First range trip with the new baby

[Clovis Man]

You all probably know -- I just got a new-to-me used rifle, a Winchester Model 70 Classic Sporter in 7mm STW. Finally got to go to the range today, here are my targets.

The first picture shows both targets. I shot the bottom target first, on a 50-yard tactical range, to get a start on sighting in. You can probably see the order of the shots. The one flyer at 4 o'clock was totally my fault -- I closed my eyes and yanked the trigger. The trigger is quite a bit stiffer than I am used to and I'm trying to decide what to do about it.

The bottom picture -- which is the top target -- was at 100 yards. As you can see, the last two shots were the best, by far, and I'm guess they show perhaps .8 MOA. I guess that's OK, but I am sure some practice will help improve things.

 

[HRstretch]

Trigger pull will make a difference.

Used rifles tend to need extra cleaning, as the first owner may not have cared as much? My STW didn't like Green Box Remington ammo, switched to reloads and never looked back. If you don't reload find a friend that does and ask him to help load for you. Buy the dies, powders, primers and bullets and see how it performs.

 

[Clovis Man]

Thanks, HR. I need to order dies, bullets, and powder. Suggestions as to brands?

 

[Catbird]

You didn't say what you were shooting, but Stretch was right about the factory ammo by Rem.I picked up a used Sendero last year that had groups like yours with the factory stuff. I load 80.0gr of RL25 behind a Nos 140BT , Fed 215 and get 1/2 in or so groups. The trigger on the gun was in bad shape at the time due to poor maintenance or whatever, but it now has a Jewell.
I have some 168 gr Bergers loaded for my next trip out.
You will find components hard to come by still. I believe Buds Guns had Rem ammo available that could be shot or pulled for brass.

Good Luck

 

[Clovis Man]

I bought some "Nosler Custom" ammo, it was about the lowest-priced ammo that Midway had in stock. Thankfully, I had a code to use for $15 off.

Looking at my groups, I should probably admit that at least half of the blame is mine and not the rifle's.

I'm on the road, so I can't just walk over and look at the box of what I was shooting -- not the Nosler -- but it's silver and has a big X on the front. Some kind of Winchester ammo, I think - but it's about 400 miles from here! LOL!

 

[marioq]

Can u give up that coupon code??? I'm about to make an order for some stuff.

Thanks

Mario

 

[Clovis Man]

It was on the web site itself. Look for a banner that says something like "Up to $45 off".

I got $15 of of an $80 box of ammo.

 

[284STW]

Where are you doing your shooting in Clovis? PM me when you head out and I might be able to meet up with you. I live in Clovis and shoot an STW as well, plus I have a friend that shoots one. We both run Model 70 Classics.

 

[Clovis Man]

Patriot Outdoors. Best place in the area, although I wish there was a 500-yard range, and maybe a 1000-yard range.

 

[Clovis Man]

Much better yesterday, and I'm now shooting at 200 yards, since I have it on paper at that range. 79.? (I have to look it up every time!) Retumbo with 160-grain SGK. But I still have that one flyer!!!

(Don't look at the .270 holes! Yikes!)

 

[284STW]

Has it been bedded? With the flier I would look there first, along with torque on all mounts and bases. What shot was the flier?

 

[Clovis Man]

Has it been bedded? With the flier I would look there first, along with torque on all mounts and bases. What shot was the flier?

Not sure now, but I don't think it was the first, meaning the cold barrel/hot barrel probably doesn't apply. I'll have to load a few more rounds and try it again. And the flyer might have been me, too. We'll see over the next few weeks.

Not been bedded, and I have found one pressure point towards the very front of the stock. Checked the rings, and found the front ring was loose, and accuracy picked up an order of magnitude. Meaning all of a sudden it was on paper at 200 yards, when I couldn't even find the shots before.

Still some work to do -- isn't there always?

 

[284STW]

I typically number my shots for diagnosis, if you have determined a pressure point you're probably just going to chase your tail until you get it sorted. PM me if you want and I can check it out and help you with bedding if you want. I have a Mcmillan we can toss it in too if you want to see the difference.