What do you mean the ammo was "sporatic?" 150 - 180 grs is just about the idea weight bullet for the 30/06. I've had Remington .22 LR ammo that was garbage and in fact won't buy that brand 22 anymore but I've never seen Remington high powered ammo this bad. (Not that I shoot very much factory ammo)

Nikon SHOULD be a damn good scope. You may have good rings but is everything tight and lined up right? Maybe H&R misdrilled the holes and scope alignment is crazy.

If you aren't flinching.........hmmmmmm.

The fastest and easiest way to check would be to go back to the range with a friend who you know is a good shot and ask him to try your rifle and ammo. See if he duplicates your problem. This would be cheaper than buying and replacing things.

Then again maybe H&R made your barrel out of something that would have made better tent pegs.[:@]

Good luck sorting this out.