factory barrel. group at 100

[cjmac]

I have a Remmy 700 5R. I tried lots of different combinations and got the same results you have. Then something magical happened at about 200 shots and all the groups started to tighten up. Still searching for the right combo, but I now have renewed hope for her.

... that's weird, so if i gave a good group at 100 , will i have to start all over again at 200 ?

 

[joshb]

I say magical, cause I don't know why. I'm pretty much a newbie at this . I've been shooting and reloading for 30 some yrs., but only started the small group quest 3 yrs. ago. I bought a 5R 308, and it shot well from the start. One exciting 1 hole group during sight in at 50 Yds. "Lit the fire". When I got the .223 version, I hoped for the same results, yet test after test, I could only get 1" groups with it. I found a load that worked good for another gun and fair, for the 5R , so I'd take both and just shoot for practice. Using the same load I always used, those 1" groups shrank to 1/2 ", out of the blue, so to speak. I'm trying some different bullets and powders to see what happens and try to improve the groups. I had not "changed anything" with my load, when the groups got better. Cleaned it the same way. Shot it the same (maybe I got better). Maybe it "broke in". I'm here to learn and listen. I can only report what I experienced. Now, using that same load, the gun consistently shoots better groups.

 

[Kermit in Va.]

Try some 53's with IMR 4198.
That's what mine likes.
I did get rid of the rubber stock.


Kermit

 

[Lazer]

Here's 30 shots at 100yds, stock was changed and bedding done properly whitch is a must. (223 sps tactial) the average was .495 52smk, varget, fed gmm primers. You wanna get those flyers out, lose the matchkings and go with custom bullets, Bergers are good too!

 

[DennisH]

8208XBR performed great in my 223, so did RL 15

I also shot 69 smk's out of the same rifle and had almost the same grouping.

Factory Savage 9 twist barrel.

 

[Terry_M]

Do you have access to IMR 3031?

 

[searcher]

Your rifle looks to me like it wants to shoot. If you rebarrel, you'll have to work up loads anyway. I'd try some new ones with your existing barrel - unless you just want a new one. I've had barrels that I didn't think would ever shoot and then I happened across the right powder that made the bullets shoot that previously would not - at all. For some inexpensive tests, I'd go with 50 grain V-Max with 8208 XBR or Reloader 7 with mid-range loads. Go .005" off lands. If that is a no go, try stiff load of Varget with 52 Hornady Amax. Then onto more expensive bullets - like a 52 Berger - which worked even better with Accurate Lt-32 powder. I know you said your rifle doesn't like Hornady, but if you haven't tried these bullets or together with these powders, I surely would before moving on. I have your same rifle. My 1-9" barrel was a gravel road (from factory). I shot the Tubb's abasive bullet system through it, changed the trigger to a Jewell, kept the same stock but skim bedded the aluminum v-block and ensured the barrel was free floating with no forend contact. Went from shooting so-so to into the two's and I occasionally get a group or two in the ones. You don't need to use custom (or for that matter target) bullets to get groups far better than you are getting. I'd change powders and ladder till you find the one that gives you the correct vibe. Some powder and bullet weight combos just work well together - and often in many different rifles. I had long ago bought a replacement barrel as I had your opinion of my barrel. It may be quite some time before I replace it.

 

[sundance]

I had a Winchester Heavy Varmint rifle years ago that came with a 26 inch barrel with a 1 in 9 twist from the factory. I was amazed at what it did with Data 2200 powder and 40 grain Vmax bullets.I killed a truckload of prairie dogs with that gun.I bought it off this site from a gentleman in Las Cruces.Basically a factory stock gun.

 

[Lazer]

You have to have a perfectly well made bullet, before you start load development, or you will have a lot of misleading targets. Matchkings will not do it!! Berger or custom will do it, you will chase your tail with matchkings!