Uneven lans, is this a problem?

[huntinfool87]

I have a .280AI browing stalker long range hunter. It has a detachable mag so I can only seat my bullets so far out. I've yet to handload for it. I've shot some 150 nosler AB with really poor accuracy. Almost a 3 inch group. I hope that's due to the twist rate and the 150s being a little light. But when I used the bore scope I noticed the Lans are not very uniform. I got the rifle used at a gun show. Is this going to cause me issues? If so what kind of issues? Hard to tell in the picture but the left Lans is considerably short than the right one.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

Hmm, never seen that before. I suppose the longer land would push the bullet nose a bit sideways (towards the shorter one) and so start the bullet cockeyed. Maybe that's why the rifle was for sale! The fix would be a new barrel. But always remember how much you paid for my advice.

 

[Blue68f100]

That may just be the camera angle and the angle of the cut. I see a lot of fouling that needs to be cleaned up first before doing anything else.

 

[BreechFace]

I doubt it's your twist rate being too fast.

I would start as @Blue68f100 suggested and give a thorough cleaning for both carbon and copper fouling. Get it back to bare metal and work from there before giving up on it.

How's your crown look? Undamaged?

 

[huntinfool87]

I doubt it's your twist rate being too fast.

I would start as @Blue68f100 suggested and give a thorough cleaning for both carbon and copper fouling. Get it back to bare metal and work from there before giving up on it.

How's your crown look? Undamaged?

Crown is in good shape. The twist is 1:8 I've shot 10 rounds through it is all. Before those 10 rounds it was clean.

 

[huntinfool87]

That may just be the camera angle and the angle of the cut. I see a lot of fouling that needs to be cleaned up first before doing anything else.

I've seen it from every angle possible so I guess you will have to take my word for it. One Lans is definitely shorter than the others. The fouling has me concerned also. I've only shot 10 rounds through it and it was a clean barrel before that.

 

[BreechFace]

Crown is in good shape. The twist is 1:8 I've shot 10 rounds through it is all. Before those 10 rounds it was clean.

My 280AI is 1:8.4" twist and it shoots 140's with great result.

 

[BreechFace]

Wonder what Browning would tell you if you contacted them. Let them know you bought it used at a gun show, but let them know your issues with accuracy and what you've found. You may be pleasantly surprised and they want you to send it into them. Even if you have to pay shipping. Worth a shot.

 

[huntinfool87]

My 280AI is 1:8.4" twist and it shoots 140's with great result.

Thats good to know! Thank you for that information. I'm going to run some JB down it, then do a ladder load test. Once I find the flat spot I'll load some up and see if I can get a group. I appreciate your input

 

[BreechFace]

Thats good to know! Thank you for that information. I'm going to run some JB down it, then do a ladder load test. Once I find the flat spot I'll load some up and see if I can get a group. I appreciate your input

Shot in the dark but maybe check with Browning first.

But if they decline to help, I would proceed with a good cleaning and do some hand lapping and see if you can clean up the machining a bit. Then proceed how you intend with a ladder. What can it hurt other time and some components.

 

[huntinfool87]

I'll send browning an email now. See what they say.

 

[BreechFace]

I'll send browning an email now. See what they say.

Let us know. Sometimes these manufacturers take their customers very serious and go out of their way even on a situation such as your's with the rilfe being used to you.

The fact that it appears to you and your images that there is a short land, that may pique their interest to help.