Ammo Sensitivity: Finding the Right Match
Testing Ammunition
One of the most common culprits behind accuracy woes in the Ruger Precision Rimfire is ammunition sensitivity. Rimfire rifles, in general, are often more finicky than their centerfire counterparts when it comes to ammo. Different brands, bullet weights, and even batches within the same brand can produce drastically different results on the target. This is due to the relatively low pressures involved in rimfire ammunition, which can make it more susceptible to variations in bullet consistency, powder burn rates, and overall cartridge dimensions.
The first step in addressing accuracy problems, therefore, involves a thorough ammunition test. You’ll want to acquire a selection of different ammunition types. Start with a variety of reputable brands, such as CCI, Eley, Lapua, SK, and Federal, to name a few. Choose ammunition with different bullet weights, typically ranging from 36-grain to 40-grain. Conduct your testing systematically.
Begin by setting up a target at a consistent distance, ideally 50 yards or 100 yards for the best evaluation. Ensure the rifle is properly supported, using a stable rest like sandbags or a shooting bench. Fire a five-shot group with each type of ammunition. Carefully measure the group size for each ammo type, recording the measurements accurately. Note the point of impact for each group. The smaller the group size, the better the ammunition is performing in your specific rifle.
Once you identify ammunition that shows promise, consider testing multiple boxes of that same type. Occasionally, there can be variations between different production runs of the same ammunition. If a particular ammo consistently produces tight groups, consider it a good match for your rifle and make it your primary ammunition choice. Using a chronograph to measure the velocity of your ammunition can also provide useful insights. Consistent velocities often translate into tighter groups.
Barrel Issues: Examining the Heart of Your Rifle
Barrel Quality and Inspection
The barrel is undeniably the heart of your rifle’s accuracy. Any imperfection or inconsistency within the barrel can severely impact the bullet’s flight path. Several factors related to the barrel itself might be contributing to the accuracy issues you’re experiencing with your Ruger Precision Rimfire.
The quality of the barrel is paramount. While the RPR offers great value, the manufacturing tolerances of the barrel may not be as tight as those found in more expensive, custom rifles. Small variations in the rifling, chamber dimensions, or overall bore quality can affect accuracy. However, even a high-quality barrel can suffer from issues.
Crown and Cleaning
Inspect the barrel crown, which is the area where the bullet exits the muzzle. A damaged or uneven crown can cause the bullet to wobble slightly as it leaves the barrel, leading to erratic shots. Examine the crown carefully for any dents, dings, or imperfections. If the crown is damaged, it might require professional recrowning by a gunsmith.
Proper barrel cleaning and break-in procedures also play a critical role. Before firing your RPR, clean the barrel thoroughly to remove any manufacturing residue. As you shoot, carbon and lead fouling will accumulate in the barrel, which can also negatively affect accuracy. It’s important to clean the barrel regularly, following a consistent cleaning routine. Use a quality rimfire-specific cleaning kit, including a cleaning rod, bore brush, and patches. Consider a break-in procedure. Some shooters prefer to break in a new barrel through a systematic process of firing a few shots, cleaning the barrel, and repeating this cycle. This helps to smooth out any microscopic imperfections within the bore.
Should you experience persistent accuracy problems despite thorough ammo testing and proper maintenance, consider the possibility of a barrel issue. If you suspect a problem with the barrel, consulting a gunsmith for inspection and potentially replacement or modification is recommended.
Scope and Mounting: The Optical Connection
Scope Selection
A high-quality scope is useless if it’s not properly mounted. The scope is a vital component of any precision shooting setup, providing the necessary magnification and aiming point to accurately engage targets at a distance. The way you mount your scope can drastically impact its performance, and, by extension, your rifle’s accuracy.
Start by choosing a scope that is well-suited for the types of shooting you intend to do. Consider the magnification range, objective lens size, and reticle type that best match your needs. Spend some time considering the scope’s features before making a purchase.
Mounting Techniques
The scope rings and bases are crucial. Ensure that you select high-quality rings and a base compatible with your RPR’s Picatinny rail. Inexpensive or poorly made rings can flex or shift under recoil, causing your point of impact to change. Torque your scope rings and base screws to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, using a torque wrench to ensure accuracy.
Carefully align the scope with the bore of the rifle. If the scope is not aligned properly, you might run out of elevation or windage adjustment, making it difficult or impossible to zero your rifle. You can check alignment by looking through the bore and ensuring that the reticle aligns with the center of the barrel.
Use a bubble level or a leveling kit to ensure that the scope is level with the rifle. An unlevel scope can introduce vertical or horizontal errors, affecting your accuracy at longer ranges.
