Swarovski Z6i not holding zero

[RockSlinger404]

Good day AH members,

Have any of you had issues with a Z6i not holding zero? The specific model is the 1,7-10x42 on a CZ550 in 375 H&H. After 3 groups of 5 shots, the point of impact moves up by 4cm and 1cm right.

I have tried Alaska Arms rings and weren't happy with them, I then switched to Leopold rings. I have made sure that the rings are properly torqued (both at the top and where it attaches to the base of the action). The recoil lug of the ring is also snug against the front of the cut-out in the action. I'm confident that the scope is not moving, I draw light pencil lines on the sides of the rings for reference marks. The barrel has been free floated, I've checked this again after my last range session while the barrel was still hot. The action has been bedded and the action screws are properly torqued.

The last variable is the scope, which is my reason for asking. I don't have a spare 30mm scope lying around and would prefer not to send it back to Austria under the warranty.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Inline6]

Do you have a known good scope? Take on off another rifle, it will be okay. It is better to know and remove all doubt, you will sleep better at night and it will only cost you a little ammo.

That is my first thought.

Okay now let me ask the question, does the first bullet impact your original zero with the first shot? Then as you shoot (barrel heats up) the bullets walk up like you are describing? I have had barrels walk as they heat up. This would not be anything out of left field, that's why I am curious if the first shot (the most important shot) hits the mark.

Next thought would be how long are you waiting between shots? Is the round chambered? It could be getting heat soaked to the point it is gaining velocity causing your shots to string. Are you tracking the velocity of each round fired?

Are you reloading for your rifle? If so what powder are you using? Some are move temperature stable then others.

When you say the barrel has been free floated, do the mean you removed the front screw the locks the barrel into the stock?

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Good day AH members,

Have any of you had issues with a Z6i not holding zero? The specific model is the 1,7-10x42 on a CZ550 in 375 H&H. After 3 groups of 5 shots, the point of impact moves up by 4cm and 1cm right.

I have tried Alaska Arms rings and weren't happy with them, I then switched to Leopold rings. I have made sure that the rings are properly torqued (both at the top and where it attaches to the base of the action). The recoil lug of the ring is also snug against the front of the cut-out in the action. I'm confident that the scope is not moving, I draw light pencil lines on the sides of the rings for reference marks. The barrel has been free floated, I've checked this again after my last range session while the barrel was still hot. The action has been bedded and the action screws are properly torqued.

The last variable is the scope, which is my reason for asking. I don't have a spare 30mm scope lying around and would prefer not to send it back to Austria under the warranty.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

@RockSlinger404 Had 3 Swarovski scope failures last year alone. These ranged from Z3, Z5 and a Z8. Excellent glass, but very finicky.

 

[AZDAVE]

My wife's Z3 is one of the scopes that failed while we were hunting with @KMG Hunting Safaris. When we got home I sent it back to swaro and they repaired it. When it returned it held zero for exactly 9 shots. I am now deciding whether to send it back again or just use it for a hammer.

 

[RockSlinger404]

Do you have a known good scope? Take on off another rifle, it will be okay. It is better to know and remove all doubt, you will sleep better at night and it will only cost you a little ammo.

That is my first thought.

Okay now let me ask the question, does the first bullet impact your original zero with the first shot? Then as you shoot (barrel heats up) the bullets walk up like you are describing? I have had barrels walk as they heat up. This would not be anything out of left field, that's why I am curious if the first shot (the most important shot) hits the mark.

Next thought would be how long are you waiting between shots? Is the round chambered? It could be getting heat soaked to the point it is gaining velocity causing your shots to string. Are you tracking the velocity of each round fired?

Are you reloading for your rifle? If so what powder are you using? Some are move temperature stable then others.

When you say the barrel has been free floated, do the mean you removed the front screw the locks the barrel into the stock?

Thank you for the reply.

I have a 30mm S&B 1-4x24 on my 404J, but I really don't want to remove it as it has been holding steady for at least 400 shots.

The first shot after I make any adjustment lands where I expect it. Next shot would be higher and subsequent shots even higher (increasing at smaller increments), until it settles down at a specific point and forms a group. At my last range session this was 4cm above the point of aim.

I'm not waiting a long time between shots of a 5 shot group, however I measure the speed of every shot on a Labradar. The ES of my last 5 shots were less than 10fps.

The ammo used was 300gr Peregrine VRG3, CCI250 primers, VV N540 within a Norma case.

Regarding the floated barrel, yes my gunsmith removed the front "nut" and screw completely to float the barrel. The idea behind this rifle is to make it as accurate as possible, it is not intended for close quarter dangerous situations such as buff or elephant, but rather for croc, leopard and the tiny ten.

