[Lochaber]

So I took my Savage 10FP to the range this weekend and I had to test a number of changes including a new scope and my first try at handloading for it.

The picture included shows two of the groups. Both are around 0.8" but both seem to be stringed funny. This is representative of most of my groups.

The rifle is a Savage 10FP, .308, Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40, the load is 168gr Sierra MKs over 42gr of Varget. Each round was manually fed into the chamber, not from the mag.

Any ideas why I would get these strings?

Loch

[Biff]

My Remington 788 would group similarly. First three would be close, and each succeeding shot would creep up and to the right. As the barrel heated up it began pushing against the left side of the barrel channel in the stock. I floated the barrel and didnt have the problem since.

Check your barrel channel for binding. Also, make sure your action screws are torqued properly. If they are loose, your groups will wander.

[Rupestris]

I have a Winchester 94 (30-30) that strings 'em similar to that. With the bbl bands and stiff trigger my groups aren't nearly as tight but at 50 yards I can put together 1" groups of 5 that start 1" high and move straight down from there. I'll scan a pic of one of the targets and try to post it tomorow. As you do, I single load each round.

[larryw]

I think Biff's on to something, especially with the action screws being too loose. While you're at it, check the torque on your scope ring screws.

[bogie]

Dude, in benchrest, we call groups like those "weather reports." It's _amazing_ how much the wind can blow a bullet around. Next time you go shooting, take a few 2-3' high stakes and some surveyor tape with you, and plant 'em between you and the target. Only shoot when the wind is consistent with the last shot.

[Art Eatman]

I'll add one more possibility to the good ideas above: You might be canting your rifle just a tad. I prefer targets with reference lines on them...

Art

[C.R.Sam]

All of the above.

I would include inconsistant cant rather than just cant.

Ooooh....are those 100yd groups ?
If so, you are close enough that the little things will show.

Might have enough paralax error that tiny difference in head position will change POI/POA.

Sam