When a reliable scope loses zero

[ckaz34]

My NF SHV with properly torqued/paint penned UM Tikka rings is 1.2 mil low after an elk hunt. Rifle screws are paint penned and torqued per rockslide recommendations. The rifle wasn’t dropped and there were no falls. It stayed in a case in the backseat of my truck when not hunting. It’s a massive change in zero. Could this just be a ring issue? I’ll remove, clean and install the rings/scope. I really hope a scope known to be the most reliable isn’t a lemon. Any other recommendations?

 

[Kyguy]

Nightforce IS NOT infallible. It's just probably the closest thing to it.... Though the new S2H scope looks very promising.

Double check everything, including your action screws. I run into more rifles with loose action screws when I'm at the range than most other issues.

 

[Walker6]

What’s the story on the ammo used before, during, and after the hunt?

 

[ckaz34]

What’s the story on the ammo used before, during, and after the hunt?

Same, same

 

[dårlig jeger]

How did it group when you shot and found out you were low?

 

[Walker6]

Same, same

If, by same/same you mean your hand loads with velocity verified, then ok. If you mean same brand of factory ammo, then look no farther.

Otherwise…suppressor/muzzle device screwed on tight? Action screws still tight? Any other signs of scope wierdness (reticle movement when you look through it and make zoom adjustments)? Parallax setting correct?

 

[Formidilosus]

My NF SHV with properly torqued/paint penned UM Tikka rings is 1.2 mil low after an elk hunt. Rifle screws are paint penned and torqued per rockslide recommendations. The rifle wasn’t dropped and there were no falls. It stayed in a case in the backseat of my truck when not hunting. It’s a massive change in zero. Could this just be a ring issue? I’ll remove, clean and install the rings/scope. I really hope a scope known to be the most reliable isn’t a lemon. Any other recommendations?

Is the action bedded?

What is the torque that you used in the ring base screws and ring caps.

What is the torque you used on the action screws?

Did you degrease all screws and screw holes?

 

[Macintosh]

Any other recommendations?

M

Thread 'Most efficient process to diagnose and fix problems with loss of zero or change in precision?'

May 29, 2024

This topic of troubleshooting a loss of zero or a gun that seems to suddenly be less precise than normal comes up so frequently that I'm surprised I haven't seen a dedicated thread on the topic. I am interested in what people's specific process and order of operations is for diagnosing a problem with a rifle holding zero or a change in accuracy or precision. By this I mean, in a situation where a gun that was zeroed suddenly and inexplicably starts putting shots off the zero (shots were dead-on, now it's low and left), or precision changed noticeably (groups were...

• Macintosh
• Replies: 23
• Forum: Firearms

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[ckaz34]

How did it group when you shot and found out you were low?

Still groups great

 

[Brandon_SPC]

My NF SHV with properly torqued/paint penned UM Tikka rings is 1.2 mil low after an elk hunt. Rifle screws are paint penned and torqued per rockslide recommendations. The rifle wasn’t dropped and there were no falls. It stayed in a case in the backseat of my truck when not hunting. It’s a massive change in zero. Could this just be a ring issue? I’ll remove, clean and install the rings/scope. I really hope a scope known to be the most reliable isn’t a lemon. Any other recommendations?

Is the ammunition factory or reloads? I've had Hornady factory ammo cause a "perceived" zero loss before.
Is the stock bedded?
Does the stock have any contact with the barrel up to the barrel shank?

 

[ckaz34]

Is the action bedded?

What is the torque that you used in the ring base screws and ring caps.

What is the torque you used on the action screws?

Did you degrease all screws and screw holes?

1. Not bedded
2. 55/25
3. 55 I think
4. Yes, but no for the holes

 

[ckaz34]

Is the ammunition factory or reloads? I've had Hornady factory ammo cause a "perceived" zero loss before.
Is the stock bedded?
Does the stock have any contact with the barrel up to the barrel shank?

Reloads from a reloading friend (same batch of 100 rounds)
No contact

 

[Brandon_SPC]

Reloads from a reloading friend (same batch of 100 rounds)
No contact

Aside from the rifle not being bedded, I would just call NF and ask them. It's after season, see if they can look at it.

 

[DangerRanger]

Does it group well 1.2 mild low?

 

[DangerRanger]

Does it group well 1.2 mild low?

 

[Formidilosus]

1. Not bedded

Bed it.

2. 55/25

55lbs on base screws is good, 32in-lbs on the ring screws.

3. 55 I think

Go to 60-65in-lbs.

4. Yes, but no for the holes

Do that.

 

[ckaz34]

Bed it.




55lbs on base screws is good, 32in-lbs on the ring screws.




Go to 60-65in-lbs.





Do that.

Will do. Thanks. I just need to research bedding a rifle. I’m sure its not difficult.

 

[ckaz34]

Or maybe I can pick up a stock at the expo later this week.

 

[BLJ]

I would just call NF and ask them. It's after season, see if they can look at it.

I’d agree with this.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Will do. Thanks. I just need to research bedding a rifle. I’m sure its not difficult.

Thread 'How I Modify My Tikka Factory Stocks'

Aug 10, 2023

This is the start to finish process I use on my tikka factory stocks to help them have a consistent POI and improve shootability. None of this is completely new information, but there are a few unique things I do, and this is a consolidation post.

This is stuff that I'm capable of doing to my personal possessions - if you try this and mess up your own stuff, that is on you. Step 1 is basically fool proof, even if you quit halfway through the stock will still function. The rest of the steps, once you start, your stock will not function until the step is finished.

Step 1: Free Float
Step...

• ResearchinStuff
• Replies: 75
• Forum: Firearms

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