bullet walk

[jdwilson0906]

Hey guys this is my first thread so i hope someone can help me out. I just purchased a used howa 1500 varmiteer heavy barrel .223. I just put a new scope on it and took it to the range. starting at fifty yards on a 50 degree day. Had it on zero in three shots then pulled off a three shot group that was 1/2 . stepped out to 100 yards and pulled off a 1'' group now remember i am far from an expert shot and i am happy. barrel stayed very cool through this I let a couple buddys shoot it and the groups started getting bigger and when i sat down to see what was goin on i pulled off a erratic 4'' group. seems like the warmer the barrel got the worst the groups got but was just warm to touch. I run a bore snake through it and it didn't change anything . i got home and noticed that the gun has a floated barrel and you can see where the tip of the forearm was touching the barrel could this be my problem

 

[Scorch]

If the forearm touches the barrel, the barrel will throw shots. Also, with that much shooting, you could be having metal fouling issues.

 

[Old Grump]

Heavy barrel on a .223, doesn't sound right you are having heating problems unless you are throwing hundreds of rounds down range in a short period of time. Fouling problems I can see. A series of 3 shot groups doesn't sound like heavy shooting to me.

As for the stock touching I have to ask, Is the stock cut straight all the way or is their a tiny lip where it touches, if so that could be deliberate to keep steady pressure on the barrel. Still heavy barrel should be free floated and not touching anything.

Try the easy thing first. Check your scope mount and your rings. Get a torque wrench and torque them don't just hand tight. Then pull your stock off and inspect it. When you reinstall torque the screws, to tight is as bad as to loose. If the barrel channel in your stock looks like it should be cut straight with no pressure point on the barrel a little fine sanding may do a lot of good. Let us know what happened.