I've not gotten 3 range sessions in on the 357 max, and it shows a pronounced tendency to vertically string the shots. Today I tried 3 different primers (CCI 400, 450 and Fed 205M) and 2 different charge weights of H110 over the 200 gr cast. The stringing was quite pronounced on the CCI capped loads, 1/4-1/2" wide groups 2" high, and this at 50 yds.

I'm using a leupold dual dovetail base/rings, and the part where the base overhangs the barrel is contacting the frame, as evidance by wear marks. I've used that mount on other barrels, but it never marked the frame. I'm thinking this is the cause of the stringing.

I rest the forend on a sandbag, and the bottom of the grip. I've shot it single handed, and double handed, soft grip, firm grip, and no evident difference in group sizes.

Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem with the Leupold base, or has any other ideas what would be causing the stringin.

Paul,
I went through the same problem with several of my barrels. You stated that you rest the forend and the grip. I solved my problem by NOT supporting the grip. I rest the pistol on a sandbag, with the pistol shoved forward until the trigger grard is touching the sandbag. Went to the range this morning and shot a 5 shot group measuring .470" with my .222 Rem using this method. Back when I was supporting the grip, vertical size was around 2".

Nashcat

Paul,

I'd sand/file the bottom of that base until the bottom was clear of the frame when you close the barrel: that contact cannot help your accuracy at all.

Also, what type forend are you using, and how far out are you resting the forend on your rest? Like Nashcat, I have found that on un-freefloated forends, generally the nearer to the trigger guard your rest it, the better accuracy you experience.

In my shooting, I have found that this does not seem to apply to the free-float forends.

Paul, if you are consistent I don' thnk resting the grip is going to make that much difference. It hasn't in my experience. Put 10 shots in one MOA last weekend resting grip. Have in the past rested grip on a 2X6 and shot excellent groups ( held so that the grip jumped off and back in recoil). A hard rest will make the group higher generally. The real problem with resting the grip is making sure you do not impinge rear movement.

Paul,
I had a base (Leupold DD) that contacted the frame at that point also, I just took the base off, touched the point of contact to my belt sander, and perfect! Just be sure to apply some bluing of some type to keep it from rusting.
Bulldog...

Thanks for all the tips.

As with Rob, I've always used pretty much the same set up of bags, and haven't had stringing problems. That said, this thing rolls back pretty good, I'm burning 22.5 gr H 110, and pushing the 200 gr out @ 1850 fps Now if I can just get it to group.

BTW, it's a packmeyer rubber forend, and the barrel has the super 14 dual screw setup. Again, I've used this fore end on all my barrels w/o a hitch.

I'm hoping to get out again next week, and will let you know how things progress.

[ 09-14-2002, 04:59: Message edited by: Paul H ]

Make sure your grip screw/bolt is tight.

It looks like I got bit by the basics. Loose scope bases will get you every time

Don't feel bad, we all get bit now and again.
xphunter

Woa! That some serious snot you are flinging!

Mind saying what kind of bullet?

I'll add this little tidbit- now I resize my .357 Max brass with a .38 super resizing die. It's a few thou oversized, and yet chambers fine in my T/C chamber. I've had good luck with Rem 7 1/2 primers.

Whew! That's more load than I care for. Whatcha plan on shooting, steel rams?

Pete

It's a 200 gr WFN, should be the same on Cast Performance sells, the mold I have used to be their production mold.

I'm looking for a 150 yd black tail deer, black bear and caribou load. It really isn't that bad of a load, but I guess that's cause I'm used to shooting 460 gr bullets out of my 480 SRH.