About a year ago I purchased an AWSM. I already had the AW and it proved to be the finest weapon I ever purchased. I previously shot a TRG-42 but did not care for the cheek piece and stock. So when I came into a little extra cash, the AWSM seemed like the natural rifle to go to.
I did a OCW test with new Lapua brass, FGMM 215M primers, Retumbo powder and 250 grain scenars. COAL was set at 3.61". I started at 93.6 grains and planned to go up to 95.8. What I discovered was that there was poor accuracy with all the loads (average group just under 1") and the poi for each group did not reveal a really obvious node. I started to exceed 2960fps with the 94.5 grain charge so I stopped there. I dismissed the accuracy issue thinking that maybe it was because I was shooting off sandbags and a bench, which I hardly ever do anymore. I picked the best group that was closest to a possible node and started shooting at 1000 yards (farthest range we have around here) and that was the end of it.
Most of my testing was done in the fall, and as summer approached I went out to verify zero on the rifle. I discovered quickly that the rifle/scope would not do what I was asking it to do. For example, lowering the elevation would frequently yield a shot too low and to the right or left. I put up a dot drill and began shooting that with horrible results. It simply would not put two shots in the same place.
Factors I have considered and ruled out
1. Scope: The scope is a Schmidt and Bender 5-25 which previously functioned flawlessly on a trg-42. To be sure, I remounted it on the TRG and it did well. Good group, appropriate tracking.
2. Shooter: One potential issue could be a bad cheek weld and different POI because of that. However, I shoot the same platform in 308 and have never had a problem with this. Second issue could be flinch with bigger rifle. Possible, but I had no problem with the TRG and it is a lighter, harder recoiling rifle than the AI.
3. Mounting hardware: Everything was checked several times and was in spec each time.
Question: What can cause shifting POI from group to group? To me, it seems like it almost HAS to be me. Is there anything else I am missing? Too hot a load? Rifle issues? If so, what would the issue possibly be? I am at a loss. I already called up AINA and they said send it in, but I am looking to you guys before I do. I am having a hard time believing that this is a rifle problem.
Any thought out there? (and no, I'm not going to give away either gun)
I did a OCW test with new Lapua brass, FGMM 215M primers, Retumbo powder and 250 grain scenars. COAL was set at 3.61". I started at 93.6 grains and planned to go up to 95.8. What I discovered was that there was poor accuracy with all the loads (average group just under 1") and the poi for each group did not reveal a really obvious node. I started to exceed 2960fps with the 94.5 grain charge so I stopped there. I dismissed the accuracy issue thinking that maybe it was because I was shooting off sandbags and a bench, which I hardly ever do anymore. I picked the best group that was closest to a possible node and started shooting at 1000 yards (farthest range we have around here) and that was the end of it.
Most of my testing was done in the fall, and as summer approached I went out to verify zero on the rifle. I discovered quickly that the rifle/scope would not do what I was asking it to do. For example, lowering the elevation would frequently yield a shot too low and to the right or left. I put up a dot drill and began shooting that with horrible results. It simply would not put two shots in the same place.
Factors I have considered and ruled out
1. Scope: The scope is a Schmidt and Bender 5-25 which previously functioned flawlessly on a trg-42. To be sure, I remounted it on the TRG and it did well. Good group, appropriate tracking.
2. Shooter: One potential issue could be a bad cheek weld and different POI because of that. However, I shoot the same platform in 308 and have never had a problem with this. Second issue could be flinch with bigger rifle. Possible, but I had no problem with the TRG and it is a lighter, harder recoiling rifle than the AI.
3. Mounting hardware: Everything was checked several times and was in spec each time.
Question: What can cause shifting POI from group to group? To me, it seems like it almost HAS to be me. Is there anything else I am missing? Too hot a load? Rifle issues? If so, what would the issue possibly be? I am at a loss. I already called up AINA and they said send it in, but I am looking to you guys before I do. I am having a hard time believing that this is a rifle problem.
Any thought out there? (and no, I'm not going to give away either gun)
