Hey fellas I just bought a new PBR XP 20 bl. I keep reading all of the rave reviews of these rifles and how guys are getting 1/2 to 3/4 accuracy out of them with match ammo. Well mine will not shoot match ammo worth a crap it shoots Federal 175 GMM horribly 6inch @ 300. I have a freind at a gun shop that had the same rifle and he said his didnt shoot 175's but shot lighter bullets decent, and that his rifle was so picky he got rid of it. I have loaded some 150 grain noslers that show some promise but so far I am far from impressed. Anyone else out there have any trouble finding loads that these rifles like.
FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
- Thread starter CSiebert
- Start date
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
try 168's. also i cant remember if those had chrome lined barrels or not, but some of the earlier models had problems witht the chrome flaking off.
try 168's. also i cant remember if those had chrome lined barrels or not, but some of the earlier models had problems witht the chrome flaking off.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
I had one that shot 168SMK's like a champ. Does your have the pillar bedded stock or the full bed stock?
I had one that shot 168SMK's like a champ. Does your have the pillar bedded stock or the full bed stock?
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
It has a Houge with aluminum bedding that looks to have a factory bed job done. I actually like the stock I know others seem to hate it but I like it. I have a Allen Precision 338lm in a MCM A5 and belive it or not I prefer the Houge too bad it dont shoot like my APS. I dont expect it to shoot 1/2 MOA but I figured it would be better than 1.5 MOA. I always here about 1/2 MOA off the shelf rifles but I dont ever see them.
It has a Houge with aluminum bedding that looks to have a factory bed job done. I actually like the stock I know others seem to hate it but I like it. I have a Allen Precision 338lm in a MCM A5 and belive it or not I prefer the Houge too bad it dont shoot like my APS. I dont expect it to shoot 1/2 MOA but I figured it would be better than 1.5 MOA. I always here about 1/2 MOA off the shelf rifles but I dont ever see them.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
I dont think these came factory bedded, if it is bedded it might have stress and need to be redone if not done properly.
I dont think these came factory bedded, if it is bedded it might have stress and need to be redone if not done properly.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
These don't have the chrome lined barrels. The SPR models do but not the PBR.
Like Poke mentioned above, I might look at the bedding job. After that, try the 168gr Black Hills Match ammo. My SPR shot that nearly as well as my handloads...
Best of luck to you.
These don't have the chrome lined barrels. The SPR models do but not the PBR.
Like Poke mentioned above, I might look at the bedding job. After that, try the 168gr Black Hills Match ammo. My SPR shot that nearly as well as my handloads...
Best of luck to you.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
The factory bed job looks really good I actually pull the action last night and was gonna bed it but, I dont think I could do a better job. Do you thing going down from 175s to 168s is gonna help, I was thinking about getting some 155 secnars and working with those I really wanna make this thing shoot it stock form, the only reason I got it was too save the barrel life on my custom guns. I sure hate to send this thing out for rebarrel ect.
The factory bed job looks really good I actually pull the action last night and was gonna bed it but, I dont think I could do a better job. Do you thing going down from 175s to 168s is gonna help, I was thinking about getting some 155 secnars and working with those I really wanna make this thing shoot it stock form, the only reason I got it was too save the barrel life on my custom guns. I sure hate to send this thing out for rebarrel ect.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cz550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It has a Houge with aluminum bedding that looks to have a factory bed job done. I actually like the stock I know others seem to hate it but I like it. I have a Allen Precision 338lm in a MCM A5 and belive it or not I prefer the Houge too bad it dont shoot like my APS. I dont expect it to shoot 1/2 MOA but I figured it would be better than 1.5 MOA. I always here about 1/2 MOA off the shelf rifles but I dont ever see them. </div></div>
Im a mere mortal and only capable of a set amount of skill dependant on the amount of shooting I do, and training that I have. With that being said... A LOT of people say that they have a rifle that is half MOA, but yet when taken to the range they cannot show thier half MOA skill set. Lots of off the shelf rifles may or may not be half... but in my opinion its hard as living hell to get to that level consistanly and stay there. But thats off topic.. On topic.... Like everyone else I would say try some different loads. Lock it in a vise and take the human factor out of it.. have other people shoot it, before sending it out to get work done. Truing up the action, putting on a premium barrel, and rebedding the action, would most certainly fix it.
