A little help?

[planalpha]

Experts-
I'm just starting out with LR shooting and on the advice of SH members picked up a 700 SPS Varmint 26" .308 and a 10x SS scope as my first LR rifle. I put 40 through it before my SS arrived and the rimfire scope was bouncing all over the place!

Anyway, I got the SS mounted and sited it in this morning on the 100 yard range and I'm not really too happy with the results. To be honest I shoot better 100 yard groups with my Savage FV .22LR. I know it's not the rifle, it's me. I've been reading all of the FAQs and related posts and have learned a lot so I know I need lots of practice. But I was hoping to get some feedback on the target I shot today to see if there was anything that stuck out to you experts why my groups are so bad. Shot with Remington 180g core-lokts from the bench. Bipod up front and sandbag on the rear. I really focused on NPA and a smooth trigger pull but the rifle still jumps all over the place causing me to re-adjust after each shot.
Any hints?
Thanks!

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: A little help?

By the way the groups look it's an ammunition issue. What were you shooting through it.

 

[USMCj]

Re: A little help?

Shoot better ammo. Try to get your hands on a box of FGMM 168gr or 175gr.

 

[planalpha]

Re: A little help?

William-
I'm shooting 180 grain Remington Core Lokt. Are those any good?
http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/centerfire/core-lokt/core-lokt-centerfire.aspx

I want to develop a handload for it but I'm not sure a ladder test would show much of anything with groups like this. Catch 22.

Thanks!

 

[Longbow_06]

Re: A little help?

I'm sure experts will chime in but, those are not match grade. As USMCj says, try soem FGGM.

Lee.

 

[jedi8541]

Re: A little help?

I would think for a hunting round thats about what you would get. Like others have said go with a match round Federal GMM, Hornady Performance or Black Hills. There is better quality control with the components in those rounds. Also be sure to load the bipod correctly so it cuts down on the bouncing.

 

[planalpha]

Re: A little help?

Thanks you guys. I went to my local store today and the only .308 they had was Federal Power Shok 180g (more hunting rounds). I'll have to mail order some match grade stuff to see what this rifle will do until I get my handloads dialed in. Someone stole the .308 dies off the porch that UPS left out front.

One last question, to load the bipod, I've been setting the rifle down and pulling it back into my "pocket" keeping the legs bent forward. Is that correct?

Thanks again for helping a noob!!

 

[psinclair]

Re: A little help?

Might want to have a gunsmith work on the trigger or change it out....that can be an instant cure all..just a thought.

 

[fastbs]

Re: A little help?

i have the same rifle. you're getting better groups than i get with that ammo. the 180 winchester power points really suck. always have a flyer or 2 3-4 inches off.
the factory 168 gr hornady amax gives me 3/4" groups

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: A little help?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: planalpha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

One last question, to load the bipod, I've been setting the rifle down and pulling it back into my "pocket" keeping the legs bent forward. Is that correct?</div></div>

You want t push the rifle slightly forward into the bipod, you are putting slight pressure against the legs. Not everyone shoots well by loading the bipod, but give it a try.

Good non-shooting practice is to work on trigger control, find a quiet place in the house and become one with the trigger. You should be able to predict were the trigger will break before it does, takes practice but it will help you break a cleaner shot.

Kirk R

 

[desertHK]

Re: A little help?

Another good drill to practice with dry fire is to put a quarter on the barrel and dry fire the rifle. You should not drop the quarter. Stock Remy trigger has a lot to be desired. You may want to have the trigger "smooth over a bit" by a qualified gunsmith, if you don't feel comfortable doing it. Agree with better match ammo, you will see your group shrink.

 

[planalpha]

Re: A little help?

Great info! I'll work on getting my handloads reved up and not expect too much from hunting ammo. Looks like I need to start dryfiring, too.
Thanks for taking the time!!!

 

[stillbuster]

Re: A little help?

I am no expert, but those groups are indicative of a factory rifle and factory grade hunting ammo.
Invest in some match ammo.
If you do not have a friend to "coach" you, read and dryfire practice.
Good place to start reading:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=216239#Post216239