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As an update...I was finally able to get my groups down to sub MOA. Part of it was definitely the ammo, but I think I also needed to just get more rounds through this particular rifle.

I did "shoot the box" as was suggested by TAM, and got nice results. This was after I got shots placed in the middle of the target.

Got a deer with this rifle a few weeks ago...right through the lungs where I aimed.

Wow thanks for all that info...learned a lot. Will let you know how it pans out

The Annoyed Man wrote:
1. Exactly what model of Leupold scope are you using?

2. How far apart were the two groups, center to center?

3. How many clicks on each of the adjuster knobs did it take to move the second group that far from the first?

Also, one last thing to consider......are you using the scope cranked all the way up to full magnification, and what power of magnification is that? (I'm thinking of parallax errors here....)

1. Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 with the duplex reticle and 1/4 moa finger click adjusters
2. The two groups center to center were about 3 or 4"...both 1.5-2" from bulls eye.
3. I dont remember for sure, but about 10-15
4. Full magnification yes, shooting off a tripod

Will probably do some shooting this weekend...I will try to tap the scope between adjustments and try the over adjust and come back down trick.

So was able to try the rifle out with the new Leupold scope today shooting Federal Gold Medal 168 Grain Match BTHP. I was finally getting some decent groups...anywhere from .45" to .85" at 100 yards depending on the shooter.

Now another issue. The groups were decent, but it was shooting a little high and left. We would adjust the windage, but it didnt really seem to make much of a difference, despite pretty drastic changes. Then all of a sudden it would be shooting low and right. It never seemed to settle where we wanted it despite having tight groups between scope adjustments.

Could this be another issue (sticking turrets?), with a now different scope, or do I just need to put more rounds through the rifle? Overall, it will be fine for the hunting I will be doing this season, but I know this rifle is capable of more.

The Annoyed Man wrote:What are you shooting by way of ammo? Different loads will perform differently.

What bullet weights? This matters greatly, and is closely tied to the next question.

What barrel twist? If the twist rate isn't right for the bullet weight you're shooting, you're going to get bad results.

What caliber? (The SPS Tactical is available in .223 and .308) The Remington website says that the .223 version is a 1:9 twist and the .308 version is a 1:12 twist. For purposes of accuracy, in the .223 Remington, 1:9 limits you to 69 grain bullets and under, with 55-62 grain probably (but not necessarily) being optimum. In the .308 Winchester, 1:12 limits you to bullets in the 150-168 grain range. Here's the thing: The Remington website information isn't always accurate. MY 700, a 26" heavy barreled varmint rifle in .308 I bought back in 2007, was supposed to be 1:12 according to the website. However, the printed catalog said it was 1:10. That is a significant difference, and it will greatly affect accuracy dependent upon bullet weight. I contacted the factory and gave them the serial# of the gun and explained the information contradiction. They got back to me to say that 1:10 was correct; and shooting 175 grain Matchkings has born that out, doing significantly better than 168 grain Matchkings.

Until you can answer those questions, it would be difficult for anybody to give you any kind of valuable input. And after those variables have been sorted out, only then will addressing optics and shooter technique be worth any effort.

Please note: if yours is .223, DO NOT fire any ammo labelled "5.56 NATO" or "5.56x45mm" in it, as .223 Remington chamber/leade specs will not safely accommodate 5.56 ammo.

I will get this info later today, but it is a .308 and I think all rounds were 150

Would ammo cause not only that spread but also inconsistency? Some were high, some low. Some left some right

Sidro wrote:Is this a new scope ? Sounds like crosshairs are floated. Typical occurrence with the pattern you are seeing and all screws being tight.

Yes new red field scope that I then upgraded to a leupold vx2. Haven't tried the leupold yet

New 700 sps tactical, trying to zero and was getting horrible grouping. Every now and then would get 2 shots right on top of each other, then another flyer on the other side of the target. Multiple experienced shooters with same results. Checked screws and all were fine. I swapped to a new scope but haven't had a chance to try out yet.

Is there anything else I should check?