Factory .223 Encore stringing shots from 7 o'clock to 1 o'clock.
Lower group 50gr handload. Upper group 62gr Russian golden bear.
Time for a Bellm 1x hinge pin? Other ideas?

Something's loose...

That's why I'm going to try the 1x hinge pin first.

Sell, it's an Encore

Steelhead, what's wrong with an Encore?

Larger hinge pin and keep the bags under the frame should help.

I suppose the bases and rings are not loose at all?

Bases are torqued to 35 in/lbs.
Rings are torqued to 15 in/lbs.
I'm thinking the hing pin is the culprit although I would have expected a more open pattern, not the stringing.

I can't say that inconsistent lockup is the culprit or not, but it should be considered. I have shot a number of groups that were 1/2 an inch wide and 2 to 3 inches tall with a 20 BR that was built by Virgin Valley Custom Gun.

You have several issues working against you with a break-open action (Contender or Encore) - first is the lockup, I was simply closing the action and the results were the vertical stringing. Snap the action closed and I got consistent groups in the 1/2 to 3/4 inch range. Second, every time you reload the rifle you pull it out of the bags and then reposition it CLOSE to where it was before.

Long story short, snap the action closed and pay close attention to positioning the rifle in the bags or if a bipod is used to preload the bipod the same way for each shot.

Craig

Craig,
I'll give that a try. I can see where that makes sense.
John

I would advise a 1X hinge pin. Also a washer between the forearm and barrel where the screws go into the barrel. If that doesn't help read up on mike Belm's website on how to check the headapace. I've owned four different encores and have been able to get them all to shoot half inch groups.

Washers in place. Hinge pins in order.
Disappointing considering the 25-06 Encore I had shot .75" grips with no work.

What manufacturer is the 223 from?

Factory. Not a Bergara, Bulberry, or MGM.

Mine shot good with 45gr, 50gr, and 55gr ammo. I ditched the 1/12 twist when I started wanting to shoot heavier stuff.

I have a scope that has been through the wringer when it comes to recoil and apparently only the elevation adjustment has given up it's lockdown zero.. I don't know that this is yours condition but I have to frequently adjust elevation et scopes turret. food for thought.

The scope is a possibility. But the two groups were nearly identical. I'll try another scope while waiting on the hinge pin. That is my usual practice unless it's a proven scope. I had one on this barrel that I tested with, but it was a fine crosshair that I couldn't see well.

My 30-06 did this. I changed to the 1x pin, then put a stronger locking lug spring and hammer spring in from Bellm. Went from 3" groups to less than 1" with the same load. I actually had to cut a couple of coils from the factory locking spring and put this in before the one from Mike. Mad the spring really stiff, but it really helped. Trigger got better too from the hammer spring. Now I trust the gun to hunt with. I really like the way it fits me too.