Single shot rifle verses bolt action accuracy
- Thread starter Wendyj
- Start date
mikejonestkd
New member
I own several an bolt action rifles as well as an encore and contender.
A break action rifle is not as solid as a bolt, and a two piece stock is not as stable as a one piece stock.
Still, several of my TC barrels shoot as well as my bolt guns......
YMMV
A break action rifle is not as solid as a bolt, and a two piece stock is not as stable as a one piece stock.
Still, several of my TC barrels shoot as well as my bolt guns......
YMMV
hoghunting
New member
Not sure how much accuracy you can get, but here is my last 100 yd group from my Contender 14" 7-30 Waters barrel - I use it as a pistol.
http://[URL=http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/joeallen44/media/7-30_zpsf164d844.jpg.html]
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http://[URL=http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/joeallen44/media/7-30_zpsf164d844.jpg.html]
Not really. I also own both. Encore owners frequently spend big bucks just to get "acceptable" accuracy - forget "exceptional" accuracy. Sure, you'll occasionally get an Encore frame and barrel combination that shoots really small groups but those are the exception.
The reason is simple. The fact that you've got a hinged joint plus a machining process that matches a generically sized frame with an equally generically sized barrel means that there are always going to be differences in fit between any two barrel and frame combinations. This translates into bigger groups.
The reason is simple. The fact that you've got a hinged joint plus a machining process that matches a generically sized frame with an equally generically sized barrel means that there are always going to be differences in fit between any two barrel and frame combinations. This translates into bigger groups.
It sure don't shoot like my Tikkas and Ruger #1. Barnes factory gave me quarter sized groups last week. My reloads today really were bad. I'm talking 4 inch groups. Chrono graphed factory 100 grain Barnes at 3088. My 117 inter bonds were running around 2700. May need more speed. I'm thinking of going back to another Tikka.
hoghunting
New member
Have you tried different powders? I went through three different bullets and six powders before finding my accurate load, but sometimes the same thing happens with bolt action rifles too.
I have several other powders. Only bad thing is that my factory ammo from last weeks zero went from good groups to 3 inch groups. Guns tight. Wheeler fat wrench torqued for end to 15 lbs per Thompson specs. Retorqued to 30 inch pounds to give it a try. Nothing working now. Leupold rings. Weaver base. Scope locked down tight. Groups are stringing. First 2 shots low. Next one will raise an inch. Last 2 with hotter barrel get within an inch but if it ain't shooting sub 1 to sub 1/2 inch at a 100 I ain't happy.
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mikejonestkd
New member
based on my experience with vertical stringing with break action rifles I am confident enough to bet you a nickel that the forend is not resting in the exact same spot on the rest for every shot.
TCs are very sensitive to forend pressure and placement.
TCs are very sensitive to forend pressure and placement.
In theory the bolt gun should be the most stable platform. The break action design with a two piece stock simply isn't as solid for consistency. Of course individual results can vary and some SS rifles can shoot very well. See post by hoghunting. That sort of shooting requires an exceptional marksman. That also doesn't mean a SS rifle can't do the job for typical uses, like hunting which really doesn't require pin point accuracy.
I have several Ruger #1s and they do OK. This target below taught me to fire a fouling shot. This rifle always puts the first round low then clusters the rest.
Not match grade accuracy but good enough to put meat on the table.
Even a 458 #1 can keep them fairly close.
I have several Ruger #1s and they do OK. This target below taught me to fire a fouling shot. This rifle always puts the first round low then clusters the rest.
Not match grade accuracy but good enough to put meat on the table.
Even a 458 #1 can keep them fairly close.
stubbicatt
New member
By way of example, Schuetzen competition is done largely with 19th and 20th century single shot, 2 piece stock, rifles, at 200 yards on a target with a 1 ½ inch "25 ring", with plain based, cast bullets, either bench rested or offhand.
Before dismissing what is possible, take a look at some of the scores those guys post. In the early 20th century, H. Pope and Dr. Hudson shot some scores that would amaze most of us here.
That said, a well sorted benchrest, bolt action, rifle will still shoot tighter groups today with a good shooter behind it.
Before dismissing what is possible, take a look at some of the scores those guys post. In the early 20th century, H. Pope and Dr. Hudson shot some scores that would amaze most of us here.
That said, a well sorted benchrest, bolt action, rifle will still shoot tighter groups today with a good shooter behind it.
I've seen some remarkable groups shot by break-opens and Ruger #1s over the years. My money is still on rifles like Tikkas. I have two that are scary accurate and very consistent.
My T3 Lite in .243 Win is the only rifle I own that hasn't needed tinkering to shoot 1/4" groups at 100 yards.
My T3 Lite in .243 Win is the only rifle I own that hasn't needed tinkering to shoot 1/4" groups at 100 yards.
Fotheringill
New member
One thing not mentioned above-
It is possible there may be a slight scrape on the bullet itself when chambering with a magazine rather than a single shot when the round goes from the magazine to the carrier. Possible but not likely. It is, though, critical with a .22 where the bullet is either lead or copper washed on top of lead. You would be amazed at what a slight scrape can do to a 22 round.
It is possible there may be a slight scrape on the bullet itself when chambering with a magazine rather than a single shot when the round goes from the magazine to the carrier. Possible but not likely. It is, though, critical with a .22 where the bullet is either lead or copper washed on top of lead. You would be amazed at what a slight scrape can do to a 22 round.
CarJunkieLS1
New member
For a factory barreled rifle that's ~$500 brand new there isn't a better shooter made than a Tikka T3
hoghunting
New member
Thanks SaxonPig, it took quite a few range sessions to find the right bullet, powder and charge weight, but it was worth it. Your groups look pretty good too, especially the .458.
I appreciate everyone's help and have tried everything I can think of. Sold it and bought a Tikka in 243. I had dies from another one and came out ok. Lighter and easier to run these ridges. Will loose some speed I'm sure but I've never owned a Tikka that wouldn't shoot. Car Junkie Dawsonville Ga gun store is $549.00 out the door or $569.00 for T3 Hunter.