I finally was able to shoot my new Patriot.
Initially at 25 yds. With Win. Power point 100 gr. to get on paper and then at 100.
Field size groups ( 3/4") at 25. Not impressive yet. Shot 5 to zero 1" high @ 25yds.
Started at 100yds. and it was "grouping" @ 6" to 8" !!
What in the world?
Shot 3 more and results were similar.
Checked all screws, etc. and all was good.
After about 5 min. I tried again with a 3 shot string. Now it was 3" and 2:00/ 3" from the bull.
I finally figured out that my particular barrel, at least, is very sensitive to heat. After 3 or 4 regularly spaced shots ( 10 secs. each ) it would start spreading.
That's ok for a hunting rifle, but I'm going to run the list of makers and 90-115g bullets until I find one that's a little tighter.
That may be the best and it's a matter of you get what you pay for.
Won't be the first time, but so far it will just work for 200 yd whitetails.
Initially at 25 yds. With Win. Power point 100 gr. to get on paper and then at 100.
Field size groups ( 3/4") at 25. Not impressive yet. Shot 5 to zero 1" high @ 25yds.
Started at 100yds. and it was "grouping" @ 6" to 8" !!
What in the world?
Shot 3 more and results were similar.
Checked all screws, etc. and all was good.
After about 5 min. I tried again with a 3 shot string. Now it was 3" and 2:00/ 3" from the bull.
I finally figured out that my particular barrel, at least, is very sensitive to heat. After 3 or 4 regularly spaced shots ( 10 secs. each ) it would start spreading.
That's ok for a hunting rifle, but I'm going to run the list of makers and 90-115g bullets until I find one that's a little tighter.
That may be the best and it's a matter of you get what you pay for.
Won't be the first time, but so far it will just work for 200 yd whitetails.
