Day # 2 with the 7mm-08 barrel

[flinginairos]

After getting my new barrel set up last week I took it to the range and got it sighted in using Remington Core-loks in 140gr. The best it would do was about 2" at 100. Not too bad but I wanted better I got my 1X oversized hinge pin on monday and it took pretty much all of the play from the barrel, which was exactly what I was looking for. I got a box of Hornady Light Mag SST to try also. I shot it again today and the results were MUCH better I shot several groups under 1" with the Hornady and a couple around 1-1.5 with the Core-loks. The smallest I shot was 5/8" with the Hornady's. I am more than happy with those groups! A friend of mine is handloading some rounds for me to try this week so I am excited to see what it will do with those. Cant wait to try it out on some deer!!

[pozoutdoors]

I'm glad to hear that everything is working out for you!!! "If you tighten up the stearing, it will drive better for you!!!" 

[Silvertp]

So flinginairos...

Congrats...I'd say you got a fine shooting rifle with the Hornady loads, and without a lot of time or expense.  Who knows how good it might shoot if you spend some time working up some handloads.  On the other hand it is more than adequate for hunting as is...with the factory ammo.

Question.  How much of the improvement do you attest to the larger hing pin?  Sounds like it cut anywhere from 1 - 1/2 inch from your previous groups.  That is serious improvement in my book.

Silvertp

[JTD305]

So flinginairos...

Congrats...I'd say you got a fine shooting rifle with the Hornady loads, and without a lot of time or expense.  Who knows how good it might shoot if you spend some time working up some handloads.  On the other hand it is more than adequate for hunting as is...with the factory ammo.

Question.  How much of the improvement do you attest to the larger hing pin?  Sounds like it cut anywhere from 1 - 1/2 inch from your previous groups.  That is serious improvement in my book.

Silvertp

It could be just the Hornady loads grouped better.  My BAR shorttrac went from 1.75 moa with Core Lokts to .75 moa with Hornady BTSP's.

[flinginairos]

So flinginairos...

Congrats...I'd say you got a fine shooting rifle with the Hornady loads, and without a lot of time or expense.  Who knows how good it might shoot if you spend some time working up some handloads.  On the other hand it is more than adequate for hunting as is...with the factory ammo.

Question.  How much of the improvement do you attest to the larger hing pin?  Sounds like it cut anywhere from 1 - 1/2 inch from your previous groups.  That is serious improvement in my book.

Silvertp

Good question, the hinge pin DID help tighten the groups because the core-loks would only do about 2" at 100 and I got them close to 1" with the new hinge pin. It is shooting good enough now that I would have no problem hunting with it. I should be able to take it out in the next week or so and try out some handloads in it. I cant wait to see what it will do with those I will let you guys know how it goes

[Silvertp]

Keep us posted on your handload results.  I think Hornady must have it going on with their factory ammo.  Ive had similar results with sub moa groups with Hornady heavy mag in my 7mm Mag Sako.

Will be interesting to see if / how much you can better the factory ammo.  If you can you'll have a real tack-driver.  Look out critters!

Silvertp

[flinginairos]

Keep us posted on your handload results.  I think Hornady must have it going on with their factory ammo.  Ive had similar results with sub moa groups with Hornady heavy mag in my 7mm Mag Sako.

Will be interesting to see if / how much you can better the factory ammo.  If you can you'll have a real tack-driver.  Look out critters!

Silvertp

I have heard alot of good stuff about Hornady ammo. The only problem is that it is kind of hard to find in my caliber. Everybody that carries it is always backordered I am going to be using Hornady 139gr BTSP's in my handloads. If I can get MOA or slightly under on a regular basis I am happy

[pozoutdoors]

You might try sierra's too!!! I'm not saying they are any better than hornady's. But I've had good luck with them in my 30-06!!!!

[hogrdr]

You might try sierra's too!!! I'm not saying they are any better than hornady's. But I've had good luck with them in my 30-06!!!!

DITTO SIERRA
I love Sierra they are by far the best in my 270 win. I've reloaded Hornady, Nozler, Speer, Barnes always got better groups with Sierra 140 gr. BTSP!
Hog

[flinginairos]

You might try sierra's too!!! I'm not saying they are any better than hornady's. But I've had good luck with them in my 30-06!!!!

DITTO SIERRA
I love Sierra they are by far the best in my 270 win. I've reloaded Hornady, Nozler, Speer, Barnes always got better groups with Sierra 140 gr. BTSP!
Hog

I looked at those when I was buying, I will be sure to try some I got my handloads yesterday, hopefully I can try them out on saturday if the weather is good

[bulletstuffer]

Happy to hear the barrel I sold you shoots so well   Maybe it is just you that shoots good   Either way I am thrilled

Bulletstuffer

[flinginairos]

Well, I took it back out today and had some more fun with it I tried out some handloads that a friend loaded for me and they shot pretty darn well. The load was a Hornady 139gr BTSP with 37.8 grains of 3031 powder. At 100 yards they were shooting solid 3/4 groups. I shot a few of the Remington Core loks that I had and they were shooting right around 1 3/4". I am happy with how it is shooting, it is a BLAST to shoot. My only problem is everytime I go out and shoot, it bends my front forearm screw almost to the point where I cant get it out The back one is fine, so I am not sure what the deal is. Any ideas? It doesnt matter what I am using for a rest either, sandbags and bi-pods had the same effect

[flinginairos]

Here are a few pics....
Four shot group with the Remington's, the shot high and left was the first shot from a clean bore.