Henry H001 (.22LR) Groupings

[Zaphod]

I've had my little Henry H001 for well over a year now and have put a few hundred rounds through it. It runs really smoothly and feels good in the hand so no complaints there. I've been shooting .22LR rounds exclusively.

However, I struggle to get really tight (2MOA groups usually, sometimes a bit tighter) at 50 yards, and the spread at 84 yards (the longest my indoor range can go) is as much as 4". The rifle is scoped with a cheap 4X scope that provides adequate clarity. It's zeroed in just fine (on average )

I know part of the issue is me - I'm having a hard time getting a good, solid bench rest position so I'm moving a bit more than I should be. I think my trigger pull is pretty smooth and consistent, though. And some of the shots just seem to be hitting nowhere near where I know my sight was looking.

I have used CCI standard velocity ("Target") and high velocity ("Competition") rounds and they group similarly - pretty consistent - although their ballistics are a little different. The other day I tried some Federal "Target" rounds and, holy crap, there were flyers everywhere.

Next I'll be trying some various brands of competition-grade ammo to see if I can identify something the rifle really likes.

BTW I clean the barrel well after each range outing.

Anyone else having similar experiences?

Thanks!
--Tom

[JEBar]

sounds like you've thought things thought out and have come up with a reasonable plan of action .... the best recommendation I can make is to try and eliminate one variable at a time .... first, I'd recommend double and triple checking your equipment for things like a loose scope mount .... second, acknowledging you are having a hard time getting a good, solid bench rest position and are moving a bit more than you should be, that's what I'd work on next .... at that point, trying different brands of ammo comes in .... I'd recommend shortening your shooting distance to one where you can easily master and only after doing so, start moving back to longer distances

looking forward to following you progress

[Ojaileveraction]

Before you invest in any more ammunition to try get a steady rest set up.
Having to rearrange yourself for every shot is self defeating.
Indoor range lighting can also be a bug-a-boo for sighting in.

[Zaphod]

Thanks, guys.

JE Bar, I learned with my large bore rifles to always check the scope mounting but it's easy to forget, so thanks for mentioning it.

Ojaileveraction, part of the issue with a lever action (or maybe it's my positioning?) is that I have to reset my position with each shot. I have to raise up to cock the gun and settle back down. At my range I am seated at a bench and use a front rest that is adjustable for height. Any suggestions?

I agree about eliminating one variable at a time. I believe I'll stick with CCI standard for now and work on me.

[Yornoc3]

Because you have to reset each time (single shots require that, as well), parallax within the scope could be a factor. If you can be perfectly centered behind the scope for each shot, it shouldn't matter much, but that's hard to do. A good rimfire scope corrected for 50 yards might make a difference. Good luck with figuring it all out, that's half the fun .

[North Country Gal]

I agree on trying a better scope. Not necessarily more magnification, but one with better optics and a fine enough reticle for shooting small groups at that distance.

Are you using a rear bag or only a front bag? If only a front bag, going with a front and rear bag can help. I've also found that lever guns can be sensitive as to where you rest them up front. Most of the time resting the gun just in front of the lever, instead of out on the forearm, has given me the best accuracy.

[Zaphod]

Right, my cheapie scope reticle is just a bit thick, and likely subject to some parallax error. If I'm going to upgrade I may go with a tic more magnification, like 6X. I'll sample some at the range shop.

Good suggestion on using a rear rest bag. Also on changing up the front rest point. I've been resting the rifle at the very front of the front grip, right behind the ring. You'd think that thick octagonal barrel would be pretty much immune to its own weight, but you never know!

Lots of good stuff to work with, y'all - thanks.

[Ojaileveraction]

I have raised my front rest high enough to use the lever without hindrance and I put my rear bag on a sandbag to match.
To do this I had to turn my front rest backwards so the lever would clear.
I tried to set it up as close to benchrest style as possible.
The back of the forearm on the front rest and squeezing the rear bag with my left hand to make micro adjustments to the aim.

. I have to raise up to cock the gun and settle back down. At my range I am seated at a bench and use a front rest that is adjustable for height. Any suggestions?

[JEBar]

I've also found that lever guns can be sensitive as to where you rest them up front. Most of the time resting the gun just in front of the lever, instead of out on the forearm, has given me the best accuracy.

fascinating .... I haven't noticed that ... with a second rear bag, I usually rest the rifle some where near the middle of the forearm .... without a second bag I usually rest the rifle a bit further back

[Zaphod]

I have raised my front rest high enough to use the lever without hindrance and I put my rear bag on a sandbag to match.
To do this I had to turn my front rest backwards so the lever would clear.
I tried to set it up as close to benchrest style as possible.
The back of the forearm on the front rest and squeezing the rear bag with my left hand to make micro adjustments to the aim.

Excellent, thanks! I'll try that next time out.