Leupold scope problem?
Question:
when you sight in your scope you should use ammo from all th same lot number.Then you should shoot ammo only from that lot #(which usually meansbuying buy the case).When you shoot ammo from adifferent lot you need to r-sight your scope.Factory loads are great but they do vary,sometimes quite a bit.This may be a major fact.Given that all other factors are up to par,ie;mounts(tight,correctly installed,etc.)At least thats how i was taught. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
Almost all rifles will shoot to a different point of impact right after cleaning. When doing your final sighting in, don’t touch that bore afterwards!! Save your cleaning patches for after the hunt. I find that it takes 8-12 shots minimum for my rifle to settle down after I haver cleaned it. Lee Carkenord – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I purchased a new Browning Abolt II Staiinless Stalker in > 7mm mag with > the BOSS. I topped it with a Leupold Vari X III 3.5x 10 > scope. I will > be heading to Wyoming from Florida for my first ever elk/mule > deer trip > next month. (I can’t wait, just 3 more weeks!!!) I’m planning to use > Federal Premium 165gr BTSP ammo. I first sighted in about two months > ago, and was shooting about a 2 inch circle at 200 yards. I was > occasionally punching the actual 10 out of the ten ring. I was so > happy, because I’ve never before been able to shoot that good! I was > extremly happy with the new setup. I cleaned the rifle, placed it in > the hard case(being stainless figured rust is not a problem) > I store it > in, and have not touched it again, until yesterday. > I took it out yesterday, intending to practice shooting at > 300 and maybe > 400 yards. Since I live and hunt in Florida for whitetails, shots at > those distances are rare. Anyway I started with a shot at 200 yards > again. I was completely disappointed as I was now shooting about 8 > inches off from center. After adjusting my bench setup, and several > more rounds, I finally adjusted the scope again. I was able > to bring my > pattern back to about a 3 inch group. This is a little unsettling! I > have not dropped the rifle, or done anything to knock it off. Anybody > have any ideas? Would storing it in a case in horizontal > position have > a bad effect? > I really think confidence in your accuracy is important, and > now I’m not > Jeff > Jeff, > It doesn’t sound like you have a problem. The only mistake you made was > cleaning the rifle after sighting it in. I too went through the same > torment you are describing. I even went so far as to switch scopes and > rifles. It would shoot fine. Clean the gun and go back out, had to > re-sight in. I asked one of my friends about it who shoots a lot and who > writes an occasional article or two. He told me that when you sight in your > scope, don’t go home and clean the barrel right away. What happens is if > you clean it after sighting in, you are depositing oils into the barrel. As > anyone can tell you, oil is a lubricant and will effect the way an object is > traveling down the barrel. With today’s modern ammo components, you really > don’t have to worry about fowling like you had to in the passed, unless you > really shoot a lot. Know I only clean my rifle barrel at the end of the > season. I still give it a good coat of oil on the outside to avoid > excessive moister, but leave the barrel alone. > Michael —- > Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: > http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Before you buy. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
It could be the temperature it will affect the shooting. If you are headed for cooler temperatures the the grouping will change. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text —— Original Message —– Newsgroups: rec.hunting Sent: Monday, September 25, 2000 5:48 PM > Hello all. > I purchased a new Browning Abolt II Staiinless Stalker in 7mm mag with > the BOSS. I topped it with a Leupold Vari X III 3.5x 10 scope. I will > be heading to Wyoming from Florida for my first ever elk/mule deer trip > next month. (I can’t wait, just 3 more weeks!!!) I’m planning to use > Federal Premium 165gr BTSP ammo. I first sighted in about two months > ago, and was shooting about a 2 inch circle at 200 yards. I was > occasionally punching the actual 10 out of the ten ring. I was so > happy, because I’ve never before been able to shoot that good! I was > extremly happy with the new setup. I cleaned the rifle, placed it in > the hard case(being stainless figured rust is not a problem) I store it > in, and have not touched it again, until yesterday. > I took it out yesterday, intending to practice shooting at 300 and maybe > 400 yards. Since I live and hunt in Florida for whitetails, shots at > those distances are rare. Anyway I started with a shot at 200 yards > again. I was completely disappointed as I was now shooting about 8 > inches off from center. After adjusting my bench setup, and several > more rounds, I finally adjusted the scope again. I was able to bring my > pattern back to about a 3 inch group. This is a little unsettling! I > have not dropped the rifle, or done anything to knock it off. Anybody > have any ideas? Would storing it in a case in horizontal position have > a bad effect? > I really think confidence in your accuracy is important, and now I’m not > Jeff > Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: > http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
