Gun wont group UPDATED: GOT GROUPS

[lokidog]

I seem to recall some discussion by another person that 180s did not group well out of his .308 rifle.  I personally shoot 165 Nosler Partition and Accurbod handloads with decent groups out of a hunting rifle profiled barrel (Ruger All Weather).  Perhaps consider giving 165s a try if you are buying new ammo.

I was also wondering why you are shooting 180's, seems pretty heavy for .308.

You might also try a different scope, I had one that actually had a loose crosshair that would move between shots (although my patterns tended to spread vertically if I recall from 40 years ago).  As a young guy, I didn't know any better and sold that "crap" gun to a neighbor.  He had no problems with a new scope on it.   

[Bob33]

You might also try a different scope, I had one that actually had a loose crosshair that would move between shots (although my patterns tended to spread vertically if I recall from 40 years ago).  As a young guy, I didn't know any better and sold that "crap" gun to a neighbor.  He had no problems with a new scope on it.   

Memories. I started hunting with a Tasco that had "mobile" reticles. I killed several deer and my first elk with it before I knew they weren't supposed to move.

[coachcw]

my guess would be a scope issue , but id copper clean the bore too. loose base ? if you need a scope I have a couple vx2 3-9 laying around .

[JLS]

I seem to recall some discussion by another person that 180s did not group well out of his .308 rifle.  I personally shoot 165 Nosler Partition and Accurbod handloads with decent groups out of a hunting rifle profiled barrel (Ruger All Weather).  Perhaps consider giving 165s a try if you are buying new ammo.

I was also wondering why you are shooting 180's, seems pretty heavy for .308.

You might also try a different scope, I had one that actually had a loose crosshair that would move between shots (although my patterns tended to spread vertically if I recall from 40 years ago).  As a young guy, I didn't know any better and sold that "crap" gun to a neighbor.  He had no problems with a new scope on it.   

Agreed.

What ammo were you using when it grouped well?  I'd try some of that AFTER checking the scope mounting screws and action screws.  Use the ball and dummy drill that Bob33 recommended to make sure it's not the nut behind the trigger.

If that doesn't work, clean it good with Wipe Out, and shoot again.

If that doesn't work, try a different scope.

If that doesn't work, sell it.

FWIW, I don't see the merit in using 180 grain bullets in a .308.  I'd use 150-165 grain bullets.

[Stickerbush]

You haven't said what your group size is, but a reasonable expectation for a modern rifle is that it should consistently shoot three shots groups of 2" or smaller at 100 yards.

I didn't measure but maybe 4 inches?? At 100. At 50 maybe closer to 2 inches

[Stickerbush]

Ruger m77 Hawkeye, Nikon 3x9x40 buckmaster scope. I think I was shooting federal 180s but might have been 150 on second thought. What is the product that removes fouling, will regular hoppes solvent do it?

Thanks for all the info, I'm getting a game plan

[ctwiggs1]

You haven't said what your group size is, but a reasonable expectation for a modern rifle is that it should consistently shoot three shots groups of 2" or smaller at 100 yards.

I didn't measure but maybe 4 inches?? At 100. At 50 maybe closer to 2 inches

Your grouping issue starts at 50 then.  At 50 your holes should be touching. 

Look, I don't mean to sound rude because we've all been there.  It may be the rifle, but I suspect it's just a typical group that needs to be tightened up.  The good news?  Practice is a heck of a lot cheaper than new rifles.  Check out the 4 fundamentals of marksmanship and really practice them.  It takes time but it becomes muscle memory.  It will get to the point where you can pick up just about any rifle (and suprisingly I've found also bow) and group consistently well. 

If you think it's the gun, have someone you know shoot it.  OR go to the range and ask one of the guys there shoot it if you see them doing well. Try a few boxes of different ammo and if you're getting the same results, take Bob's advice and get a new gun.

 

Curtis

[jackelope]

Agree. 2" at 50 yards is bad. That's essentially a 12" group at 300 yards. Not ok.
Really need more info to properly diagnose what may or may  not even be a problem with the gun.

1-Make sure all the components are tightened down on the rifle. Stock screws, scope base and rings, etc

2-Try some different, quality ammo. I agree with 150-165 grain bullets.  You might post some more info about the rifle and maybe some of these guys might be able to suggest the proper bullet for the twist rate and length of the barrel, etc. What bullets are you currently shooting with poor results?

3-Have someone else shoot the rifle. As mentioned, maybe it's you and not the gun.

[Stickerbush]

You haven't said what your group size is, but a reasonable expectation for a modern rifle is that it should consistently shoot three shots groups of 2" or smaller at 100 yards.

I didn't measure but maybe 4 inches?? At 100. At 50 maybe closer to 2 inches

Your grouping issue starts at 50 then.  At 50 your holes should be touching. 

Look, I don't mean to sound rude because we've all been there.  It may be the rifle, but I suspect it's just a typical group that needs to be tightened up.  The good news?  Practice is a heck of a lot cheaper than new rifles.  Check out the 4 fundamentals of marksmanship and really practice them.  It takes time but it becomes muscle memory.  It will get to the point where you can pick up just about any rifle (and suprisingly I've found also bow) and group consistently well. 

If you think it's the gun, have someone you know shoot it.  OR go to the range and ask one of the guys there shoot it if you see them doing well. Try a few boxes of different ammo and if you're getting the same results, take Bob's advice and get a new gun.

 

Curtis

Not rude at all, I'm not an experienced rifle shooter by any means so I understand that possibility. Thanks!

[coachcw]

it might not like those 180s , my m77s like the throphy bonded fedral premiums 164s

[JLS]

Ruger m77 Hawkeye, Nikon 3x9x40 buckmaster scope. I think I was shooting federal 180s but might have been 150 on second thought. What is the product that removes fouling, will regular hoppes solvent do it?

Thanks for all the info, I'm getting a game plan

Use Wipe Out and a bore guide.

[Fl0und3rz]

it might not like those 180s , my m77s like the throphy bonded fedral premiums 164s

My Ruger All Weather that shoots the 165s Noslers is the M77 platform, also.

[Bofire]

do not just tighten things down, if things are loose, remove the screw, clean it loc tite it and re install, or just do a total remount of the scope.
Carl

[JakeLand]

Drop weight to 168 and remount and LEVEL scope that's what I did with my .308 and it clover leafs at 100 yrds now . I was shooting 150 federal red box and couldn't get a descent group so I went to nosler 168 and leveled the scope and now she's a dream

[wiremonkey]

is there any spacing between the barrel and the stock? like say the thickness of a dollar bill    The stock touching barrel got me with my grandpa's old 30-06