ORIGINAL: River Rat
Okay, today I finally made it out to the range and got a chance to shoot. I was only getting to shoot the SST 250 and at first I was pretty excited. After my session I am about to give up on ML. I would have a 1 inch group of 2 bullets and then get a flier. Then it would start to group on the other bullet (flier). I tried the fff 777 and also the Goex FFF. 2" high with 777 and 2" low with Goex. Both of the powders I would just be all over the place. Could it be the bullet or maybe my set up.
I am shooting a Winchester Apex Stainless with a 4-16 x 56mm Millet Mil-dot scope. I shoot around 85 to 90 grains of powder with the 777. I tried 80 to 125 grains of Goex fff. I swab between shots with rubbing alcohol along with I floated the barrel. I am so frustrated and I felt if I bought a 200 dollar scope I would not have a problem with the scope. Now I don't know and wish I knew what I was doing wrong. I am planning on getting some Pryodex Select tomorrow to see if that helps. What I used before and seemed to work a lot better, however before I was shooting conical bullets. I know the shop up town has some because just the other day I was in there and saw it on the self. Just hoped the Goex would work.
I really don't think it is the gun because I checked it over pretty good and it seems to be just fine as far as the barrel. I read a post earlier how a guy found out the QL was a little off and he did something to the QL to straighten it out. After he did this it shot lights out but not sure how to accomplish this. I am lost in my quest to get my ML shooting the way I would like it too. I guess I just don't want any fliers.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
River Rat
Boy RR, I thought you were huntin' for bullets and really your issue is with your rifle. I would suggest a couple of things. When I need to "shoot straight" I put my gun in a black and decker work bench vice and just set behind it an pull the trigger. I put the rear stock on a sand bag, so there is very little movement or shift as you pull the trigger.
Another thing, are you letting the barrel cool down between shots, let it cool 5 minutes or so between shots, on Doug's Savage forum the guys over there say to let the Savage cool 15 minutes between shots to prevent flyers. I don't do that even in 90 plus weather, also try to shoot in the AM when your not tired and when the weather is cooler. Consistency is important in loading, doing all loading exactly the same, swabbing, loading, pressure on bullet, etc.Write it down and think thru each step, making sure your doing it exactly the same ever time. Also pre weigh or measure your charges in well lighted place,it really is "hand loading" every shot, so anysmall thing can mess you up when your doing a multi-stop process one at a time. Best Wishes. Chap