> > I purchased a new Browning Abolt II Staiinless Stalker in > 7mm mag with > the BOSS. I topped it with a Leupold Vari X III 3.5x 10 > scope. I will > be heading to Wyoming from Florida for my first ever elk/mule
Make sure you have at least three boxes of the same lot # (you will find it stamped on the box) when you head for the high country. You’ll sight in the gun again on arrival to confirm your zero up at 7000′ and also to make sure it didn’t get a hard bang enroute. Your point of impact WILL be different from sea level I guarantee you. Your outfitter if using one, will most likely suggest checking the zero near town and well away from the hunting area. What is really important is where that first shot out of a cold barrel will go. That may be the only shot you get on the hunt! Depending on where you hunt and who with, I doubt you’ll take any shots over 200 yards. Why three boxes? What happens if you take a tumble and have to re-zero? The trip is too expensive to worry about an extra $20-30 for spare ammo that you will shoot later anyway. When I was active in match shooting, I did not clean the bore until the matches were done. As said elsewhere, a clean bore will generally shoot to a different point of impact, then settle down. I’d leave it dirty until you are ready to put it away for the season. I was a licensed guide in WY, MT, ID for about 30 years. Ol Shy & Bashful – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> deer trip > next month. (I can’t wait, just 3 more weeks!!!) I’m planning to use > Federal Premium 165gr BTSP ammo. I first sighted in about two months > ago, and was shooting about a 2 inch circle at 200 yards. I was > occasionally punching the actual 10 out of the ten ring. I was so > happy, because I’ve never before been able to shoot that good! I was > extremly happy with the new setup. I cleaned the rifle, placed it in > the hard case(being stainless figured rust is not a problem) > I store it > in, and have not touched it again, until yesterday. > I took it out yesterday, intending to practice shooting at > 300 and maybe > 400 yards. Since I live and hunt in Florida for whitetails, shots at > those distances are rare. Anyway I started with a shot at 200 yards > again. I was completely disappointed as I was now shooting about 8 > inches off from center. After adjusting my bench setup, and several > more rounds, I finally adjusted the scope again. I was able > to bring my > pattern back to about a 3 inch group. This is a little unsettling! I > have not dropped the rifle, or done anything to knock it off. Anybody > have any ideas? Would storing it in a case in horizontal > position have > a bad effect? > I really think confidence in your accuracy is important, and > now I’m not > Jeff > Jeff, > It doesn’t sound like you have a problem. The only mistake you made was > cleaning the rifle after sighting it in. I too went through the same > torment you are describing. I even went so far as to switch scopes and > rifles. It would shoot fine. Clean the gun and go back out, had to > re-sight in. I asked one of my friends about it who shoots a lot and who > writes an occasional article or two. He told me that when you sight in your > scope, don’t go home and clean the barrel right away. What happens is if > you clean it after sighting in, you are depositing oils into the barrel. As > anyone can tell you, oil is a lubricant and will effect the way an object is > traveling down the barrel. With today’s modern ammo components, you really > don’t have to worry about fowling like you had to in the passed, unless you > really shoot a lot. Know I only clean my rifle barrel at the end of the > season. I still give it a good coat of oil on the outside to avoid > excessive moister, but leave the barrel alone. > Michael —- > Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: > http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Before you buy. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
Hello all. I purchased a new Browning Abolt II Staiinless Stalker in 7mm mag with the BOSS. I topped it with a Leupold Vari X III 3.5x 10 scope. I will be heading to Wyoming from Florida for my first ever elk/mule deer trip next month. (I can’t wait, just 3 more weeks!!!) I’m planning to use Federal Premium 165gr BTSP ammo. I first sighted in about two months ago, and was shooting about a 2 inch circle at 200 yards. I was occasionally punching the actual 10 out of the ten ring. I was so happy, because I’ve never before been able to shoot that good! I was extremly happy with the new setup. I cleaned the rifle, placed it in the hard case(being stainless figured rust is not a problem) I store it in, and have not touched it again, until yesterday. I took it out yesterday, intending to practice shooting at 300 and maybe 400 yards. Since I live and hunt in Florida for whitetails, shots at those distances are rare. Anyway I started with a shot at 200 yards again. I was completely disappointed as I was now shooting about 8 inches off from center. After adjusting my bench setup, and several more rounds, I finally adjusted the scope again. I was able to bring my pattern back to about a 3 inch group. This is a little unsettling! I have not dropped the rifle, or done anything to knock it off. Anybody have any ideas? Would storing it in a case in horizontal position have a bad effect? I really think confidence in your accuracy is important, and now I’m not Jeff Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
This could be alot of things. A different batch/type of ammo could cause this. Outside temprature also. Did you have the barrell resting on sandbags and not resting on them the second time, or vice versa? Jim Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