edited to add... How does the trigger feel?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cz550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It has a Houge with aluminum bedding that looks to have a factory bed job done. I actually like the stock I know others seem to hate it but I like it. I have a Allen Precision 338lm in a MCM A5 and belive it or not I prefer the Houge too bad it dont shoot like my APS. I dont expect it to shoot 1/2 MOA but I figured it would be better than 1.5 MOA. I always here about 1/2 MOA off the shelf rifles but I dont ever see them. </div></div>
Im a mere mortal and only capable of a set amount of skill dependant on the amount of shooting I do, and training that I have. With that being said... A LOT of people say that they have a rifle that is half MOA, but yet when taken to the range they cannot show thier half MOA skill set. Lots of off the shelf rifles may or may not be half... but in my opinion its hard as living hell to get to that level consistanly and stay there. But thats off topic.. On topic.... Like everyone else I would say try some different loads. Lock it in a vise and take the human factor out of it.. have other people shoot it, before sending it out to get work done. Truing up the action, putting on a premium barrel, and rebedding the action, would most certainly fix it.
edited to add... How does the trigger feel?
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
Well let me clarify the factory bedding, it has aluminum bedding block with pillars with a small amount of epoxy material around the rear tang and up front around recoil lug it looks to be okay to me???
Well let me clarify the factory bedding, it has aluminum bedding block with pillars with a small amount of epoxy material around the rear tang and up front around recoil lug it looks to be okay to me???
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
Sounds like you are describing the factory "Hot Glue" bedding materal.
Sounds like you are describing the factory "Hot Glue" bedding materal.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
If it is the factory hot glue bedding it appears to be okay would you guys recommend removing and rebedding the action.
Thanks Fellas
If it is the factory hot glue bedding it appears to be okay would you guys recommend removing and rebedding the action.
Thanks Fellas
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
I did, if your going do it, send it out to have it done right the first time around by one of the smiths here on the hide.
You could have him take a look at the crown too and possibly have him re-crown it.... the list of work to be done could be much longer but those first two along with a trigger adjustment would be my first steps.
I did, if your going do it, send it out to have it done right the first time around by one of the smiths here on the hide.
You could have him take a look at the crown too and possibly have him re-crown it.... the list of work to be done could be much longer but those first two along with a trigger adjustment would be my first steps.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
Ren the Trigger was not so great when I got it I since lightend the pull and it is okay now it has a lot of travel but I can shoot a rifle that has some travel in it sometimes better than I can than with one that has no take up. The FN trigger is not all that consistent either I was gonna buy a timney for it but I need to see some potential first before I commit. The trigger or my shooting is not the weak link I am shooting it out of a sinclair rest with bags, I can set that rifle down and pickup my 6.5x47 and drive tacks with it.
Have you had any luck with Model 70 triggers or is it best to get timney
Thanks Corey
Ren the Trigger was not so great when I got it I since lightend the pull and it is okay now it has a lot of travel but I can shoot a rifle that has some travel in it sometimes better than I can than with one that has no take up. The FN trigger is not all that consistent either I was gonna buy a timney for it but I need to see some potential first before I commit. The trigger or my shooting is not the weak link I am shooting it out of a sinclair rest with bags, I can set that rifle down and pickup my 6.5x47 and drive tacks with it.
Have you had any luck with Model 70 triggers or is it best to get timney
Thanks Corey
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
FN's are really picky on the ammo you feed them, I've had a total of 5 spr and pbr rifles. Some like the expensive ammo and some liked decent ammo. Best thing to do is find a load that works and stick to it.
FN's are really picky on the ammo you feed them, I've had a total of 5 spr and pbr rifles. Some like the expensive ammo and some liked decent ammo. Best thing to do is find a load that works and stick to it.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cz550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ren the Trigger was not so great when I got it I since lightend the pull and it is okay now it has a lot of travel but I can shoot a rifle that has some travel in it sometimes better than I can than with one that has no take up. The FN trigger is not all that consistent either I was gonna buy a timney for it but I need to see some potential first before I commit. The trigger or my shooting is not the weak link I am shooting it out of a sinclair rest with bags, I can set that rifle down and pickup my 6.5x47 and drive tacks with it.
