UPDATE: to get best accuracy out of an AR15

The Accurate Reloading Forums

This topic can be found at:
https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/132105729/m/7801069521

03 February 2010, 06:19

308Sako

UPDATE: to get best accuracy out of an AR15

The rifle is a Colt factory Hbar Elite, my second of this model. The first was just awesome. Rifle is not terrible, just not what I am used to, meaning just under 1 MOA with better ammunition.

If there is a problem (I think there may be) it is that the rifle seems to want to shoot horizontally shaped groups. No it is not a scope problem, and no it is not just me...

Is there a specific mechanical thing I could check, such as torque settings on the handguard (factory freefloat) or what?

At the suggestion of a former MArine armorer I switched out the upper receiver rather than the barrel. I immediately noticed the barrel extension was amuch better fit in the older upper. The target was shot this AM, and the left group was at 400 yards, the right was a very rapid 10 rounds at 200 yards.

03 February 2010, 08:37

N E 450 No2

If you are shooting reloads change primers.

If you are shooting factory ammo change ammo...

Try several different Black Hills ammo, and some Federal 69 gr Match.

Also shoot at 200 and 300 yards.

If you are shooting a 69gr or heavier bullet It might shoot better MOA wise at 200 and 300 vs 100 yards...

03 February 2010, 18:07

butchloc

i had an old hbar some time ago that started out shooting pretty well, but after perhaps 400 rds it just started to go to hell slowly. bad barrel

03 February 2010, 20:01

BECoole

Horizontal groups usually mean the wind is affecting the bullets.

IMO consistent horizontal groups mean something other than mechanical. A bad barrel will spray bullets all over. Improper barrel bedding could cause horizontal, but your rifle is floated.

04 February 2010, 05:08

ditch

It's an autoloading assault rifle,if it's shooting under an inch now, and you want more, buy a Remington 700.

04 February 2010, 06:14

308Sako

quote:
Originally posted by BECoole:
Horizontal groups usually mean the wind is affecting the bullets.

The wind wasn't blowing at all, but still horizontal groups.

IMO consistent horizontal groups mean something other than mechanical. A bad barrel will spray bullets all over. Improper barrel bedding could cause horizontal, but your rifle is floated.

Can't argue with this, just thinking it is mechanical at this point.

04 February 2010, 06:19

308Sako

quote:
Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
If you are shooting reloads change primers.

Shot Rem 7 1/2 BR's, F 205 M's and CCi 400's

If you are shooting factory ammo change ammo...

Blasphamy! factory loads...

Try several different Black Hills ammo, and some Federal 69 gr Match.

Have done some serious load work up and getting between 1/2 and 1 MOA... just want greater consistency. Appreciate the input gentlemen.

Also shoot at 200 and 300 yards.

If you are shooting a 69gr or heavier bullet It might shoot better MOA wise at 200 and 300 vs 100 yards...

Shot the rifle at 10 and 200 today, 1/2 MOA at 100 and 1 MOA at 200... in excellent conditions. The loads are chronographing with single digit SD's and I just think it's not capable of better.