M1A4ME--This rifle, a combination of things, I think, since I started seeing some improvements by making some changes. The Mueller scope I had was not good for me and my eyes, so going to the Vortex helped, even with less magnification. Redoing the bedding job seemed to help a little. Just getting some trigger time helped.
But the biggest improvement came when I got rid of the carbon ring just downstream of the chamber. In other words, deep cleaning. That took care of the first round flyers after each magazine reload. Then, with the other changes, I was able to identify .22 ammo that seemed to shoot better than the Norma I shoot in the Kadet. But I could never have identified the good ammo until the other issues were eliminated. That is the key--getting it good enough so that I could find a good ammo.
So, now the remaining issue is consistency, and that IS affected by the bore finish and chamber/leade area machining. One day, the gun it good for 1 moa, on another 2 moa. I am not sure why, but pretty sure it has to do with inconsistency of powder residue buildup not only at the chamber, but on down the barrel. I don't know how often to clean it or what to use. I THINK a deep clean after every range trip is best--that is, VFG pellets, Kroil, and JB Bore Paste but I pretty much quit on it when the CZ arrived.
The CZ seems to be consistent from day to day, at least so far. That may change after another 1000 rounds, I don't know. What I do know is that the chamber and leade area is very smooth with no rough edges or gouges, and that should help the consistency. We'll see.
My Savage .308 heavy barrel is fantastic, with the Federal Gold Medal Match 175 Sierra Match King ammo. No complaint here. But the action and barrel are in an XLR chassis and it has a Bushnell DMR (?) scope on it that cost more than the rifle. I only shoot it in New Mexico at the 500 meter range any more. It is always a good shooter, always.
Joe
