Weatherby Vanguard Issues

[Darren_8167]

Hello fellow shooters. I have a Weatherby Vanguard chambered in .270 Winchester that I won at a CDA Dinner. This is my first Weatherby that I have owned. I am generally happy with the fit and finish but I have never been able to get it to group better than 1.5”. I am not new to reloading and all of my bolt action rifles shoot at or under 1” with hand loads or the riffle finds a new home. My nephew really likes this rifle so it was going to be a gift for him after I work up a few loads for him.

I have tried H4831, H4831SC, H4350, IMR4350, A4350, Hunter, Big Game and Superformance. I have paired those with bullets between 120gr -145gr.

I have changed out well known scopes that I know hold zero. I degrease and wipe all components down with alcohol before using a torque wrench for assembly.

I worked up two more test loads and went out to shoot today. Low70s, 2-5 mph headwind. Perfect shooting conditions.

First group is just over 2”. On my 2nd shot of 5 for group#2, I had a case split. I have never had this happen before. This is 1x fired Hornady brass.

I know the grouping has nothing to do with the case splitting. But am I missing something here? Any advice would be appreciated.

And the rest of the case is stuck in the chamber. Is it time to take this to a smith, or is there an easy way to remove the stuck case? Thanks in advance to all of you.

 

[EastTX Jess]

Have you checked the torque on the action screws? Assuming it is in a Weatherby polymer stock, that setup uses a pressure point in the barrel channel as opposed to being free floated. When not torqued properly, they are known to not group as well. Some people get the torque right and achieve good groups. Others remove the pressure point and fully float the barrel. As for the split case removal (and cause), I’m no help.

 

[Cahunter805]

That other case looks like it’s about to split in the same exact spot also. Could be a chamber issue or a sizing issue.

If you’re not having luck I would do as suggested and free float the stock and then test again. Checking the action screw torque as well.

I would also contact Weatherby and see what they recommend.