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thompson center encore grouping

berger720
I have an Encore in 243 and I can't get a good group at 100 yards but I get a great group at 50 yards please help!!! What am I doing wrong? I have tried a BSA sweet 243 3x10x44 and BSA platinum 6x24x44 scope. I use win. 243 100 grain bullet, factory load it will shoot in one hole at 50 yards but then it shoots an 8 inch group at 100 yards. I know its not the scope cause it shoots just fine on a savage 12. thanks for your info!
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • amblerrl
    get a first class scope and try it.
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  • cussedemgun
    berger720,

    You say "encore" - "can't get 'GOOD' group" - "great group"

    There are at least hundreds of variables that could be the problem, the scope is but one of them.

    If a factory barrel, the twist rate is 1 in 10 inches. What is:
    barrel length?
    bullet weight & make?
    reload or factory ammo?
    approx. muzzle velocity?

    Also define your groups in inches, the 100 yd. group should be twice the size as the 50 yd. group. If that size is indeed opening up considerably, it could be stability in flight. Too fast a spin on ultra-light bullets & they tend to self distruct in flight. Too slow a spin on long heavy bullets & they tend to yaw/wander in flight.

    Re-post with specifics & we will be more able to help.

    Jim
    Edit;

    I would start with a good agressive cleaning with copper solvent. When you think it's clean, swab the bore & let soak over night, then try again.

    If metal fowling in eliminated & the problem persists, drop to 90 grain loads (maybe Federal's) & try again.

    Jim
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  • Easton Archer 66
    cussedemgun; I think you missed his accuracy sizes @50 yds & 100 yds;first he stated it will shoot one hole groups at 50 yds then 8" at 100 yds while using factory 100 grain loads. As far as amblerrl's advice to get a first class scope; berger270 already ruled that problem out by using it on another rifle. It might surprise amblerrl to know that all of us can't afford a so called 'first class' scope; scopes by Tasco, Simmons, BSA, and others work quite well and hold their accuracy for years even though they don't fall into his CLASS of glass.
    berger270, get some different ammo and have one of your shooting buddies try it out. If you don't get the same results, have someone observe your shooting technique, he might see something you are doing differently at longer range.[:D]
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  • SCOUT5
    I agree with having someone else shoot the rifle. I understand you have tired 2 different scopes, is that right? I was thinking maybe something to do with parrallax but if 2 scopes were tried that must not be it. I would check the muzzle crown as well, if a bullet is unstable after leaving the barrel the inaccuracy will multiply as distance increases, as in a 1/2 inch group at 50 yards won't become a 1 inch group at 100 yards but may be an 8 inch group like you are getting. Of course a very good cleaning should be done and different ammo should be tried as suggested earlier.

    Edit: I had another thought since an 8 inch 100 yard group is so abnormal. Can you check or have someone mic the bore of your barrel? Is it a Thompson factory barrel?
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  • cussedemgun
    berger720,

    I see the short version won't work here, so please bear with me.

    I noted your groups, scope drill, ETC. That said, one very common mistake with high-powered rifles is to "kill 'em with kindness".

    I purchased a used Browning 308 BLR several years ago. It shot 8/10" groups at 100 yards. I sluged the bore & it measured .3038!
    After close examination of the 100 yd. target, I noticed 2 of the 5 bullets showed signs of key-holing. Agressive cleaning (about 3000 strokes, a pint of Butch's Bore Shine, & 3 brushes later, the bore came out .3084! It now shoots 1 1/2" at 100 yards.

    Oil left in the bore of a rifle will be over run by the first shot & burn to a layer of carbon fowling ( as in a diesel engine, compress oil & it burns). Shoot XX shots to add a layer of copper, lightly clean with oil or nitro solvent & shoot again for another layer of fowling.

    The above mentioned Browning was an extreme case where it's previous owner stated "I always clean with WD-40".

    When your rifle is clean & ready for a new test group, shoot from a bench, rest the fore-arm (not the barrel) on sand bags, place your off-hand under the stock midway between the trigger guard & your shoulder. Use your off-hand to toghten the pressure back against your shoulder, Breathe in, 1/2 out, squeeze! BOOM

    Jim

    P.S. If you have a barrel band mounted sling swivel, DO NOT use your sling for shooting control!
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