my ar15 sucks

[pakk]

it's equipped with a dpms 16" bull upper and simmon classic 6.5-20x50 scope.

I'm getting about a 4" group at 100 yards. By far the worst grouping I've ever had with any rifle. I've tried several types of factory and loaded ammo. I have to believe that either something is wrong with this rifle and/or probably just a bad barrel. It's just hard for me to believe that a barrel can be this bad.

any idea before I start searching for a new upper?

[G-Man WC]

Bullet weight?
Barrel twist?

-g

[rero360]

Try checking to make sure the scope is secure in place first. Although, if thats not the problem then I say scrap the whole upper, along with the scope and mount and get something a bit better. DPMS and Simmon are not know for their quality, and likely the same for your mount given the above two. Not to sound like a jerk but if you want good groups you need good equipment.

And not to tack it on to the end of the paragraph, as it deserves its own train of thought, proper form and fundamentals are just, if not more so, important in shooting accurately.

[maddoggie13]

6.5x20 on an ar? Try another scope and check the mounts.

[Merc1138]

it's equipped with a dpms 16" bull upper and simmon classic 6.5-20x50 scope.

I'm getting about a 4" group at 100 yards. By far the worst grouping I've ever had with any rifle. I've tried several types of factory and loaded ammo. I have to believe that either something is wrong with this rifle and/or probably just a bad barrel. It's just hard for me to believe that a barrel can be this bad.

any idea before I start searching for a new upper?

So what ammo performed poorly? What was the best performing ammo and what group size was it? Do you actually understand the shooting fundamentals? Did you properly torque down the scope? Were you shooting from a rest, standing, or some other position?

[bcrich]

I would say your scope sucks! Swap it out with a quality scope and things should tighten up group wise. Maybe there are rifle issues too but try another one first to eliminate one problem at a time.

[donmopar]

Considering he said it is the worst group of any rifle he has shot. It is not the shooter. I would think it is the scope I would try some regular sights.

[Arkangel]

My guess would also be optics. That scope is either improperly mounted or the scope can't hold zero.

[EL_NinO619]

Cheap Chinese scopes = 4" groups.

By the way I have a good scope I am willing to part with, check out sig...

[pakk]

It's a 1-9 twist.

This is bench rested shooting.

I've shot everything I can find between 50grain and 70 grain. I've probably put about 350 rounds through it trying different ammo. I don't have a list of what that ammo was, but I've been more or less just trying to find something decent. Nothing comes close.

The mount is nothing spectacular. Everything is secured well.

As far as the scope holding zero, I previously had this scope mounted on my 22. It performed well on that rifle. Does it make sense that the increased recoil is affecting the scope from holding zero?

I do have other scopes to try out.

[mif_slim]

well a 22 recoil is about 1/10 of a .223 and imagine shooting it on a larger caliber.

Try a different scope first before anything else. or like said, try irons

[xoutxkastx]

Hello sorry to hear about the issues.

Are you using a bipod, sled, or bags when bench rest shooting?
What rings are you using and how much did you torque them?

[NewbieDave]

Bring your target back to 25 yds and zero to POA/POI. Assuming your scope is a 1/4" @ 100yds. Also assuming you know how to shoot and the upper is built correctly.

Shoot 3 rounds at center of target... then turn your turret RIGHT 32 clicks, shoot another 3 rds. Turn your turret UP 32 clicks, shoot 3 rds. Turn your turret LEFT 32 clicks, shoot 3 rds. Turn turret DOWN 32 clicks, shoot 3 rds. If your scope is zero in correctly and holding zero, shooting at 25 yards... you should have a pretty nice box with bullet holes at all 4 corners of the box you just outlined. If you are everywhere and without a clear outline of a box... junk the scope and/or mount. One of those items is not working right.

If you feel your scope is 100% working, put it on something more then a .22 and shoot the same pattern as above... if it comes back with good tracking, then it's your AR.


dpc

[Rangem4]

it's equipped with a dpms 16" bull upper and simmon classic 6.5-20x50 scope.

I'm getting about a 4" group at 100 yards. By far the worst grouping I've ever had with any rifle. I've tried several types of factory and loaded ammo. I have to believe that either something is wrong with this rifle and/or probably just a bad barrel. It's just hard for me to believe that a barrel can be this bad.

any idea before I start searching for a new upper?

I was under the impression that is about is good as it gets at 100 yards.. I do have a JP Enterprises cyrogenic, lead lapped 16" stainless with a Bennie Cooley comp. with a match grade bolt but that barrel kit cost about $650.
At 50 yards I can squeeze about 1 and 1/2 inch group.
These are military platform rifles right?
If you can hit a mans heart at 100 yards that is pretty good.
Someone correct me. Maybe I am full of crap, wouldn't be the first time, ask my wife.

[Shovel]

1 other option would be to have someone else try shooting the rifle too. I would definately try a different scope on it before trying a new upper.