Must be a bad barrel?

[coues2506]

Picked up a used .280 Ultra in new condition --I am very concerned that I have a bad barrel - from a clean cold barrel -  first shot goes dead center but a foot and a half high - next shot is 8 inches high, next shot is 4 inches high then to x ring where it stays and shoots inch and a tad more groups with several bullets and loads. I have floated the forend which tightened groups but didn't change the first 4 shot stringing. Years ago, had a Remington 514T that did this - they were infamous for it. It's gone and I fear, so is this one.

[PartsMan]

Have you tried shooting with no forarm?

I have had as much luck bedding a tight forearm as floating.
You might try that.

Is the first shot consistently 12.0" high?
One dead on and one a little low would be a fine deer rifle.
It is a 26" barrel fastened to a hinge you know.

If you can't figure it out just send it to me. I should be able to get it shooting strait.
A couple years tops.
 

[mtbugle]

are you always starting with a clean barrel? I have some that are simular when starting clean. if start with a fowled barrel doesnt so much.
Thanks Don.

[FW Conch]

Some barrels need "a" fouling shot,  maybe yours needs 3 ?   You might try the barrel polishing in the FAQ's.

I have a Handi that is the opposite.  It is always "dead nutz" , first shot out of a cold, clean barrel,  then it starts to go away.  But the last 2 times I pointed it @ deer, they took the bullet right where I pointed it. 

GOOD LUCK - let us know what you find !    Jim

[Singleshotsam]

Take the gun out and shoot it w/o the forend.  Place a sandbag under the hinge for a rest.  See if that helps out.  If it does you have forend issues.  If not you bbl may have a burr in the rifling or something that may polish out.  Start simple w/o the forend and then work your diagnosis from there.  No sense in getting yourself to worked up over a $2.00 fix