Author Topic: A-Bolt group troubles... Need input (Read 5551 times)

270Shooter · « **on:** October 10, 2011, 02:58:31 PM »

Hello,

I currently shoot a Browning A-bolt stainless stalker in .270winchester. And I have some questions that I hope you rifles guys can help me out with. I have had this rifles for around 4 years and I don't shoot it very much (or enough for that matter) but I have killed 3 deer with it in that amount of time. I probably have only shot 80-90 rounds through the rifle in this time, and the only load I have ever shot through it is the Federal premium 140 gr nosler accubonds. Now I have killed 3 deer in MT with this rifle, and my longest shot is 485 yards (i Know probably shouldnt have shot that far, but it worked out). Now this rifle has never grouped very well for me, generally around 1 1/2 inches or so, but it usually strings the shots as the barrel warms up (always has). But the wierd thing is it only takes one shot for this rifle to string shots like crazy. It has never done it as bad as it did when i shot it on saturday. From a cold barrel the first shot is always right where it should be 2 1/2"-3" high at 100 yards. Then the very next shot will be only 1 inch high, but still right dead center as far as windage goes. The next shot will be a little lower yet. Any ideas as to what could cause this?

I know everything is tight, and I am aware that every load will group differently, and this is the only one i have ever tried in this rifle. So i guess what I am asking is, any ideas as to what could be causing this? Other than the fact that I need to just try some different loads, I dont handload and I just hate to buy a box of shells that only shoot a 3 inch group and then I basically have 17 worthless shells.

bobcat · « **Reply #1 on:** October 10, 2011, 03:00:15 PM »

Do you always shoot it after having just cleaned and oiled it? If so, oil in the barrel could cause the first shot to be high.

270Shooter · « **Reply #2 on:** October 10, 2011, 03:01:57 PM »

I never put an oil in the barrel, Im one of those guys that only shoots the week before the season opens. (I'm a duck hunter)

bobcat · « **Reply #3 on:** October 10, 2011, 03:06:16 PM »

I have the same rifle, also in 270 Win, and I haven't had an issue like you are describing. Before anything else, I would at least try a different load and see if it does the same thing. I always had good luck with Winchester Power Points- I used to get them from Wal Mart for $11.99/box but I think they're now around $20/box. Although I am sure you can get them for a little less on sale.

Cleve · « **Reply #4 on:** October 10, 2011, 03:09:19 PM »

I dont know if it makes a difference, but I was watching a show this weekend and a guy shot at a bear and missed way high. They shot the gun right after that and it was dead on. The only think they could figure was that he put his hand on the barrel when he shot and it changed the vibration in the barrel to make it shoot off. Just a thought, but if you may have put your hand on and off a few times, maybe it had something to do with the string of shots.

huntnphool · « **Reply #5 on:** October 10, 2011, 03:09:30 PM »

I have a couple .270's as well. Sound to me like you need to learn to reload and come up with a better load for your 140gr, or else try some different factory rounds that get you better groups and the results you are looking for.

270Shooter · « **Reply #6 on:** October 10, 2011, 03:10:07 PM »

I am going to try some different loads, I would like to stay with a bonded bullet or try something like a Barnes tipped triple shock, just i case i decide to go elk hunting with it again.

Cleve · « **Reply #7 on:** October 10, 2011, 03:11:01 PM »

Bobcat
I also have the same gun and have found the Winchester Powerpoints to shoot the best.

270Shooter · « **Reply #8 on:** October 10, 2011, 03:12:24 PM »

Someday I hope to reload phool, but being 19 and not having a lot of money to get started makes it kind of tough, plus I need to find someone to help me get started.

bobcat · « **Reply #9 on:** October 10, 2011, 03:12:36 PM »

I only suggested the Power Points because they are cheap and in my experience, as accurate or more accurate than anything else. Just shoot up the whole box then you won't have any left for hunting.

Firing Pin · « **Reply #10 on:** October 10, 2011, 04:19:52 PM »

You might try a couple of things, shoot your first round, then punch your bore and do a quick clean and get your barrel cold again. Shoot again and see if by chance that shot groups together with the first. Another thing would be to shoot a 5 shot group. Leave your rifle alone, don't clean it just let it cool down, now shoot a 3 shoot group and see how those group. You may just have a rifle that likes a clean barrel to shoot consistently, or it may like to be fouled to shoot consistently.

