rifle or scope? zeroing problem

[1s1k52]

about 7 months ago I bought a Ruger American 30/06 same day had a nikon buckmaster mounted and boresighted (supposedly) by cabelas. It went in the case and only left it 4 times to show people never banged around etc.

Last week took it to the range to sight it in and with a large target and even larger cardboard backing and didnt touch it. I sent 3 down at 100 yard NO SIGN. sent 3 more again no sign. I held low the next three and grouped 3 1 inch or less groups about 14 inches left but dead on center. We moved it up to 25 yards and I grouped 3 1/2 inch groups 9 inches above the X made what we thought were the correct adjustments shot 3 more groups about 4 inches from x. made even MORE adjustments and zero at 25 yards. moved backed out to hundred and made even more dramatic adjustments to get it 1.5 inches to the right of X. Seeing as how at this point I was almost out of 2 complete boxes of ammo I made sure it was still "on" and put it in the case.

At the time we assumed cabellas just didn't bore sight it. After MISSING a doe at 80 yards Saturday morning we decided to see what was up. 3 shots at 80 yards. First was 8 inches high 2 inches right. Second not on paper AT ALL. Third 9 inches low 4 inches left. Before anyone assumes I can't shoot know that same "re sighting" session I punched the X right out second shot with a 6.8 AR and had pretty much same results with a Ruger M77 .270 which the next morning I took 2 does with clean shots right through the heart.

I have been looking for 2 hours online trying to find any issues related to this gun or scope or combination and really only come up with pleased people. Gun was cleaned etc taken care of all rounds were 180g Winchester bonded, Federal Fusion and Remington core lokts. I have never seen a gun be so off. I have a daisy .22 that barely has a pulse that shoots better then this. Where should I start without emptying even more money into pricey hunting ammo.

[Sidro]

Had the same problem with this rifle. Check your base mounts and rings (loose screws)to see if that is the problem, it was on the one I sighted in. If they are good most likely the crosshairs are floating.

[1s1k52]

Had the same problem with this rifle. Check your base mounts and rings (loose screws)to see if that is the problem, it was on the one I sighted in. If they are good most likely the crosshairs are floating.

Thanks sounds like a good place to start. Did you use a laser bore sighter on yours? I am thinking about picking one up.

[packa45]

I would say loose mounts or floating crosshairs

[Sidro]

Laser, but just to get it on paper as none are close enough for accurate shooting. Still needs to be put on paper and adjusted to point of aim.

[Carry-a-Kimber]

Your base, mount, or rings are likely the culprit. I would remove the scope and start from scratch remounting and locktite the whole shebang. One mounted, remove the bolt and bore sight the rifle at about 25 yards. I always use my back door's window pains for this. Just center the intersection of four pains in the bore and (without moving the rifle) adjust your scope until the cross hairs cover the pain's frame. I hope that makes sense. You don't have to use a window pain, you can use any fixed point. I find that the window pain helps align the cross hairs and also helps to level them when I install a scope.

[The Annoyed Man]

Boresighting ≠ zeroing......not even close. Your first mistake was trying to zero at 100 yards for the first time out. Even with a boresighting, you should shoot no further than 25-50 yards to "get on paper" before going out to 100 yards. This is SOP on most ranges I've ever been on for a rifle not previously zeroed. These principles have held true for every single rifle I've ever owned. Anyone who gets on paper at 100 yards the first time out is extraordinarily lucky.

[puma guy]

I have to agree with TAM on protocol for sighting in after collimating. My shooting range rules require using the 25 yd for initial sighting in. I would check the action bolt to be sure it's not loose, then the scope base and rings screws. You might check the barrel crown for damage and square. I assume you've checked the barrel for any fouling. Good luck and congratulations on the two does.

[v-rog]

If you try all of the above and are still having no luck, it could be a defective nikon scope. I had a buckmaster for a while and it didn't track well. I sold it and bought a Leupold- problem fixed.

[1s1k52]

Thanks for all the replies I really hope it is not the scope because I like the clarity of it. I am
Seeing shooting benches from 30-250.00 anyone got one they recommend? I busted a sandbag and only have 2 left they are old and my just retire them. I never seem to shoot at the same place so want something to keep in my trunk

[johncanfield]

I have a 3-9x Nikon Buckmaster on my Ruger Hawkeye (.270 Win) and it has been a great performer for me.

[PBratton]

If it does trurn out to be the scope, box it up and return it to Nikon. They will fix it.

[1s1k52]

thanks for all the replies. I need to get a decent vice/shooting bench for the rest of my guns so after I pick up one i am taking the scope off and starting fresh.