Need a new 28 Nosler (My Bergara Story)

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For example, the 150gr expansion tips would hit 8" low and 2" right at 200 yds and the 160gr ballistic tips would hit 12" low and 3" right. We are talking about a 4" group too at 200..... It's like the barrel was somehow destabilizing my projectiles, but I had no keyholes. Never run into this issue before.

Being that low at 200 sounds like a loose or faulty mounted component issue more than strictly a rifle issue. Like you lost zero between 100 and 200 somehow or you had an awful zero to start with. Whatever that issue is could likely play a part in the dismal precision as well.

To drop 8+ inches @ 200 from a 100 yard zero you'd need 2000ish FPS muzzle velocity. I really doubt that is the case.
 
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Arminho

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Being that low at 200 sounds like a loose or faulty mounted component issue more than strictly a rifle issue. Like you lost zero between 100 and 200 somehow or you had an awful zero to start with.

To drop 8+ inches @ 200 from a 100 yard zero you'd need 2000ish FPS muzzle velocity. I really doubt that is the case.
Yes this was the first thing that came to mind first time it started happening. But I ran through everything, and my Garmin consistently showed around 3170 for my handloaded 160s, 3180 for 150 expansions, and 3155 for 160 ballistics.... So I figured something was destabilizing that projectile, even though twist is enough.
 

z987k

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Yes this was the first thing that came to mind first time it started happening. But I ran through everything, and my Garmin consistently showed around 3170 for my handloaded 160s, 3180 for 150 expansions, and 3155 for 160 ballistics.... So I figured something was destabilizing that projectile, even though twist is enough.
Have you taken the whole thing apart, rings, action screws and put it back together with a torque wench on every screw/bolt.
 
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Arminho

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Have you taken the whole thing apart, rings, action screws and put it back together with a torque wench on every screw/bolt.

Absolutely. Multiple times. Even had my gunsmith do it as well.


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z987k

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You can probably get a pre-fit steel barrel this week for less than a whole new gun. Give you a chance to put a proper 1-8 twist rate on that 28 nosler to shoot the heavies and any length copper as well. (IMO Nosler screwed up on the SAAMI twist rate on 28nos)
 
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Arminho

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You can probably get a pre-fit steel barrel this week for less than a whole new gun. Give you a chance to put a proper 1-8 twist rate on that 28 nosler to shoot the heavies and any length copper as well. (IMO Nosler screwed up on the SAAMI twist rate on 28nos)
Yes it def would benefit from a 1:8 IMO. I never understood why Bergara wanted this 28 Nosler to be a 1:9.5". When I verified it, it was actually a 1:9". But still.... not what's stamped on the barrel
 

Taudisio

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Yes it def would benefit from a 1:8 IMO. I never understood why Bergara wanted this 28 Nosler to be a 1:9.5". When I verified it, it was actually a 1:9". But still.... not what's stamped on the barrel

Call him and tell your story. May be able to offer assistance.
 

z987k

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Yes it def would benefit from a 1:8 IMO. I never understood why Bergara wanted this 28 Nosler to be a 1:9.5". When I verified it, it was actually a 1:9". But still.... not what's stamped on the barrel
Most of the time rifle manufacturers go with what the saami twist rate for the cartridge is. In this case nosler spec'd 1:9, thus handicapping the round from the beginning.
Because of this, if it were me and I wanted a 28 cal magnum, I'd either go factory 7prc or a custom barrel 28nos with a proper twist rate and throat. I wouldn't personally consider a factory 28 nosler because nosler didn't set it up right for what it is supposed to be from the beginning IMO.

It's a relatively new thing for some manufacturers to make barrels twisted faster than spec'd and still somewhat rare. FWIW, the browning X-bolt in 28nos does come with an 8 twist barrel.

If I were you and I was 100% sure the barrel is the problem, I'd order a Mcgowen pre-fit this week when they go on sale. Probably be about $400.
 
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