A learning experience at the range

[Heronion]

As much as I hate to look stupid on the internet, I thought I should share my failure with those who are new to long range shooting.

After I got my CDI bottom metal I bolted the action down. Correctly, I thought. Went shooting, had 20 rounds. Two five shot groups at 100 yards, pretty average grouping. Went out to 300 yards for the first time. It was a huge step for me (never done anything beyond 150 or so). Managed a 1.1" group (3 shots). Since my dope (Al-Bal calculated) was about 0.5 MOA off at 300, I dialed to what it said I should for 200 so I could work out the inconsistency. First shot, in the black (1 inch diamond). Second shot, in the black. Third shot, in the black. I was pretty proud of myself. For my budget Savage build, I considered a 3-shot 0.5 MOA group pretty good. I wanted to make it a 5-er so it would be legit.

Fourth short at 200 yards. ONE FOOT HIGH. Not kidding. Fifth shot, 8 inches high. Seeing as I "called" both shots in the black with the rest, I was like "WTF?!" Cursed myself, the scope, the rifle, the weather, the donuts, the car, the ammo. Then I looked at my action when I got home.

My front action screw was about 1/4" loose. I felt like a retard, as you can imagine. Bolted her down, took her to the range today, and didn't get those insane flyers.

Moral of this long-winded story: BOLT YOUR ACTION DOWN! Correctly.

 

[Kells81]

Re: A learning experience at the range

Is your stock giving or something cause the only time I have had a screw come loose is if the stock gave a little. never had the problem with pillar bedding and a proper torque.

 

[Heronion]

Re: A learning experience at the range

No, sir. It turns out it was a lack of fitting on my part concerning my CDI bottom metal. The screw was getting stuck in the slot hole (a newer model Mr. Allen is making). It was torqued down good, but it was not physically keeping the action sturdy, it was just stuck 1/4" out on the side of the slotted hole. A little filing made it go in nicely, so it's now resting on the DBM and the action is now correctly torqued down.

 

[taseal]

Re: A learning experience at the range

blue loktite!

 

[slayer 2c]

Re: A learning experience at the range

Hey thanks for sharing your experience, I know I had to check my screws several times. Actually got the rifle out, after it was all put up and checked them again. Being new to this whole thing I was pretty freaked out by the thought of my action coming loose during firing.