New VG Series 2 .243 Lousy groups

[ratkiller]

I 've loaded several loads and can't  improve my groups. Currently, at 100 yards, wide 1".  I've  tried   IMR 4350 and IMR 3031 also a Hodgdon that escapes my mind at the moment. I get dime sized  groups  from  H380 & 65gr. V-Max
So, what's working in your like gun.  I really want to stay with the  Accubonds.

[ballistic]

What model S2 did you get ? What loads have you tried, bullet and weight, seating depth, powder, primer, etc. etc. ? Have you been cleaning it ? Lets start there 

[ratkiller]

.243 VGD 24" barrel. I'm shooting 3 or 5 shot groups and waiting for a short cool down period between groups.
I have a 4.5 -14 30mm Leupold on top. I have not cleaned the gun in about 15 rounds. Seating depth I've not taken into account yet. I did start with what ever the book says, and I have lessened the depth (lengthend OAL) on these last rounds. Still not hitting the "lans" rifling when inserted.
I've tried the following loads all with the 90gr Accubond
Powder  Grains
RL22        41 1/2
H380       42
H380       41
IMR4350 41.5 
I've tried the Sierra SPHP 100 gr with IMR 4831 38grs with the same 1" results. The 65gr Vmax loads are dime size grouping at 100yds.
Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

[terminator]

What groups do you get with your other rifles you reload for?

[ratkiller]

What groups do you get with your other rifles you reload for?

Rem 700 25.06, AR .223 and .17 HMR are dime or better at a 100.
Vanguard series 1, Boyd stock, 300 Wth about 1" groups.

[ballistic]

I was wondering if it was a wood or synthetic stocked rifle. I just have to ask, have you removed the stock for any reason ?
I tried 90 grain Nosler ballistic tips before in a .243, couldn't get them to shoot tight groups. I have some rounds loaded up with 90gr. accubonds but haven't tried them yet, now I'm not so optimistic with your results. After I experimented with the 90 and 85gr. ballistic tips I tried 75gr. Vmax, with imr 4064, shot better than a 1/2" group. Another bullet I've had good luck with is a 85gr Sierra Gameking, group great, and good results on game with them.

[badsection]

If your getting dime sized groups with one bullet and worse with the heavier bullet, that eliminates problems with the gun or scope IMO. Most of my rifles have a definite preference for one bullet weight over any others. Maybe yours likes the 65gr. over the 90gr. bullets or the V-max design.   

[ratkiller]

Thanks all. 

Did not remove the fiber glass stock.

[eford]

The 85gn Sierra Game Kings are the most accurate bullets in my 243 Win. H 4895 was the best powder for that bullet but IMR. 4895 was decent also. 90gn full metal jackets did well with the H 4895. There are all kinds of great loads. I think the research and testing are worth it.
Good luck, and keep us posted.

[ratkiller]

Thanks. On the hunt for powder and bullets.  It does make it fun.

[.CA-S2]

Although I think  my 243 howa 1500 has a different twist rate 1:12 I have found that it will shoot 55gr nosler BTLF and 62gr barnes VG great, can punch the bullseye out one shot at a time. I tried some 90gr nosler Etips and 107gr nosler custom competitions and they were all over the place. I then tried some 85gr Barnes TTSX, 75gr nosler BTV, and 80gr nosler BTV these all grouped well with specific powders. Sounds like your 1:10 twist along with others may not like the longer heavier bullets either.
I've learned you can't make a rifle shoot a particular bullet accurately it chooses what it likes. So if you have tried multiple powders and aren't happy with any of the groups just move onto a lighter bullet. I suggest trying a 85gr or 80gr (barnes tsx ttsx or nosler partition maybe).
I have the hornady oal gauge and have found it very useful being able to measure where each bullet touches the lands.
It's a lot of tedious work reloading but is extremely rewarding taking a cartridge from the book, to the bench, to the range, to the field.

[bustinbirds]

I've been playing with the Accubonds in my 25-06 and got some promising results yesterday at the range. I was reading somewhere that the Accubonds often like to be seated .015 to .030 off the lands. I gave them a try at .015 off and my groups were much better.