Getting a rifle to shoot its best??

[scott_r]

What are some things I can do to modify my 700 HB Varmint rifle to get it shooting 1/4 - 1/2 inch groups or better??
I have done some reading on blue printing the action and was wondering if this should be done prior to bedding or after?
What about firing pins and lock time?? Triggers?? Anything that would get this rifle shooting at its best interestes me
Appreciate the advice fellows!!

Cheers!!

 

[gunasauras]

Shoot it as is first. The shooter is the biggest variable in that equation. You need to be able to shoot your best before you drop a ton of money into a rifle. If you can't do your part, no amount of aftermarket parts will help the rifle shoot better.....just my humble opinion.....

 

[scott_r]

Shoot it as is first. The shooter is the biggest variable in that equation. You need to be able to shoot your best before you drop a ton of money into a rifle. If you can't do your part, no amount of aftermarket parts will help the rifle shoot better.....just my humble opinion.....

Good advice I do know that Im capable after owning a 788 and shooting groups that could be covered by a dime. Im dissapointed that a rifle 5x the money can't shoot as well.

 

[guntech]

I would suggest having the barrel free floated, the action properly bedded, the barrel cleaned well and crowned, the trigger set to a crisp 2 or 2.5 pounds, the scope properly mounted and then go work up the best load you can.

There would be nothing else to do with that factory set up to make it shoot any better other than your loading...

If you are having a custom barrel installed that is the time to look at having trueing work done if it is required.

 

[sunray]

Bedding, trigger work, loading your own ammo will help. If you're expecting the same ammo you used in your 788 to shoot as well in your 700, don't. You'll have to work up a load for it.
Floating the barrel may or may not make any difference. Forget about the lock time.