T/C Guns

7-26-24 Update at bottom!

I need guidance on my SSK-50.  This is what I have:  SSK-50 with an SSK .223, 14”, 7 twist barrel and a Crimson Trace Brushline Pro scope.

I figured some 60 gr Vmax bullets would work out okay, but I was wrong.  I also had on hand some 40 gr Vmax as well as 50 gr Vmax, but they didn’t work out either.  I didn't expect the 40 and 50's to work out really well, but I had them in stock and decided to try them out. I picked up some 75 gr Hornady BTHP Match bullets and tried these, again with poor results.

I did my testing from the rest below.  It’s works very well with my bolt action pistols.  I also tried my Sinclair rest and had the same results.

I’ve only had one good group and I haven’t been able to repeat it or even get close to it. My other groups with all of the aforementioned bullets are grouping around 3” (+-). All bullets grouped about the same. The first shot was right at point of aim. The next 2 shots could be anywhere.

Here is my shooting procedure that I’ve always followed and have had good results with.

I shoot 3 fouling shots from a clean barrel and then shoot for groups.  After I complete my test with one bullet and powder, the barrel is cooled down, cleaned and I repeat the process with the next bullet.  I’ve been using Accurate 2230 powder and Varget.  The Varget was noticeably better with the 75 gr bullets.

The rail was checked and it is secured to the barrel.  The rings are secure on the rail as well as the scope.

My next plan is adding a muzzle brake and changing out the Crimson Trace scope to my Nightforce SHV.  I had been planning on the muzzle brake anyway and figured this was a good time to add it. I’m changing out the scope to see if there is an issue with the Crimson Trace.

So, I’m at a loss here.  Any suggestions are welcomed.  I know shooting an SSK-50 is a little different that a bolt action pistol, but I should be doing better than a 3” (+-) groups.

7-23-24 Update! - I've been looking over this very carefully to see if I could see anything that could be causing an issue. Look at the photo below and you will see a "rub marks" from the frame to the barrel. There is another one same size, same place on the right side. Looking closely at the receiver there are no marks any where to be found.

With the barrel attached, I measured the gap on the left side between the barrel and frame where the rubbing is noticeable. A .004 feeler gage will easily insert all the way towards the rear portion where the arrow shows the marks stopping. This gap is not straight, but tappers from around from the back which is .004 towards the front which is .016.

Checking the right side of the barrel, a .004 feeler gage will not insert. The .004 is the smallest feeler gage I have.

Is this normal. Looking at a bunch of photos on line, I see some with markings in the same place as I have where some do not have it.

7-26-24 Update!

Alls well in SSK-50 land. Headed back to the range today after taking off the Crimson Trace and adding my Nightforce on. Using the same ammo that I've been using I was able to shoot the group shown below. After shooting this group I was able to repeat or get very close to it 4 additional times. This was shot with 60 gr VMax and 2230 powder.

I do have some 75 gr Hornady BTHP Match that I'll shoot again at a later date. I only had the 60's with me today.

I called Crimson Trace while at the range and told them the issue I had experienced. I sent them several photos from the range and after a little more discussion, they will be sending me a new scope.

Now that the SSK is shooting so well, I may leave the Nightforce on.