Grouping after 7 to 8 shots

[Snow]

I have a 26 inch heavy barrelled Howa in 6.5 Creedmoor wearing a Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60 scope. On the bench I have got it holding 1/4 to 1/2 MOA inch groups at 200 meters. The load is a 140 grain Hornady ELDM sitting over 42 grains of AR2208 lit by a Federal 210m in a Nosler custom case. Projectile is seated 20 thou of the lands. The problem is shots wandering after 7 to 8 rounds which I suspect is from heat build up in the barrel despite stretching out the time between shots to the maximum allowed time.
Short of putting a straight bull barrel on it is there any tips or tricks anyone is willing to share that may help this rifle hold a 10 shot group together?

[sungazer]

Is it the factory Howa Barrel or another Aftermarket barrel? if so what is the profile?

[Mozzie]

Snow
Out of curiosity is this in a custom or factory stock, if custom is it bedded ? The factory stock seems very flexible in forend and if shooting of bipod or rest, let’s just say watching the stock under recoil it is not the most rigid. Do you have any photos.
Cheers
Mozzie

[AlanF]

I have a 26 inch heavy barrelled Howa in 6.5 Creedmoor wearing a Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60 scope. On the bench I have got it holding 1/4 to 1/2 MOA inch groups at 200 meters. The load is a 140 grain Hornady ELDM sitting over 42 grains of AR2208 lit by a Federal 210m in a Nosler custom case. Projectile is seated 20 thou of the lands. The problem is shots wandering after 7 to 8 rounds which I suspect is from heat build up in the barrel despite stretching out the time between shots to the maximum allowed time.
Short of putting a straight bull barrel on it is there any tips or tricks anyone is willing to share that may help this rifle hold a 10 shot group together?

Another possibility is that the barrel is fouling? The test is to see if it returns to good groups after leaving it to get cold again (without cleaning).

[BRETT B]

42 grains of AR2208 would seem RED HOT load to me !!

[Longranger]

42 grains of AR2208 would seem RED HOT load to me !!

About 6 grains over max in a Creedmoor

[willow]

42 grains of AR2208 would seem RED HOT load to me !!

About 6 grains over max in a Creedmoor

Yep, I wouldn't go near that load even with 2209.

[Mozzie]

Snow
I’d still like to see photos of your setup of the rifle if you have any ? Also photos of the target with grouping issues also ?

[macguru]

any extraction problems ??? are you sure you dont mean 2209 ?? any shrapnel ??

[Snow]

42 grains of AR2208 would seem RED HOT load to me !!

Sorry,,typo on my behalf,,using 2209.
The barrel is Howa's 26 inch varmint and the stock is a GRS. Action has been bedded and barrel is floated.
Will try letting it cool down then shoot another string.
thanks for all the replies

[disb]

GRS Beserk?
Plastic stock version?

[Trevor Rhodes]

l'm hearing the 6.5 creedmoor's are bad on coppering up.

[Snow]

GRS Beserk?
Plastic stock version?

I am not sure what they are made out of? Black 'plastic' like material?

[Snow]

l'm hearing the 6.5 creedmoor's are bad on coppering up.

Trevor I am not sure if it is the calibre or the barrel that is responsible but this one of mine coppers up pretty bad. Has fired approx 600 hundred rounds and been cleaned after every session but shows no sign of 'smoothing out'

[Snow]

Snow
I’d still like to see photos of your setup of the rifle if you have any ? Also photos of the target with grouping issues also ?

Hi Mozzie. Will take some photos as soon as I get some free time and post them here. Cheers for your help to, much appreciated.