I am by no means an expert, but far from a novice.
I previously posted in the reloading section about having problems developing a load that my Remington 700 Long Range would like in 25-06. I posted my final update there, but today I made even more strides that I wanted to share.
I went through five different powders and five different projectiles. Nothing worked...not even factory ammo. I didn't know if 25-06 was just a finicky caliber or if it was a problem with my rifle. The only thing that could hit right at MOA were 75gr VMax. My 100gr Sierras would open up a bit, and 115 Noslers opened up a bit more. I was getting between 2-4" groups with 115gr bullets.
I noticed at the range one day that my rifle was copper fouling after about 20 rounds. I figured that was an issue I should address. Next up, by recommendation on this forum, was to get rid of the lead sled. Although it was shooting fine with light bullets...heavier bullet, the more recoil...perhaps just enough to induces excess oscillation. That made sense; if there is no where for the recoil to go, the barrel is the only other moving part.
Between my next trip to the range, I used some Sweet's 7.62 copper remover and cleaned up the barrel real good. I also bought a gun rest for just the forend of the rifle. I also tried a slower burning powder and some Nolser 115gr ballistic tips vs. the partitions I was trying before. The rifle was right at MOA, if not slightly under. I was happier, but still not satisfied. It copper fouled badly!
I did some more reading. Between trips to the range, I installed a Timney Trigger, factory set at 3lbs. Oooh, feels so good!!! I hit the range with 30 rounds loaded of Tubb's Final Finish barrel lapping bullets...using only the last three, lightest abrasive bullets, cleaning thoroughly between each set of 10. On the last set, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Each round was tearing the same hole wider with each shot. I cleaned it up and fired my first set of Nosler 115s...5 rounds at about .5 MOA!!! No. Way! There are mixed reviews on whether final finish can improve accuracy. I am a believer.
I thought this gun was toast. I was talking with gunsmiths about possibly recrowning or just buying a new barrel. Knowing I had a fouler, I figured, "What can it hurt to try Final Finish?"
RECAP:
Get off the lead sled so the rifle can recoil naturally.
Try different powders and primers.
If it is a fouler, do something about it...unless you enjoy swabbing out copper every time.
My first time with a quality trigger...VERY big difference!
I previously posted in the reloading section about having problems developing a load that my Remington 700 Long Range would like in 25-06. I posted my final update there, but today I made even more strides that I wanted to share.
I went through five different powders and five different projectiles. Nothing worked...not even factory ammo. I didn't know if 25-06 was just a finicky caliber or if it was a problem with my rifle. The only thing that could hit right at MOA were 75gr VMax. My 100gr Sierras would open up a bit, and 115 Noslers opened up a bit more. I was getting between 2-4" groups with 115gr bullets.
I noticed at the range one day that my rifle was copper fouling after about 20 rounds. I figured that was an issue I should address. Next up, by recommendation on this forum, was to get rid of the lead sled. Although it was shooting fine with light bullets...heavier bullet, the more recoil...perhaps just enough to induces excess oscillation. That made sense; if there is no where for the recoil to go, the barrel is the only other moving part.
Between my next trip to the range, I used some Sweet's 7.62 copper remover and cleaned up the barrel real good. I also bought a gun rest for just the forend of the rifle. I also tried a slower burning powder and some Nolser 115gr ballistic tips vs. the partitions I was trying before. The rifle was right at MOA, if not slightly under. I was happier, but still not satisfied. It copper fouled badly!
I did some more reading. Between trips to the range, I installed a Timney Trigger, factory set at 3lbs. Oooh, feels so good!!! I hit the range with 30 rounds loaded of Tubb's Final Finish barrel lapping bullets...using only the last three, lightest abrasive bullets, cleaning thoroughly between each set of 10. On the last set, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Each round was tearing the same hole wider with each shot. I cleaned it up and fired my first set of Nosler 115s...5 rounds at about .5 MOA!!! No. Way! There are mixed reviews on whether final finish can improve accuracy. I am a believer.
I thought this gun was toast. I was talking with gunsmiths about possibly recrowning or just buying a new barrel. Knowing I had a fouler, I figured, "What can it hurt to try Final Finish?"
RECAP:
Get off the lead sled so the rifle can recoil naturally.
Try different powders and primers.
If it is a fouler, do something about it...unless you enjoy swabbing out copper every time.
My first time with a quality trigger...VERY big difference!
