Here are some things you can do to make sure your getting all of the accuracy your rifle is capable of.
- Most rifles don't get broken in properly when new but it can still be done at any point. Clean your bore down to steel removing all traces of fouling. Shoot a group and repeat. I would recommend the use of an ammonia based copper solvent and an abrasive cleaner like JB Bore Paste. What this will accomplish is polishing out small imperfections in the bore leaving it less prone to foul and cause inaccuracy.
- Inspect your crown for damage. Most hunting rifles will end up bouncing around in a truck with the muzzle in the floor board and end up with a ding in the crown. This will rob you of accuracy.
- Free float the barrel and bed the action. A lot of factory stocks will rub on the barrel or contact the barrel under different shooting situations causing a change in the harmonics of the barrel or just flat out bending it.
- Have a Gunsmith tune your trigger. A factory trigger with creep and a 7 pound pull is difficult to break with out changing your point of aim. A trigger job will often show improvement on paper and you'll realize your a better shot than you thought you were.
- If you have a heavy recoiling rifle a muzzle break and good recoil pad will ease flinch and lessen the probability that imperfections in your rifle will become apparent on paper.
- Remember that accuracy is achieved through consistency. Consistency in every aspect of shooting from ammunition to trigger squeeze is necessary not optional.
- Handloaded ammunition fitted to your chamber can make outstanding improvements in your rifles accuracy.
- Talk to your local Gunsmith about what you can do to improve your rifle or methods. This is the best way to find out if your expectations are reasonable based on your equipment and get pointed in the right direction.
