Issues at the Range

[USAF Ret]

Well, I give up on the HOWA 270 Win. I have changed scopes, changed stocks, bedded the stock, various ammo, etc. Not chasing this with money anymore.

I finally got Norma to actually give me a group of some kind. Best I could get is the 4 shot group below. The other "groups" were worse. Other ammo would not even hit the target. This one is getting sold or traded. I have other rifles that are tack drivers and I will have fun with those. Thanks for all the help.

[stagpanther]

Kinda hard to tell with only 4 shots--but interesting that you have 2 close and then another two close as opposed to random wide spread.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by stagpanther

Kinda hard to tell with only 4 shots--but interesting that you have 2 close and then another two close as opposed to random wide spread.

It is odd. All the groups were like that. Had one I hit center. Thought I was on to something and next shot was thrown 5 inches to the left. I am stumped. It has had over 100 shots through it, so the barrel is broken in.

I know it is not me because I shoot decent groups with all my other rifles. All of my CVAs shoot MOA or better.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by stagpanther

Kinda hard to tell with only 4 shots--but interesting that you have 2 close and then another two close as opposed to random wide spread.

Oh, there was a whole box of shots they were literally all over the target. This was my last four after I cleaned the target up. I just put it in the case after that. Wasted ammo.

[taylorce1]

I'd like to play with that rifle, just because I like a challenge.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by taylorce1

I'd like to play with that rifle, just because I like a challenge.

Well sir, you have better skills than I do.

Only other thing I can think of an issue with the barrel. I have checked the box on everything else. Thinking of running it by the gunsmith for a full checkover before I get rid of it. Just in case it's something obvious that is a cheap fix.

[stagpanther]

Oh, there was a whole box of shots they were literally all over the target. This was my last four after I cleaned the target up. I just put it in the case after that. Wasted ammo.

Howa 1500/Vanguards that I have have light sporter barrels--I can't shoot but a few shots at a time well-spaced it time to get good groups. Might be a good idea to get a bore scope down the barrel and check the chamber, throat and bore--irregularities in there could be throwing your shots--or you might have debris or residue build-up you might not be aware of. That's not all that unusual for a new rifle. I'd say around 40% of my new firearms purchases have something wrong with the barrel's inards and some kind of finishing/lapping might be required.

IMO a barrel that is really well-made doesn't need breaking in. But you'll have to pay for that. Overzealous "breaking in" can actually do damage in some cases without keeping an eye on the bore IMO.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by stagpanther

Howa 1500/Vanguards that I have have light sporter barrels--I can't shoot but a few shots at a time well-spaced it time to get good groups. Might be a good idea to get a bore scope down the barrel and check the chamber, throat and bore--irregularities in there could be throwing your shots--or you might have debris or residue build-up you might not be aware of. That's not all that unusual for a new rifle. I'd say around 40% of my new firearms purchases have something wrong with the barrel's inards and some kind of finishing/lapping might be required.

IMO a barrel that is really well-made doesn't need breaking in. But you'll have to pay for that. Overzealous "breaking in" can actually do damage in some cases without keeping an eye on the bore IMO.

Yeah, I will probably have the smith at least do an inspection.

I don't do any break in on rifle barrels. I may run a bore snake through it a couple of times every 5 shots or so when shooting initially. All of my other rifles seem to work well with that.

Thanks.

[taylorce1]

Originally Posted by USAF Ret

Yeah, I will probably have the smith at least do an inspection.

Something you might try is swaping your optics again. Try putting the scope that's on your .270 on a rifle with a load you know is good. Since you suspect there is a problem with your .270 rifle, this would be a confirmation step.

If you had an accurate rifle from the start, I'd just put a diffrent scope on your .270 and shoot. This has not been the case with this particular rifle. You need to rule out the optics are not the issue. I know you swaped scopes already from a Diamondback to something else?

If it turns out it isn't an optic issue, I'd try to get Legacy International to warranty the rifle if it's an option. The rifle may not have a MOA guarantee, but they may still do something if it shoots that bad and is truly a lemon. They might take care of you even if the rifle is a few years old.

My buddy had a Ruger M77 .300 WM for nearly 20 years and killed a lot of game but it started having accuracy issues. He was going to have Ruger put a new barrel on it, sent it in and a couple weeks later Ruger contacted him to get an FFL they could ship his new rifle to. He only had to pay for the transfer fee, unfortunately Ruger wouldn't tell him what they found wrong with ith his old rifle.