 

[RockSlinger404]

@RockSlinger404 Had 3 Swarovski scope failures last year alone. These ranged from Z3, Z5 and a Z8. Excellent glass, but very finicky.

My wife's Z3 is one of the scopes that failed while we were hunting with @KMG Hunting Safaris. When we got home I sent it back to swaro and they repaired it. When it returned it held zero for exactly 9 shots. I am now deciding whether to send it back again or just use it for a hammer.

Eish! Not very encouraging...

 

[Tanks]

Do you clean between each group and send a fouling shot or two? I find that the zero moves after 10 shots or so on my .300 RUM R8. It comes back after I clean.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

My wife's Z3 is one of the scopes that failed while we were hunting with @KMG Hunting Safaris. When we got home I sent it back to swaro and they repaired it. When it returned it held zero for exactly 9 shots. I am now deciding whether to send it back again or just use it for a hammer.

Dave, yours was the first one. Subsequently had two others fail, a Z5 and a Z8 in the months after your safari.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Eish! Not very encouraging...

I think Swarovski's glass is hard to beat, possibly only by Schmidt and Bender, but can't be certain. I have looked through their Range finding binoculars and they are crisper than my Leicas. Saying this, I don't think that they are the toughest scopes going around. I have one in my safe, which is the old Habicht in a 3-10x42 on my 375. Holds zero very well, but also know that most products aren't made like they're used to. ( Including Humans... )

 

[RockSlinger404]

Do you clean between each group and send a fouling shot or two? I find that the zero moves after 10 shots or so on my .300 RUM R8. It comes back after I clean.

I don't clean between groups, I expected the combination of the CZ550 and Swaro to be "bullet proof". I can try it, however it is not ideal as I'll always be worried that the barrel is not clean enough when I have to make that crucial shot.

 

[RockSlinger404]

I think Swarovski's glass is hard to beat, possibly only by Schmidt and Bender, but can't be certain. I have looked through their Range finding binoculars and they are crisper than my Leicas. Saying this, I don't think that they are the toughest scopes going around. I have one in my safe, which is the old Habicht in a 3-10x42 on my 375. Holds zero very well, but also know that most products aren't made like they're used to. ( Including Humans... )

Agreed! It is just very frustrating to buy a high-end scope and have it mess you around. Confidence plays a big role in making the shot count and if something fails you once, it will always leave you wondering...

I was hoping that I've made an obvious mistake or that there is something I can do to correct it. It unfortunately doesn't sound like it.

 

[PARA45]

It seems to me that you are not letting your barrel cool off enough, and your barrel is heating up causing your shot to move from the POI.

 

[WAB]

Agreed, from what you are saying, you have not narrowed this down to a scope issue. If it were me I would take the scope off the .404 and try it. It shouldn’t take more than 3 or 4 shots to get the .404
Re-zeroed once you remount the scope.

 

[USN]

Following with great interest, ordered the same scope from Mark yesterday and hope to receive soon, however, he is going for surgery and made it plain to him that understood if shipping is delayed. At the price he gives AH members should set up well on my Winchester safari that is scheduled to arrive Wed. R&M firearms El Campo TX hopefully not necessary but he maybe of help worse case scenario, or have advice. Well known sponsor here, and very knowledgeable and prices for members are outstanding. Good luck and hopefully works out for you. Please keep us updated. Thanks, Mac

 

[RockSlinger404]

Problem solved!!!

I swapped the Z6i with a Leupold VX5 and it is holding zero and shooting sub-MOA.

I much prefer the look and dimensions of the Swaro, however it is a useless piece of clear glass.

 

[WAB]

Problem solved!!!

I swapped the Z6i with a Leupold VX5 and it is holding zero and shooting sub-MOA.

I much prefer the look and dimensions of the Swaro, however it is a useless piece of clear glass.

Send it in. They will repair it.

 

[Nhoro]

Glad you got it sorted. Every scope is glass lenses held in place with a variety of screw threads/springs/ sliding mechanisms and they will fail. Some have better design and last longer. But the best glass in the world is useless if it doesnt hold zero.

 

[Dirtdart]

Problem solved!!!

I swapped the Z6i with a Leupold VX5 and it is holding zero and shooting sub-MOA.

I much prefer the look and dimensions of the Swaro, however it is a useless piece of clear glass.

Please give us your thoughts on how Swarovski handled this issue when all is said and done.

 

[Dirtdart]

Problem solved!!!

I swapped the Z6i with a Leupold VX5 and it is holding zero and shooting sub-MOA.

I much prefer the look and dimensions of the Swaro, however it is a useless piece of clear glass.

Any updates on this one?

 

[Manny R]

Call repairs at Swarovski. They will give you free shipping both ways for repairs. If you need a Scope they will furnish you one till yours is either replace or repaired. I forgot the name of the lady in repairs ; she is a sweetheart and will take care of the situation.