OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Tactical Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - shot pattern problem
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

shot pattern problem

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
spinner08 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: September/19/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 62
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spinner08 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: shot pattern problem
    Posted: October/16/2009 at 09:41
I just bought a swfa ss 10X42 riflescope and I am having trouble with my shot pattern a 3 shot group at 100 yards is about 6 inches from one shot to another.  I have talley rings and base on a winchester model 70 300 win mag any suggestions on how to tighten my grouping and how can you tell if the scope is malfunctioning eventhough I just put it on yesterday 
Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 09:46
Did you shoot the gun prior to mounting the SS?  What groups did it print before?
If it is a brand new gun, did you break in the barrel?
Have you tried multiple kinds of ammo, different bullets at different velocities?
Are you certain the scope mounts are secure and torqued properly.
What is your trigger break?
Do you "flinch" in anticipation of the gun going off?

A 300WM can be a kicker, it might just be that you tense or flinch, or it could be something else.  Answering the questions above will be a start towards helping.
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
Back to Top
Terry Lamb View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2009
Location: Sagle, Idaho
Status: Offline
Points: 150
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Terry Lamb Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 09:49
I had a similar problem with a Leupold 4x, but was totally remedied after reading John Barsness' article on scope mounting in the Dec 2008 American Rifleman. My problem was proper screw tightening torque on the rings. Too tight or too loose can each cause odd behavioral problems with the scope.
Terry Lamb
Back to Top
spinner08 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: September/19/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 62
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spinner08 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 09:56
I have had the gun for about 2 years and I got it used.  The prior groups were less than an inch.  I have only used the 150 grain hornady sst but that is what I have always shot.  I think that I have the mounts secure I made sure they were tight before shooting.  I sight my guns in with a lead sled so it is kind of hard to be off that far and I know I dont flinch because I havent had any trouble in the past with that gun
Back to Top
8shots View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar
Lord Of The Flies

Joined: March/14/2007
Location: South Africa
Status: Offline
Points: 6253
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8shots Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 10:01
This will be a process of elimination so a few questions will have to be answered.
What mounts do you have?
I have seen alloy mounts bend/shift with Win 300 recoil. This then shows as unexplained shotgun pattern.
If they are steel mounts, then check for loose screws.
Back to Top
spinner08 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: September/19/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 62
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spinner08 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 10:06
my mounts shouldnt be bent already they are as new as the scope
Back to Top
8shots View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar
Lord Of The Flies

Joined: March/14/2007
Location: South Africa
Status: Offline
Points: 6253
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8shots Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 10:10
If they are alloy mounts the very first shot with a 300Win can bend them. The next shot again and so on, hence the shift in impact. They only need to bent 2 thou of an inch.
Back to Top
spinner08 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: September/19/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 62
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spinner08 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 10:14
I have the talley light weight scope mounts I dont know what they are made of it dosent say
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 10:16
I have Talleys on my 45-70 and only shoot very hot loads out of it.  Mine have never given me a problem by bending, they are very well built.  I am certain they have been used on lots harder kickers than a 45-70 or .300.

Did you torque them properly or just tighten them?  They only need 15 to 18 inlbs of torque,  that is not very much.  You can typically do that with a nutdriver and your thumb and forefinger.  That is on both mounting it to your action and the ring caps.

If you have them to tight it can really screw things up and even ruin the scope.  If it is to loose you should see movement in the scope sliding.
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 10:18
Once you eliminate any mount problems, then if it is still there I would put the scope on another proven rifle if possible and try it as well.  That will help you eliminate if it is a scope problem or not.
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
8shots View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar
Lord Of The Flies

Joined: March/14/2007
Location: South Africa
Status: Offline
Points: 6253
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8shots Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 10:30

The construction of the Talley Lightweight Mount is unique. The rigid design has no joint between the scope and rifle. The Talley Lightweight unitized design eliminates the possibility of an "out of alignment" interface or "loose connection" between the ring and base of traditional two-piece design. CNC machined from 7000 series aluminum, known for its strength and durability.

Material: Aluminum

Sorry, but I would say that your mounts are not strong enough to handle the recoil.


