A-Bolt 270 WSM

[BGD]

I bought a A-Bolt 270 WSM about 4 years ago and just started seriously shooting it. I am using Winchester Supreme 130g ballistic silvertip ammo. I cant seem to get a consistent group. One day they will be 1 inch low and to the right the next day they will be 1 inch high an to the right and the 3 shot groups are 1.5 inches. I feel like I should be getting better results. It has been windy but I have only been shooting at 100 yards. Can the wind have that much of an affect?

Thanks

 

[Rokman]

Does the recoil bother you? Have you tried other ammo? Have you checked the stock and scope screws? Maybe you rifle is a 1.5 Inch shooter with that ammo. I have a brother-in-law that uses that ammo with a 270 WSM Winchester Shadow and is dead-on accurate with his rifle. Good Luck!

 

[Maverick223]

Welcome to THR, BGD.

I had one exactly as you describe (if it is a Stalker version), and it grouped well for me (even still, I positively hated the booger, but that's a different story). The wind should have a negligible effect at 100yds unless you are shooting in a hurricane...especially with a "whizzum". They tend to be flat shooting boogers and buck the wind well. Everyone makes a dud every once in a while, but I doubt that is the case. The first thing to check is the crown. Inspect it for any dings, scratches, or other damage as this can cause erratic results. If this is the case the rifle should be re-crowned by a competent gunsmith.

You also need to look at the free-floated barrel. Make sure it doesn't contact the stock, as this would lend itself to problems as the temperature and humidity change. If you find the bbl is touching, you need to remove more stock from the channel to ensure proper clearance (it doesn't need much).

Assuming that the above conditions aren't present, I imagine that your scope and/or mount may be the culprit; ensure that all fasteners are properly tightened and replace the scope with a back-up one if available. Who made you optics and mounts/rings?

 

[Uncle Mike]

Check....

1) the scope, and all its mounts.... do a tracking test on your scope, just to be sure.

2) the torque of the action screws, the A-bolt is not terrible sensitive to action screw torque, but IF the screws are far enough out of torque spec, it could be a problem!

3) As Mav says, make sure the barreled action is setting in the stock correctly, make sure the barrel is not contacting the barrel channel of the stock.

4) It could be an ammo thing, after ruling out all the above, try some different ammo, although ruling out #1 may be difficult if #4 is the problem, so invest in some Federal Power-Shok ammo, 130gr soft point, p/n 270WSME, we have had pretty good luck with this ammo in a majority of the A-Bolts.

5) While this more than likely is not the problem, check your muzzle crown for any nicks or wear, repair if necessary.

 

[Maverick223]

DOH!, as Uncle Mike suggested, try different ammunition types. Mine did well with 130gr. Ballistic Silvertips, but that doesn't mean it is right for yours. It still wouldn't hurt to check the other things mentioned, particularly the scope/mounts but that is something you should try anyway.

 

[BGD]

Thanks everyone. I am not sure what kind of mounts these are but there is a bolt on the left and right side of the rear mount. I was able to remove the bolts with my fingers. I cant believe I didn't check this first. I re-tightend the bolts. My 2 year old Son fell asleep so I cant try it until tomorrow. Can I use lock-tight on these bolts?

What is a good tool to torque the screws on a mount.

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Thanks

 

[Rokman]

Good deal! That should should tighten up your groups or at least cosistently group the in the same place.

 

[Maverick223]

I see what appears to be Leupold mounts, rings, and scope so I don't believe you'll have any problems with the quality of your components (depending upon which model scope that is). A drop of blue Loc-Tite won't hurt anything (Do NOT use red!), but isn't absolutely necessary. Personally I like to add a drop and by now I know Uncle Mike hates the stuff...to be honest if it is properly torqued you aren't likely to have issues either way. The best way to tighten it is using a torque screwdriver (like the Wheeler Fat Wrench or a Seekins screwdriver), to about 25in./lbs (< note it is in inches, not lbs.), but getting it snug with a medium sized screwdriver will also work acceptably well for a hunting rifle.

 

[Rokman]

I also believe that you have the tools to produce some good accuracy. Those bolts on your bases are used to adjust the windage without having to extremely adjust the scope setting. It is useful when the windage is way off center and helps to keep your scope from getting close to maxing out either left or right.

I use the Wheeler fat wrench and really like it. It helps to get things tourqed just right without stripping a screw or crushing a scope tube.

 

[BGD]

I am going to order the wheeler fat wrench this week. What would the torque settings be for the rings?

After tightening the windage screws my shots were off the paper. I think I have it back to where I want it, but I ran out of ammo, need to go out again with another box.

Thanks for all the help and advise.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

At least it was something simple. Be sure and use the blue locktite and you'll be fine.

 

[Maverick223]

What would the torque settings be for the rings?

The rings are typically 15in./lbs, the windage screws on the mount are usually 25in./lbs, and the base to receiver screws are generally 15in./lbs. I would recommend blue Loc-Tite on the base and windage screws are they are unlikely to be removed often if at all. I leave the rings screws dry as I tend to move scopes around from time to time (additionally the stresses are less in this area, so they are less likely to loosen).

 

[Olympus]

I would still try shooting another brand of ammo, just to be on the safe side. I used to shoot the Win Supreme silvertips too in my regular .270 A-Bolt. Then one year it seemed like the groups started opening up all of the sudden. I'm not sure if I got into some bad batches or what. But I started transitioning to Hornady Custom with the SST bullet and that seems to be better for me.