I have a FN Mauser Venezuelan in 7x57. I recently replaced the extractor which. I took it to the range yesterday and shot some factory loads (PPU) anf some reloads I made. First shot was dead on. After that they went 2 inches right and 3 inches high. I adjusted the scope accordingly since I got a two shot group there. Next shot was 2 inch high and 3 inch left. I tried my reloads to see it there was any change, but same results. It's throwing them all around. I checked the scope and everything seems tight.
Is it possible this new extractor has change d something and is causing this? I wouldn't see how but aside from changing out scopes, I'm puzzled.
It's unlikely that the extractor had anything to do with your results. Is your rifle still a military example?
If not, what kind of stock does it have, and how was it bedded? These things MAY have some bearing.
MY thought is the scope, tho'. What kind and model is it?
What mounts does it use?
Can you bore sight it? Is it powerful enough to see where the group is landing? You might be able to point the scope toward the aiming point, then secure the rifle. Then...adjust the reticle to point at the group. THAT should get the rifle to "look" and shoot in the same spot.
What kind of groups does your rifle shoot with that ammo? 5-shot group in this case. Figure where the center of the group would be in relation to the aimpoint.
What is the bullet weight? What kind of barrel does it have? I've had pretty good luck with PPU ammo through the years, eventho' most of my ammo is handloaded.
Have fun,
Gene
It's a sporter that has the original military stock cut down, Drilled and tapped w/Weaver bases and rings. Scope is a 3x9x40 Bushnell. I used a bore sight to aline the scope before going out. Ammo was 129 gn factory. My reloads are 150 gn.
The barrel is the military and shows no pitting. I started at 50 yds just to see where it was shooting. I've since swapped scopes. Hopefully I can get to the range in a few days to she if that changes anything.
It's possible that the bedding may shift. A little later, you may end up rebedding it. Glass-bedding takes away the tendency to move around a bit, and when taking the rifle and stock apart and putting them back together, making sure they return to the same place.
The bore-sighting worked fine as you are on target. What I meant was...by pointing the barrel at the aimpoint, then, not moving the rifle, adjust the sights to align with the center of the group.
The factory barrel was manufactured to shoot 175-gr round-nose bullets that are seated quite a ways out. They are throated pretty long. Sometimes, they shoot the lighter bullets OK, sometimes, not so much. Your 150-grainers MAY be seated out to almost touch the leade, and may be more consistent. Usually you may put a LITTLE more powder in, than if you had a more conventional throat.
The 7x57 is an interesting cartridge to play with, as it has several variations. Mine, for instance is an M98 Mauser with a 20"barrel (after market with 1:10" twist) throated for Sierra 140-gr spitzers in a fiberglass Mannlicher-style stock with a butterknife handle.
Of course, when I use 160-gr or 175-gr bullets, they have to be shoved into the case quite a ways. I don't use them often. I visualize the gun as being a small woods-rifle, and it has a Weaver K2.5 with a 4moa Lee dot reticle.
I do believe, tho', that your rifle will stop shifting with the "new" scope. Let us know, I'd like to keep on the results.
Have fun,
Gene
Back at the dawn of time I was working on an Venezuelan FN. The bore was fair on its best day. I had discovered that the grove diameter on these and other military Mausers was larger than the .284 used here. The rifle shot well with some pulled military 7mm bullets but did not work well with .284 reloading bullets etc. Sorry, do not remember the diameter of these military bullets. This discrepancy first appeared with the arrival of Remington Rolling Block rifles. The explanation was that American Standards for 7x57 came relatively late and were not the same as standards for European 7x57. My suggestion is to make sure the ammunition is suitable for your rifle. Trying another scope will remove another variable. Could a long throat for 175gr. RN bullets could be aggravating the situation with 129gr. bullets?
At this point I won't rule anything out. I have some heavier Winchester factory loads either 175 or 172 gn. My intention had been to check the rifle with the PPU 129 gn, make sure it was shooting a decent group. Then adjust the scope to my reloads in 150 gn. Of course such has not been the case. I'll try loading some rounds longer and I may even have some 160 gn hiding someplace in my reload room. Thanks for the help and support guys, I'll let you know what happens!
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