Rem 742 - The Next Precision Rifle?????

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Mystic Precision

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Just picked up a Rem 742 in 308 for S&G's. Always wanted to play with one.

First day was with some Win factory 150gr SP. Went bang but groups at 100yds showed a nice pattern of around 2 to 3" for 3 shots. About what I expected. Lots of vertical stringing.

At the loading bench, I decided to treat it like the M305's but FL sizing was necessary to chamber properly.

Started with 41gr of Benchmark in Win brass lit by a CCI BR2 primer pushing a 155gr Amax and went up in 1/2 gr increments to 42.5g. Not expecting much but at least would get an idea how to proceed.

Today was very calm, warm and a bit muggy. Was able to set up at the 200yd backstop.

Three rds later, I had a nice 1" triangle:eek: This while shooting with a 4.5X scope. The reticle covers about 1", maybe more at 200yds.

That's weird but in a very nice way. Tried the 41.5gr. First shot was on a target that fell off the backstop - oops. Next two on another target were again 1 1/4" apart. Hey, now we are on to something.

Going to 42gr showed immediate vertical stringing (still a very respectable 3" group) and 42.5gr, well let's just say it went bang three times.

I have always known semis to be fussy and many don't like running hard. However, I am really surprised at how well this rifle can shoot. 1" at 200yds. That is certainly worth trying again and with a target scope.

Hodgdon max is 43gr with a 150gr bullet so this is right up there in pressures. Brass is just a bit sooty around the shoulder. I bet I am running 7.62NATO pressures.

Will certainly retest but for all the Rem semis out there, it might just be worth working up some moderate pressures loads with match bullets to see what your rifle can do.

Gotta like it...

Jerry
 
This is the longer barrel model. I think it is 22". Full tilt loads didn't shoot well at all but these reduced loads and a 'fast' powder seem to be a positive combination for semis.

Will have to test more of course just to make sure it is repeatable.

Try the type of loads mentioned. Semis are very sensitive and their sweet spot is very narrow. You will need to be careful is weighing the powders while working up. Only takes 1/2 gr to go from good to crap.

Jerry
 
Make sure you are within factory pressures and duration curves. You want reliable cycling but not too violent or you'll run the risk of ripping off the extractor (I found out the hard way :redface:) ).

My first rifle ever was a 742 - long barrel - in 30-06 that gave me 5 shot 1.5 inch groups with factory ammo -150 grains) at 100 yards on a calm day . Was never able to better it with handloads.
 
Very nice stuff. They have taken what we know into practise by isolating the moving parts from the stock and making the barrel more rigid.

A good quality barrel certainly doesn't hurt either.

Unfortunately, the overall weight of the rifle would be very high. In that case, the M305 is a better platform. Using the Rem 742 would be so that one can get a readily available rifle that is 'light'.

Further testing on my rifle would be needed but it looks like handloading can lead to some very nice performance.

I have just tuned the trigger to eliminate most of the creep. The feel is two stage with quite a crisp let off. Pull weight is still pretty heavy but might be necessary given the rattling that happens during the recoil cycle.

If I can get spare parts, I will play with it somemore to try and lighten it up. A trigger group spring set would be the most obvious place to start.

Jerry
 
I have a remmington 742... that up until now i have only ever used for hunting with....
It's in a little need of some TLC what can i do to it.
Right now the problems i have are this...

Cracked stock... it's actually a split right where the bolt rod goes through to the main body. It's been like that ever since i have owned it.... But I don't like it... and the stock needs either to be re-finished or replaced... Anyone know where I could get a replacement stock... ?

Every once in a while it jams... The auto action doesn't fully engage back... Or when you slide the action to bring up the first round... it doesn't slide in that easily.

The rifle has always shot striaght and been reliable other than these two problems. I have been wanting to buy a 308 or a 22.250 or .223 for some long range target shooting... maybe i can just get buy useing my 742 ???

Any input would be helpful.
 
There are a bunch of new tactical style stocks from ATI. Not sure if they are in Canada yet.

Also, lam and walnut stocks are available from Boyds.

Unfortunately, the 742's do have a history of jamming up. Mostly due to not keeping clean enough and poor mags. There never was a resolution but the rifle functions more then adequately for the thousands of users.

Jerry
 
there's somewhat of a "rare" 742 at the local shop...it's in 244 Rem (6mm for those out of the loop)....must be a 12" twist.....shot one 16 years ago and haven't seen another until this one...might make a good 'yote rifle with an 85 grainer....
 
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