Can ejection pattern change affect accuracy?

[rabiddawg]

Yesterday i got a smith to knock out the ejector pin. Didn't find any debris in there. While it is broken down i am going to make the tuning adjustments suggested here.

One thing i have noticed is the powder residue on some of the fired cases. I did find two of the gas ring gaps lined up together not staggered. Would this contribute to the issues i am seeing?

After hunting season i will be changing the the handguards to free floaters. Some on the forum have corrected erratic groups by doing that.

I appreciate everyone's help. This is helpng me learn these guns.