Buckmark · « **Reply #11 on:** October 10, 2011, 04:50:26 PM »

I am with phool, if your not ready to handload then find a good off the shelf ammo that your gun likes.
I have a rifle that i shot only box federal stuff with 95gr bullets for years and it was fine, they stopped making my ammo with 95gr so i just went with the 100gr they had, holy crap bullets went everywere.
It did not even dawn on me that the 5grains or the different bullet construction could be the problem (this was along time ago when i was young/poor and knew everything) wasted sometime and frustration with trying even different brands of ammo, still all 100gr, got fed up and bought a new gun.
Years later figured i would revisit that gun, bought some 80gr factory loads to start out, they shot fine, so i bought some relaoding stuff for that gun and put together some 85gr handloads and have never looked back...

high country · « **Reply #12 on:** October 10, 2011, 05:15:16 PM »

When you say "everything is tight", have you messed with the action screws? Rifles with poor bedding an be very sensitive to screw tension.

CplRaines · « **Reply #13 on:** October 10, 2011, 05:33:14 PM »

Quote from: high country on October 10, 2011, 05:15:16 PM

When you say "everything is tight", have you messed with the action screws? Rifles with poor bedding an be very sensitive to screw tension.

Is the barrel floated. If so, make sure you don't have anything between your barrel and stock like pine needles, dirt, etc.

coachcw · « **Reply #14 on:** October 10, 2011, 05:36:07 PM »

my .270s always shot well with fedral premium throphy bonded . my 7mms only grouped with nosler ballistic tips , I'd say try a few different bullets and go with he one that matches your weapon . I'd also check the scope mounts . leupod bases and rings have treated me well over the years.

FC · « **Reply #15 on:** October 10, 2011, 05:46:28 PM »

Quote from: high country on October 10, 2011, 05:15:16 PM

When you say "everything is tight", have you messed with the action screws? Rifles with poor bedding an be very sensitive to screw tension.

This sounds like a bedding issue to me, bed the action and try again.

Heredoggydoggy · « **Reply #16 on:** October 10, 2011, 06:49:42 PM »

Quote from: FC on October 10, 2011, 05:46:28 PM

Quote from: high country on October 10, 2011, 05:15:16 PM
When you say "everything is tight", have you messed with the action screws? Rifles with poor bedding an be very sensitive to screw tension.

This sounds like a bedding issue to me, bed the action and try again.

When rifles string a shot group, it's a bedding issue. This close to hunting season just make sure the barrel is not touching the stock, and sight it in to kill shot accuracy. After hunting season, invest in a bedding job.

270Shooter · « **Reply #17 on:** October 10, 2011, 07:03:42 PM »

Yeah I have thoughtt it might be something to do with the bedding. The barrel is fre flated so that shouldnt be the issue. The first shot always goes where it needs to and I've killed deer with it before so it shouldn't be a problem, I'm just looking for something better. How much does a bed job run usually? I don't really want to mess with it myself.

Huntbear · « **Reply #18 on:** October 10, 2011, 07:43:08 PM »

Ok... barrels flex as the bullet goes down the barrel. If it is not floated equally or enough down the entire barrel channel, when it heats up, it is riding on one side or the other or on the bottom. I bet if you went and shot it 4 or 5 times all at once, then tried to slide a business card down between barrel and stock, it would be tight in one spot. Bed that action.. re-channel the forend..and make sure it gets acra gelled too.

Should cure your ills..

PM me if you have any questions.

Boss .300 winmag · « **Reply #19 on:** October 10, 2011, 08:01:05 PM »

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1607956/browning_ballistic_optimizing_shooting_system_boss/

Watch this video, barrels vibrate as the bullets goes down them. I have a winchester .300 winmag with the boss system on it, deadly accurate, it is more accurate than I can hold it.

Browning has the patent on the system now, some how they got it from winchester, but they have also added slip on boss systems that can be used on almost all guns now.

Boss .300 winmag · « **Reply #20 on:** October 10, 2011, 08:04:09 PM »

Quote from: 270Shooter on October 10, 2011, 03:10:07 PM

I am going to try some different loads, I would like to stay with a bonded bullet or try something like a Barnes tipped triple shock, just i case i decide to go elk hunting with it again.

Have you tried nosler partions?

270Shooter · « **Reply #21 on:** October 10, 2011, 08:12:40 PM »

Quote from: Boss .300 winmag on October 10, 2011, 08:04:09 PM

Quote from: 270Shooter on October 10, 2011, 03:10:07 PM
I am going to try some different loads, I would like to stay with a bonded bullet or try something like a Barnes tipped triple shock, just i case i decide to go elk hunting with it again.

Have you tried nosler partions?

