Just recently I actually had my first experience with my barrel coming loose. I've done 11 barrel jobs and this is the 4th barrel on my current action. The result of the barrel coming loose first appear as my zero changing to 3" low. I re-zeroed and on day 1 of the South Eastern Region Precision Rifle Club Association of the finale I finished in 9th place for the day. On day 2 I dropped 25 places and couldn't hit the broadside of a barn. Way low and way inconsistent all day. I thought I had a scope issue (Vortex Gen II Razor HD 4.5-27x56). Turns out the barrel had finally come loose enough that it was 1. Drooping and shooting low 2. Loose enough to be in a different position for every shot creating inconsistency. I didn't figure it out till almost a month later when I grab the barrel and it spun on the action.
I would suggest a full reinstall on the barrel and nut. Re-headspace and re-torque. It will guarantee, you know if it's a barrel issue or scope issue. Especially if you moved the recoil lug while the barrel was attached.
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