Thread: Rifle Double Grouping

Pulled the action out of the stock to have a look at what's what in there.
Didn't see any marking that would indicate the recoil lug was moving about. But what I did see is the recoil lug in the stock is only plastic. The only alloy/metal in the stock is the pillars for the action screws. I doubt they are doing much apart from stopping the action bolts crushing the stock when doing up.
Plus the stock is very noticeably flexible when the action is out.
I think I might just get another stock as I think doing anything to this Hogue stock will just be a waste of time.

So I'm now on the scrounge for a better stock. Like the look of the Boyds Pro Varmint stock. Haven't seen much else out there for the Howa rifles unless it's a bull barrel, and my rifle isn't.
Suggestions much appreciated.

When I chose howa to do my 6.5AI I just brought the barreled action and ordered a stug carbon fiber stock. That was the easiest way around a poo factory stock.

Maybe talk to stug and see how long it'll be, think theres a bit of a wait but thats one option for a better stock there

I doubt thats an option for Cambo. Stug's stocks may be good but a bit on the expensive side.

Cambo - what about a bell and carlson? Bell and Carlson Sporter Stocks - Weatherby VG/Howa | Red Hawk Rifles

I got my B&C from here for the remmie.

Really like this....
6505-42 Weatherby VG/Howa 1500 SA Medalist Stock Black with Red Web | Red Hawk Rifles

Or this
PRO VARMINT HOWA® 1500 SA FBC BLK TXT F | Custom Hardwood Gunstocks | Boyds Gunstocks

Just have to figure out to slip something past the eagle eyed Mrs.
New LED light bar turned up today. oops

Well, just got back from the range.
Had a go shooting from sandbags instead of the bipod. All shots fired at 100m.
Straight away the groups were very tight. Fired a few factory rounds to see what was happening then switched to my reloads.
Definately the stock which caused my original double grouping problems. Obviously too much flex when using a bipod causing pressure on the barrel etc
With shooting from sandbags this time, it has reinforced the need to throw the Hogue stock away and fit a much better stock.

Had to do a ladder test as I'm just working out the loads for the rifle now. Using 140g Nosler BT and ADI AR2208 powder. Seated the pills a bit further out (2.90") which is just Ok for feeding from the mag.
Started at min load (39.5g) and worked up to 42.0g which was just below max load (42.2g).

Fired 3 shot groups apart from a couple of 4 shot groups (just because I loaded up a couple of spares). Left the barrel to cool down in between groups.
No pressure signs at all, but the bolt was a bit firmer to open on last few rounds.
Very happy with the min load so far. Was the tightest of the groups. As the powder load increased so did the spacings.
Best was 39.5g and 40.0g so I might do some fine tuning around those loads.

If its adi's max you are working from you may get away with going higher and find another node. Mines a few grns over adi's max with no signs be safe though aye bro

As the bolt was starting to get a bit firmer to open on the last few shots I probably don't need to load any hotter.
Plus the better groupings were near the lower end. So I'll play around with loads nearer to them. Might adjust seating depth a bit as the rounds were feeding OK but not real nicely. I'd like to get that better.

I'm happy that I have been able to get to the bottom of the double grouping though.

Fastest isn't always the most accurate I've found with most of the of my loads the bottom end of the scale is where the best accuracy is

Too true Northdude.
I've not chrony'd any rounds I've loaded so far out of all my calibres that I load for.
Only ever worked towards accuracy. Tested till I found the sweet spot and stayed with that.

Originally Posted by cambo

Too true Northdude.
I've not chrony'd any rounds I've loaded so far out of all my calibres that I load for.
Only ever worked towards accuracy. Tested till I found the sweet spot and stayed with that.

I take it you dont shoot past a couple of hundred yards. You are right speed doesnt mean too much in there

Originally Posted by Gibo

I take it you dont shoot past a couple of hundred yards. You are right speed doesnt mean too much in there

Occasionally I do take them out to as far as I can just for shits and giggles.
Had my 223 hit the gongs at 600m no worries. Haven't had the 7mm08 on the gongs yet, but will do.
They are hunting rifles not LR rigs though. Got them set up nicely for the hunting I do. But I do like to see what I can achieve with them on gongs.

22 hornet is the one that seems to get more accurate with speed

Id also try it off bags some rifles just hate bi pods my brothers howa wouldn't shoot off a pod neather will my mates browning x bolt shoot sweet off bags though

Originally Posted by rambo-6mmrem

Id also try it off bags some rifles just hate bi pods my brothers howa wouldn't shoot off a pod neather will my mates browning x bolt shoot sweet off bags though

Shot off sand bags this time. Made all the difference.
The stock is too flexible and can't handle the bipod.
I'm looking at getting a much better stock for it now.

Originally Posted by cambo

Shot off sand bags this time. Made all the difference.
The stock is too flexible and can't handle the bipod.
I'm looking at getting a much better stock for it now.

I've recently done a Howa build in .308, like you cambo I eventually ditched the houge stock and replaced it with a Bell & Carlson one. Groups shrunk significantly & makes no difference shooting off bags or a pod.



Absolutely love this rifle & despite it's bulky appearance is surprisingly light...

Hope this helps