Have you had any luck with Model 70 triggers or is it best to get timney
Thanks Corey</div></div>
BUY A JEWELL
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cz550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ren the Trigger was not so great when I got it I since lightend the pull and it is okay now it has a lot of travel but I can shoot a rifle that has some travel in it sometimes better than I can than with one that has no take up. The FN trigger is not all that consistent either I was gonna buy a timney for it but I need to see some potential first before I commit. The trigger or my shooting is not the weak link I am shooting it out of a sinclair rest with bags, I can set that rifle down and pickup my 6.5x47 and drive tacks with it.
Have you had any luck with Model 70 triggers or is it best to get timney
Thanks Corey</div></div>
BUY A JEWELL
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
Also... if its wearing the hogue stock... you MAY want to invest a little in a good quality stock.... I have found that on some of my OLD PBR's that the hogue stock was touching in several areas.
Matt.
Also... if its wearing the hogue stock... you MAY want to invest a little in a good quality stock.... I have found that on some of my OLD PBR's that the hogue stock was touching in several areas.
Matt.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
What is not quaility about the Houge mine seems to fit well ?
What is not quaility about the Houge mine seems to fit well ?
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
Lazy have you had a bad experience with a timney, I have not used one but have shot a jewel and for the money it cost I thought maybe going timney route.
Lazy have you had a bad experience with a timney, I have not used one but have shot a jewel and for the money it cost I thought maybe going timney route.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cz550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is not quaility about the Houge mine seems to fit well ?</div></div>
the fit o.k. but with stress the barrel begins to rub the stock. That was my issue with the houge stock, went with McMillan and never looked back.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cz550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is not quaility about the Houge mine seems to fit well ?</div></div>
the fit o.k. but with stress the barrel begins to rub the stock. That was my issue with the houge stock, went with McMillan and never looked back.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cz550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lazy have you had a bad experience with a timney, I have not used one but have shot a jewel and for the money it cost I thought maybe going timney route.</div></div>
None, I run timneys in the gas guns, for bolt I always preferred the jewell
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cz550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lazy have you had a bad experience with a timney, I have not used one but have shot a jewel and for the money it cost I thought maybe going timney route.</div></div>
None, I run timneys in the gas guns, for bolt I always preferred the jewell
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
i would play with the factory trigger alittle more, i have tuned at least 4 of them to around 1.5lbs with virtually no take up. they are my favorite factory trigger. i agree i would maybe check the barreled action in a mcmillan/manners especially if you no somebody local that would let you try theirs. i have owned a few fn pbr's some were great shooters some were average but none shot much over 1moa at 200yds and under. i will say that i shot 168 amax with varget out of all of mine.
i would play with the factory trigger alittle more, i have tuned at least 4 of them to around 1.5lbs with virtually no take up. they are my favorite factory trigger. i agree i would maybe check the barreled action in a mcmillan/manners especially if you no somebody local that would let you try theirs. i have owned a few fn pbr's some were great shooters some were average but none shot much over 1moa at 200yds and under. i will say that i shot 168 amax with varget out of all of mine.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
Diggler do you have any insight to offer on the trigger job,
Thanks
Diggler do you have any insight to offer on the trigger job,
Thanks
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cz550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ren the Trigger was not so great when I got it I since lightend the pull and it is okay now it has a lot of travel but I can shoot a rifle that has some travel in it sometimes better than I can than with one that has no take up. The FN trigger is not all that consistent either I was gonna buy a timney for it but I need to see some potential first before I commit. The trigger or my shooting is not the weak link I am shooting it out of a sinclair rest with bags, I can set that rifle down and pickup my 6.5x47 and drive tacks with it.
