A-Bolt group troubles... Need input

[270Shooter]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

 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]

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]

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

[270Shooter]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.