Higher elevation groups

[Peotone Joe]

Elevation will affect your external ballistics and may get you closer to a more acceptable stability factor, but I doubt it will change your group size to a large extent. What distance are you shooting (assuming 100 yards).

I've shot several bullets that were marginally stable (1.26-1.31) and not had any issues. If your third shot is always opening your group, it's likely due to heating of the barrel. Try letting it cool longer between shots, or try another bullet and see if the same problem persists.

I was shooting at 100 yards. I was wondering if the elevation would tighten the groups. Maybe I'll just stick with the 162 ELDx...

 

[Peotone Joe]

Elevation will affect your external ballistics and may get you closer to a more acceptable stability factor, but I doubt it will change your group size to a large extent. What distance are you shooting (assuming 100 yards).

I've shot several bullets that were marginally stable (1.26-1.31) and not had any issues. If your third shot is always opening your group, it's likely due to heating of the barrel. Try letting it cool longer between shots, or try another bullet and see if the same problem persists.

Thanks Tim. It is not always the last one it could be any one of them.

 

[Peotone Joe]

In 2024 I think it is possible to cut that group size in half at least. I'd definitely change bullets and try some other brands too until you find what your barrel likes...

I have a few varieties if you want a sample pack shoot me a PM.

I have tried the Nosler 175 Long range and they were bad. I even tried them a few times at 300 yards and they were 4in+ groups. The Hornady 175 ELDx shoot a consistent 3/4 in group at 100 yards but I thought I would try the Bergers and see if they would group better...

 

[adk hunter]

^^^^^Looks like you have your own answer^^^^^

 

[Peotone Joe]

Stability issues have a bit more to do with long range/down range performance as you near the transonic zone and the bullet is slowing down significantly. You'd have to be way out of whack to get a significant group size change.

Your flyer is either shooter induced or rifle induced. I had a 6.5-284 that did that crap all the time until I backed the load down just a touch and it became a bug holer.

I tried dropping 1 grain of powder with no luck.... Maybe I should go buy a new gun....LOL

 

[BrentM]

I tried dropping 1 grain of powder with no luck.... Maybe I should go buy a new gun....LOL

Flyers suck. They can be a pain to track down since there a lot of things that can create them. I trust you are an experienced reloader and shooter so I won't thrown out a pile what ifs and distract the post. I know for me that big of a group and a flyer is going to be ammo related issues so that's the direction I'm headed first to dial it in.

 

[dogz]

I am shooting about a 1 1/4 inch group (2 tight and 1 high or left or right) with my 7 mag that has a 9 1/2 twist with a 175 grain Berger bullet. The calculator says (where I live 700 ft above sea lever) the twist should be 8 1/2. Where I will elk hunt it is 9300 ft above sea level. Will that group tighten up???? The calculator says it is at its max for being stable at 9300 ft.

9300 is way up there, where will you be hunting elk at that height?

 

[Peotone Joe]

9300 is way up there, where will you be hunting elk at that height?

North west of Dubois WY.

 

[dogz]

Must be a guided hunt eh? Who are you booked with?

 

[Peotone Joe]

Must be a guided hunt eh? Who are you booked with?

Not guided. I have a friend that lives in Riverton, WY. We are not in the Wilderness areas.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

If it were me, I would find a good load that's works where you live, then take that load to where you will hunt. Guessing your group size will decrease with a higher elevation might leave you really disappointed when you get to your hunt location…or worse, you have to make a long shot with a crappy load.

 

[Peotone Joe]

If it were me, I would find a good load that's works where you live, then take that load to where you will hunt. Guessing your group size will decrease with a higher elevation might leave you really disappointed when you get to your hunt location…or worse, you have to make a long shot with a crappy load.

I will go to the 162 ELDx if I cant get these to shoot better. I don't want any guess work when I go......

 

[Tiny Tim]

I've had good accuracy with Nosler AB's, BT's and Berger 168 HVLD in my 7 RM's.

 

[Peotone Joe]

I've had good accuracy with Nosler AB's, BT's and Berger 168 HVLD in my 7 RM's.

I was thinking about trying the Berger 168s. What powder are you using?