I have a newly bought Savage 10GXP3 .223 that I intend to use for Coyote hunting.

I shot three groups of four shots today at 100 yards and they were about 4-5" across. I was shooting off a bench on a Site-in and Clean plastic tray. I'm still using the Simmons 8 point scope that came with the rifle. I was using cheap Remington UMC MJ 55grain ammo.

I feel like my technique was pretty good. I braced myself on the bench, found my mark and very slowly squeezed the trigger. In 5 to 10 seconds the gun would fire, always a surprise. I do have a year of experience shooting my adult air rifle in the backyard. This is my first powder burner.

What I want to know is how to reduce my groups. Is it me, the ammo, the gun, or the scope? I bought the gun intending to replace the scope, I just haven't made up my mind yet. I'm leaning towards the Nikon Buckmaster 3x9-40 or the Leupold VXII. Also going to replace the rings and mounts.

The ammo I intend to hunt with is Hornady 55gr Vmax. I'm just using the cheaper UMC MJ ammo to practice with and set my scope.

Also do groups get better as the gun breaks in?

Thanks for any advice.