I missed EVERYTHING from 100 to 300 yards. Snagged one at 335 yards and one at 575 yards on the third shot.
Yeah, the wind was blowing, it would sprinkle a touch here and there...but I never miss THAT many PD's.
Well, thinking that I should make a run for one of my favorite spots on the 4th of July early in the morning, I decided to take both of the newly built 223 AI's to the range to check the rifles AND me. (side note - my normal 223 AI that I shoot is one row back in the safe, the Burris scope is getting a canted reticle fixed).
So, I set up the target at 100, stood up all the metal targets at 300 yards (even a couple bowling pins), and set the Caldwell rest/sandbags on the concrete bench. Grabbed 50 to fireform rounds and 50 AI rounds that had a good load with GOOD bullets in them (52 gr HPBT's, 50 gr Nosler BT's, and some 55 gr SP's).
Sat down at the bench, dialed the power to 20x on the old Bushnell Sportview (don't laugh, this is a good one - Japan glass made by Bausch & Lomb). Noticed that the eyepiece seemed loose. ...not a little and definitely noticeable. I looked through the scope while moving the eyepiece up/down and all around...yep..the eyepiece was LOOSE on the tube. After examining the situation, I figured, what the heck, remove the set screw for the magnification ring and slid it forward on the tube. TA DA! Yep...three small #1 phillips screws hold the eyepiece on the tube. After they were tightened some groups were shot. Hmmm....now I know why I missed everything under the wind, rain, and sun last Friday morning.
On to 223 AI #2. Sat down at the bench after swabbing AI #1 bore to let it soak while the barrel was warm.
Shot five rounds, made a couple adjustments in elevation. Settled in for the next five round string. Hmm...yep...need to go a couple clicks right. WHOA....that was TWO clicks...not two inches. Ok...shoot again....another 1 1/2" further......WHAT THE...yep...the one piece was was loose on the receiver. I have NEVER had a one piece picatinny base loosen up....well...it was now.
So, all is good now....sometimes, it can be frustrating.
PS....I do have one scope in my arsenal that will kick anybody's skill level....but that is another story!!!