Edited by 8shots - October/16/2009 at 10:31
Back to Top
spinner08 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: September/19/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 62
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spinner08 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 10:39
Does talley have any mounts made out of steel
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 10:55
A quote from John Barnsness.  http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15632&KW=Talley&PID=177600#177600

Quote What Roy said--plus the Talley Lightweighst are also very strong. Some people don't accept this, because they are aluminum, but they were originally designed by Melvin Forbes for his New Ultra Light Arms rifles, which can generate quite a bit of recoil.
 
The LW's do not use bases. Instead the bottom half of the mount includes the bottom half of the ring, and screws directly onto the action. This bottom half is a solid block of high-grade aluminum, so ain't going anywhere.
 
When my wife got a .270 NULA in 1991, I mounted a 2-7x Bausch & Lomb in the mounts and it never changed point of impact over the next decade, until the scope itself went belly-up. This was on a .270 that weighed 6 pounds with scope. I have also used the NULA/Talley mounts extensively on various magnums from .300 Winchester up (and one of those was a NULA weighing 6-3/4 pounds with scope) and the only problems have been with scopes, not the mounts that held them.
 
Many people who shoot big-bore magnums (mostly for African hunting) like the Talley steel rings, because these come in a detachable model that allows the use of iron sights if desired. It is a probably the most popular detachable mount for the purpose, partly because unlike some other detachable mounts, the Talleys are machined rather than cast.


Based on Johns input and my personal experience with the Talleys I would say your talleys are just fine.


Edited by supertool73 - October/16/2009 at 10:57
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
8shots View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar
Lord Of The Flies

Joined: March/14/2007
Location: South Africa
Status: Offline
Points: 6253
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8shots Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 11:01
I have never used them, but their bases are of steel. The fixed rings also seems stronger then the lightweight:

Using larger screws and no moving parts, this system is as rigid as it looks.Utilizing the same double recoil shoulder base as the detachable rings, the fixed ring system will also stand up to the most brutal of magnum cartridges.

Back to Top
8shots View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar
Lord Of The Flies

Joined: March/14/2007
Location: South Africa
Status: Offline
Points: 6253
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8shots Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 11:05
If it is not the rings, then either the screws are loose, or the scope is faulty.
 
Not to disagree, but simply to eliminate one of the variables, try to borrow steel rings and try those.
I again have personal experience of aluminum rings not being able to withstand magnum recoil.
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 11:07
If it does end up being the rings causing your problems, Warne also make very strong rings and they are steel.  While i personally have only have them on a .357 mag rifle and an AR, they seem very very strong. 
http://swfa.com/Warne-Maxima-Permanent-Attach-1-Rings-C2378.aspx
http://swfa.com/Remington-C2357.aspx
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
Dale Clifford View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight


Joined: July/04/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 5087
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 12:25
jeez, thought this post was going to be on shotguns.
Back to Top
RONK View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: April/05/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 3199
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 12:41
 I think Talley uses grades of aluminum that are probably stronger than most steels. They aren't your average box store pot metal junk. I doubt they bent under recoil, but I do think there's a strong possibility that they are too tight and may have stressed or even damaged the tube, as others have suggested. Loosen them, look for ring marks on thre tube and re-tighten to torque specs and try again
 
Back to Top
Jon A View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: March/14/2008
Location: Everett, WA
Status: Offline
Points: 670
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jon A Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 13:12
The Talley mounts are plenty strong.  If the receiver of the rifle isn't true, holes aren't drilled straight, etc, this could cause a misalignment between them that may pinch the scope or prevent the rings from tightening properly.  That (along with other simple mounting errors) is what I'd look for first.
Back to Top
RONK View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: April/05/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 3199
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/16/2009 at 13:46
Originally posted by Jon A Jon A wrote:

The Talley mounts are plenty strong.  If the receiver of the rifle isn't true, holes aren't drilled straight, etc, this could cause a misalignment between them that may pinch the scope or prevent the rings from tightening properly.  That (along with other simple mounting errors) is what I'd look for first.
 
 
 True, especially with ringmounts in which the "base" IS the bottom half of the ring.
 With those, there is absolutely no margin for error when the rifle receiver is out of true or the mounting holes mis-drilled.
 With a separate Ring/Base arrangement, at least there is a tiny amount of correction to be made between the ring and the base, to offset that condition, in most cases. It isn't much, but is probably enough to prevent some problems.
 
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.227 seconds.