When I first joined SD I couldn't hit a thing with my .22LR, but after all the advice I've had on here (and some practical help in the field from a SD member) I can now consistently shoot 5 shots into a single ragged hole at 50 yards, and confidently headshoot bunnies at 80 - 100 yards.
So, why can't I achieve anything even close to that with the .243? I've had it for just over a year now, but still not really getting to grips with it. All advice gratefully recieved!
I've no reason to suspect that anything's wrong with the rifle (P-H Safari Deluxe). It's old and well used, but fundamentally sound and in good nick.
The scope is a cheap Nikko Sterling, but brand new, so should be ok.
I don't expect outstanding accuracy from this set up, because it's all a bit "bargain basement", but I think I should be doing better than I am!
Ammunition I'm using is Hornady 95gn.
For convienence, I've been zeroing / practising at just 50 yards, so I've tried to zero 1" high at this range, which seems sensible.
Shooting prone off bipod.
Now the problem:
If I fire a 3 shot group, they're all about ok as far as height goes, but strung out in a line over 2"
So, maybe my first shot will be almost spot on, followed by the next one 1" to one side of it, then the next one 1" to the other.
Next attempt it might be the first shot 1" to one side, second shot about right, third shot 1" to the other side.
And so on.
With the .22 I just carried on practising 'til I got it right, but I can't be putting hundreds and hundreds of rounds through the .243 to achieve the same. Firstly, can't afford to and secondly would bugger up the barrel.
I suspect this is purely a technique thing, but possible minor rifle issues could be:
Trigger quite stiff.
Could do with re-crowning at some point in the not-too-distant future.
Pressure of forend on barrel - it just touches on one side, but good sized gap on the other.
Any ideas chaps?
So, why can't I achieve anything even close to that with the .243? I've had it for just over a year now, but still not really getting to grips with it. All advice gratefully recieved!
I've no reason to suspect that anything's wrong with the rifle (P-H Safari Deluxe). It's old and well used, but fundamentally sound and in good nick.
The scope is a cheap Nikko Sterling, but brand new, so should be ok.
I don't expect outstanding accuracy from this set up, because it's all a bit "bargain basement", but I think I should be doing better than I am!
Ammunition I'm using is Hornady 95gn.
For convienence, I've been zeroing / practising at just 50 yards, so I've tried to zero 1" high at this range, which seems sensible.
Shooting prone off bipod.
Now the problem:
If I fire a 3 shot group, they're all about ok as far as height goes, but strung out in a line over 2"
So, maybe my first shot will be almost spot on, followed by the next one 1" to one side of it, then the next one 1" to the other.
Next attempt it might be the first shot 1" to one side, second shot about right, third shot 1" to the other side.
And so on.
With the .22 I just carried on practising 'til I got it right, but I can't be putting hundreds and hundreds of rounds through the .243 to achieve the same. Firstly, can't afford to and secondly would bugger up the barrel.
I suspect this is purely a technique thing, but possible minor rifle issues could be:
Trigger quite stiff.
Could do with re-crowning at some point in the not-too-distant future.
Pressure of forend on barrel - it just touches on one side, but good sized gap on the other.
Any ideas chaps?