Unique Problem

[montec]

Hi Guys. First time poster. Got a very unique problem with my Rem 700 VSSF in
22-250.When this rig was new, it could smash pop cans at 350 yds all day long.
I have a B&L Elite 4000 6-24 scope on it with Leupold STD base & ring. For the past few years now, the rig has not been able to hold zreo, and it's not because of the little no-brainer things like wind, hot barrel, loose parts,cleaningetc. I'm sure
it's in need of a new barrel since I have more than 2500 rounds thru it. The problem goes like this. I can have it sighted at 300 yds today(only shooting 3 rounds with NO wind)tommorrow, it will be of to the right (usually) by 6-8 inches

I have tried a Weaver base & ring thinking the Leupold rear base my be moving &
put the scope from my 7MM Mag (Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24) on it. Practically the
same scope only new, and it still won't hold zero. I also glass bedded the rig only to have it shoot a better group, but not hols zero

HEEEELP

 

[cmillard]

what is your barrel cleaning procedure? and how far has your throat advanced?

 

[montec]

As far as the throat goes, I'm clueless. My cleaning procedure would be to fist run a few patches with Hoppe's or Kroil (moly coated bullets) Let soak then run dry patches. Next, I would scub with JB paste then run a patch with Hoppe's followed by dry patches. Finally, let Sweets sit in the bore for 5
mins, then Hoppe's, then dry patches.

Now that I think about the throat, when new I have the bullet lightly touch the throat, afew years ago, I had to seat the bullet about .015 longer.

 

[1000yardstare]

I have a Rem VSSF in .220 Swift. When new it put five 55 gr Sierra spbt into 1/2 moa at 300 metres. Maintained its zero.

1200 shots later, I have to re-zero the rifle at 300 metres every time I go out to the range. Under identical conditions, the point of impact will be 3 inches right or left and 3 inches up or down from the previous session.

Barrel wear is one obvious explanation. I believe this wear is exacerbated by the very long throats that Rem puts into their centre fire rifles. Must be some kind of lawyer thing.

When new, I could not seat 50 gr bullets to touch the rifling and still be in the case neck. I have a .30-06 Rem pump that has the same problem with 150s. Had the same problem with 155s in a Rem SPS Varmint in .308.

To make a long story short, I believe our barrels are worn out. My next barrel will be for the 6mm Cobra, the Improved Swift necked up.

Good luck with your rifle.

 

[fdshuster]

montec: I burned out an original chrome moly Remington factory varmint contour barrel at 2350 documented (I'm not guessing, I keep a record book on each rifle), after bullets started keyholing and copper fouling became extreme. Replaced it with a Hart stainless heavy varmint contour, and it also was toast at 2400 rounds fired. My standard load was 50 & 53 gr bullets with 38 grs. of H380, all shots fired singely. A Shilen stainless replacement developed some serious firecracking in the throat (as seen with my borescope), at 900 rds., and it was set-back & re-chambered to 22BR. Your barrel is probably due for replacement, but you could see & learn a lot if you could have it borescoped. The price we pay for a high performance cartridge/ some others are even worse!

 

[skeetlee]

your barrel is shot out!!

 

[montec]

Sounds like my problem isn't so unique after all. I am going to have a MacLennan barrel installed by
Casey at Tactical Ordinance in Newmarket and have the action trued for half of what it would cost for that rifle new.This high speed accuracy thing is part science and part witchcraft..........but I love
it.

 

[1000yardstare]

montec, my 6mm Cobra barrel will be a MacLennon. Will get Rob himself to install it.

He won`t have the reamer so will get one from Pacific T&G that matches the sizing die available from Redding.

Will be interesting to see how much Rob has to true up the Rem VSSF action. He says he has never seen a square 700.

Have never tried Tactical Ordinance in Newmarket. I live down on Lake Erie so it is more convenient for me just to mail the barreled action to Rob in Wyevale.

What cartridge are you rebarreling for?

Bill

 

[montec]

I'm re-barrelling for a standard 22-250. I wasn't aware that Rob installed barrels. I'm just starting to find out about quality high-tech gunsmiths in Ontario. I too live near Lake Erie, in Essex County. Maybe you could e-mail me directly?

 

[1000yardstare]

montec, PM sent.
Bill

 

[montec]

1000yardstare, I sent you a PM , hope it went thru
montec