No, I like the looks of them and i know its a great bullet, but i would like a bullet that has better B.C. (maybe it doesn't make as much difference as i think i dont know)

high country · « **Reply #22 on:** October 10, 2011, 08:27:42 PM »

Loosen the action screws till they are loose enough to wiggle the stock. Snug the front screw a bit, tap the rifle on its butt a few times and tighten the front screw up tight. Now tighten the rear screw till it is snug.....but not tight. It is very possible to bind an action and cause all kinds of trouble.

Boss .300 winmag · « **Reply #23 on:** October 10, 2011, 08:29:33 PM »

Quote from: 270Shooter on October 10, 2011, 08:12:40 PM

Quote from: Boss .300 winmag on October 10, 2011, 08:04:09 PM
Quote from: 270Shooter on October 10, 2011, 03:10:07 PM
I am going to try some different loads, I would like to stay with a bonded bullet or try something like a Barnes tipped triple shock, just i case i decide to go elk hunting with it again.
i love them, thats all I shoot!

Have you tried nosler partions?
No, I like the looks of them and i know its a great bullet, but i would like a bullet that has better B.C. (maybe it doesn't make as much difference as i think i dont know)

high country · « **Reply #24 on:** October 10, 2011, 08:36:23 PM »

High bc is always good.....but accuracy trumps all.

270Shooter · « **Reply #25 on:** October 10, 2011, 08:37:41 PM »

I haven't actually moved the screws ever. I just checked them last year but they seemed tight, and i didn't want to torque them too much.

tsimp1211 · « **Reply #26 on:** October 29, 2011, 08:11:01 AM »

Quote from: bobcat on October 10, 2011, 03:06:16 PM

I have the same rifle, also in 270 Win, and I haven't had an issue like you are describing. Before anything else, I would at least try a different load and see if it does the same thing. I always had good luck with Winchester Power Points- I used to get them from Wal Mart for $11.99/box but I think they're now around $20/box. Although I am sure you can get them for a little less on sale.

Cheap Winchester PP's were my solution as well. Forgoe the expensive stuff and buy a cheap box of the Winchesters. Mine shoots the 130gr very very good.......less than MOA. Federals, Hornadys, and Remington's all shot about 2-4" at 100 yards. The Winchester PP's are $17.99 a box at my local WalMart.

tsimp1211 · « **Reply #27 on:** October 29, 2011, 08:22:28 AM »

All Browning centerfire rifles come free floated and bedded from the factory. That being said, if there is a problem with the bedding of the action to the stock, Browning will fix it for free. Just some food for thought before doing it yourself or paying a gunsmith to fix it.

I had a bad feeding problem with my .243WSSM. I sent it back to Browning and they milled a feeding ramp into the chamber for me. Fixed the problem 100% and couldn't have been happier with their Customer Service.

My father in law had an issue with a 22-250 that wouldn't shoot right. The rifling in the barrel was bad and they sent him a new rifle, and upgraded it to a Medallion for his trouble. Wouldn't hurt to give them a call if you can't find an ammo that shoots well in it at all.

nwdp · « **Reply #28 on:** November 01, 2011, 06:53:12 PM »

I know this is older, but for what it is worth I have a stainless stalker. From my experience the rifle will only shoot dirty. After I clean it I don't put much though in to the first three or four shots. Mine is a .308 and I got some of the cheap Federal blue box 150grs just for shooting but they will go .5-.75'' 3 shots. Just got lucky I guess, but I give it plenty of time to cool between groups. After that I leave it dirty for the season. This is not an insult, but I have seen people at the range place the barrel on the rest and that can cause vertical stringing.

jamesjett · « **Reply #29 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:41:12 PM »

Quote from: bobcat on October 10, 2011, 03:12:36 PM

I only suggested the Power Points because they are cheap and in my experience, as accurate or more accurate than anything else. Just shoot up the whole box then you won't have any left for hunting.

work great in my 7MM

270Shooter · « **Reply #30 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:56:03 PM »

Well thanks for the input guys.

I guess maybe its from all the hype but I just really would like to stick to a premium bullet and I've had good performance on game from these accubonds. I should try to find another load that shoots better but since i said screw big game hunting in Washington I haven't really had the need to do so. Maybe I'll see about getting it looked at when I get back from montana. I'm not to worried about it because the first shot from a cold barrel is always right where it should be and if I just make it count I'll be good to go.

And no I haven't been putting the barrel on the rest when I shoot

. I always find that sort of funny when someone does that too.

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Author Topic: A-Bolt group troubles... Need input (Read 5551 times)

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