Rem 700 question

[CCFan]

Okay folks, looking for some ideas...

I have a Rem 700 Mountain LSS in .30-06 that I can't get decent groups out of. I don't expect super-precise accurate groups, it's a 22" sporter barrel - but no matter what ammo I've tried, I can get a 1.25" group, let it cool then shoot a group, and the first two are touching and the third is a flyer 3.5 inches out. I've tried Winchester, Remington and Federal ammo in 150, 165, and 180 gr weight - i just tried some Federal Fusion in 165 and Winchester Supreme 168 gr Ballistic Silvertips - same exact thing. Federal did 3" group - first 3 shot group with the Winchester did a 1" group, and then the very next group was another 3" group. I've checked all the bolts, everything is tight, it's got a Burris short-mag scope on, and it's tight too... My buddy shot some handloads that were a little mild so they were about 6" low to begin with - but they grouped exactly the same. I've only got about 165 rounds through it, but I wouldn't expect there to be much of a break-in on a 700... I know the sporter barrel isn't like a heavy varmint barrel for accuracy but I also don't want to lug one of those around through the woods. I know the person behind the rifle makes a difference too - but I have no problem shooting sub-moa groups with other capable rifles. So am I being too demanding? I figured a 700 action would shoot a little better than this. I just ordered some powder and bullets so I'm gonna start working up some handloads... but I'm just curious if anyone else has an accurate short barreled .30-06 or has run into similar issues - or if I'm just off my rocker

[catfssh]

this is what I shoot. Its a remington 700 .30-06 in SPS.

I'm still learning how to shoot it properly and only using remington core lokt 165 grain ammo but from 100 yards I can usually shoot a 2'' group somewhat easily.

Have you got the barrel floated?

[Moccasin]

My only thought is whether your barrel is floating or does the stock press against it. If it isn't floating that could be why one shot is off. As the barrel heats it expands and can move off zero a little if it is touching the stock. Floating it allows room for expansion. I don't have a Remington 700 but do have a Winchester 70 in .30-06 and haven't had that particular problem. I'm not sure of the barrel length but it's close to 22".

[CCFan]

It's got a pressure point (for barrel harmonics? That's what Remington claims..) about 1.5" back from the end of the stock, about in line with the front sling stud- the rest is free floating. I've heard stories on both sides about sanding down that pressure point...so I'd rather eliminate anything else I can think of first... I always let the rifle cool between groups but maybe I'll go back and fire a single shot and let it cool between each shot and shoot some 5 shot groups to see if heat is the culprit - if the barrel is heating too fast and pushing against that then i should be able to tell by shooting only from a cool barrel... (any excuse to keep shooting!)

[Moccasin]

The "pressure point" does change barrel harmonics, whether its for the better or worse you wouldn't know until you removed it though. Just being there though ir enough to cause a problem when the barrel expands. Your best bet is to try shooting like you said, make sure the barrel is cold between each shot and see what effect that has before trying anything else. I've not had to float a barrel on any of my rifles yet, don't mean I'll never have to though.

[Vahunter]

I'd be willing to bet it is a bedding problem causing the groups to open up. It's a common problem with some models of the 700. I don't know why they have a pressure point, it does nothing but screw up barrel harmonics more than it helps.

[zephyp]

A hot barrel on the third shot will throw some rifles off. The important thing to know if you're going to use this for hunting is how the first shot reacts from a cold barrel.

While you're testing it on the range I'd also swab the barrel between groups. I used to love to shoot my 7mag. The groups would almost always open up after about 30 minutes but that was from me flinching...

[CCFan]

Well I sanded the stock and floated the entire length - put it all back together and now it's shooting like it *should* have. I went last weekend and put ~ 50 rounds through it, and it was much more consistent - had a few 3/4" 3-shot groups with handloads, even.. factory was mostly 1 to 2" groups but all in all very consistent compared to where it was - thanks guys. I was a little hesitant to start sanding on it but it all worked out!

700.jpg (120.82 KiB) Viewed 2082 times

[allingeneral]

Good to hear it CCfan. Glad you got your Remmy going right

[Paliden]

Well I sanded the stock and floated the entire length - put it all back together and now it's shooting like it *should* have. I went last weekend and put ~ 50 rounds through it, and it was much more consistent - had a few 3/4" 3-shot groups with handloads, even.. factory was mostly 1 to 2" groups but all in all very consistent compared to where it was - thanks guys. I was a little hesitant to start sanding on it but it all worked out!

700.jpg

Sounds like your getting there, I don't know how far you want to go with it, but a Rem 700 can do better. If your just hunting deer at 100- 150 yards your good. If you want to go beyond that, try these couple of things:
1; Glass bed you rifle at the points of your stock screws. If you don't know what you are doing have a gunsmith do it for you other wise you'll end up with a one piece gun.

2; Hand load yourself. it work but a lot of fun. Use 4 shot test groups, start low and work up to hotter loads. You'll be amazed at your groups when you find that sweet spot. One very important thing, went testing group always let barrel get completely cold between each test group! A cold fire is differant from a hot fire! Always test cold fire.
Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RJames]

I agree with Paliden, your remmy 700 should do much better. I think your barrel might be fouling...when that happens your groups will open up.