Poor shooting Rem 700 youth model

bearhunter said:
He did try different bullets and powder.

IMHO, those rifles with "pencil" barrels aren't intended for shots past 200 meters.

They're for light, stalking rifles, where shots seldom exceed 100 meters.

Every Rem 700 and Rem mod 7 rifle I've kept for my personal use that had factory pencil barrels on them, I usually replaced the barrels with heavier barrels.

After three shots, groups tend to open up more with every shot.

Some of them, with pencil barrels, shoot very well, but it's luck of the draw.

A youth rifle shooting into 1.25 inches with factory ammo, is usually about as good as it gets. IMHO.

OP, with that twist rate, I would stick to flat base bullets, with short ogives.

Cup and core types, loaded at those velocities, will shoot fine, are cheaper, and at those velocities will perform just as well.
Click to expand...
** I’m just working off your statement here, no disrespect intended**

I must’ve lucked out then…

I had my choice of either .270 or ‘06 when I bought my 700 Mtn about a doz or more yrs ago. 30-06 got the nod. I literally just grabbed a box of Barnes 168gr TTSX cause they were a middle of the road choice and have run them since. Consistent 3 shot 1” groups in a nice easy paced fashion. While I could tighten that w/reloads, I don’t feel the need at this point (mostly due to time).

The VG2 in .300Wby I had with their #2 barrel on it, same procedure as above, easily 1” groups with 200gr ELDXs.

I’m hoping (but figuring) the recent M77 UL in .270W will be as comparable to the above two.

Point being… with Pencil or #1/2 barrels regardless of Caliber/Cartridge, you gotta slow down a little. Your groups will get better. Reality is if your firing off quick & multiple shots in the field or at the bench with a bolt action your just spray’n & pray’n. Might be time to consider a semi of some sort 🤔
 
Suther said:
Vanguard 2 has a sub-MOA guarantee. Rem700 does not. For me that says a lot about what to expect. That's not to say a Rem700 CANT be sub-MoA, just that they won't all be.
Click to expand...

Yeah, if someone said "bet ya the new rifle you buy isn't sub moa" thats not the one I'd go with to win
 
ShrtRnd said:
Reality is if your firing off quick & multiple shots in the field or at the bench with a bolt action your just spray’n & pray’n. Might be time to consider a semi of some sort 🤔
Click to expand...

2nd or even 3rd shots to ensure an animal is dispatched quickly and/or doesn't have the chance to get away (or get into a swamp, over a fence, off a ####ing cliff...) are not a bad thing. I think 3 shot groups shot reasonably quick is the perfect test for a hunting rifle - you won't ALWAYS need 3, but if you do it's good to know where its gonna go. Of course don't just pick the best group lol
 
Last edited:
We have had a few Remingtons SPS etc with the sporter barrel in 243 and still have two. Every one of ours shot very well. Mostly between 1/4-1/2". Of course these were epoxy bedded and the barrel pressure bedding removed or fitted to carbon stocks. I did not have much luck with 100gr and we stuck with 80-87gr bullets. My favourite being 80gr Sierra Varminter SPBT. This bullet was fantastic on fox and up to Sika Stags in the rut. Behaved like a good soft point and not explosive. I think the biggest mistake is to put ultra light weight scopes on a rifle, a slightly heavier scope brings the COG closer to the bore line and makes the rifle much easier to shoot. Try it. Generally I prefer accurate rifles especially if training someone new to shooting as one can see at what level they are.
edi
 
Range time yesterday brought me more disappointing groups. Best group was 2.25” at 100m with 70 gr Noslers loaded up BTs. The groups were mainly vertical with lateral spread around an 1”. I came home and took the stock off and replaced it with an HS Precision I have laying around. The barrel channel is for a varmint barrel but we will see what it changes. Put an older Burris 6-18x I had on the shelf on it as well. Was ready to head out this morning but the google says 30km/hr winds. It dies off this evening so will go out around 7pm. Loaded up some more 70 and 75 gr projectiles. Some more ballistic tips, and some Hornady and Sierra 75 hp flat base.
 
AKAalbertacoyotecaller said:
I have a couple model 700 youths in 243. Bought them for the kids to deer hunt. I ran 100gr factory ammo out of them for the few years they used them. Never great shooters. Around 1.25” groups. I have finally tried to get them to shoot better and have reloaded 100, 95, 90 gr for them using a few different recipes. I can’t get anywhere under 1.5”.

Twist rate is 1:9.125”. I have tried anything light weight in projectiles yet but are these just poor performers? Factory stocks aren’t that great. Barrels are thin.

Anyone else have issues with these? Should be able to find a hand load that’s at least an inch or better.
Click to expand...
It’s a poor musician who blames his instrument…😉
 
rajczak_kashka said:
It’s a poor musician who blames his instrument…😉
Click to expand...
Listen, I am old enough that I both can’t figure out how to post pictures on this forum, nor do I want to. I have lots of under half inch photos of groups on other firearms for you if you are that serious about my marksmanship skills.

I have enough time behind the three reloading presses that I have shoulder and elbow injuries. I shoot little gophers by the hundreds for fun at hundreds of yards.

I have had these two youth models for at least 10 years. I suspect they were made during the less than stellar quality years at Remington. They don’t act like the other heavy barrel guns I have in the multiple safes.

So, ya it’s definitely the Indian.

For the record, the barrel has been scrubbed and fouling shots have occurred. Will see what these “acceptable” rifles will do today once the wind calms down.
 
