On the Mauser .308 that I put together, I've gotten Black Hills ammo to group well, and some reloads also group well. But the first shot from a cold barrel is always 3" higher than the center of the group that follows.

I have a similar thing with some other rifles, though they tend to be thin-barreled (and the Mauser's got a heavy sporter). Folks have suggested a pressure pad near the fore-end tip.

Is there a cure? What causes the first shot high? Synthetic stock that's free-floated. All screws are tight. Stock's not been epoxy bedded yet.

Thanks,

Steve

You might try dry patching the barrel before you start to get the oil out. This helps on my Ruger #1.
Pete

make a quick trip to the range or somewhere suitible and just let a shot off, then get in your vehicle and continue to your hunting grounds and start hunting. problem solved?

I know benchrest shooters have the same problem. Just to see if fouling helps,rather than a clean barrel. Next time to the range,shoot your gun put it away,and don,t clean it. Then see if it does it again. Your not the first one with this experience with a cold barrel. van

You did not mention if the first shot was from a cold clean or a cold dirty barrel.
It is very common for the first shot from a cold clean barrel to be different. That is why I always hunt with a dirty gun.

Besides the first shot is really the one that matters the most anyway.
Good luck.
Joe

Aim 3" low on the first shot.

I coat my barrel with Lock-Eaze, it sure helps with the cold/clean bore flyers.

Brian

Sounds like you may have a bedding problem.

I agree with Gunmaker. It is very likely there is a bedding problem.

If you have a synthetic stock and it has not been properly glass bedded then it is almost certain.

You can check by attaching a dial indicator to the fore end with the stylus touching the barrel. Alternately loosen and tighten the action screws. If there is more than .003 inch deflection, the bedding is not correct. If there is zero deflection, something is stuck and that is poor bedding also.

Thanks all. I'll glass bed it, and see if it tightens up. I'll have to look into the lock-eaze, too. Hadn't heard of it before.

The gun would print high even with a dirty (but cold) barrel.

Thanks again,

Steve

quote:

Originally posted by ElCaballero:
Aim 3" low on the first shot.

This respone made me laugh but it is such a perfect solution. It really is as simple as he said.

Yeah, I laughed too.

Make sure the guard screws have clearance after the bedding job. Also check to make sure the mag box is NOT tight to the bottom of the receiver before you bed it. After glass scrape the bottom, sides and front of the recoil lug in the stock.

I implied,but should have stated in my reply,if there isthis diffference then there is a bedding problem. van