Can I squeeze out more without spending?

[emillioaldrich]

I've got an r700 in 7mm rem mag w/ nikon 6-18. I worked the old style trigger to a very crisp 3.5 lbs, I fitted and floated a Boyds LRS thumbhole, (very nice IMO) then bedded the action. With federal premiums it groups about 1"@100 but I'm greedy I want more than that. So after some extensive testing with Sierras, Burgers, and Barnes' the best I can come up with is .55"@100.

Is there anything else I can do to squeeze out better accuracy without going to the smith? -or have I done everything I can before truing the action and upgrading the barrel?

 

[britz]

if your getting 0.55" shot groups every time that is very good for a factory rifle. You apparently reload so continue testing and you may squeeze a little more out, but .5" is still pretty darn good.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

1/2" groups from a factory rifle - you're there!

 

[mike33]

What ever you do dont try working on the gun. Just sit back and enjoy you have a winner.
mike

 

[Bravo 4]

If you get too greedy you'll end up replacing the barrel, then you'll have to start all over.
If you are getting consistent 1/2moa then just shoot the dang thing and be happy. If those groups are from field positions you should be really happy, if not then the rifle probably out shoots you.

 

[emillioaldrich]

I was spoiled with another r700- though I'm not even sure what model it is... It's a 223 w/ 20" heavy barrel and HS precision stock. After alot of testing and tweaking I found that 24.8 grains of benchmark with a 53grain FLAT base HP will consistently hit .25 for 3@100 with a best of .077" Maybe I lucked into an amazing stock rifle- but I'm not entirely convinced that .55" is as good as it gets.

I'll update with any progress.

 

[johnnyk]

Sounds like it's shooting pretty good as is. I noticied you didn't list any Nosler bullets. Have you tried either the Ballistic Tip or the AccuBond. I shoot the 150gn Ballistic Tip in my 7Mag using a max charge of IMR 4350 and 9.5M primer. JohnnyK.

 

[AJ Peacock]

I've been shooting/reloading for the 7mm Rem Mag for 30+ years.

The 2 most accurate bullets I've found for both of my Rem 700's are the 162gr A-Max and the 160gr Nosler Accubond. I've shot many sub .3moa groups with them both (as small as .15moa). I've tried many different powder and primer combinations. The best powder I've found so far is RL-22.

From a primer perspective, I have always found better consistency/accuracy with standard large rifle primers instead of the oft recommended Large Rifle Magnum primers.

I'd start with a jump of between .015" and .020". I drive the above bullets at just over 3000fps.

I use Norma brass only for the 7mmRM. I also neck size only when possible and only resize about 3/4's of the neck to help keep everything centered.

I also reload it as if it had no belt (allow it to headspace off the shoulder), thus only the neck size, until I have to push the shoulder back around .001"

HTH,
AJ

 

[blipelt]

I noticed you didn't comment on pillared stock. Is your stock pillared? You would have to go to a gunsmith for it but it shouldn't break the bank. Or just shoot it and have fun like what was mentioned before.


Brent

 

[emillioaldrich]

I've been shooting/reloading for the 7mm Rem Mag for 30+ years.

The 2 most accurate bullets I've found for both of my Rem 700's are the 162gr A-Max and the 160gr Nosler Accubond. I've shot many sub .3moa groups with them both (as small as .15moa). I've tried many different powder and primer combinations. The best powder I've found so far is RL-22.

From a primer perspective, I have always found better consistency/accuracy with standard large rifle primers instead of the oft recommended Large Rifle Magnum primers.

I'd start with a jump of between .015" and .020". I drive the above bullets at just over 3000fps.

I use Norma brass only for the 7mmRM. I also neck size only when possible and only resize about 3/4's of the neck to help keep everything centered.

I also reload it as if it had no belt (allow it to headspace off the shoulder), thus only the neck size, until I have to push the shoulder back around .001"

HTH,
AJ

Thats very interesting information. I found my best results though kissing the lands but I'll try the current .55" load at .015 .0175 and .020" off.

I use 215m primers and never thought to try 210 match primers. I actually have a few thousand on hand.

I have used fireformed federal premium brass in all my testing. Would you suggest I try virgin norma brass?

As far as powder my best results are with IMR 4831 though my interarms hart barrel 7mm really likes H4831sc. I've tried 4350 WMR and both H and IMR 4831.

I do FL size but am seriously considering a neck sizer for brass life and proposed accuracy.

I weight sort bullets, tumble my brass, and weigh powder charges to try to eliminate unnecessary variable.

To answer Blipelt- Yes the stock is pillared. If I remember correctly this was a 20$ option from stockystocks.com

Thanks for the input! I'll update with any progress.

 

[AJ Peacock]

Thats very interesting information. I found my best results though kissing the lands but I'll try the current .55" load at .015 .0175 and .020" off.

I use 215m primers and never thought to try 210 match primers. I actually have a few thousand on hand.

I have used fireformed federal premium brass in all my testing. Would you suggest I try virgin norma brass?

As far as powder my best results are with IMR 4831 though my interarms hart barrel 7mm really likes H4831sc. I've tried 4350 WMR and both H and IMR 4831.

I do FL size but am seriously considering a neck sizer for brass life and proposed accuracy.

I weight sort bullets, tumble my brass, and weigh powder charges to try to eliminate unnecessary variable.

To answer Blipelt- Yes the stock is pillared. If I remember correctly this was a 20$ option from stockystocks.com

Thanks for the input! I'll update with any progress.

Before trying RL-22, I used H4831 religiously and the 7mag's loved it. I have found I had to up the charge 'slightly' (on the order of .5gr to 1.5gr) when using the non-mag primers to get the same velocity results (but with better accuracy in my rifles).

AJ

 

[emillioaldrich]

My best load was nearly 2 full grains below max so it shouldn't be a problem, but did you see any pressure signs?

 

[AJ Peacock]

My best load was nearly 2 full grains below max so it shouldn't be a problem, but did you see any pressure signs?

None whatsoever.

Also, your question about brass. I just mentioned my use of Norma brass to be complete. I've shot some great groups with other brass, but it usually isn't as consistent as the Norma, so you end up doing a bit more sorting.

I also run a nylon brush in/out of the neck 10x after resizing, just to get a consistent neck tension and clean a little of the carbon.

AJ

 

[436]

I'm thinking 0.05" more?? But…. if you're like everyone else you want it. You might try adjusting you bullet jump... an in your case preparation, look at LEE Collect Die and Sinclair/Wilson case neck expand die and mandrel; on once fire brass from your rifle. The other is to keep cleaning the barrel, clean, clean, clean!
Good luck
436