Realistic accuracy expectations, DW 715

[JTPinTX]

I have had my 715 since '95 or so, and have always been very satisfied with the accuracy out of the 4" barrel.  However, I just got a new 8" barrel for it and so far have not been too impressed.  What should realistic expectations be for groups at 25 or 50 yards?  My 4" will shoot into 1 1/2" to 2" @ 25 with several loads and iron sights, and I could probably tweak it tighter if I got serious about it.  This new barrel just doesn't seem to be in that category though.  Just curious if I am being too hard on it.  I do need to get it broke in good and find the loads it likes, but I was expecting better than the 3"+ I am getting now at 25.  What should a realistic goal be?

[blhof]

I had a model 15 in the 80's with an 8" barrel and a 2x scope and I had it sighted in at 50yds and got sub 1" groups.  This was only with 158 Keith style cast bullets.  With jacketed, my best was 1 3/4" and I tried from 90gr to 170gr looking for the best and the Keith cast was it, with water quenched ww's.  Different barrels prefer different bullets.  I recently used Veral's firelapping kit on my model 40 and it improved my groups considerably. 

[JTPinTX]

Well. this barrel had some rough spots in it, so I fire lapped it.  Got done with that and took it out Saturday morning and shot a few groups.  I used some loads I had loaded up for my old 4" barrel and was pretty happy.  I also mounted a Burris Fastfire on it and I think that helped me quite a bit as well.

140 XTP, hot load of blue dot, 12 shots into 1.125" @ 25 yards
140 XTP, hot load of AA#9, 12 shots into 1.375 @ 25 yards
158 GCSWC, med load of Blue Dot, 10 shots into 1.75" @ 25

These were just random loads, I think I can probably improve on them some, but overall I was pretty happy with it.  Especially that XTP/Blue Dot load, it was really consistent.  I am anxious to try some 158 XTP's with a hot load of Blue Dot, I think they will really shoot.  Anyways, just wanted to update.

[blhof]

Looks like you're getting into the ball park.  My 15 liked the 158 swc best, but your group looked best with the lighter bullet, but overall not bad.