Have you had any luck with Model 70 triggers or is it best to get timney
Thanks Corey </div></div>
Ive run a few Timneys and dont have any major complaints with them. Just like everything else... some guys love them some guys hate them. There are guys here on the hide that wouldnt use a Jewel either even if it was given to them. Do a search you will find it..... Im currently going to try a Rifle Basix to see how that does as well. The Hogue stock is not as solid as a Mcm/Manners/AI but it should be okay for starting out. Why dont you try getting ahold of U.S. Handgunner here on the hide he does a basic work over for the SPS tactical and see if he will do it for your FN.
Link to his thread about it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cz550</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ren the Trigger was not so great when I got it I since lightend the pull and it is okay now it has a lot of travel but I can shoot a rifle that has some travel in it sometimes better than I can than with one that has no take up. The FN trigger is not all that consistent either I was gonna buy a timney for it but I need to see some potential first before I commit. The trigger or my shooting is not the weak link I am shooting it out of a sinclair rest with bags, I can set that rifle down and pickup my 6.5x47 and drive tacks with it.
Have you had any luck with Model 70 triggers or is it best to get timney
Thanks Corey </div></div>
Ive run a few Timneys and dont have any major complaints with them. Just like everything else... some guys love them some guys hate them. There are guys here on the hide that wouldnt use a Jewel either even if it was given to them. Do a search you will find it..... Im currently going to try a Rifle Basix to see how that does as well. The Hogue stock is not as solid as a Mcm/Manners/AI but it should be okay for starting out. Why dont you try getting ahold of U.S. Handgunner here on the hide he does a basic work over for the SPS tactical and see if he will do it for your FN.
Link to his thread about it.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diggler44</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i would play with the factory trigger alittle more, i have tuned at least 4 of them to around 1.5lbs with virtually no take up. they are my favorite factory trigger. i agree i would maybe check the barreled action in a mcmillan/manners especially if you no somebody local that would let you try theirs. i have owned a few fn pbr's some were great shooters some were average but none shot much over 1moa at 200yds and under. i will say that i shot 168 amax with varget out of all of mine.</div></div>
1.5lb? I did mine at a little over 2 and had a round accidentally go off because trigger did not engage. I would be very careful on bringing the stock trigger that low..........just me
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diggler44</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i would play with the factory trigger alittle more, i have tuned at least 4 of them to around 1.5lbs with virtually no take up. they are my favorite factory trigger. i agree i would maybe check the barreled action in a mcmillan/manners especially if you no somebody local that would let you try theirs. i have owned a few fn pbr's some were great shooters some were average but none shot much over 1moa at 200yds and under. i will say that i shot 168 amax with varget out of all of mine.</div></div>
1.5lb? I did mine at a little over 2 and had a round accidentally go off because trigger did not engage. I would be very careful on bringing the stock trigger that low..........just me
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
i don't know what to tell you, i tried working the bolt as fast as a i could to try and get it to slam fire, shit i even banged the butt of the stock on the ground fairly hard multiple times to see if i could get it to disengage and had no issues. maybe some of the triggers are just better than others. after i get mine set i hot glue gun them so they can't move, maybe yours lightened itself with use i have heard of that happening if not reglued.
i don't know what to tell you, i tried working the bolt as fast as a i could to try and get it to slam fire, shit i even banged the butt of the stock on the ground fairly hard multiple times to see if i could get it to disengage and had no issues. maybe some of the triggers are just better than others. after i get mine set i hot glue gun them so they can't move, maybe yours lightened itself with use i have heard of that happening if not reglued.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
Get on the web and find Wolff Springs. They have a replacement spring that is a dandy little helper.
Not to sound harsh, but I think you might need something more than a trigger job. Look again at loads(OAL, bullet wt, powder chg/type) and bedding.
Get on the web and find Wolff Springs. They have a replacement spring that is a dandy little helper.
Not to sound harsh, but I think you might need something more than a trigger job. Look again at loads(OAL, bullet wt, powder chg/type) and bedding.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
This is an interesting post, most of the time you only here about the tack drivers. I have a PBR in 308 and 300WSM and am very pleased with both. The 308 really likes 168 Noslers but shoots the 175 SMKs almost as well. What scope are you running?
This is an interesting post, most of the time you only here about the tack drivers. I have a PBR in 308 and 300WSM and am very pleased with both. The 308 really likes 168 Noslers but shoots the 175 SMKs almost as well. What scope are you running?
