Starting with an A-Bolt; what do you think?

[Kody]

I have an older Browning A Bolt Stainless Stalker in 7mm Rem Mag that’s been sitting unused in my safe for a very long time. It is in an almost new condition. I am new to centerfire target shooting and would like to ask a few questions that would help me a great deal.
- The trigger is at 2,9 lbs (Timney spring installed).
- The stock is composite, very stiff, the barrel is not free floating
- The scope is a Leupold VX-2 6-18X40 AO with a fine duplex
- I will be shooting off basic Caldwell bags
I was wondering what factory ammo you would recommend to start with and what accuracy should the rifle be capable of. Is 1 MOA at 200 yd a reasonable expectation? Any constructive feedback is much appreciated.
Thank you very much!

Kody

 

[Highwind]

Does it have a B.O.S.S. on it...?

I would free float and check the front end of the stock for stiffness after doing the barrel channel area of the stock.
Get a bypod and try that - along with your caldwell bags.
For factory loads - You may want to try Ballistic Silvertips to see how they do and perhaps some Federal premium ammo like the S. Game Kings / boat tail which are usually fairly good. Another load might come from Hornady SST with Superformance.
A 7MMRM will reach out - and the tell tail sign will be at 300 yards. so finding a good factory load can only be improved by reloading. Buy a manual like the one from Lee.

 

[Alpheus]

If you are new to centerfire, I wouldn't start with a 7RM. That's a great way to develop one hell of a flinch.
I would sell it and pick up something smaller. Less recoil and cheaper, so you'll shoot it more. Along the lines of a .243 would work well.

 

[Evil_Dark]

I would say yes, capable of a good precision. I have one in 30-06, I'm at 3/4" at 100yards, I've done 1/2 one time, I need to train more
If you reload, I'm very confident for 1 MOA @ 200 yard.

 

[Kody]

Thanks for the feedback. This rifle has no B.O.S.S. I have a Harris SBR bi-pod, I am guessing that would be too light for this type of shooting?

What ammo weight do you think would be a good starting point for this rifle?

Kody

 

[TXS]

I'm with Alpheus, I wouldn't be using that as my startup. Ammo cost, especially factory stuff, will eat up your budget in a hurry. I'd look at either selling or trading up to something a little more suited for this type of thing. Its not that the caliber isn't capable, it certainly is, but repetitively, over and over, doubtful, especially beyond 300m unless some work is put into it. I'd start with a rem/savage/tikka in 308 or 223, something varmint like for a reasonable price, carry over your optic, and go from there.

 

[Kody]

I'm with Alpheus, I wouldn't be using that as my startup. Ammo cost, especially factory stuff, will eat up your budget in a hurry. I'd look at either selling or trading up to something a little more suited for this type of thing. Its not that the caliber isn't capable, it certainly is, but repetitively, over and over, doubtful, especially beyond 300m unless some work is put into it. I'd start with a rem/savage/tikka in 308 or 223, something varmint like for a reasonable price, carry over your optic, and go from there.

I have been thinking about this for a while. Maybe its time to let the A-Bolt go and get something in a smaller calibre.

I would really appreciate if someone could help with pricing of this rifle (Browning A-Bolt Stainles Stalker 7 mm rem mag with composite stock)? I bough it from a co-worker/friend who put about 20 rounds through it. I have owned it for 15 years and took it to range 3 times, shot probably 40 rounds. No hunting. There is a couple of minor marks on the stock and a couple of tiny rub marks on the metal otherwise it is like new/clean. Leupold rings and bases included. The stock is composite, not plastic. Rifle works like it should.

Thanks
Kody