Accuracy for an Idiot

[oklahuntingfool]

Tried to post this earlier, hope I didn't double post it.

Just purchased a used NEF Handi Rifle, stainless barrell, black synthetic stock, .243 cal., Nikon 3x9 Buckmaster scope.  

Seller stated he complained about accuracy and sent the rifle back to the factory.  Said they "recrowned" or "muzzled" the barrel and sent it back with a picture of a 1" group at 100 yards using Black Hills ammo, 95 grain.  

Took the rifle to the range yesterday to sight in.  Still not there, ran out of ammo after about 7 shots.  May have a scope problem, not sure yet.  Concerned about the accuracy or lack thereof, even though its premature.

QUESTIONS:

I am not a reloader nor am I a gunsmith.  What are some simple things I can to to tweak the accuracy of this rifle?

How often do clean the barrel?  Use cleaner or just swab with a patch?  How good is a bore snake?

How long to wait between shots so the barrel doesn't heat up?

Any websites to recommend?

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard!!  Read the FAQs sticky, lots of info in there to answer your questions. :wink:

[myarmor]

Sounds like a good looking set up you have there. As Tim said the FAQs will help you out a lot, as will the Search feature. Just a couple questions..

Did you use only 1 brand of ammo?

Are all attachments tight-Scope rail, rings, barrel lock up, no play in Hinge/lug area..etc..?

Where you shooting off Bi-Pods?

Just a couple suspects..Oh and welcome to the forum :toast:
-Aaron

[oklahuntingfool]

Yes, I only used one brand of ammo.  Going out tomorrow to sight in again.  

Everything is tight...even used medium strength lock tite on threads.  I was shooting off a sand bag and was very stable, no wind.  

Was mainly curious how often shooters recommend cleaning the bore to get best accuracy.  

Also, have people found a heavier grain bullet (100 gr) shoot more consistant than a lighter grain bullet.  Or is each gun different.  

Does using the O ring really make a difference.  

I am not trying to be a bench rest shooter and touch bullet holes, just coyote hunt with shots out to maybe 200 yards...mostly 100 yards in.  

Any small thing I can do to increase accuracy I will surely do....It can't hurt.

[mjbgalt]

try a few different kinds of ammo and bullet weights.

every gun has its likes and dislikes.

-Matt

[Ed Hill]

The O ring can make a lot of difference or not, depending on the rifle. Mine is much better with the O ring. When shooting on the rest, rest the rifle about where the forearm screw is, not further up.
E.D.

[Ditchdigger]

My 223 will shoot only with a bipod,floating the forend,and a bag under the buttstock.And thats the only way it will shoot under 1". Digger