New Howa 1500 not repeating accuracy

[Jackal1966]

My Son just bought a Howa 1500 the American flag edition ( black and white).
It came with a Nikko Sterling scope.
We got it sighted in pretty close, but it doesn't repeat, and we have tried several different types of factory ammo, and loaded a few handloads.
It will sometimes put 2 bullets thru the same hole, and then proceed to scatter a 4" grouping at 100 yards.
We tried shooting with the bipod, then went to rolled up bath towels.
We even removed the muzzle brake to see if that helped.
I'm wanting to take the rifle out of it's chassis, and see what it looks like ( maybe some chips in there from machining).
My next thought is to change out the scope to a different one.
Anything else I should try or check out?
Thanks,
Jack

[Dave Hoback]

Hey Jack, I’m sure there are other members who have vastly more “hands on” Howa experience than myself. However, accuracy (or rather inaccuracy), problems generally follow many of the same modus operandi.

For starters, has this been with only one type off ammunition or have you already tried several brands, types, etc.? What you mentioned about removing from the chassis: Yes.. that is a good idea definitely! In addition, I encourage people with new or used rifles to always loosen & remove the the scope & rings, check the base screws & retorque everything to proper specs themselves! But yes, check the chassis for flashing material or extra material at the seems in the bedding.

Honestly, the kind of inconsistencies you are getting sounds like scope and/or mounting problems. So that’s precisely where I’d start.

[Jackal1966]

Dave, we tried about 6 different brands of ammo, different grain, etc
About an hour ago we took a scope off of another rifle that we know is good, and it scattered shots , also.

[Robinhood]

Is the action tight in the chassis? Is the base tight to the action? Have you tried 175 grain match ammo. Take your phone and video the trigger pull and see if there is any jerking or hard trigger squeeze going on.

[Blue Avenger]

is it the same shots that are touching? first and second? second and third?
is this a light weight barrel?
time between shots?

[Dave Hoback]

Are you getting same results without the brake? Did you already separate the action & stock then check for any extra material as you had mentioned? And as both I & Robin pointed out, make certain the Action screws are torqued.