Originally Posted by GaCop
I'm relieved to say the scope was the problem. Swapped the Vortex for a Mueller of known consistent performance and groups immediately closed up to under MOA at 100 yards. I tried 36.8 grains of RE-17 with a 140 gr A-Max, 140 Nosler Match BTHP and a 140 SMK. So far, the A-Max is shooting the tightest at .633". The Nosler had one flyer on the last shot ruining a nice.640" group (I think I got overly excited that the barrel was finally performing) opening the group to 1.013". The SMK grouped .698" with four in .545". No bragging groups but at least it's starting to perform with first try loads. The barrel now has 112 rounds fired through it. Looks like I'll need to test the 120s again.