My Winchester 94 in .357 mag. produces poor groups, even at short range. Any suggestions - ammo, etc.?

Question

This is the short barrel 94 AE model.

Answer 1

Wow, that's too bad. First, try an assortment of ammo from different brands and different projectiles, jacketed and not. Shoot from a bench rest or bags to make it's fair and that the Shooter is taken out of the equasion and change targets with each differnt ammo.

After you are done, then score each and see what works best. You can also see patterns develop. For example, I have a Dan Wesson revolver that shoots great with lead wadcutters but jhp fly all over the place.

I may get some thumbs down for this comment, but I've never thought much of the Winchester lever gun accuracy, so your comments don't surprise me.

Next step is to start loading yourself, keeping very good records of your loads and results.

Answer 2

The .30-30 will have the edge every time. The .30-30 is a rifle round. The .357 Magnum is a revolver round. The Model 94 Winchester is only available in .30-30 or .44 Magnum. It is the 1892 that is available in revolver rounds only like the .357 and also the .44 Magnum. The 1892 action is weaker as it is intended for handgun rounds only. The 1894 is stronger and is intended for rifle rounds and the .44 Magnum. I've owned both the 1892 .44 Mag and the 1894 .44 Mag. The .357 Magnum is okay but extremely short range, say around 75 or 80 yards. H

Answer 3

This problem can be caused by many problem.
I would suggest the following.
On your next test, fire from the prone position or off of shooting sticks or off a secure bench with a shooting rest.
This is essential to rule out as much human error as possible.
Never test a weapons accuracy from a standing or off hand position.
( links are attached to help in shooting positions and skills)

Next not all weapons like the same ammo, try different brands and even different bullet weights.
Test several to see which your weapon likes the best.

If you are using a scope check to make sure it has not worked loose as they can do,
If the problem persist then change out scopes, because scopes can be broken easily and result in the same problem.

Remember the basic rules to shooting , squeeze the trigger (don’t jerk it ), don’t breath while shooting ( take in a breath and exhale ½ and hold the rest while shooting), don’t anticipate the shot (let it surprise you) and final don’t rush the shot take your time.

Shooting positions and skill aides links.
http://homestudy.ihea.com/shootingskills/05prone.htm

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/homestudy/firearms/rpositions.phtml

http://www.huntingmag.com/big_game/dirty_dozen/


I hope this was of some help.

D58


Hunting with Rifle, Pistol, Muzzle loader and Bow for over 3 decades.
Reloading Rifle, Pistol and shotgun for over 3 decades.

Answer 4

First check the screws and make sure everything's down tight. If you haven't done so recently, a really good cleaning is in order. Next review your shooting technique. Then, if your'e still using the original rear sight, replace it with a decent aperture sight. Then it's time to try different loads. If you handload, your chamber may have extra freebore, and loading to an OAL your carbine likes (usually about .015" short of the lands) may make a difference. At that point, though, it'll be trial and error.

Answer 5

First things first; clean it thoroughly. Then find a kindred spirit to go with you and have them fire several groups from cold to hot for a comparison. Try various brands and types of ammo; some thundersticks have individual preferences. Write down your results so you don't have to keep reinventing the wheel.

Answer 6

The first thing to check, and it's quick and free to do, is the muzzle crown. Little irregularities there can make a rifle shoot patterns instead of groups. If you aren't sure what you are looking for, ask someone who is familiar with this to check it. If this is the problem, recrowning is almost 100% guaranteed to improve things.

Answer 7

What are "poor groups"? And how much have you practiced with your lever-action? Have you done a lot of shooting off the bench? Have you used a rest (sandbags or other device)? Are you using 158gr SJSP .357Mag ammo?

Answer 8

how steady is your arm, and How quick are pulling the triger. The slowerr I am The better My grouping. And I'm pretty good

Answer 9

The first thing you need to do is to ask someone else (a decent shot) to try it. If they can produce decent accuracy out of it, it's you that's the prob and you need more practice. If they can't, it's probably the rifle....and you need to get it looked at pretty quick!

Answer 10

If you are shooting from a sandbagged bench rest then the problem is in the gun*. Use lock tight on your hardware*...