I am frustrated with myself. So first of all I know it is me that’s the problem. But, I am looking for some direction.
I have a new Ace Game in a 300 WM. Also have a Weatherby Vanguard S2 in a 300 WM. Used to group really well till I dropped the scope. New scope on both guns. I have a mule deer hunt that starts Friday. So I have not had time to reload and find a load they both like. Even though I still have some loads the Vanguard liked in the past. Working through 3 factory loads I felt like I was getting close. But the Ace I could not get under 1” MOA. (Ordered my suppressor but thanks to the government shutdown it won’t be here in time, who knows when I’ll get it. )
Friday grouping ok and getting closer. Today 5” groups. What gives? Nothing changes on the rifles. I did remove and then add again my bipod. MDT Oryx and Accu-Tacc. Same ammo. Not sure what the crap.
I also had a 270 that I added a new scope from backfire to the gun. Barely foresight it Friday and got it on at 50 yds. Tonight… not tight at all. I felt solid. Using a bipod and a rear bag. But I just must be way off today. But now I am scared to death of my Idaho hunt on Friday.
In the pics attached you can see my better groups and then all over the place tonight.
I would say to start from the beginning and make sure everything is torqued down to spec. I had a 308 do the exact same thing and the front action screw had worked loose after about 500 rounds (yes I had blue loctite on it, I have since replaced it with VibraTite ). Action screws, pic rail, scope base, scope rings, any one of them could cause problems. I know you know that, but it is still where I would start.
Think the posters above addressed the likely causes. Make sure everything is torqued correctly. Could be as a simple as a brake or suppressor coming loose. Use a torque wrench and check all your screws. Things shoot loose, they don’t shoot and tighten.
Only other thing I can think is maybe if you were switching between copper and lead bullets. Clean the barrel all the way down and decide which bullet you’re going with.
Thanks for everyone’s input. I will definitely go back and check all 3 guns to make sure torque was correct and check the action screws. Frustrating thing is that it happened to all 3 guns. I did clean all 3 guns thoroughly between Friday and last night. I am going to check Torque and go shoot again tonight. I really think it was just me last night since all 3 guns were off. Didn’t help that it was in the low 40’s with some wind. I was in shorts and probably rushing shots trying to beat the dark. Even though I thought I was solid and taking plenty of time with my shots.
My 300WM hates the Nosler 180g accubond but shoots the Sig Sauer losded 180g accubond very well, Federal Trophy Copper 180g also shoots great in the 300WM
The common thread in your issue was you thoroughly cleaned all 3 guns. I have a Browning BBR in 25-06 that shoots factory Winchester 120 PEP very well. Years ago I read an article from one of the “big boy” shooters and how much better a rifle will shoot when scrubbed and thoroughly cleaned. Soooo that is what I did, spotless. The shot groupings exploded, opened up to 3”- 4”. The groups slowly shrunk back to sub MOA after 20+ rounds as the barrel leaded back in. That was the last time I used solvent and brush to scrub the bore spotless. I swab it with an oil patch and call it good when I’m done hunting or at the range.
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). Action screws, pic rail, scope base, scope rings, any one of them could cause problems. I know you know that, but it is still where I would start.