7-30 Waters stringing bullets upward

[wallacem]

Hey guys, I have a new Contender bbl, 21" TC, with Leupold 2-7 scope. I loaded up some 120 and 130 gr bullets, went out to try them, and I am getting stinging. From the first bullet, the string goes upward and the 5th bullet is about 4 inches above the first one. Both bullet sizes did the same thing. I got home and was thinking about it, and am thinking it must be a forearm thing. I was holding the forearm all the way up front to rest it. I am wondering if I change the forearm or rest it further back? What do you think based on the limited info. Thanks, Wallacem in Georgia

[65465 Mo]

I've got my best groups out of Contenders/Encores with the forearm resting just in front of the trigger guard with no down pressure.

[hog50]

I'm having the same problem with my 24" custom shop barrel. Have tried different powders and bullet weights with no acceptable results. I am going to seat the bullets out further and try that. Best loads so far use AA2460 and Nosler 120 BT

[LHitchcox]

Sometimes it will respond to different tension on the screws. Tinker with it. Most rifles with a two piece stock have issues with stringing as the barrel heats up. I have also used an appropriate sized o-ring to improve the groups. I did that often in a Handi Rifle.

I am thinking of trying brass washers on the screws in the forearm of my Contender to see if I can get rid of the stringing.

[Slowpoke Slim]

If you have a different fore end, try that. If you have or can borrow one with a hanger bar, try that also. Also +1 to setting the rest as far back towards the frame as you can. My 6 TCU carbine barrel showed a dramatic improvement by trying a hanger bar fore end on it.

[Keith L]

I take fired 12 gauge shotgun shells, and cut plastic spacers to fit the barrel.  I punch a hole in them for the screws, and have been good to go.  Even cheaper than O rings and last forever.

[Hopalong7]

I take fired 12 gauge shotgun shells, and cut plastic spacers to fit the barrel.  I punch a hole in them for the screws, and have been good to go.  Even cheaper than O rings and last forever.

They are Majic!!! 
But, seriously....if not a forearm problem, I generally find that vertical stringing in a Contender comes from inconsistent lock-up.  First off, try to shut the action with the very same sharp snap each time, a very light polishing on the bolt face or maybe just a smidgen of dry lube on the bolt face. 
Walt

[wallacem]

Interesting theory about lockup, but I am a 30 year veteran to contenders, and I always snap it closed with authority, but also, why would it string each bullet above the previous?  Seems like it would cause randon throwing of the bullet instead.  I am still leaning toward heating of the bbl being the culprit. Wallacem