How to Cure Vertical Stringing — Wisdom From Speedy Gonzalez

June 16th 2022How to Cure Vertical Stringing — Wisdom From Speedy GonzalezHow To Reduce Vertical In Your Shot Groups
Vertical stringing is a problem that precision shooters will encounter sooner or later. Vertical stringing can be caused by ammo inconsistencies and other factors. Accordingly, it’s important that you analyze your gun handling and bench set-up systematically.EDITOR: Folks, READ THIS ARTICLE! You WILL benefit. These are some very important insights. You will learn how to properly set up your gun and how to check for technical issues. This will save you time at your range and help you save money on expensive powder and bullets. Speedy Gonzalez, a Hall of Fame benchrest shooter, explains how to fix mechanical and gun-handling issues that can cause vertical spread in your groups. Speedy’s article focuses on the human and hardware factors that can lead to vertical. Speedy Gonzalez, a noted shooter, gunsmith, and member of The Benchrest Hall of Fame offers these pearls of wisdom that will help you eliminate vertical from your shot strings. Vertical can be caused by many gun-handling errors and gear issues. As you work to improve your groups, try to focus on one item at a given time.
o Front Rest Wobble — If the top portion of the front rest is not tightened, you will become vertical. Many rests can move even when they are tightened as hard as possible. Unexpected shots can result from this. To get the right setup, you may need to test different rear bags. If the front bag grips the forearm too tightly, it could cause the rifle to feel stuck. Sandbag Fill — Too hard front sandbags can cause vertical movement. I have never seen a rifle that shoots consistently with a hard front sandbag. It can cause vertical or other unexplained shots. You can also get horizontal stringing if your bag is not on-axis. If it doesn’t work, fix it or get rid. Wind flags require our full attention. GUN HANDLING AND BENCH TECHNIQUE
Be consistent — It is possible to get vertical without putting your shoulder against the stock for every shot. You can get stuck if you put your shoulder against the stock. You should be relaxed and maintain your position after each shot. This is a common error. This is a common mistake. We aim, pull the trigger, don’t worry about wind flags, and just aim. The 5th shot in the above photo was the highest. This could be due to fatigue or a lack of concentration. You can bet that your 5th shot is out most of the times.
o Find the Sweet Spot — Loads that are too heavy or too light can cause vertical problems. Vertical should drop if you have the load tuned correctly. You can reduce the vertical by as little as 0.1 grain. If your load is not getting vertical, you might consider switching to another brand of primers. Remove any carbon from the primer pockets to ensure that primers sit uniformly every time. Bullets with J4 Jackets (like Bergers), and Lapua Scenar bullets are more susceptible to jacket scratching and tearing than Sierra bullets. I have seen cases sized incorrectly due to dirt/crud in their shell holders. Condensation can often fall from your loading area’s roof. You can get in trouble if even a drop of water gets inside a case. You are in trouble if even a drop of water gets into a case.
o Barrel weight — Many rifles are muzzle-heavy. Some rifles have too heavy barrels, which can cause vertical, especially when shooting free-recoil. The gun will tip forward, basically. You can trim or flute the barrel or add weight to the rear if you are able. This will not happen if the rifle is properly built. Clay Spencer refers to this as “recoil balance”, and he uses dual scales (front-rear) to ensure that the rifle recoils properly.o Firing pin — There are many firing-pin problems that can cause vertical. Vertical problems can be caused by a firing-pin spring that is too weak or too strong. This can cause vertical problems. Poor ignition can also be caused by a firing pin not being correctly seated in the bolt (in its cocked position). Take the bolt from the rifle and inspect the firing pin hole. If the firing pin is visible in the hole, it is likely that the bolt has fallen out of the rifle. Vertical can be caused by a firing pin that is dragging in bolts or shrouds. Pay attention to the sound you hear when you dry fire. If you don’t hear the exact same sound every shot, it could be a problem with your trigger sear. If you have an unloaded gun, hold the trigger in firing mode and push down with your thumb on the sear. Vertical problems can be caused by a difficult trigger pull. Vertical problems can result from this. There are many ways to stiffen stocks but sometimes replacement is the best option.
o Lock Rings — I have seen nine lock rings on scopes this year that are not tight. What does that do to your group? This will cause point of aim movement. This can cause aim movement.o Windage bases — If you have a conventional-style single-dovetail with rear windage adjustment make sure both windage screws are tight. This can cause both vertical and windage issues, as the windage tension holds the rear ring down.
Basic Wind-Reading Rule — If you don’t know how to read wind flags and are not very experienced, it is best to shoot with the entire field of flags. You will be a better benchrest shooter if you don’t fear the wind. This is because wind skills can make you stand out from other shooters with the same equipment. You must practice reading the wind in challenging conditions. You may see the same windspeed indicators but angle changes can make a huge difference in your groups. This will allow you to be aware of any changes since your last group, and will prepare you mentally for the new conditions.
Ensure Your Barrel is Clean — Most hunting rifle barrels are not cleaned properly. It will be easier for you to shoot better if your barrel is clean. After every 10 to 12 shots, clean the barrel thoroughly. Wipe-Out is an option if you are lazy. If your rifle is inconsistent after cleaning, you can shoot one fouling shot before you go hunting or shooting for group. Take your time when testing loads for your hunting rifle. You cannot reproduce any content without prior written permission.