The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - what to do when your equipment no longer matches your skills?

Powderman · April 9, 2013, 01:51 AM

Your rifle is as capable as you want it to be.

The question is, just HOW accurate do you want it?

There are, of course, a number of factors that come into play. Some are easily correctable and others will require what I term "major surgery".

1. Stock to receiver and action fit

Is your rifle properly mated to its stock? You'll want to check for pressure points along the barrel. Take a look at the pressure needed to tighten the screws as well. Pillar bedding is a viable option, as well as properly glass bedding the stock.

2. Barrel condition and crown

How does that bore and leade look? Give the rifle a good, proper cleaning and re-try to shoot for group.

3. Ammunition

Really, this should be the first one. It's entirely possible that your rifle simply doesn't like the ammunition you shoot in it. If you hand load, try a bit more research. If you haven't tuned a load for your rifle yet, consider that as well.

4. The full treatment

It can run a bit expensive--but if you have a good rifle that you like, you can try "the full meal deal". This would involve sending your barreled action to a good barrel maker, with a couple of dummy cartridges. Specify that you want the rifle chambered and throated with the seated bullet located .002-.004 off the lands. You can also pick a barrel maker who will true the action, and install the barrel for you.

Of course, this is all up to you--however, either blueprinting the rifle and changing the barrel will cost you about the same as a good new rifle.

It's your choice. Good luck!

April 9, 2013, 01:51 AM	#7
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	Your rifle is as capable as you want it to be. The question is, just HOW accurate do you want it? There are, of course, a number of factors that come into play. Some are easily correctable and others will require what I term "major surgery". 1. Stock to receiver and action fit Is your rifle properly mated to its stock? You'll want to check for pressure points along the barrel. Take a look at the pressure needed to tighten the screws as well. Pillar bedding is a viable option, as well as properly glass bedding the stock. 2. Barrel condition and crown How does that bore and leade look? Give the rifle a good, proper cleaning and re-try to shoot for group. 3. Ammunition Really, this should be the first one. It's entirely possible that your rifle simply doesn't like the ammunition you shoot in it. If you hand load, try a bit more research. If you haven't tuned a load for your rifle yet, consider that as well. 4. The full treatment It can run a bit expensive--but if you have a good rifle that you like, you can try "the full meal deal". This would involve sending your barreled action to a good barrel maker, with a couple of dummy cartridges. Specify that you want the rifle chambered and throated with the seated bullet located .002-.004 off the lands. You can also pick a barrel maker who will true the action, and install the barrel for you. Of course, this is all up to you--however, either blueprinting the rifle and changing the barrel will cost you about the same as a good new rifle. It's your choice. Good luck! __________________ Hiding in plain sight...