Jeff That is a most unsual problem. I’m assuming the stock on the gun is fiberglass since its the stainless stalker. Had is been wood it is very possible the gun could have drawn dampness the wood swelled and moved the point of impact. Short of double checking all the scope mount screws thats about all I would suggest. Try contacting Browning at : www.browning.com send them and e-mail about it ask them what they think. There pretty good about answering there e-mails. Hope this has helped some. David Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I purchased a new Browning Abolt II Staiinless Stalker in > 7mm mag with > the BOSS. I topped it with a Leupold Vari X III 3.5x 10 > scope. I will > be heading to Wyoming from Florida for my first ever elk/mule > deer trip > next month. (I can’t wait, just 3 more weeks!!!) I’m planning to use > Federal Premium 165gr BTSP ammo. I first sighted in about two months > ago, and was shooting about a 2 inch circle at 200 yards. I was > occasionally punching the actual 10 out of the ten ring. I was so > happy, because I’ve never before been able to shoot that good! I was > extremly happy with the new setup. I cleaned the rifle, placed it in > the hard case(being stainless figured rust is not a problem) > I store it > in, and have not touched it again, until yesterday. > I took it out yesterday, intending to practice shooting at > 300 and maybe > 400 yards. Since I live and hunt in Florida for whitetails, shots at > those distances are rare. Anyway I started with a shot at 200 yards > again. I was completely disappointed as I was now shooting about 8 > inches off from center. After adjusting my bench setup, and several > more rounds, I finally adjusted the scope again. I was able > to bring my > pattern back to about a 3 inch group. This is a little unsettling! I > have not dropped the rifle, or done anything to knock it off. Anybody > have any ideas? Would storing it in a case in horizontal > position have > a bad effect? > I really think confidence in your accuracy is important, and > now I’m not > Jeff
Jeff, It doesn’t sound like you have a problem. The only mistake you made was cleaning the rifle after sighting it in. I too went through the same torment you are describing. I even went so far as to switch scopes and rifles. It would shoot fine. Clean the gun and go back out, had to re-sight in. I asked one of my friends about it who shoots a lot and who writes an occasional article or two. He told me that when you sight in your scope, don’t go home and clean the barrel right away. What happens is if you clean it after sighting in, you are depositing oils into the barrel. As anyone can tell you, oil is a lubricant and will effect the way an object is traveling down the barrel. With today’s modern ammo components, you really don’t have to worry about fowling like you had to in the passed, unless you really shoot a lot. Know I only clean my rifle barrel at the end of the season. I still give it a good coat of oil on the outside to avoid excessive moister, but leave the barrel alone. Michael Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
snip >Federal Premium 165gr BTSP ammo. I first sighted in about two months >ago, and was shooting about a 2 inch circle at 200 yards. I was >occasionally punching the actual 10 out of the ten ring. I was so >happy, because I’ve never before been able to shoot that good! I was >extremly happy with the new setup. I cleaned the rifle, placed it in >the hard case(being stainless figured rust is not a problem) I store it >in, and have not touched it again, until yesterday. >I took it out yesterday, intending to practice shooting at 300 and maybe >400 yards. Since I live and hunt in Florida for whitetails, shots at >those distances are rare. Anyway I started with a shot at 200 yards >again. I was completely disappointed as I was now shooting about 8 >inches off from center. After adjusting my bench setup, and several >more rounds, I finally adjusted the scope again. I was able to bring my >pattern back to about a 3 inch group.
That is why I sold all my Leupolds Vari-X III and installed Weaver Grand Slams. Assuming you have checked all the usual things like wood stock shifting, or loose action screws, or loose mounts and bases, and that you were not having a bad day at the range – we all do! Next, I would buy an bore sight device, sight in your rifle and without leaving the range insert the bore sight and record where the scope cross hairs sit on the grid. Next time you take the rifle out check the bore sight first to see if your scope has drifted if so change it back to where you had it before. Leupold will tell you that it is within tolerance, they even tried to tell that to my face one afternoon. Good luck on your hunt. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
Leopold makes a very good scope. It could be the problem, but it is unlikely. Check the mounts first. Assuming you have the same quality here that you have in the rifle and scope, this is not likely but it is easy to check. Look to changes in the rifle, it may be responding to changes in humidity or other factors. It is likely to change again with the different climate in which you will be hunting. Be sure to check, and bring enough extra rounds of the load to be used to sight it in again. On the plus side, a 3" group at 200 yards won’t win any competitions but it ought to do whatever it is you need to do. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
