Change in point of impact affected by weather

[hotrod3h]

I recently had my 204 sighted in for upcoming trip to Texas. It was sighted dead on for 100 yds. Now when I sighted it in the weather had to be at least in the 50's. Today I shot it was 28 degrees snowing but no wind. Shot 6 shots and 5 made one big hole problem is was 1 inch low and half inch left. Don't know what else could be but the weather. Moved the scope and the next 3 were in the black. Going to shoot when I arrive in Texas just to make sure but was wondering your thoughts.

 

[OldTurtle]

Altitude, Humidity, and Temperature can all play a part in accuracy and groups.

Also if your shooting reloads, the temperature can affect them as well as some powders are more temperature sensitive than others.

It's always a good idea to check your point of impact when you are shooting in a different location to what you are used to experiencing.

 

[TwoDogs]

I am having the same problem with my 204. It is a remington SPSV and I have narrowed it down to the cheap plastic stock. I have seen the point of impact change from last summer, re-sighted in the fall only to need to do it again when it got cold (below zero).

I hadn't done anything with the rifle at that point so I took the rifle apart and ground off the pads at the end of the barrel channel that the use to create an upward force on the barrel. When I re-assembled the rifle and looked at it a couple days later, the stock had warped to one side so was now in contact in the front of the barrel channel again. This is moving with every change in temperature.

I have several hunting rifles with Bell and Carlson stocks that have never shifted impact regardless of conditions. This stock is not at all as high quality as those.

I attempted to order a new stock from Boyds last night but they are 10-12 weeks out. Today, I am attempting to shim the action towards the center of the barrel channel since I am out of town on a business trip.


Good luck

Kevin