First time posting, but after reading some posts, this looks like the place to help solve my problem! My problem is I'll get 3 shots to group and then spray a shot. I'm shooting 100gr. of loose 777, pushing a 295gr. aero tip Powerbelt through an Encore 209x50. I clean with a damp, not wet, patch with Hoppes powder solv. and follow up with two dry patches. I'll brush after 6 or so shots. My loose powder is low and I decided to buy the pellets. I'm hoping the pellets help because I've read the Powerbelts don't like a heavy load. I also think they will eliminate any operator error in measuring. I plan to change my cleaning solution to the alcohol and Windex combo. Any other thoughts?

DeDeerHunter

One thought, although I am not a PowerBelt shooter. I have shot a few but far from being an expert. I have read several times that before you shoot a PB remove the plastic base and reinstall it. Several posters have even said to add a bit of bore butter to the spike and then replace the plastic.

One of the things that effects bullet impact is when, where and how the plastic leaves the bullet.

Another thing might be, how hard you are driving the projectile out the barrel. I am sure Cayugad will see this post and give you some excellent advice about the powder charge. I am just not qualified to speak to that.

It sounds like to me your doing everything right. Whether changing to pellets over powder will make a big difference I am not sure. I guess it can't hurt to try.

I am wondering if by the third shot if the barrel has not heated up a lot more then the first three shots. An over heated barrel can play games on the plastic wad of the powerbelts or sabots. Try letting your rifle cool down longer. Some people even go the extreme of taking cold towels and wrapping their barrels between shots. I noticed a big difference in accuracy from shooting on a hot day and a cold day.

Something I should ask is, are you taking the plastic base off the powerbelt and painting the lead spike of the conical with some grease, bore butter, oil, something... This will help the powerbelts shed the base faster and give you better long range accuracy.

I am not saying you do this (although I do) but some people after extended shooting, will lower their concentration level or raise it higher then normal. They start straining the shot or just get shooter's fatigue and relax too much. They then throw one and that brings them back to their normal levels of concentration. I overcome this by taking more time then usual in swabbing, and checking the target, the way my bench is positioned, relaxing, anything to slow down....

The best thing to do is stay consistant in your loading and shooting procedures... You have a great rifle there, and it will probably shoot better then you can hang on to it. I have a T/C Black Diamond XR that is an outstanding shooter. I have worked up some really good loads with the rifle and am looking forward to getting the new scope any second now.. so I can shoot some more...

Good luck with your shooting

Thanks for the insight. I totally agree with the shooter error. I was happy with my shooting, but knew it was time to quit. If the shot was off a couple of inches I'd blame myself more! I admit the errant shot seemed to be when I was most confident that it was going to be my final shot. My final shot meaning I was happy with the group. But then again if I'm off a couple of inches, the barrel is hot, packed the round a little harder, etc.. it all might add up to 8' @ 50 yds.

I'll try the lubrication tip, and detail my cleaning a little better. A fresh day, and fresh idea's might get me back on track.