Having trouble with accuracy

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newkahrman

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I have a vulcan AR15 with a BEC scope. I went to the range to sight in the scope today, and had some trouble. I thought I had it perfect, getting two shots in the 3/4 inch bullseye at approx 60 yards. I had 6 more close shots (inside 2 inches), but the more I shot, I started to drift up and to the left. I was shooting from a bench with a bipod, so operator error is very limited. My question is, is the scope not able to hold zero, or could the carbon fiber receiver be affecting my accuracy. I got an AR because everyone raved about the accuracy. But to be honest I was better with my AK, should have held on to that. Any feedback is appreciated.
 
is it possible the heat of the barrel was effecting the shots? did you change ammo? how much variance?

I would suggest letting the gun cool and starting over... if it is still all over the place, the scope may well be to blame...
 
The problem could be a number of things. You don't mention the brand of scope, but unless you bought total junk I wouldn't expect that kind of drift at that distance. Check that your scope mounts are secure (you did buy quality ones, right?), and try a few different kinds of ammo. If you have a thin barrel and leaned on it at all, that will affect the point of imact too, as will a rear rest that moves around.

The above is help for a grouping that stays the same size but just shifts. Is that what you had, or did your groups simply open up as the shooting went on? If the latter is the case, then you're just drifting with heat or losing accuracy as the barrel fouls.
 
Being a BEC scope. I'm betting there is your problem. OTOH Vulcan, aka Hesse, is among the worst of the ARs.

The lower has almost zero effect on accuracy beyond the trigger's pull weight and crispness or lack thereof, however if the rails on the upper or the scope mounts are deforming and moving as you shoot its real bad news.

--wally.
 
OTOH Vulcan, aka Hesse, is among the worst of the ARs

Unfortunately, Wally wasn't saying that with some sort of 'Chevy Vs. Ford' preference. If you can return the Vulcan, do so with haste. You really will save yourself some headaches. Vulcan/Hesse has a notorious reputation. (perhaps the worst in the gun business). I'm surprised, and disappointed, they remain in business.

I know you don't want to hear this, but if you have a chance to return that rifle, do so before it breaks and you get even less for it.
 
It is a heavy 20" colt barrel, and I was shooting federal lake city brass, the scope mounts seem good and very tight, so i doubt that's the problem. The groups did open a bit, but moved up and to the left. Also, winds were calm.
 
but unless you bought total junk I wouldn't expect that kind of drift at that distance.

soooooo.. I see nowhere where the OP mentions the size of the drift...hmmmmmmmm
 
I keep hearing vulcans are crap, but nobody can tell me what it is that is bad about them. The rifle functions flawlessly so far, just the accuracy problem. I can't return, rifle was used.
 
I can't return, rifle was used.

Sometimes guns are sold for accuracy reasons and unfortunately you don't find out until a range session!

I was shooting from a bench with a bipod

Does your AR have a free float handguard...if not using a bipod can spread out the groups.

so operator error is very limited.

A lot of us are guilty of assuming we're not at fault but in fact shots stringing up and left are often shooter error a result of anticipating recoil and yanking the trigger. Did the rifle surprise you when it fired every time Or did you surprise the rifle into firing?
 
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I understand exactly what you are saying and we have all been guilty of that at one time or another. It does have a free float handguard. I may give it one more go before I sell it, but it seemed to be consistently off target when I left.
 
soooooo.. I see nowhere where the OP mentions the size of the drift...hmmmmmmmm
unless you count this quote "at approx 60 yards. I had 6 more close shots (inside 2 inches), but the more I shot, I started to drift up and to the left. "
So in the end he was drifting outside 2 inches at 60 yards, which certainly is not the kind of accuracy I'd be hoping for.
 
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Maybe try a 3 shot string, let the rifle cool for 30 minutes and fire another 3 shot string. If the scope is taking the recoil, both will be about the same. If not, scope time. If so, most likely you have a severely worn barrel that is opening up with heat. I fought with an A2 for quite a while, changing scopes, etc., and finally changed the barrel for the cure. Mine was a surplus police and I guess had seen many rounds on the range. Good Luck!
 
What sort of ammo are you using? Barrel length and rate of twist?

I'd try different brands of ammo and see which one it prefers as a starting point.
 
Accuracy

Hi Newkahrman
If I am trying for accuracy on a new rifle (to me) I will not use the bipod until I have established the accuracy level. I just do not trust them for stability. Try it with a solid front rest independent of the barrel. Clean the gun thoroughly. Go through double check and make sure everything is tight that should be. Use a few different brands of ammo. Then relax and enjoy shooting, tension will convey itself right down to your trigger finger. Start at 50yds. Then 75yds. Then 100yds. The 22 doesn't have a lock on being fussy about brand. Ask me how I learned all this the hard way.:banghead: It applys to any rifle you shoot. Have fun, That's what it's all about.:D
TaKe CaRe
Ted
 
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