What causes shots to string

[Buckskin]

Just shot some reloads thru my 15" 7mm-08. My first shot was money then they started inching straight up.
Loosened my grip and they settled back to the bull.  Was my grip the problem or is there something else going on here??  New at this SP stuff, but unfortunately I think I really like it.

[rickyp]

the way your hold the grip, if the grip is resting on something  and even the thumb pressure can change the point of impact.

[REH]

It sounds to me like you may be antisipateing(sp) the shot. this could cause you to tighten your grip.

[dakotashooter2]

Most likely the forend. The barrels seem to be highly sensitive to forend pressure.

1)  If you switch barrels a lot or even take it apart for transport or cleaning, unless you torque the screws each time you will end up with a slight difference in pressure each time and possibly a slight change in POI.

2) The type of rest (sandbags, bipod or handhold) may effect POI

Now I know you said stringing and not POI... but as the barrel warms (and expands) forend pressure can increase resulting in stringing.

A couple of soulutions are The hanger bar forend system (takes the pressure off the barrel) or a cheap fix that works reasonably well is to install  thin rubber washers on the forend contact points. It seem s to allow some "cushion" between the forearm and barrel and may not eliminate the problem but may significantly improve it.

[Possum]

If I shoot my 30.06 15" Encore and shoot without touching the barrel with my support hand it shoots dead-on.  If I LIGHTLY touch the top of my scope cap to stabilize the pistol with my support finger, I shoot 1-2" lower POI than before at 100yds.  If the vertical stringing is not equipment related, hold pressure can dictate the vertical POI.  Also if you have horizontal stringing, that is more to do with the pressure related to the grip hand.  At least that is my experience. 

You said the shots went back in place after you loosened your grip.  That would most likely mean it is grip related and not an equipment problem. 

If you are shooting for accuaracy (and who isn't) try to shoot with the same hold all the time.  Get into the practice of staying with one type of hold. 

[Lawful Larry]

Barrel is heating up. 

[Buckskin]

I think your right Larry.  I've noticed the longer between shots the better accuracy.

[S & W 642]

What is a hanger bar system and also do you just use regular rubber washers you would get from a hardware store.