Howa ranchland. How much do the groups open up?

[mannyrock]

 
Dear Guys,
 
    I was looking at the Howa ranchland.  The short, lightweight barrel makes it very handy, but I know that the barrel would probably get hot after 2 or 3 shots, and that the groups would then open up considerably.
 
    Can anybody give me any information on how large the groups will open up, if you fire perhaps 10 rounds in a minute or two?
 
   Years ago, I shot a friends Rem Mod 7 in .243.   It ordinarily shot groups of 1.5 inches with a cold barrel.  If you shot it hot, the groups would open up to about 2.5 inches, but then stay there.
 
Regards,
Mannyrock

[nomosendero]

There is no way to get a hard and fast answer on that question. It wii depend alot on the bedding, if there are pressures on the barrel,if the receiver is in a bind, etc.
It also depends on the chamber, if cut or not cut straight with the bore, was the barrel threaded and tube installed without undue stress, on & on & being a factory rifle, they are not consistant as they should be.
 
With modern technology if all was done right, a light barrel gun does not have to start walking
when the shooting starts, but they are less forgiving than the "heavy" rifles when it comes to factory shortcomings.
 
Some of those rifles shoot decent, I hope yours does.

[dpe.ahoy]

I've got a couple of 243's a 223 and just set one back thats all camo with the camo rings and scope chambered in 7mm-08.  The 243's, (20" and 22") that I gave the boys are grouping 3 shots in less than an inch at 100. The 223 is 20 inch and will put 5 in 3/4".  I set em down and shoot a different rifle, but they are all 3 very good rifles.  Hope the 7mm-08 is as well, don't think there will be a problem.  This one has set on the shelf and is marked down to $499.99 and is gonna have 10% off that, so will be 450 to me.  Jim has been selling the hell out of em around Billings, had a rancher lives out of town, bought a couple and after shooting them, called Jim up to set him aside EIGHT more.  (Jim's my "pusher man" .  Gets more of my money than my wife.    These sales get hard on a fellas bank account.    DP