Encore Moving Groups

[Grumulkin]

I have an Encore .30/06 barrel that is quite accurate (< 1 MOA).  The problem is that the first 2 or 3 shots out of a cold barrel are quite a bit higher than subsequent shots (to the tune of 6 to 8 inches).  I guess I could either remember when hunting to shoot 6 to 8 inches low or I could sight it in with a cold barrel.  If there is a fix, I would much prefer that.  Has anyone else had this problem and if so, did you find a solution?

[scratcherky]

If it was my barrel, I would give TC a call and discuss the problem with one of their techs. IMO their customer service is very good and after all you have a life time warranty. One thing I can think of is when firing from a cold barrel, be sure all oil from cleaning has been completely removed from the barrel and that you are firing from a completely dry barrel. A check of this would be to let the barrel cool completely after firing good groups and fire again without cleaning the barrel. If it groups good you will know that it is related to cleaning.

[Grumulkin]

I'm going to call T/C as you suggested.

I've actually done a fair amount of testing.  I fired Barnes 168 grain Triple Shock X-Bullets from a very clean barrel.  The first 3 shots went into about 1½ inches and then subsequent shots were about 6 to 8 inches lower and the group size was about 2 to 3 inches.

Yesterday, from a cold uncleaned barrel, I shot a quite accurate load of Nosler 168 grain match bullets in front of Varget that will do < 1 MOA.  The first shot was 6 to 8 inches high, the second a bit lower and then it started grouping as usual about 1 inch high at 100 yards and < 1 MOA.

I guess in hunting, it's the first shot that counts the most but I would really like the barrel to place shots a little closer together from a cold to warm barrel in case follow up shots were needed.

[scratcherky]

I agree for hunting you need a barrel that will group better than that cold.On long shots in a hunting situation 6 to 8 inches at 100 yds would be 12 to 16 inches at 200 yds. Not good.
Please let us know what TC says.

[Grumulkin]

I shot another series of groups today with a cold dirty barrel (probably 30 rounds through it).  At 100 yards, the first bullet was 2 to 3 inches high and dead on center, the next one was about where it should be and a little off center and the next three were one ragged hole (much less than 1 MOA) right where they belonged.  Two to 3 inches high on the first shot with a cold barrel is usable.  If the gun were less accurate, it's something I probably wouldn't have noticed.

I've been working with Barnes bullets and cleaned the barrel quite aggressively with the Barnes bore cleaner, multiple patches, etc. in an effort to make them shoot accurately (as Barnes recommends).  This may have been my problem; an overly clean barrel.  Barnes says their bullets are softer than regular bullets and need to be shot from a clean bore to be accurate.  I think that is probably true.  I very much like the way Barnes bullets perform on game but I'm not enthralled with fussy bullets.  I think I'd rather shoot accurate bullets that would shoot well from a dirty bore in a hunting situation.

[conrad101st]

my 270 did the same thing.  PO'd me to no end.

It finally settled in with 2 loads, both federals after 120 rounds or so.
 
No explanation as to why.

It was originally vertically stringing from high to low as the barrel heated up.

[slave]

May try an over size pin and check the forearm. Insure the forearm is not making any contact with the frame.

Most groups will move a bit with heat. But most of mine climb not drop and I never seen six inches. More like 1.5".