[Mr_Goo]

This is just my view, If I was in your postion OP, I would sell the guns you're not happy with, if the manuf wont do something with the warranty. Sounds like youre going to alot of trouble to get them to be shooters.

[czgunner]

Manufacturer should be paying to look at this thing.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[603Country]

I had a new rifle that shot poorly. After running through many reloads, it had to be the scope, so I swapped scopes. Turned out that the second scope was also bad. Third scope was good and accuracy turned out to be great. Another new rifle needed a new barrel. The maker told me that it met spec and would do nothing. I replaced the barrel and now have a great shooter.

And one more example. I swapped for a rifle that was known for excellent accuracy, and the other guy said he just could not make it shoot well. But with my favorite bullet and powder for that caliber that rifle shot wonderfully. The guy was just using the wrong bullet and powder. That’s all it was.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by 603Country

I had a new rifle that shot poorly. After running through many reloads, it had to be the scope, so I swapped scopes. Turned out that the second scope was also bad. Third scope was good and accuracy turned out to be great. Another new rifle needed a new barrel. The maker told me that it met spec and would do nothing. I replaced the barrel and now have a great shooter.

And one more example. I swapped for a rifle that was known for excellent accuracy, and the other guy said he just could not make it shoot well. But with my favorite bullet and powder for that caliber that rifle shot wonderfully. The guy was just using the wrong bullet and powder. That’s all it was.

I tried three different scopes. Different ammo. Stock work.

I am going to have the smith look at the bore for something obvious. If he doesn't find anything, it is getting traded. I could play with the company and try to have them fix it, but too much hassle for a cheap rifle.

[stagpanther]

Get in touch with Legacy Sports Int. in NV--they are the ones that bring em in to the US. It's worth a call and you might just get a free new rifle out of the deal. Dealers can run hot or cold on standing behind their stuff. Maybe you should consider a Henry--I know from first hand experience they will "do whatever it takes" to satisfy an owner of their rifles if anything goes wrong with it. They have some awfully nice-looking bottle-neck cartridge lever guns I would love to have.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by stagpanther

Get in touch with Legacy Sports Int. in NV--they are the ones that bring em in to the US. It's worth a call and you might just get a free new rifle out of the deal. Dealers can run hot or cold on standing behind their stuff. Maybe you should consider a Henry--I know from first hand experience they will "do whatever it takes" to satisfy an owner of their rifles if anything goes wrong with it. They have some awfully nice-looking bottle-neck cartridge lever guns I would love to have.

I will give them a call today. Thanks stag. Yes, I would love a Long Ranger in 6.5 CR. I need to clear the current stable of a few first. I have resigned myself that any new rifles I get have to be gotten from getting rid of ones I already have.

[stagpanther]

I have resigned myself that any new rifles I get have to be gotten from getting rid of ones I already have.

That's like buying new cars so you can flip them used.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by stagpanther

That's like buying new cars so you can flip them used.

That's exactly right. And I have a parking lot full.

[stagpanther]

Just keep them. Once you have lots (meaning too many) you'll start forgetting about what you have--and then when perusing the safe you'll "rediscover" a weapon and shoot it again--it's like getting a new one for free.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by stagpanther

Just keep them. Once you have lots (meaning too many) you'll start forgetting about what you have--and then when perusing the safe you'll "rediscover" a weapon and shoot it again--it's like getting a new one for free.

Haha!! That is one way to do it. My problem is I am out of my safe and in closets, behind doors, under furniture, etc.

[USAF Ret]

Well, back to the factory it goes. We shall see. I have to return everything back to stock before I send it in.

[stagpanther]

Keep us informed--I'm interested in how well Legacy/Howa performs for you since I've never sent anything back to them.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by stagpanther

Keep us informed--I'm interested in how well Legacy/Howa performs for you since I've never sent anything back to them.

6-12 week turnaround, so it might be a while. They were quick on getting me a return label, though.

[taylorce1]

That's good news they're willing to take a look at it.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by taylorce1

That's good news they're willing to take a look at it.

I hope it's not like when you go to the doctor after having a fever and they check your temp and it's normal. Getting a message, "It shoots fine for us."

[taylorce1]

If it does, ask them for the target and the ammunition used.