Accuracy gone to crap, part 2 (pics)

[LanceS4803]

Thanks for everyone who has offered advice. Steps so far:
Check scope mounting torques.
Cleaned the bore with acetone but didn't appear to have any plastic buildup.
Breech plus is regularly tapped and cleaned.
Barrel cool between shots.
Switched bullets.

After 3 separate range sessions, I have noticed a pattern. The first two shots are grouped nicely, but when I do a scope adjustment, every single shot afterwards goes in crazy directions.
This has been a good rifle, taking both whitetail and mule deer.

I thought photos would be helpful. Still open to ideas, and hoping it is not a scope issue.

110grs BH209, 250gr Barnes ExpanderMZ
After shots 1 and 2, I adjusted the scope. (#7 should be #6)



100grs BH209, 250gr Barnes ExpanderMZ
After shots 1 and 2, adjusted scope.



100grs BH209, 250gr Hornady SST
Shot 1 was a called flyer. After shots 2 and 3, adjusted scope.

 

[iowavf]

Sounds like your scope is bad if it changes that bad after adjustment. I had one that I could zero and it shot good, then after I cleaned the gun and it set a couple days the scope was almost off the target.

 

[Roost 1]

Time for a new scope.......

 

[FrontierGander]

"The first two shots are grouped nicely, but when I do a scope adjustment, every single shot afterwards goes in crazy directions."

That should tell you that your scope is kaput!

 

[UTGrad]

That 100 grain group with the Hornady SST doesn't look too bad. That's what I shoot...100 grains BH209 with 250 grain Hornady SST.

FYI according to BH209's website that's 1950 fps so plenty of power and good long range performance.

The reason I switched to the Hornady SST is I can find them at local stores vs having to order online.

 

[Pic IN the Casa]

I just put a cheapo Pursuit on mine for 69.99.

 

[stringtalker]

Go get a nikon

 

[wsm]

Sounds like a scope problem .The hornady sst 3 shot group was okay.

 

[muddyboots]

U amswered ur on question. Bad scope.

 

[Southern Sportsman]

^ what they said. You dont have to spend a fortune on a decent scope. Nikon prostaff has been great on mine

 

[LanceS4803]

I bought this Nikon Inline XR 3-9x40 BDC last September.

I guess it is back to the Nikon Omega muzzleloader scope I was using before.

The warranty card said they have Lifetime warranty. I guess I'll find out.

 

[LanceS4803]

The reason I switched to the Hornady SST is I can find them at local stores vs having to order online.

You're not kidding!! I had to mailorder for the Barnes. But last night was able to just drop by Academy Sports and they have a selection of Hornady.

 

[UTGrad]

I'm going to be the odd one out and not blame the scope. At 100 yards the 100 grain/SST group is not bad. It could be the rest he is shooting off of or simply the shooter's heart beat and breathing.

Look at shots 1,2,3 on the 100 grain/SST combo. That's pretty dang good shooting and more than adequate for hunting, even long range.

Lance I would be more than pleased with that grouping. Unless you plan on being a competitive bench shooter, who cares how shots 6 and 7 print. Your barrel could still be hot. Its shot #1 that matters on deer.

 

[muddyboots]

I'm going to be the odd one out and not blame the scope. At 100 yards the 100 grain/SST group is not bad. It could be the rest he is shooting off of or simply the shooter's heart beat and breathing.

Look at shots 1,2,3 on the 100 grain/SST combo. That's pretty dang good shooting and more than adequate for hunting, even long range.

Lance I would be more than pleased with that grouping. Unless you plan on being a competitive bench shooter, who cares how shots 6 and 7 print. Your barrel could still be hot. Its shot #1 that matters on deer.

No way id hunt with any of those groups.

 

[UTGrad]

That's fine Muddyboots but with the exception of what appears to be a flier in the last group that's less than 2" at 100 yards.

Will he win the bench rest shooters championship?...no but he sure as heck will kill deer cleanly if he does his part.

 

[UTGrad]

Groups 1&2 are not very good. I think he found a workable group in group 3. The good news is he's shooting 10 grains less powder and will be able to find his sabots just about anywhere that sells muzzleloading supplies.

 

[LanceS4803]

I put the old scope back on and already bore sighted. So we'll see what happens.
This rifle used to group all shots within 1.5" at 100yds, using the Barnes load.

This is what the Barnes looks like after a solid hit:

 

[Trapper John]

That's extremely similar to what happened when my old scope crapped out.

 

[iowavf]

I put the old scope back on and already bore sighted. So we'll see what happens.
This rifle used to group all shots within 1.5" at 100yds, using the Barnes load.

This is what the Barnes looks like after a solid hit:

thats why I like the Barnes 1st then Sst's for my second choice.

 

[ROVERBOY]

Hope you got it figured out. Your 100 yard groups are still not all that bad. I understand that you were getting better groups but, your still good. I wish you good luck with a big buck.

 

[muddyboots]

I must b awful picky with my guns. I seriously couldn't stand it hunting with those groups. I almost guarantee ur scope has went bad. Ml are very hard on scopes. U probably could back off to 90 grains and really tighten them groups up. I love barnes billets also.

 

[Grill-n-man]

Question? Are you just swabbing the barrel or cleaning it and how often? Asking because it appears to be grouping at the start of each range session then after a few shots it looks like thats when it starting throwing them.

 

[iowavf]

That's a good question but I've yet to hear of a person who uses blackhorn powder to have an issue with accuracy going off after shooting several times without swabbing. I would agree if he was using 777 or pyrodex. With my gun, my 1st shot doesn't load any different than the 10th without swabbing and the accuracy doesn't change.
Didn't think about asking him if he shoots 5 shots without touching the scope does he still have the flyers?

 

[Grill-n-man]

Just curious. No powder claim is 100% . Same was said about triple 7 when it came out. Some barrels after a time decide it likes it a certain way. Hard to recommend a new scope without more info. Anything from bad scope to a weak primer can cause a flyer. Tough call

 

[Buccaneer]

How tight is your bullet/sabot in the bore? When I shot SST's my groups were all over the place using the Hornady "Low Drag" sabot with BH209. Going to a tighter fitting Harvester sabot and insuring the load was compressed on the charge made all the difference in the world. Also, may I suggest you load up a patch with JB Bore Paste and run it back and forth a few dozen times. It can work wonders on your accuracy.
http://www.brownells.com/gun-cleaning-c ... d1160.aspx

 

[tnfirefighter]

I had a Nikon scope on a rem 700 30-06, it would start pulling to the right after 2-3 shots. I sent it back and Nikon replaced it, told me an o ring or seal had came loose and was causing the reticle to move around. I hope you get it straightened out.

 

[LanceS4803]

I'm the OP.
After I put the el'cheapo scope on I used it on Sat, but only ended up taking a coyote. (Heart shot at 40yds).
I've done a LOT of research and have put the Nikon back on. Heading back to the range to try some different things.
I will post next results.

 

[fredfred]

Do a box test on your scope. That'll tell you if its good or not. If it won't box then it's bad. Google it if you don't know what that is. MZ loaders wont do it as nicely as a good centerfire but your can tell if it's doing what it should.

 

[TNGal]

Time for a new scope.

 

[UTGrad]

Wow!! So many people convinced it's the scope lol

I wouldn't throw the scope under the bus yet but if you got the $$$ a nicer scope never hurts.