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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Reloading
Trying to get my .223 to shoot
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<blockquote data-quote="Susquatch" data-source="post: 1439132" data-attributes="member: 31264"><p>Please do not take offense, none is intended here. Any rifle will only shoot as well as its weakest link no matter how much you spend on all the components. 9 times out of 10, I find the weakest link is the shooter, not the rifle, the scope, the load, or even the conditions. Sometimes I even find that even a really good shooter cannot shoot a particular rifle very well. Before I spent a lot of time and effort on loads and other variables, I would find a good consistent 1/4 MOA shooter and let them try your rifle. Even if you can shoot that well yourself, it helps to have a known comparison to validate your own efforts.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Also, you didn't mention bedding. In my opinion, even the very best aftermarket stock for the 700 will benefit from a good bedding job. You can find the odd one that doesn't need it, but they are far and few behind. </p><p></p><p>My own 223 was a shooter right out of the box. It is a sub 1/2 MOA rifle no matter what load you feed it including factory ammo. It is a 1/4 MOA rifle with tuned loads. My best group with it is 0.07" and it usually puts 4 out of 5 shots under 0.1 I haven't touched that rifle in any way - if it ain't broke don't fix it! </p><p></p><p>However, most of my 700s have needed work. I've put new barrels, triggers, and trued the actions on most of them. This usually takes them from over an inch to under 1/2 inch. I am a machinist, so I do all my own gunsmithing. </p><p></p><p>One of the things I am finding on most new 700s is that the bolts are sloppy. While this is good for reliable feeding, it sucks for accuracy. You might consider having your smith install a new bolt from PTG. They are available in half thou increments of diameter to precision fit your bolt raceway. This also solves the bolt timing issues I see on the vast majority of 700 rifles I see today. 7 out of 7 model 700 rifles I looked at were out of time on my last trip to a gun store. </p><p></p><p>As another poster has suggested, start with Sierra's accuracy loads and if that does not show any clustering, then I'd test your gun with another shooter, check for loose or improperly torqued screws, bedding, swapping in another scope, recrowning, and maybe a new bolt. </p><p></p><p>Those are my thoughts. Again, I don't mean to offend. Just feeling your pain and trying to help.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Susquatch, post: 1439132, member: 31264"] Please do not take offense, none is intended here. Any rifle will only shoot as well as its weakest link no matter how much you spend on all the components. 9 times out of 10, I find the weakest link is the shooter, not the rifle, the scope, the load, or even the conditions. Sometimes I even find that even a really good shooter cannot shoot a particular rifle very well. Before I spent a lot of time and effort on loads and other variables, I would find a good consistent 1/4 MOA shooter and let them try your rifle. Even if you can shoot that well yourself, it helps to have a known comparison to validate your own efforts. Also, you didn't mention bedding. In my opinion, even the very best aftermarket stock for the 700 will benefit from a good bedding job. You can find the odd one that doesn't need it, but they are far and few behind. My own 223 was a shooter right out of the box. It is a sub 1/2 MOA rifle no matter what load you feed it including factory ammo. It is a 1/4 MOA rifle with tuned loads. My best group with it is 0.07" and it usually puts 4 out of 5 shots under 0.1 I haven't touched that rifle in any way - if it ain't broke don't fix it! However, most of my 700s have needed work. I've put new barrels, triggers, and trued the actions on most of them. This usually takes them from over an inch to under 1/2 inch. I am a machinist, so I do all my own gunsmithing. One of the things I am finding on most new 700s is that the bolts are sloppy. While this is good for reliable feeding, it sucks for accuracy. You might consider having your smith install a new bolt from PTG. They are available in half thou increments of diameter to precision fit your bolt raceway. This also solves the bolt timing issues I see on the vast majority of 700 rifles I see today. 7 out of 7 model 700 rifles I looked at were out of time on my last trip to a gun store. As another poster has suggested, start with Sierra's accuracy loads and if that does not show any clustering, then I'd test your gun with another shooter, check for loose or improperly torqued screws, bedding, swapping in another scope, recrowning, and maybe a new bolt. Those are my thoughts. Again, I don't mean to offend. Just feeling your pain and trying to help. [/QUOTE]
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Trying to get my .223 to shoot
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