I like to try my rifle out as I make changes to track which changes do what.
My experience has been that if the barrel is locked correctly into the reciever, the barrel on the 10/22 does not need to be free floated. My 10/22 Bull barrel wears a Hogue stock, and it is not free floated, and very accurate with the right ammunition.
Question on the scope. When you sighted the rifle in with the scope, did you find you had to adjust the scope either up or down a great deal?
Question on the targets. Are the bullets punching typical holes, or do you notice any keyholing?
I think it could be several things.
- It could be the ammunition (this is where I would look first). I have found that my 10/22 with Green Mountain barrel likes Federal Auto-Match ammunition. My rifle used to shoot really well with Reminton bulk ammunition, but Remington bulk ammunition has fallen off in recent years, that is what prompted me to switch to Federal Auto-Match.
- It could be that when the Class III dealer cut your barrel, he made a mistake with the crown.
- It could be that you do not have the stock on tight enough, or you have it on too tight.
- It could be that your barrel is not in the reciever exactly perfect.
- It could be your Shooters Ridge Barrel.