AKAalbertacoyotecaller said:
I have a couple model 700 youths in 243. Bought them for the kids to deer hunt. I ran 100gr factory ammo out of them for the few years they used them. Never great shooters. Around 1.25” groups. I have finally tried to get them to shoot better and have reloaded 100, 95, 90 gr for them using a few different recipes. I can’t get anywhere under 1.5”.

Twist rate is 1:9.125”. I have tried anything light weight in projectiles yet but are these just poor performers? Factory stocks aren’t that great. Barrels are thin.

Anyone else have issues with these? Should be able to find a hand load that’s at least an inch or better.
Click to expand...
Notwithstanding the other posts, my only suggestion is to have the rifles fiberglass bedded, adjust triggers to a reduce poundage, accompanied with trigger travel and creep. The first thing that I did not like is the twist rate, a 1-10 is most ideal.
 
AKAalbertacoyotecaller said:
Listen, I am old enough that I both can’t figure out how to post pictures on this forum, nor do I want to. I have lots of under half inch photos of groups on other firearms for you if you are that serious about my marksmanship skills.

I have enough time behind the three reloading presses that I have shoulder and elbow injuries. I shoot little gophers by the hundreds for fun at hundreds of yards.

I have had these two youth models for at least 10 years. I suspect they were made during the less than stellar quality years at Remington. They don’t act like the other heavy barrel guns I have in the multiple safes.

So, ya it’s definitely the Indian.

For the record, the barrel has been scrubbed and fouling shots have occurred. Will see what these “acceptable” rifles will do today once the wind calms down.
Click to expand...

Probably plenty better without the sh*t factory stock it was in, hence why everyone was saying change it or bed it etc...but that doesn't mean it wasn't performing acceptably as it was lol

track said:
Notwithstanding the other posts, my only suggestion is to have the rifles fiberglass bedded, adjust triggers to a reduce poundage, accompanied with trigger travel and creep. The first thing that I did not like is the twist rate, a 1-10 is most ideal.
Click to expand...

No kiddin on the trigger. Not my fav to say the least and the new ones...well first time I ever had a Timney that sucked lol
 
AKAalbertacoyotecaller said:
Listen, I am old enough that I both can’t figure out how to post pictures on this forum, nor do I want to. I have lots of under half inch photos of groups on other firearms for you if you are that serious about my marksmanship skills.

I have enough time behind the three reloading presses that I have shoulder and elbow injuries. I shoot little gophers by the hundreds for fun at hundreds of yards.

I have had these two youth models for at least 10 years. I suspect they were made during the less than stellar quality years at Remington. They don’t act like the other heavy barrel guns I have in the multiple safes.

So, ya it’s definitely the Indian.

For the record, the barrel has been scrubbed and fouling shots have occurred. Will see what these “acceptable” rifles will do today once the wind calms down.
Click to expand...
For the record ..jokes are meant to funny …sometimes they are called sarcastic humour ..
 
track said:
Notwithstanding the other posts, my only suggestion is to have the rifles fiberglass bedded, adjust triggers to a reduce poundage, accompanied with trigger travel and creep. The first thing that I did not like is the twist rate, a 1-10 is most ideal.
Click to expand...
Or simply buy better rifles…instead of trying to make silk outta a sows ear 😊
 
Again, I could send a list of my multiple rifles that work well. If these rifles aren’t that great, they aren’t that great. That’s all I need to know, They are a little bit out of left field for me and what I am use to. The last 243 M77 I had I burnt the barrel out shooting gophers. The Bevan King barrel I use for hunting in 30-06 is quite capable. I enjoyed discussing PO Ackley with Bevan.

I will give them another try to see if something changes. If not they will up for sale listed as the most accurate Remington line of rifles available. Probably trade them straight across for a couple Cadex rifles or a couple nice Sako Vixens.

Thanks for everyone’s insight. Have a great weekend.
 
Last edited:
AKAalbertacoyotecaller said:
Range time yesterday brought me more disappointing groups. Best group was 2.25” at 100m with 70 gr Noslers loaded up BTs. The groups were mainly vertical with lateral spread around an 1”. I came home and took the stock off and replaced it with an HS Precision I have laying around. The barrel channel is for a varmint barrel but we will see what it changes. Put an older Burris 6-18x I had on the shelf on it as well. Was ready to head out this morning but the google says 30km/hr winds. It dies off this evening so will go out around 7pm. Loaded up some more 70 and 75 gr projectiles. Some more ballistic tips, and some Hornady and Sierra 75 hp flat base.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully your changes you made help with your next time out. The 70 grain noslers just plain shoot in my 1-10" twist and 1-9.125" twist .243 rifles. My two favorite powders for those bullets are IMR4064 and Varget. On your reloads are you using all the same brand of brass? Or is it mixed headstamps? Sorry if you mentioned this, and I missed it.
 
Denver Steve said:
Sorry to hear that. Hopefully your changes you made help with your next time out. The 70 grain noslers just plain shoot in my 1-10" twist and 1-9.125" twist .243 rifles. My two favorite powders for those bullets are IMR4064 and Varget. On your reloads are you using all the same brand of brass? Or is it mixed headstamps? Sorry if you mentioned this, and I missed it.
Click to expand...
All new Hornady. I have always had good luck with imr4350 and 70 gr Nosler BTs. I am really starting to think it’s the stocks on these rifles. I am also switching to three round groups as the barrels definitely heat up fast. I was going to joke about still loading from tin can 4350. It’s probably gone bad…. lol. I can try 4064 or varget or 380 as well. Will see what the trip to the range tells me later today.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom