shooting ability (got a few Army International Medals).
Combine a projectile that doesn't shoot well with an inexperienced shooter and you have terrible groups.
FYI our Military along with many others use 250g projectiles in their 338LM Sniper Rifles. Do the math, slow high BC doesn't equal better.
As for my AIs 'Pet' handload I'm shooting 250g SMKs at 2985fps with an SD of 3.
View attachment 7567849
Now -.338 bullet diameter...
And that's shooting prone with a bipod that does NOT hop.
Yep would be good.I wish I were there to give it a go. It is highly strange. I have shot mine sub MOA out to 600 yards with a variety of factory ammo. Some does work better than others but it is never dramatically different. I don't reload so I have no choice but to characterize a bunch of factory ammo. My experience is that any cartridge using over a 285 grain bullet is to be avoided. I think 300 grain bullets are too heavy for this caliber. 90% of my shooting uses ammo with a 250 grain slug and the results always put a smile on my face.
Due to COVID, I haven't traveled to a longer range as the nearest is 3.5 hours away. I would not anticipate any difference though aside from my own limitations
The ammo here is like getting the lotto.Can you get factory Lapua 250gr Scenar .338LM ammo there in Australia to try out?
You'd only need a box or two.
VIC?Yep would be good.
I am starting to think it might have been me. But it did the same to another shooter. But it has been getting better.
Now it shoots better.
I give up I have no idea.
I got 5 shots at the 6 inch gong at 512 meters so that is ok.
Will try lighter projectiles too.
I looked at the crown again and that has smoothed out a lot.
I have no idea but will check the next 100 rounds. It is much better now.
Thanks for the suggestions. A lot of the boys recommend going lighter and I will go for the lighter.
Are you in VIC?
I think that he thinks you are in AUS...as in Victoria stateVIC?
Oh...nope...would like to visit AUS some day thoughI think that he thinks you are in AUS...as in Victoria state
Sorry thought you were in Victoria Australia.I think that he thinks you are in AUS...as in Victoria state
Will do thanks.Just get some time behind the butt.
It's all learning, which is part of the fun.
Once you've found a load that works for you, keep it.
Sadly, too many people want to swing their cocks around, instead of help.
That's what happens when Individuals forget they were actually part of Teams.
Must be amazing when a bloke can fly the plane, and fall out the back at the same time.
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Lol ok your bipod does not hop. That's because you know how to load lol.Not rubbing anything in.
And that's not running fast, that is the normal expected factory 250g speed.
Try listening to AI owners who have 338LMs and experience.
XYZ bullets are very relevant. I could never get the 285s (factory or handloads) to shoot. At best they were 1.5" at 100m, and it had nothing to do with the rifle or my shooting ability (got a few Army International Medals).
Combine a projectile that doesn't shoot well with an inexperienced shooter and you have terrible groups.
FYI our Military along with many others use 250g projectiles in their 338LM Sniper Rifles. Do the math, slow high BC doesn't equal better.
As for my AIs 'Pet' handload I'm shooting 250g SMKs at 2985fps with an SD of 3.
View attachment 7567849
Now -.338 bullet diameter...
And that's shooting prone with a bipod that does NOT hop.
Lol ok your bipod does not hop. That's because you know how to load lol.
Have some 265grain nosler long range that I will try this weekend.
See how that goes.
Will buy some 250grain . Will look for the smk
Thanks
All this and you STILL haven't posted a video of how you are attempting to shoot this thing, not even a photo of how you address the rifle.Lol ok your bipod does not hop. That's because you know how to load lol.
Have some 265grain nosler long range that I will try this weekend.
See how that goes.
Will buy some 250grain . Will look for the smk
Thanks
Ok just try and follow. The gun shot much better now.All this and you STILL haven't posted a video of how you are attempting to shoot this thing, not even a photo of how you address the rifle.
JFC, bipods do NOT hop.
If you are hopping your bipod (don't know how to load it) then the last thing you should be doing is burning cash behind a .338, you will learn nothing and continue shooting 5+inch groups at 50m.
Get your head out of your ass, get a shitbox .223 savage, get some training, work on your fundamentals, get proficient and then MAYBE think about having another go at your AI.
Magnum cartridges and precision rifles are NOT for motherfuckers who still hop their
the beatings will continue until morale improvesand then will post and end this post.
Dont let them get to you wolfy! Stay the course. They will like you in the end. Read this:the beatings will continue until morale improves
Sorry for delay.
it was the barrel.
I have been in contact with UK AI and send photos and so on.
The nip on the crown (I had posted the picture here i think) was the issue.
Tried with a different barrel and all very good. lol.
the AI guys were great. they send all info.
So my action serial corresponds to the barrel serial as per AI UK. AI test all rifle before they leave the factory.
The test is two rounds of 5 shots group using of Lapua 250 grain Factory ammo.
The said that my rifle shot 28 and 29 mm groups (group edge to edge so that would make it around the 20mm group center with cold shot).
Once the run in process as per manual was done the group should improve a lot. That is what they said.
They do not guarantee MOA and so on, as they told me but the rifles will not leave the factory unless it has shot MOA and under.
They did say that the nip on the crown was not them. That would effect the group. (We knew that anyway)
they ship the barrel with the muzzle fitted and they have glued packaging (Had to look that up lol). Secured on a pallet.
Had a gunsmith look at it too.
So
Can fix the crown by turning /cutting it off or as he said just shoot, it will polish out after a few thousand rounds. He did laugh after the comment.
He did do a polish on that nip and has come much better. Tested at 504 meters with my loads 300grain sierra matchking running around the 2670fps.
I got a 111mm group so that is not too bad. it was windy ( not that the wind would do too much at that distance) and i did not really try hard.
Waiting for the Lapua factory rounds to see how it shoots them (AI recommends the Lapua factory rounds).
Now will organize to get another barrel and that is it.
I want to thank you all (even the ones that gave me a hard time).
So it was the barrel after all.
Must have been hit hard at some point.
The fact that you're ignoring my questions tells me all I need to know
You suck and are blaming the
AI were very good for me anyway. They responded with in two days. Then had a few emails back and forward. The muzzle break are on. The damage was done here in Aus. The gunsmith (realy good ) had a look and polished the crown a bit has made it shout the 6 inch gong at 507 meters with no problem. With my reloads/handloads thought. So it was the barrelWell that sucks, and AI said it wasn't them? Aren't the rifles shipped with the brakes attached? I guess now you have time to dry fire a bunch while you wait.
I hope you can update us once the barrel has been repaired or replaced.