Leupold VX6-HD gen 2 - Return to Zero

[TheSpaniard]

I’ve read a lot on here regarding tracking/RTZ on gen 1 scopes. The gen 2 VX6 line supposedly has beefed up internals from the Mark series, so I was hoping the tracking issues were corrected. Maybe they were, and there maybe a problem with my setup.

Mounted the new VX6 gen 2 on a Browning XBolt 2 7PRC. It was zeroed at 100 yds and has been excellent holding zero. I’ve been very satisfied after 50 rounds. That is, until I did a quick dial test. The scope tracked correctly as I dialed up in 5 MOA increments. The problem came in when I returned to zero at the zero-stop lock. Sensing there was a problem, I did several more controlled tests after sighting in at 100 yds each time. The results were repeated each time I did the test.

On the left is the gen 2 mounted on the 7PRC. The right is a gen 1 VX-5HD mounted on my reliable 7mm-08. The numbers represent the order of shots in each string:



Before I make a call to Leupold, I am looking for input to rule out scope mounting issues. I have both scopes mounted with Burris Signature Zee rings on a one piece rail, torqued to specs. I do plan on swapping the scopes on the two rifles when I have time to rule this out. Pics of the gen 2 mounted on the 7 PRC:








Any ideas before I start a repair claim?

 

[112Savage]

So, it got stuck 10MOA high? I don’t think I understand

 

[ResearchinStuff]

The top cap for your front ring doesn't look right. Seems uneven gap front to back and something sticking out the back at the top of the tube. Those rings are also less robust than id use. Even still, it's probably the scope.

 

[TheSpaniard]

So, it got stuck 10MOA high? I don’t think I understand

Tracked well up to 5, 10, and 15 MOA (shots 3,4, and 5). After shot 5, return to zero and hits 10 MOA high (shots 6 and 7) when it should be back at zero like the scope/rifle on the right side tracked.

 

[TheSpaniard]

something sticking out the back at the top of the tube

That would be in the inserts that come with the Burris Signature rings.

 

[SloppyJ]

This wont fix your problem but it will make my OCD feel a bit better.... pop that rail off and put the hacksaw to it so it's even with the front of your action.

 

[Pickettpuncher]

Get rid of those rings and get something that has some grip. I had a scope slip in them on a smokeless muzzleloader a few years ago.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

That would be in the inserts that come with the Burris Signature rings.

I have multiple pairs of the xtr signature rings, they also have inserts. On mine, nothing sticks out anywhere and they hold zero perfectly. Something looks off with yours.

 

[TheSpaniard]

I’ll need to remount the scope for sure. This rifle has been holding zero fine as long as it is not dialed up and back down.

The other rifle with the gen 1 on it has the same rings and returning to zero fine.

Could it be a warped rail possibly? I’ll know for sure once I find the time to swap scopes.

 

[Kyguy]

So you have the 7mm-08 intentionally zeroed low and right at 100 yds? That's what it looks like to me.

Have you fired 10 or 20 shot groups with the rifle? Just curious. If not, any of those 100 yds shots look like they could be part of a larger round count group.

The PRC also looks like it's tracking off to the right as you go up.

I think you need to shoot more groups with more than 3 rounds to get correct data.

If you're shooting Hornady factory ammo, there's lots of stories with consistency issues in the 7mm PRC ammo.

 

[Libtard McSocalist]

I don’t see anything blatantly wrong with your mourning set up but I don’t trust those Burris rings at all but then again I don’t trust the vx5 and 6 line either. In nightforce I trust.

 

[TheSpaniard]

So you have the 7mm-08 intentionally zeroed low and right at 100 yds? That's what it looks like to me.

I was shooting with a bipod. For some reason my shots always go a bit low and right with that rifle. If I plan to use the bipod for hunting, I re-zero.

If you're shooting Hornady factory ammo, there's lots of stories with consistency issues in the 7mm PRC ammo.

I found that out the hardway. Chrono SD’s were rediculous. Switched to Federal real quick.

 

[TheSpaniard]

I am definitely going to take the advice here and try new rings first. Any recommendations appreciated.

What I don’t understand is that the same results shown were repeated. In other words, when the gen 2 didn’t return to zero, I re-zeroed it again and repeated the test. It tracked up satisfactorily again in 5 MOA increments up to 15 MOA, and then on RTZ, got hung up on 10 MOA. The setup has held zero prior to this testing, but dials weren’t touched.

So the type of rings could effect the erector internals when dialing?

 

[DTOM83]

Looks like your scope is contacting the rail?

 

[TheSpaniard]

Looks like your scope is contacting the rail?

Angle of pics are a bit misleading. There’s a bit more than 1/8” clearance over the front of the rail.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

I am definitely going to take the advice here and try new rings first. Any recommendations appreciated.

What I don’t understand is that the same results shown were repeated. In other words, when the gen 2 didn’t return to zero, I re-zeroed it again and repeated the test. It tracked up satisfactorily again in 5 MOA increments up to 15 MOA, and then on RTZ, got hung up on 10 MOA. The setup has held zero prior to this testing, but dials weren’t touched.

So the type of rings could effect the erector internals when dialing?

I already told you the scope is probably the problem. You're selectively reading responses.

 

[TheSpaniard]

I already told you the scope is probably the problem. You're selectively reading responses.

No, I am being selective. As in my original post, I am wanting to be sure the problem is not on my end before I send it back to Leupold. Sort of why I am focusing on setup/mounting issues.

It probably is the scope, but I do want to rule everything else out before I send it in and wait a couple of months for it to be fixed.

 

[BreechFace]

Don’t mount your front ring that close to the angle of the bell. One should always have an 1/8” gap minimum of flat scope body (30mm) between the ring and where it starts to angle for the front bell objective. This can cause problems.

What are your torque specs on your rings?

Check for scope slippage in the rings.

Did you cycle the elevation and wind age a few times to full stops to check/burnish the erector, something I do with scopes.

 

[SloppyJ]

NF ultralight rings have been my go to for a while now. Other than that, ive had good luck with one set of Hawkins and Warne Mountain techs.. Ive had the ARC rings slip as well as a host of others.

Chop your rail, bed it, degrease your new rings and hardware and reinstall. Youre likely pissing in the wind with that scope though. Whenever you come to that conclusion at least you'll be ready to swap it out into new hardware that will work.