I think it's the scope

[salmonchaser]

Been vexed by my Christianson MPR. Had it a couple of years, burned a couple hundred rounds trying to find a load she would like. She was a solid 1 1/2 rifle from day one. I was hoping for better than 1/2 MOA. Decided I was going to trade it in but decided to try one more test.
Went to the range yesterday, fired a classic 1 1/2 group then got an 1 1/4 inch group. Pulled the 6.5x20LRP off and stuck an ancient VXIII 3x10 on it. Damn thing shot two 1/4 inch five shot groups. I did manage a flyer on both small groups but dang same loads1/2 the scope and way better groups. Pic 3&5 are with the old VXIII 3x10
Now to see if Leupold will keep me as a customer.

 

[JD338]

Interesting. Scopes can do that. I wonder if the paralex is properly adjusted.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

Hard to argue with those results. It would definitely point to a problem with the scope. Jim's suggestion is worth testing.

 

[bdbrown66]

Were the mounts tight on your original scope? Almost acts like something was shifting between shots.

 

[NYDAN]

Looks like you are making progress. I hope you can confirm the problem and the solution. Dan

 

[salmonchaser]

Were the mounts tight on your original scope? Almost acts like something was shifting between shots.

Yes, check several times, base and rings.

 

[Blkram]

Hard to beat the reliability of the older VX-III's!

 

[bdbrown66]

Yes, check several times, base and rings.

I guess the reticle is shifting, then. I can't think of anything else it could be. Glad you were able to eliminate the problem, tho.

 

[FOTIS]

I am having the same issue with my lightweight 6.5 RPM Weatherby. I'm going to put a burris scope on it and take off the Leupold to see what's going on. This is not the first time it has happened but I gave them one more chance with the brand new VX3 HD 4.5 to 14. We will see if that's the issue this weekend

 

[Slimfinn]

I am having the same issue with my lightweight 6.5 RPM Weatherby. I'm going to put a burris scope on it and take off the Leupold to see what's going on. This is not the first time it has happened but I gave them one more chance with the brand new VX3 HD 4.5 to 14. We will see if that's the issue this weekend

Was curious how you have been making out with the RPM

 

[truck driver]

Sorry to hear you're having bad luck with your scope. I'm not a scope expert by no means but have found most high magnification variables tend to come in second to a high magnification fixed power scope unless it is a top tier European brand.

 

[walkinhorseman]

Leupold has been my brand of choice in hunting rifle scopes most of my shooting life. I've sent more than a couple back. In years gone by, they were quick to do a replacement after one fix, on the second return. As time went on, that service policy degraded. I've always loved them for their durability and optics at a good price point. My last replacement was a VX-III 4. 5x14x40 AO. but they are not infallible.

I keep one good nine-pound 308 rifle, that is reliable, and one good scope to switch off for trouble shooting. The 308 load with 175 SMK's in a 10- pound rig is enough jar troublesome scopes into failure. It took me three iterations with range trips, reloading and targets to submit before they replaced that scope. They finally gave me a 30mm LR versions but it was painful and time consuming through three iterations with the final being, "Don't send that scope back", statement to get there.

I've had a Zeiss replaced as well as a bad Nightforce Comp that they wouldn't own up to. Scopes and mounts are the weak link in the rifle platform. A close friend of mine was a gunsmith at Shaw barrels. He and another shooter were the smiths tasked with testing returned rifles. Ninety percent of the time, they found the rifle worked fine with their scope and mounts installed vs the customers.

Move that scope over to a good rifle for fault testing and mount a known scope on your rifle to verify its' fidelity. It's a testing pain but you will know. Just be certain that your testing is with several groups over different range sessions.

 

[1100 Remington Man]

Good news is I believe you have figured it out and now have a fine shooting rifle !