Thread: "HELP" T3 with shocking grouping ???????

Originally Posted by HWWSM Guy

Hey There People I have got a T3 in 223 with 8" twist. approx 8 years old
I cant get it to group smaller than 2" with an average group of say 4 to 6 " at 100m. with the odd flyer not even on paper????
I have owned it since new, rifle has at a educated guess has fired around 250 to 300 rounds (Mostly at the range trying to sight it in)..I'm not a hundred percent sure how long its been out or even if it has ever shoot well in the first place???? I bought a new Leupold 3x9 AR scope (Not Cheap) at around 100 rounds after i noticed i couldn't hit the side of a barn.
It has never had a hard knock or drop that i know of,
I have optilock rings from new, (Scope is tight) also tightly screwed to stock.
I have free floated the Barrel, trigger is at about 1.5 to 2 pounds
I have cleaned it after every shoot, (hot and cold).I have left it dirty on purpose, (hot and cold)
I have used factory ammo from $65 to $15 for 20, Different pills from 50,55,60,62,69 & 72 grains, And approximately 8 different brands.
I got a friend who shoots comps with his 223 to work a few loads up and he worked on the jump and We used top quality formed cases once fired from my gun, diff types & weights of pills up to 75 grains (once got 1.5" group think it was a fluke)
Buy the way I can shoot clover leafs no probs with other good rifles when i have a good rest or bags etc.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT???????

First Question when did you free float the barrel?
If it was shooting fine before you free floated it, then this will be you problem, you will have to either Stabilize the forend of the stock and bed the action or get it re-pressure point bedded by a good gunsmith.
Plastic stocks don't have enough strength in the forend to be free floated without some work that's why they are pressure point bedded in the factory. A simple check is to hit the bottom of the fore end with your palm and if you can hear it hitting the barrel you will be lucky to get it to group.
P.S I brought a REM700 cheap from TM because the original owner couldn't get it to shoot, he had tried to free float it and never cleaned the bore. After bedding and stabilizing the stock and giving it a good clean it was back to shooting like it should.