Trigger Issues: The Control Point
Factory Trigger Evaluation
The trigger mechanism plays a pivotal role in accuracy. A crisp, clean, and predictable trigger pull allows you to squeeze the trigger smoothly without disturbing the rifle. A trigger with excessive creep, a heavy pull weight, or unpredictable behavior can lead to inconsistent shot placement.
Assess the feel of your factory trigger. Does it feel heavy? Is there a lot of creep before the trigger breaks? If you are dissatisfied, consider upgrading to an aftermarket trigger. Several companies offer replacement triggers for the Ruger Precision Rimfire, often providing a lighter pull weight, shorter travel, and a more crisp break. Trigger upgrades are usually fairly straightforward to install, although some may benefit from professional gunsmithing.
Trigger Practice
Regardless of whether you choose a factory trigger or an upgrade, you will need to practice consistently. A smooth trigger squeeze, without any jerking or anticipation, is essential for accurate shooting.
Shooter Error and Technique: The Human Factor
Proper Shooting Form
Ultimately, even the best rifle and scope combination cannot compensate for poor shooting technique. Several factors related to the shooter can significantly impact accuracy.
Proper shooting form is essential. This includes the way you hold the rifle, your stance, your breathing, and your trigger control. Ensure that you are positioned comfortably and consistently behind the rifle. If you’re shooting from a bench, make sure your body is aligned correctly with the target. If you are using a standing position, adopt a stable and comfortable stance.
Breathing and Control
Practice controlled breathing. Breathe naturally, take a breath, and exhale about halfway. Hold your breath gently as you squeeze the trigger. Avoid jerking the trigger. Apply a smooth, consistent pressure until the shot breaks.
Dry Fire and Environment
Practice dry firing. Dry firing allows you to practice your trigger control without the distraction of recoil. Dry fire often to improve your technique.
Consider the environment. Wind, temperature, and even the light conditions can affect accuracy. Learn to read the wind and make adjustments to your aiming point.
Action Issues: Stability and Fit
The action of the Ruger Precision Rimfire needs to be stable to achieve optimal accuracy. Ensure all screws on the action are tightened to their proper specifications.
Bedding the action can improve accuracy. Bedding involves using a material to fill the gaps between the action and the stock, providing a more consistent and stable platform. This helps to reduce the stresses that can affect accuracy.
Other Factors and Considerations
Environmental Conditions
Wind, temperature, and other environmental factors can play a significant role in your accuracy. Wind, in particular, can drift bullets significantly, especially at longer ranges. Learn how to read the wind and make the necessary adjustments to your aiming point. Temperature can affect bullet velocity and the performance of your ammunition.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Adhere to a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to keep your rifle operating at peak performance. Clean the bore after each shooting session or as needed, paying attention to removing any fouling from the barrel. Inspect the rifle for wear and tear, making sure to check screws, bolts, and other parts.
By meticulously addressing these areas, you’ll have a much better chance of diagnosing and resolving those frustrating Ruger Precision Rimfire accuracy problems and unlocking your rifle’s full potential. This detailed process can take time, testing, and patience, but the rewards of tighter groups and more consistent shooting will be well worth the effort.
Real-World Examples and Case Studies (Illustrative)
Consider the experience of a shooting enthusiast, named John, who was struggling to achieve consistent groups with his new RPR. After trying different ammunition brands and bullet weights, he discovered that a particular brand of ammunition consistently produced the best results. John’s next step was to upgrade his trigger, resulting in a much cleaner trigger pull. After these modifications, John was able to achieve the desired results and improved accuracy.
Another case involved a shooter, Mary, who was frustrated with her rifle’s inability to hold zero. After investigating, she found that her scope rings were not properly torqued. She tightened her rings and made sure all screws were in place. Mary was now able to consistently maintain a tighter group.
These examples highlight that troubleshooting accuracy problems is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. It often requires a combination of different approaches, careful observation, and a willingness to experiment to get to the root of the problem.
Conclusion
Improving the accuracy of your Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle is an attainable goal, but it requires a systematic approach. By carefully addressing ammunition selection, barrel condition, scope mounting, trigger performance, shooting technique, and the rifle’s mechanical integrity, you can significantly improve your rifle’s performance. Remember that patience and persistence are key. Document your findings, make incremental adjustments, and analyze the results. There is no single magic bullet. The path to accuracy improvement is often a journey of learning and refinement.
Call to Action
We encourage you to experiment with these solutions, and we welcome you to share your experiences and insights in the comments section. What specific techniques and tricks have you utilized to improve the accuracy of your Ruger Precision Rimfire? Share your success stories. By collaborating and learning from one another, we can all improve our shooting skills and achieve greater enjoyment from this excellent rimfire rifle. Remember to consult with experienced shooters or gunsmiths if you are experiencing issues. Always prioritize safety.
