I might have a VX3 problem--- update: I do!

[Teknys]

This is a new VX3 4.5x14x40 CDS that I put on my 243. It seemed that this rifle was very finicky and I could not get good groups. The barrel is "spotless" meaning clean with VERY little fouling after 50 rounds. I've tried many different loads and two factory loads. The last time I shot this gun it seemed to be low and then high and then low. I was chasing it before and didn't see the pattern. Today I shot one shot cold barrel and it shot 2" low, adj scope and next was in bullseye, then high and then low and then high! OK now I was ?????? :?: , I moved to a clean target and shot low and then 2" high and then into the same hole low, and next shot back into the top hole, so 4 shots 2 holes 2" apart. They were perfect on the left/right. I checked the scope and everything was tight.
I started 2nd guessing the loads and realized I've been chasing this since the beginning. The loads in my 300RUM make one hole and my son's 300WSM was shot three times to check the new hunting load and 1.5" high and less than 3/4" group.
I'm going to move a 3.5x10 VX-L onto it and check with the same ammo. If it groups I'll call Leupold Customer Service and send the VX3 back for repair. If it still shoots the same I'll ??? figure out what to do to start troubleshooting this problem.

 

[BK]

Yep, if you have mysterious problems, it's always best to check the easy stuff to fix first... scope mounting, interference in bedding, the replace the scope and or mounts. After that it gets a lot more involved.

 

[rick smith]

Sounds like the erector system in the scope needs factory attention. If you have checked the action screws ring/mount screws and they are all tight, call Leupold, they wil fix the scope if it needs repair. Have had that happen with leupold and a brand new Zeiss.Rick.

 

[Desert Fox]

Why don't you try another scope if you have one and see if that fix the problem. I hate to send products back to the manufacturer and found out that there's nothing wrong with it. Not only it will cost you shipping charges, it also waste peoples time.

 

[DrMike]

Why don't you try another scope if you have one and see if that fix the problem.

Excellent suggestion.

 

[wildgene]

...before I changed anything I would attempt to "square" the scope, 3 shots "as is", R>12clicks/ 3 shots, down 24, L< 24, up 24, R>12. Should be obvious if the scope isn't "tracking"...

 

[Teknys]

Since this is a new setup and I have a VX-L sitting here, I've already mounted the scope and I think Wed I'll be able to shoot it. I'm bringing 2 different loads and 2 diff factory boxes of ammo.
I forgot to mention that after we sighted in the other two guns I took the 243 and shot two shots at 25yds from a sled and yep 2 holes hi and low on the 12 o'clock line about 3/4" apart. All the shots are in line up and down but just "rocking" High and Low. When I have ammo that doesn't shoot, it is all over the place not making 2 holes like this. It usually is a random pattern.

 

[BK]

Sounds like you might have a sled issue going on, too.

 

[Teknys]

BK - What do you think the sled might be effecting at the shot? I made sure the gun was "seated" in the forearm rest each time and snugged up in back. I did had the front rest jump up on the 300RUM and I didn't catch it until I shot the next round and it "fell" as I pulled the trigger, that's why I check that after every shot.

I'm open to all idea's until I get this resolved.

 

[BK]

I've never shot off of a sled, but the vertical error is what made me think that.

 

[wildgene]

...it's a .243 w/ a 14X scope, 3 rounds of a sandbag should tell you if the LeadSled is somehow putting pressure on your barrel...

 

[Anonymous]

I had a .223 do something similar once, tried a couple of scopes and several loads to no avail. A trip to the gunsmith revealed a burr on the crown. I re-cut the crown and it shot well.

No idea how that worked but the gunsmith looked at a couple targets and knew what the issue was right away...

 

[Teknys]

I shot the 243 today with the same handloads and Federal Fusion 95gn. Both loads shot 3 at less than 1/2". I was pleased to say the least but things heated up pretty quickly, it was 97 degF out. When the gun gets so hot I can't touch it, things get unpredictable.

Shot data:
The 95gn BT over RL17 shot @ 3110fps avg with a low of 3097 and a high of 3117 for 5 shots.

Now I have a scope to send back to Leupold. I'll call next week and get it on it's way to Oregon.