I learned something at the range today.

sniper

I was testing some loads for my 257 Roberts, and was getting some respectable groups; under 1 1/4 inches. I changed targets, and decided that I didn't like how low my shooting bags were, so I got a couple of the capet padded risers they use on the benches, and set my bags on them. It was way more comfortable, but my rifle did NOT like that! Mad

It was the only thing I did different, and I couldn't even tell which target of the 5 on the paper I was shooting at, even with the loads that had shot well before.

Sometimes the least little thing... Confused

shootist

Hi Sniper...what happened to you is quite interesting...so the actual rifle stock contact was the same and only the base changed?
The only similar happening I experienced was using a very firm rest and since I shoot with free recoil mostly the rifle was vertically stringing. I first thought that it was bore fouling but it appeared that I was resting the piece too far back toward the action.
I've since almost always use soft rests...rarely sand bags or lead shot.
We'll have to wait and see if others had a similar experience.

SHOOTIST

SwampFox

What you guys were seeing is the tendency for a rifle when fired to move away from a solid object, as the gun vibrates from the shot. The vibration starts before the bullet leaves the muzzle.

If you are hunting using a shooting stick or small tree as a rest, you should always use your thumb to rest the rifle on, without the rifle touching the stick or tree. Never ever rest a rifle directly on a tree or rock while hunting, use a hand or jacket between the gun and rest.
Ed

sniper

sniper wrote:

Sometimes the least little thing... Confused

Today, the Red Gods smiled...Low bag rest, same loads, best groups 7/8", 1 1/8", and 1 1/4", and me with a cold, too. Very Happy

The barrel fouled less and was much easier to cean after I polished the bore with the Tubbs Final Finisher system. Much more consistent, also.

I use Wipe-Out for cleaning now. One application may do it, according to the company's suggestion of filling the bore, and letting it set overnight. I am too impatient. I brush with Shooter's Choice to get the powder fouling and dirt out, dry the barrel, then use the Wipe out, and let it sit for 4-6 hours, Wipe it out, then do it again. MUCH better than shooting for an afternoon, then cleaning for 3 days after. Mad

I must be getting lazy in my middle age. (It starts at 55, and continues to about 75.) Very Happy