Accuracy Issue

[varminthunter123]

I have a Ruger Hawkeye Predator is 6.5 Creedmoor, scoped with ruger 30mm rings mounted to a Vortex Viper scope. I have ensured the the action is torqued properly to the stock, rings to the action and scope.

The issue I am seeing with this rifle has me puzzled. When taking the rifle out, the cold bore shot is dead center at 100 and or 200 yards. I have zeroed at each range to check if the problem exists at varying ranges.

All follow up shot will group at exactly 1MOA high at either range. The groups for all follow up shots is .75" MOA. I am shooting Hornady 140gr ELDX Match ammo.

What is causing the variation in accuracy from cold bore to follow up shots? Is this issue something I need to be calling ruger about? This rifle is only 8 months old and has approx 100 rounds down the tube. The problem has existed from the beginning of breaking in the barrel.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

 

[1 good shot]

What type of rest are you shooting off of?
I have seen this with various adjustable rest before. we automatically assume it's the gun or the scope and sometimes it's as simple as a loose adjustment on the rest. Sometimes the rest have a worn spot that allows fluctuation. It will drive you nuts thinking it's the gun

 

[MUP]

Is your cold bore shot after cleaning the barrel each time?

 

[jlanecr500]

Most likely powder fouling related. For instance, the 4198's leave a fouling that is soft for about 12 to 24 hours then gets hard. Cfe223 fouling is soft and never gets hard. Varget fouling gets super chalky, Reloder 16 will erase said fouling from any powder in 1 shot. It is very temp insensitive too. It think it is the perfect 4350 replacement.

 

[EastTNHunter]

Is your cold bore shot after cleaning the barrel each time?

This^^^

Or bedding/barrel contact issue

 

[varminthunter123]

I have tried both before and after clean. Didn't make a difference. I have tried different rest to rule that element out of the equation.

 

[fairchaser]

Most likely powder fouling related. For instance, the 4198's leave a fouling that is soft for about 12 to 24 hours then gets hard. Cfe223 fouling is soft and never gets hard. Varget fouling gets super chalky, Reloder 16 will erase said fouling from any powder in 1 shot. It is very temp insensitive too. It think it is the perfect 4350 replacement.

This!! You might try different ammo or powder if you reload.

 

[varminthunter123]

I'm shooting Hornady 140gr ELD-X match ammo.

One thing I forgot to mention, this rifle has a sporter contour barrel. Doesn't seem to be heated up enough after the first to make any effect. Hardly warm to the touch.

 

[user 14220]

The few Predators I have handled, including mine, all had one side of the barrel touching the stock forearm on one side. If yours is like this try removing the material to insure the barrel is free floated. Other than that it's nothing I would worry about because your first shot is always dead on the money.

 

[varminthunter123]

I did verify that the barrel is free floated the entire length of the barrel. Only the first inch of the barrel in front of the receiver is making contact with the stock. Maybe I should remove material all the way to the receiver??

 

[Jcalder]

I did verify that the barrel is free floated the entire length of the barrel. Only the first inch of the barrel in front of the receiver is making contact with the stock. Maybe I should remove material all the way to the receiver??

I personally float mine all the way to the receiver


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