Nikon Buckmaster Problem

[RAMOS]

Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40, Dednutz one piece base/rings, Savage Model 12 FLV. Has held zero and been <.5" @ 100 yds. for almost two years. No load changes, never dropped. Shot fine on Saturday, would not group on Sunday. Five shot groups @ 100 yds. average 4 inches! Have a friend with same scope on Savage LRPV (both guns are .204 Ruger) he lost all accuracy at about the 2 year mark. Sent it in and did not shoot any better when returned. He replaced it with a Zeiss, not an option on my budget. Nothing loose on my stock, base or rings. Any others have experience with Nikon Buckmasters? Probably should have posted this under re-loading for more exposure. Did not because the pet load (32 gr. v-max, 29.5 gr. Varget, Federal 205M, Win. brass W/ full prep., 2.280 COAL) has been working so well.

[Jim White]

Have you sent yours in? If not, take it to the range and try a box test or, you can put a dot or piece of paper on the wall, mount the gun in a cradle twist the knobs and see if there is any response.

About a year ago my Nikon 6.5-20x50 went south and they just replaced it with the new model.

HTH,

[RAMOS]

Scope is still mounted. I will do as suggested. It is strange though, during original sight-in, I just walked it right into the ten ring with factory ammo. Started re-loading it when I had enough brass and adjusted for that. Never had an accuracy issue until now.

[Jim White]

Make sure you do a QA check of the action scope bases and ring screws.

HTH,

[RowdyYates]

I have that scope. Ran it a year on a .204 with no problems. Now going on 3 years with just an eyepiece focus ring that I have to screw back out everytime the lense covers come off. I like the quality feel and the glass of these scopes; don't care for the "tunnel vision" and have noticed what seems like a lot being sold as reconditioned. Would probably pop for a Monarch if could do over. I haven't noticed any expanding groups with the Hornet the BM's on now, but am getting the occasional head-scratching flyer; never attributed that to a scope problem, but maybe...

[Jim White]

I have a Buckmaster 4.5-14x40 but mine has AO instead of side focus. I've thru each one and to be honest, I prefer the AO version because it doesn't have the tunnel vision of the newer ones. The newer ones are clearer though but thats OK for me because I only use mine for sage rats.

If the scope is bad though all I can say is Nikon was good to me with replacing mine under warranty.

Jim

[RAMOS]

Well, I pulled the Nikon off and mounted Leupold 3-9x40 vx-II that I bought in 1981. Not a scope problem. The only other change is that I started neck trimming. Wonder if I went too far? Will load some older brass that has not been trimmed for thickness and see what I get.

[Captqc]

Ramos, did you try factory ammo? Gary

[RAMOS]

Don't have any factory ammo but, have loaded 10 rounds using old brass that shot so well before. Hve to wait until Saturday to be home during day-light hours.