Would Cleaning A Gun Make This Much Difference?

[PCCUSNRET]

Thought I had finally come up with a pretty decent load for a new Savage 110 in .308. I have tried several bullets and powders and finally shot a .359 5-Shot group using 50 grs. of CFE223 (I adjusted my scope after the 1st shot that was high to right). Since this group seemed to be a decent hunting load I made 10 more to be sure it was a fluke. As you can see the 1st shot was just over 2" high to the right. The rest of the shots continued to drop into the center but not nearly as tight as the load I was trying to duplicate. The only thing I did different that I can think of was to clean the gun in between groups. After cleaning I ran a dry patch prior to shooting. Would cleaning the barrel make this much of a difference in the groups? Will try this round again without cleaning the barrel and see if it improves. Anyone care to recommend a good 150 gr. load for this gun. For some strange reason Varget wouldn't work on any bullet I tried in this particular gun.

At least my Savage .223 Tactical continues to make me look good when shooting with friends (10-shot group bottom left 2nd target).

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

yes, you'll usually need several fouling shots for the rifle to settle in after cleaning

 

[ZGunner]

155 gr Nosler HPBT 43.0 gr of H4895 will clover leaf at 100 yrds (5 rnds). Savage 10 PC with Monarch 4-16x40.

However my favorite load I have for my .308 right now is a 110 gr Sierra Varminter over 46.1 gr of H4895. Sometimes I have trouble figuring where the holes are, they're just stacked on top of each other.

I've had very good luck with the starting loads that Hodgdon has on their website. I don't clean my bore very often. I did a short "break in" where I ran a bore snake through every 5 rounds for the first 30 rounds.

 

[Julian537]

Were these shot off of a rest? IF so, please describe? I am new to shooting rifles and would like to be able to get groups like this.

 

[PCCUSNRET]

Were these shot off of a rest? IF so, please describe? I am new to shooting rifles and would like to be able to get groups like this.

These were shot from a bench using Caldwell "DeadShot" bags.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=754832

I also have one of the Caldwell Lead Sleds that I normally use for testing loads but the front bag has sprung a leak so I'm waiting on delivery of a replacement bag. For .243 and below I prefer to use the bags, but for .308 and up I like using the sled as it reduces recoil more from these rifles.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/caldwell-lead-sled-plus.aspx?a=1003566

Hope this helps.

 

[gahunter12]

I always shoot a few rounds to foul the barrel before testing my groups, OT checking for scope zero before hunting season. I always store my deer rifles clean, but take 2 shots before my zero check. I found my first shot was always off a little from my 2nd, or 3rd shots, which were grouped tight in the BE. I leave my gun alone til after season is over.

 

[788Ham]

Yes, that will happen to your rifle after cleaning. I did the same thing just the other day. I had loaded some '06 rds up, once fired brass, 4064 powder and 150 gr. Hornady SP's, 2800 fps. I shot 3 shots @ 50 yards, just to see where I was at on the paper, DC about 2" high. I moved target to 100 yards, shot 5 more rds. The first rd. was 4" high, 2" RT of DC, the next 4 were cutting one another @ 4" high DC. I know I should have fired a couple more fouling shots, but I didn't, my error.

 

[PCCUSNRET]

I knew there was some problems with accuracy until the barrel is fouled, I just never noticed it being this drastic. I was beginning to believe the scope or rifle was defective. I'll give it another try with this load without cleaning the gun to see if this helps. Thanks for your help and load reccomendation.

 

[Andrew Leigh]

Mmmm ........

My CZ needs 2/3 fouling rounds to back on the money, some rifles need more. Looks like yours also needs 3 shots and then you are back in the bull.

Were both groups shot on the same day?

 

[PCCUSNRET]

Were both groups shot on the same day?

No, they were shot on different days.

 

[Andrew Leigh]

Was there perhaps any wind blowing, either from over your shoulder or directly into your face?

I think all is well though.

 

[PCCUSNRET]

Was there perhaps any wind blowing, either from over your shoulder or directly into your face?

I think all is well though.

No, very calm day. Temps were about 45 degrees F. I'll let you know after I get to the range again next week. Thanks.