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
How's the crown look? One thing along with the above that can caue you serious headaches.
JamieD
Wolf Precision
How's the crown look? One thing along with the above that can caue you serious headaches.
JamieD
Wolf Precision
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
I am running a Mark 4 6.5x25 TMR nightforce ultralight rings, factory near rail. You are right about only hearing about the tack drivers hell other than the 2 custom rifles I have I dont see are 1/2 MOA rifle I hear about them but dont see them in action most are 1 to 1.5 MOA, My dad has 6 Coopers and only 1 of them is really impressive, I think groups get alot tighter on the internet, Have you ever read a gun review on a rifle that shoots 1 1/4 inch groups @ 100 nope there always .679 or .865 with factory loads makes you wonder why people spend thousands of dollars for a custom that will by most gunsmiths account only shoot slightly better. I am sure there are alot of off the self guns that shoot lights out just not this one.
I am running a Mark 4 6.5x25 TMR nightforce ultralight rings, factory near rail. You are right about only hearing about the tack drivers hell other than the 2 custom rifles I have I dont see are 1/2 MOA rifle I hear about them but dont see them in action most are 1 to 1.5 MOA, My dad has 6 Coopers and only 1 of them is really impressive, I think groups get alot tighter on the internet, Have you ever read a gun review on a rifle that shoots 1 1/4 inch groups @ 100 nope there always .679 or .865 with factory loads makes you wonder why people spend thousands of dollars for a custom that will by most gunsmiths account only shoot slightly better. I am sure there are alot of off the self guns that shoot lights out just not this one.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
I have a PBR, and the same thing happened with 175gr pills.
I switched to 168gr and it shot sub-moa groups.
I think PBRs are chambered to shoot 168gr bullets.
I have a PBR, and the same thing happened with 175gr pills.
I switched to 168gr and it shot sub-moa groups.
I think PBRs are chambered to shoot 168gr bullets.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
Try another scope, I had a MK4 6.5 X 20 go bad on me. In fact I was going to have my SPR re-barreled until I tried another scope. When the magic returned to the rifle I sent the scope back to Leupold and they re-built it(no charge) and has been a great scope. Just an option.
Try another scope, I had a MK4 6.5 X 20 go bad on me. In fact I was going to have my SPR re-barreled until I tried another scope. When the magic returned to the rifle I sent the scope back to Leupold and they re-built it(no charge) and has been a great scope. Just an option.
Re: FN PBR XP poor accuracy ??????????
this was a group that my wife shot with my one of our stock xp's 4 shot's(got excited and threw the 4th off)
this is how they started life
after
after todd got his hands on it
this was a group that my wife shot with my one of our stock xp's 4 shot's(got excited and threw the 4th off)
this is how they started life
after
after todd got his hands on it
try a lighter bullet
I've also got a 20" PBR in .308. I tried several bullets 174gr+ and got 4-6" groups at 100yd. The best bullet I've found for it so far is a PPU 168gr match, with 3/4" groups at 100yd. After reading this thread and some of the input in here, I'm inclined to lighten my trigger a bit, put a stronger scope on, and try my hand at some careful hand loads with 168gr hpbt.
I emailed FN about possibly getting a longer barrel for it, or one with quicker spin, and they directed me to contact FNH USA directly.
"You can reach their technical inquiries and parts department by emailing or calling them at: 1-800-635-1321 or [email protected]"
Haven't reached out to them yet. Too many projects, too little time and money.
I've also got a 20" PBR in .308. I tried several bullets 174gr+ and got 4-6" groups at 100yd. The best bullet I've found for it so far is a PPU 168gr match, with 3/4" groups at 100yd. After reading this thread and some of the input in here, I'm inclined to lighten my trigger a bit, put a stronger scope on, and try my hand at some careful hand loads with 168gr hpbt.
I emailed FN about possibly getting a longer barrel for it, or one with quicker spin, and they directed me to contact FNH USA directly.
"You can reach their technical inquiries and parts department by emailing or calling them at: 1-800-635-1321 or [email protected]"
Haven't reached out to them yet. Too many projects, too little time and money.
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