[cullen3402412]

Great, thanks for sharing all of your knowledge dog down. i was getting slightly discouraged! I also have a t3 in .243 that the wife uses and that thing factory with good loads is easy 5 group shots in a quarter @ 100yds. thats off the sled and cold bore first shot and a pause between. I couldnt let the wife out shoot me! all joking aside i really appreciate your help. i will give your suggestions a try and see what i come up with.

[cullen3402412]

thank you all for the help and suggestions. I am awaiting my recoil lug.To answer some of the questions:
Yes i cold shoot the first shot and normally wait a few minutes before shooting another. granted the barrel is still warm when shooting the second and third.
I shoot off a bench with a lead sled with 53 lbs of lead for my tests. (all that weight is a lifesaver after a long day) lol
Dog down, that is exactly what i'm getting. The heart shot is what i'm talking about.

[cullen3402412]

Thanks for the reply  Larkin. I did check to verify the barrel was free floating and it appears that it is. i do on the other hand have the stock recoil lug in  the rifle. I will give a stainless one a shot and see if that helps me. thanks again