742 accuracy workup

[nrb]

My 742 30-06 has been a great performer for deer for several decades. Recently the accuracy went from 1 in groups to 4 inch groups at 100yds with my favorite reloads or with factory loads. The crown is fine, all is tight but I have a hard time with the torque of the foreend screw. Tightening has great effects on the group size and point of impact. What suggestions to tuning and for torqueing the foreend?

best,       nrb

[Randy_che]

Can't answer your forend screw question, as I just tighten mine until it's tight, but not too tight. Very subjective. If my groups were opening up like that, I'd check the scope/mounts.

[nrb]

Thanks for the reply Randy.
 I stripped the 742 and noticed a very, very slight looseness that I first thought was the stock. But, on careful examination, I found the barrel was loose and that the barrel retainer nut had loosened  a fraction. This nut is octagonal and only had vice grips to tighten it. But I tighted it and all seems well.