Author Topic: Shoots great HOT (Read 548 times)

jcsabolt2 · « **on:** August 18, 2003, 06:56:04 AM »

I went to the range this weekend to sight in my new Sako 75 Synthetic Stainless equipped with Opti-Lock mounts and a Sightron 3-12x42 mildot scope. This was my first time really shooting this rifle and I tried several combinations of loads:

1) Winchester 125gr SP factory loads
2) Winchester 147gr FMJ factory load
3) Federal 165gr ballastic tip factory load
4) Winchester 180gr SP factory load

Once I got it sighted in (2"+/- high at 100 yards w/ 125gr loads) all of my shots were within a 6" circle accounting for all loadings fired. I sighted in using the 125's to use for practice loads on coyotes and ground hogs. All of those shots were within 2". Not too bad for me not being able to shoot on a regular basis.

Anyway, what I noticed was that the hotter my gun got the better it shot. Once I ripped through the first 20 rounds I let the gun cool for a good 20 minutes or so, but it was in the low to mid 80's, in the sun, with humidity around 90%. I then fired a quick 5 shot string with the first shot being high right, my fault for jerking. The next 4 shots were within 2". I also ran a $10 bill under the barrel and even with the extreme heat...burned my hand on the barrel...it was still free floated.

I know the points of impact will vary from a cold to hot barrel, but like I said, the hotter it got the better. Is there a cure, or should I keep shooting to break it in properly and then see what it does?

Thanks!

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2003, 08:37:27 AM »

DO NOT SHOOT WITH A HOT BARREL!!!!

I don't know what cartridge you shoot, but it looks like either a .308 or 30-06. Either way, although the barrel will always be free floating, never shoot a hot barrel - that's the fastest way to ruin your rifle.

Shoot three-shot groups and then let the barrel cool.

As for the groups, Sakos shoot extremely well. In fact, I will soon be receiving my Sako 75 Stainless Synthetic in 7mm-08 in a few days. Shooting 6" groups, and even 2" groups are not good groups. I have never seen a Sako shoot anything over an inch at 100 yards.

I think that the following reasons MIGHT explain this problem:

1) You are simply not shooting well
2) There might be oil residue or powder in the rifle
3) The scope mounts are not secured properly.

I can't explain getting better groups with a hotter barrel. All I can say is that you have a GREAT rifle - don't ruin it.

Zachary

Cabin4 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2003, 11:54:32 AM »

The better groups as the barrle heats up are likly due to the barrel diameter contraction. as an example if your shooting a 308 bullet and your barrel is bored to 308.5, as it heats up the 308.5 amay contract to 308.2. the smaller bore shoots a better group, perhaps. there other factors that could also accout but this is likly what it is.

Always let your barrel cool down completely between shots. it gives you a better representaion of what it will due when hunting and be significantly less damaging to the bore.

take a few rifles/guns to the range and alternate guns inbetween shots. again let the barrel cool way down to warm or cool.

jcsabolt2 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2003, 01:06:45 AM »

Zachary,

When I mentioned the 6" group that meant for all the different loads I fired combined made that grouping (125gr to 180gr). I easily printed 2" groups. I know the reason they weren't tighter was due to my lack of practice. What I was getting at was that if I waited a few minutes between shots it became more difficult to keep that 2" grouping vs. emptying 5 rounds from my 30-06 in about a minute or so. Maybe I just got into the "groove" with the rapid firing.

One thing is for sure, a new recoil pad is in order. My shoulder hurt for two days.

Zachary · « **Reply #4 on:** August 19, 2003, 05:34:31 AM »

I would look into one of three recoil pads:

1) Pachmyer Decelerator
2) Sims
3) Kick EEZ

If anyone has Pre-fit recoil pads for the Sako it MIGHT be Pachmyer. If not, then you are likely going to need to have it fit by a gunsmith. Eitherway, a recoil pad is a good investment. :grin:

Zachary

jcsabolt2 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 19, 2003, 06:18:39 AM »

I have a "Pre-Fit" Pachmyer Decelerator pad on my Rem 870. However, while it may be pre-fit, it fits like a piece of junk. Tolerances must have been +/- 1/8" in any direction. It works great, but it has an ugly fit to the stock.

Have you heard anything concerning the TruGlo recoil pad? I may be mistaken on the manufacturer. I checked their website, and did not see it. They had them at Galyan's near where I work. They were made of a very spungy material, almost felt like firm silicone.

longwinters · « **Reply #6 on:** August 19, 2003, 10:36:48 AM »

I have a Sako ss/wood in 7mm and my oldest son has one in 30-06 blue/wood. Both of these will consistently shoot 1" or less groups. Mine seems to shoot moa a little easier with 150gn bullets (Nosler). My son also shoots 150gn Noslers out of his 06. He has tried 125 gn bullets and they grouped about 1.25" If your shoulder is sore you would be doing yourself a favor by getting a new recoil pad or a Past recoil shield. My son uses the Past for bench shooting and has no problems with recoil flinch. The Sims recoil pad is excellent. I have it on my Encore and it made it very shootable recoil wise. I do not know if they make anything that would fit on a Sako, but you can get them for about $29.00 off of the internet. JCS, I think you are shooting fine. Just keep shooting every week for a while and you will be surprised at how fast you will be shooting moa with that fine rifle you have. Usually all it takes is getting used to it and doing what you need to for that sore shoulder to go away. You really should be able to shoot quite a bit w/o getting a sore shoulder. Until you fix this . . . it will affect your group size. Good luck.

long