I went out and shot my new model 11 308 savage today and every round that managed to hit the target was tumbling. what are the potential causes of this. It is not a new gun and I was shooting federal match grade 168 bt.

I know that if the bullet is to heavy for the rifleings it can cause a loss of accuracy but these things were all sideways.

what gives?

I went out and shot my new model 11 308 savage today and every round that managed to hit the target was tumbling. what are the potential causes of this. It is not a new gun and I was shooting federal match grade 168 bt.

I know that if the bullet is to heavy for the rifleings it can cause a loss of accuracy but these things were all sideways.

what gives?

way wrong twist rate would be my guess. i have no idea how a .308 would have a twist that wouldn't stabilize a 168 though:confused:

If the rifle has a 1-12 twist it should stabilize the 168.
Check the crown,see if it nicked,or off centered.

Just checked Savages web site,they show a 1-10,interesting.

So a 1 in 10 twist should be able to stabilize an even heavier round correct?

from everything I've read, 1 in 12 is recomended for up to 160-170 grain.

Well, I guess its going back to its last owner.

Any other thoughts?

You can check the twist yourself,all u need is a cleaning rod that is marked so you measure .
Would still recommend checking the crown on the barrel,it may buggered up.
If you know a good smith,just have him check it out before offing the rifle.
What ammo are you using? Factory,or handloads ?

I'm using factory match ammo. I just got the gun on trade for some ar15 stuff and I really don't even want to mess with it. I have always been leary of used rifles anyway.

I will check the crown and see if there is anything noteworthy. Thanks for your help,

Curtis

where are you located?

Cedar City, Utah

Check the chamber as well...If the throat is nicked or burred from cleaning rod abuse, it may nick the bullet and cause it to tumble as it exist the BBL...If I was you I would check every aspect of the chamber and BBL for any non-uniformities

shipping to 83338? :D:D

Of course, I would have it rebarreled and rechambered.

just for S and G's I would slug the barrel and make sure it is actually a 30 caliber barrel.

Then, as these guys' suggested, check the crown and twist rate.

might check the barrel for straightness.

I can't picture a reason other than the above mentioned that would cause the bullets not to stabilize and be throwing keyholes

Slug the barrel. Measure carefully.

My first weapon keyholed. It was a surplus 6.5 x 55 Sweede. I kept cleaning and cleaning and cleaning. The barrel stayed dark. Finally shot it again and found keyholes at 25 yds :mr-t: Your bore may be way way off.

Thanks for all the suggestions, but I untraded it back to the previous owner so he can deal with it. I wasn't looking for a project, just a hunting rifle.