Pal of mine has a very nice looking CZ rifle in 7X64. Problem is it will not shoot worth a dime with anything we put in it.

On initial purchase the rifle gave fairly evenly distributed 2-3" groups at 100m. The trigger was very rough so I suggested he get that fixed and while it was at the 'smith he get it bedded as well.

That done we kicked off with some primo loads that shoot very well in my rifle.

What we are getting now is a rifle that will shoot 2 distinct groups - both very tight typically two holes touching each other and another one 2 inches away on the same elevation with three shots very tight less than 20mm.

I thought poor bench technique but the results are consistent between 3 shooters.

My immediate suspicion is that the bedding is not kosher and the rifle is recoiling and oscillating between two positions in the stock.

Anyone have any ideas or thoughts?

possibly the scope...

are they vertical or horizontal..
If they are close it could be shooting technique?
Is the barrel floated?
how many rounds are you shooting at one time?
I chased one for a year once and ended up finding a crack in the stock between the front lug and the box.
Dave

The scope is a Leupold 4.5-14 X 50 30mm tube brand new. We can't change out the scope noone else has a 30mm scope and or CZ 25mm mounts

Groups are horizontal, same elevation.
Barrel is floated except for 1" in front of the lug.

It's not technique 3 of us do exactly the same. I must add that every once in a while you get 3 in the left group and two in the right.
We're shooting 5 at a time.

Maybe the 'smith did not give clearance in front, below and sides of the lug? What would that do? I know if you don't give clearance below you may get vertical stringing.

Keep it coming...thanks

if changing the scope isn't possible try a small amount of up pressure under the barrel at the fore-end. a business card or match book under the barrel the barrel. you might have to use a couple of layers, it depends on how much room you have under the barrel. shoot the rifle with this setup and see if anything changes. this is a cheap way to see if it is a bedding problem. i don't think it is a lug problem, but i can't see or shoot the rifle from here. hope this helps.
James

I think it is probably bedding. I have a 308 that does the same thing, except the little groups do move based on the tightness of the screws. Mine is a tupperware Remington ADL stock, so I don't know how much good it would do to bed it, so I just live with it until I can replace the stock (it is about 3 down on the list). Try playing with screw tightness.

It is all just opinion.

If the shims don't tell you anything try tinkering with the action screws. Loosen one slightly shoot, then the other and shoot. I'm only talking 1/4 to 1/2 turn mind you!

How about letting the barrel cool, any difference?

Had a similar problem with my 7x64 on a hunt in 05. Turned out to be the swivel stud installed just before leaving was a hair too long. Contacted the floated barrel and adding the African heat I couldn't hit a thing till the stud was backed out.

It is a good idea to remove the front swivel stud at the range anyway to keep it from bumping into the rest.

Every time I get two groups, it is the rings, mounts, or action screws are loose.

I have to take the scope and rings off to check the mounts

Maybe the action is under stress when the guard screws are tightened down. Wrap your hand around the fore-end tip and the barrel while at the same time loosening off the front guard screw. You shouldn't be able to feel any movement between the tip and the barrel if all is well with the bedding.

Pete

There is a positive way to check your bedding.

Attach a dial indicator to the forearm with the stylus touching the barrel. Alternately loosen and tighten the action screws while observing the dial indicator. Ideal movement should be between .001 and .004, any more the bedding is off, any less something is stuck.

Glass bedding does not guarantee proper bedding. It is totaly dependant on the skill of the person who glassed it.