In other threads, I've described this as my 'never sell' firearm. In truth, I think it's gorgeous, but has never shot well for me.
By not well, I mean terribly. I've always used IMR4350 for 30-06, and have always had good results. With this rifle, I tried a couple of go-to loads, and was disappointed. So I tried some other loads... mild loads, MAX loads, .5 grain increments, etc. Then I started in with the different bullets. I tried a total of 7 different bullets, brands and weights, each with numerous different powder charges.
The rifle was turning out groups between 3 inches and AOP (all over the paper). I was getting pissed...
EDIT: I just remembered that I had a handful of Federal Premium 180gr TSX in my arsenal, and fed it them too... 2.5-3" as well.
Check scope mounts; all tight and good. Check seating lengths; the throat measured a bit short, but not terribly so. Check headspace; it's right at the minimum, but still OK... Check brass; some of them are long... trim all.
Still pathetic, and what's worse is that when switching bullet weights, the POI would sometimes be 2' (that's two feet) different from one to the next.
3 days ago I was ready to throw that thing in the Athabasca, or sell it on the EE a-la Win94 with full disclosure.
I happened to be loading some rounds for my 7-08 using H4350. I thought I'd give the Winchester one last faint hope, and checked the manuals. I then loaded a small handful of 150 and 180 gr rounds using the Hodgdon powder. I wasn't optimistic... after all, the 4350's are so similar, right?
With the simple change in powder, this rifle has now produced numerous groups under 1" at 100y, and what's better yet, the difference in POI from 150 to 180 gr is only 4", straight vertical. The best group was one this afternoon with the 150's, measuring 0.613" outside-outside, or 0.305" c/c.
I guess I won't throw it off the bridge after all.
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