270 wsm - horizontal groups. Why!

[gunpower]

Gentlemen;
Can't fiqure out why a new Kimber rifle ,( 270 wsm) will not shoot a decent group. Shoots at 2-3 high, which is good, but it shoot a group from left to right every time. From 1.75 inches left to 1.75 inches to the right, a five shot group. Third shot is always at 12.oclock , 3 inches high is what I want. Just can't remember why the shots string out horizontally. Barrel is free floating.

 

[royinidaho]

Gentlemen;
Can't fiqure out why a new Kimber rifle ,( 270 wsm) will not shoot a decent group. Shoots at 2-3 high, which is good, but it shoot a group from left to right every time. From 1.75 inches left to 1.75 inches to the right, a five shot group. Third shot is always at 12.oclock , 3 inches high is what I want. Just can't remember why the shots string out horizontally. Barrel is free floating.

Are you saying that the the first shot is always 1.75 left and the 5th shot is always 1.75 right with the 3rd shot being spot on?

If so, you have evidence that barrel temperature is a strong component. The results of barrel heating is shifting bullet impact. The cause of this is usually a bedding problem.

To ensure the barrel is truly free floating is take a business card or 5 one dollar bills together and slide 'em from the front all the way to the action. It/they should flow easily, all the way.

After that, I'd check the mounting screws for proper torque.

If the above doesn't work out let us know there are a couple of other things to do.

Good luck.

 

[gunpower]

Royinidaho;

I have done all of those things, I just might have to phone Kimber and see what they recommend! The only other thing I can think of is maybe the
Leupold Mounts are not right for the rifle. They are the twist and turn style that I have never used before. Something new I supose! gun)I will pull the mounts off and try a different style.

 

[royinidaho]

Royinidaho;

I have done all of those things, I just might have to phone Kimber and see what they recommend! The only other thing I can think of is maybe the
Leupold Mounts are not right for the rifle. They are the twist and turn style that I have never used before. Something new I supose! gun)I will pull the mounts off and try a different style.

Hmmmm,

The twist and turn style presents a spot of bother once in awhile.

The problem usually is with the rear mount with the two screws for windage.

Look for misalignment of the two screws and/or slight tilting of the rear ring.

This arrangement is among the weakest of all systems for scope mounting but usually works well for low recoiling rifles.