remington 742

[renfrowridge]

I pick up a 742 in .243 cal thats looks like new I took it to the range and I was shocked 3 to 4 inch groups the only ammo I had at the time was rem core-lokt 100gr does anybody have this gun and what ammo do you use I do not hand load. If I cant get to shoot a lot better than 3 to 4 inchs this gun will have to GO..

[BareBack Jack]

Hey Renfrow,
I have a post in firearms reviw about the 7400 and it's inaccuracy,there are some helpful pointers their on their actions and bedding.

Then on to your ammo,my sister has a 742 woodsmaster in 243 win and I love this gun.She shoots 100 gr Winchester Power-Points,maping a neat 1-1/2 inch group at 100 yds.I've killed several deer with this gun and she has killed 7-8 deer and a cow/calf elk last year.
BBJ

[renfrowridge]

thanks bareback I will take a look at that post again thanks alot

[Criggster]

I've got a 742 In '06 caliber. It shoots about 2" groups if cooled between every three shots. I've yet to shoot it sinceI gave it a really, really good cleaning. Hoping to get some better groups with different ammo. I need to do some experimenting with different ammo, and will report back in a couple of weeks.

[jmfa1957]

I've had a 742 in .30-06 for over 20 years. It is definitely NOT an accurate rifle. I have found that if I use Remington 180 grain CoreLokt factory loads and let the barrel cool all the way down between shots, I can get a 4 shot 100 yard group of about an inch or so. If, however, I fire a second shot when the barrel is even barely warm, the groups widen out to 2 to 3 inches. I've not had much luck with handloads; the Remongton 165 grain CoreLokt factory loads shoot just about as well as the 180 grains. Most of the other brands of ammo I've tried don't group as well.

I don't use this gun much. I much prefer a bolt action rifle. The gas operated action does soften the recoil a bit, but recoil in an ought six is not that big a deal to me anyway. When I hunt hogs in the shrubbery, I find that the advantage of a quick follow up shot is compromised by all the brush and crap that collects in the action, risking a jam. On the other hand, a 3" group is really quite adequate for hunting if you limit your shots to 100 yards or so (and if you can make the shot.)

I can't imagine a practical use for this rifle in .243, as the accuracy potential of the cartridge is not realized with this rifle, and recoil in that caliber is inconsequential anyway. The 742 is interesting, but not my favorite rifle. They don't bring much on the used market, else I would have traded mine away long ago. It's ok to have along in the truck for a spare.

[Highpower]

I'm a huge 243 fan and many years ago, I picked up a 7400 in 243 with a Weaver scope on top. I was used to my 243's shooting subMOA groups and the 7400 was a terrific disappointment. Good enough for deer hunting, not much better than you were getting. Could have been the scope but I couldn't afford to play with a new scope at the time so I got rid of it. Last year, I picked up a Bicentennial edition 742 in 30.06 with a 2-7 Leupold scope. I am very impressed with how good this rifle shoots. I getting 1-1 1/2" groups with factory Rem ammo off the bench at 100 yards. I don't think it'll ever be a varm rifle, but more than good enough for deer.

[MinnFinn]

Rem 742 is the older version of the current equivalent 7400. I wouldn't expect it would be terribly accurate for a couple reasons: It's an old rifle with probably many rounds through it. Autoloaders as a rule are not going to be nearly as accurate as a quality bolt action. Premium ammo is always going to be a better choice. You may only get one shot. Make it count. Rem autoloaders, even the 7400,are probably average at best as far as accuracy. At least that's my experience.

Also, I wouldn't expect it to operate well if the there is too much lub or a little moisture when the temp falls to 10+ F or less. I have a 7400 I bought 10 years ago. Today, I wouldn't choose it to hunt with. I'd choose a Tikka T3 above. You know it'll function the same every shot.

[Vapodog]

not only are some of these rifles lacking in accuracy but they also have a habit of leaving the owner with a single shot. Remington's auto is not the gun their pump is and not so by a long ways.

[Tree climber]

I can't imagine a practical use for this rifle in .243, as the accuracy potential of the cartridge is not realized with this rifle

there are a lot of practical use for this gun.(just ask my wife)

My wife shoots a 742 in the 243 cal. if keep clean and proper ammo (Winchester PSP 100 grain) it will as they say "drive tacks." 1 1/2" group at 100 yards.she has taken many deer out to 150 to 160 yards with her 742.
I see nothing wrong with the gun.some are just like other guns ; BAD ones.

I would say make sure the gun is cleaned really good and try different ammo to see if you can get better.it may as some have said,it is old and well used.to much use.

[renfrowridge]

Tryed some diff ammo fed. 100gr what a differrents at 100 yards right at 1 inch I mite have to keep this one