I am reDEEMED! (Savage accuracy problem update)

[the naked prophet]

This is an update to my earlier thread ( http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=212155 )on my problem getting accurate results from my Savage 111 in .30-06 with a Bushnell Legend 3-9x40 scope.

I checked everything over again, free floating barrel, scope mount screws are tight, etc. I adjusted my shooting technique so that the forearm rests on a bag and the stock rests on a bag, and while resting without me touching it the crosshairs are centered on the target.

I tried again with Remington Express Core-Lokt 180 grain softpoints. Same dismal 5 inch groups at 100 yards.

I then fired four more rounds (full magazine) with Federal Premium Vital-Shok 150 grain ammunition. Another 5 inch group. I'm starting to get worried, since the 150 grain ammunition isn't doing well, and that was one of the things that was mentioned - the 150 grain ammo tends to do better from Savage rifles.

I had one more kind of ammo to try. Winchester Super-X 150 grain "Power Point" ammunition. Still firing at 100 yards, I got this group:

I called the flyer when the shot broke, that was me. It was the third shot of four. So that's right at one inch, including the flyer. The group measures (center-to-center, is that how they're measured? Or is it edge to edge?) just over half an inch if you don't include that odd shot.

I have a question though. Why did one 150 grain ammunition (that was more expensive and supposedly more "premium") perform so poorly from my rifle, while another did so well? How do I make my handloads perform better than the bad stuff, is it just trial and error or is there something special I need to do?

Thanks to everyone who helped me in the previous thread!

 

[MikeH]

The group measures (center-to-center, is that how they're measured? Or is it edge to edge?) just over half an inch if you don't include that odd shot.

Measure edge-to-edge, then subtract the diameter of the bullet to get center-to-center numbers.

 

[dracphelan]

The reason different ammunitions with same weight bullet will perform differently in a rifle are numerous, including (but not limited to):

• Different powders
• Different poweder charges
• Different primers
• Different case volumes

All of the above will cause different velocities for the bullet. Depending on rifling twist, barrel length and other factors, this will cause variations in performance. My advice is to now go buy a case of the ammo (all from the same manufacturing lot number) that shot well, that way you have ammo of a known performance. Believe it or not, different lots of production ammo will vary in performance.

 

[steelhead]

Nothing unusual about it. The same applies for rimfire rifles, handguns, etc.. You need to try many different brands and weights to find the one that shoots the tightest. That is one of the benefits to rolling your own. You can fine tune (bullet type, bullet weight, type of powder, type of primer, neck turning, etc..) until you get the results you want.

However, 5 inch groups at 100 yards doesn't sound ammo related to me but more like a jumping reticle or some other problem. You stated you adjusted the trigger. Did you over torque the action screws (too tight can be just as bad as too lose) when you put the stock back on? Also, it is possible to damage the trigger if you adjust it improperly. From your description of the trigger feel - this could have happened.

Try groups at 25 yards and then 50, 75, 100 and see what the differences are. If you can, lock into a solid rest to reduce any shooter induced movement/improper technique.

BTW - the Winnie 150's may have been a fluke. Did you try repeated groups with that ammo?

 

[the naked prophet]

The winchester ammo grouped great in subsequent groups as well. I went back to the Federal, and got the same 5 inch groups (in the same spot as the previous Federal group, about 8 inches high and left).

Both the Remington and Federal ammo got groups around 5 inches, while the Winchester consistently grouped like what you see in the picture.

The reason I asked is because of the huge discrepancy between the different types of ammo. I didn't think it would make that much difference.

 

[thereisnospoon]

RELOAD!

Your next purchase (if you do not already own these items) should be a RCBS Rock Chucker or Lee Basic Loader, some 30-06 dies, a load manual, some primers and a powder scale.

You'll be amazed what your groups are like when you shoot handloads.

 

[the naked prophet]

Just bought a rock chucker supreme master reloading kit. All I need are the dies (waiting on delivery to gun store) and powder/bullets/primers.

When I cook up some stuff, I'll definitely post the results, and we'll see if my rifle is just finicky or what.

 

[rangerruck]

yep, all are bigtime factors in reg ammo. you can proly cut that group size in half, if you are patient with some handloads.