[Chris C]

I'm just sick. I was changing stocks on my 10-22 and the barrel got knocked off the bench.........and hit the concrete on the muzzle. After reinstalling the barrel/receiver assembly, my groups went from what had previously been 1/2" at 100' to 3" at the same distance. Have I totally ruined my barrel, or can a gunsmith re-crown or set the crown back to regain the accuracy? I sure don't expect I'll be putting many squirrels in the pot with a 3" group.

 

[Chris C]

Thanks Guys, I feel better knowing I won't have to be out a couple hundred bucks for a new barrel. Always wanted a bull barrel, but my new stock won't accept one. I just purchased a new Strikeforce tactical stock from ATI. The wife needs a butt-stock of 10" and I need one of 13".............so the adjustable stock is great. I appreciate all the suggestions............and thank you Woodstock for letting me know Brownells offers a lapping tool for the .22.............I'll order one right now.

 

[Chris C]

Well, I've been all over Brownell's site after making my last post and I can't find a .22cal muzzle lapping tool. I find a lot of tapered lappers for .22, but not straight. I'm wanting something that re-establishes the "round" of the barrel at the muzzle, aren't I?

 

[Chris C]

There's no visible damage, Woodstock. The barrel hit the concrete at an angle. My thought (since the accuracy is so much worse now) is that the end of the barrel is microscopically out of round. My assumption is the lapping tool is inserted into the barrel at the muzzle to lap it round. Am I incorrect?

Oh and my apologies..........didn't realize that was a link.

 

[Chris C]

It's so nice to make contact with experienced individuals..........unlike myself! Thanks, Woodstock. I just ordered the lapping tool you suggested. I've got lapping compound from 120..........all the way up to 800. That ought to be fine enough, shouldn't it?

 

[Chris C]

Yeah, I know about the "too fast" thing. I'll get it done and let you know what the results are. Thanks again for your help.

 

[Chris C]

I've got a list of things I'm doing to the 10-22. Each time I do a step that's supposed to increase accuracy, I shoot 5 shots from a rest and record data. Each thing I've done has made a 1/8" improvement in accuracy. The last thing I did was to purchase a torque screw-driver and torque the take-down bolt to 20 in/lbs.........and it also was an improvement. I have yet to bed the receiver and (against the recommendations of some) run some Final Finish ammo through it.

The old stock was the laminated Mauser style factory stock from Ruger. I don't honestly know if the barrel was floated. On this new stock it is.

 

[Chris C]

Update: Recrowned the barrel and gained about an 1/8" at 75 feet. But off a rest at that distance should give more consistent groups than I'm getting. Next step is to bed the receiver.

 

[Chris C]

Thanks, Yoteman. I was told the torque on the take-down screw was 20 pounds. I'll try torquing to 30 and see if that makes a difference. Don't have a bull barrel. Presently have the receiver and barrel in an ATI Strikeforce stock. I don't particularly like tactical stocks, but my wife's LOP is 10 inches and mine is 13 plus. The Strikeforce allows both of us to comfortably shoot the 10-22. I'm sure it's not the ideal "accuracy" stock....but will have to do. I'm just trying to set the rifle up to be as accurate as possible. Bedding material is already on order, so I'll wait and try it. I've already replaced the hammer and that was monumental as far as trigger pull goes.......but certainly made no difference in accuracy...........except maybe for my own finger movement with the older setup. For right now, I'm not using anything special in the way of ammo. I'm shooting Winchester 37 grain hollow-points. Thanks for your tips and suggestions.

 

[Chris C]

Will do.............thanks.