Model7 .243 convinced me to start reloading
08-12-2007, 09:23 PM
#11
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Where the ducks don't come no more
Posts: 4,420
RE: Model7 .243 convinced me to start reloading
I have a TC Encore that won't shoot a factory load under 2"... my handloads got it down to half that, and coupled with an oversize hingepin, at nearly 1/2".
Now its back to its old tricks again. Shot it two weeks ago... even the handloads won't produce... come to find out... the butt stock is cracked, and the screw that holds it on is loose because of it. I suspect that might have been the culprit....
If your rifle is shooting 6" groups, than something is bad wrong. Much worse than just the ammunition. Something could have come loose, or broken. Maybe (and everyone does it), you are just getting frustrated, and that makes you shoot poorly, even from a solid rest, you can pull shots pretty bad if you get mad enough at what you are doing.
It is true though, that handloads, and handloading can almost always make a gun that seemed to be hexed shoot like a nailer. And it may well be a combination of things too, so check everything out twice... even the action screws.
Now its back to its old tricks again. Shot it two weeks ago... even the handloads won't produce... come to find out... the butt stock is cracked, and the screw that holds it on is loose because of it. I suspect that might have been the culprit....
If your rifle is shooting 6" groups, than something is bad wrong. Much worse than just the ammunition. Something could have come loose, or broken. Maybe (and everyone does it), you are just getting frustrated, and that makes you shoot poorly, even from a solid rest, you can pull shots pretty bad if you get mad enough at what you are doing.
It is true though, that handloads, and handloading can almost always make a gun that seemed to be hexed shoot like a nailer. And it may well be a combination of things too, so check everything out twice... even the action screws.
08-13-2007, 06:37 AM
#13
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Texas - BUT NOW in Madison County, NY
Posts: 6,270
RE: Model7 .243 convinced me to start reloading
"but is it common for factory ammo to shoot so poorly sometimes?"
Each gun is an individual, and what one will shoot another will not. Obviously factory ammo is a compromise. They do their best (usually!!), but often that is not going to work in your rifle. No matter how good factory ammo becomes, it cannot be a custom fit to every rifle. That's why factory ammo will never replace good handloads when ultimate performance is the goal. You don't see the benchrest boys using factory-loaded ammo!
I have never gotten decent accuracy from Remington factory .243 ammo, or fromRem. .22 Hornet stuff either. But I have had some very fine accuracy from Rem. Corelokt BULLETS in some of my handloads.
Each gun is an individual, and what one will shoot another will not. Obviously factory ammo is a compromise. They do their best (usually!!), but often that is not going to work in your rifle. No matter how good factory ammo becomes, it cannot be a custom fit to every rifle. That's why factory ammo will never replace good handloads when ultimate performance is the goal. You don't see the benchrest boys using factory-loaded ammo!
I have never gotten decent accuracy from Remington factory .243 ammo, or fromRem. .22 Hornet stuff either. But I have had some very fine accuracy from Rem. Corelokt BULLETS in some of my handloads.
