7mm Rem mag (am i being to picky)
 

Hey fellas,
I am new to reloading and i need your help, I am reloading 7mm Rem mag with 160 gr Nosler accu-bonds, I am using IMR 4350 and IMR 4831. I have tried many different loads and different seating depths, ( from -.02 - .05 under) and my best group is and inch and an eighth, but not repeatable time after time. I guess my question is where do i start to tighten groups? I am very meticulous about trim to length (.249) and weighing powder to a tenth of a grain, and i clean primer pockets. Should i buy some different powder, or should I try to seat the bullet deeper? Any ideas? One more question, how much does heat really affect grouping during testing, Im shooting a Ruger M77 mark 2 with a 24" stainless barrel, I try to let it cool between shots but how cool is cool.

thanks

RE: 7mm Rem mag (am i being to picky)
 

It is possible that your rifle may shoot more accurately with a different bullet or with a different powder.I would try a different bullet or a different bullet weight as well as a different powder or two.The only way to find out what your gun likes best is by trial and error.I often see group size change dramatically with a change in powder or bullet.You might consider trying reloader 22 and perhaps the 140gr accubond.I fire a three shot group then let the gun cool to almost normal temperature before firing another group.Heat can greatly effect group size if your bedding is not perfect.

RE: 7mm Rem mag (am i being to picky)
 

The groups you're currently getting is actually pretty good for hunting grade bullets however I've heard of better than that.

The first thing I'd do is to confirm that my barrel is free floating.....the stock isn't touching the barrel anywhere.

In reloading, the case length is an issue of safety and not accuracy.....further the weighing of the powder to 1/10 grain won't hurt but it isn't the key to accuracy. Seating depth will affect accuracy but to a lesser extent. Cleaning primer pockets is another minor in the accuracy issue.

The biggest accuracy issue in reloading is choosing the right bullet and the second biggest accuracy factor is choosing the right powder.....and I mean FOR THE GUN.

You have a dilema.....your accuracy IMO is really quite acceptable for a hunting rig. If you want it better I'd work on floating the barrel, glass bedding the action and if that don't help a bunch, I'd try Nosler Particians or some other premium bullet. Changing powders is also worth a try but when it's all over with you may not achieve significantly better accuracy than you are currently getting.

Remember...the majority of 1/2" groups are shot on the internet and not on the shooting range.

RE: 7mm Rem mag (am i being to picky)
 

What kind of trigger pull do you have on the ruger?Everyone I have had,I had to do a trigger job on them to shoot tight groups because they came with heavy triggers.
Did one for a friend awhile back that couldn't hit at 50 yds,checked the trigger and it was 8 lbs,(7mm) after I reloaded him some bullets and fixed the trigger he was doing well at 100 yds.and200 yds

RE: 7mm Rem mag (am i being to picky)
 

herman,
that has been a question of mine, i know my trigger pull is very heavy, i ordered a timney and am waiting for it to arrive, i have been thinking about that because it is so hard to pull, im guessing around 6 to 7 lbs.

thanks

RE: 7mm Rem mag (am i being to picky)
 

I'm with vapordog on this one,

I've fiddled around and got most of my guns doing better than that, BUT i could happily go big game hunting with your groups and do everything i ever needed to do!!

It can take a lot of work to get a rifle to shoot better than yours, and you need to think about if it's worth the time and expense???

Drilling Man

RE: 7mm Rem mag (am i being to picky)
 

are you full length resizing or just the neck? When you shoot a round the case fire forms to your chamber. If you just resize it to accept the new bullet it will be much more accurate. If you full length size it, you are starting over each time.

RE: 7mm Rem mag (am i being to picky)
 

In an unaltered Ruger 77 with factory trigger I think your groups are very respectable. I believe your rifle needs attention before your loads do.

RE: 7mm Rem mag (am i being to picky)
 

Get the trigger done, you can either have a gunsmith hone and lighten the spring or replace it with a timney and get overtravel screw in the process. Not much you can do with the bedding situation . I have never bothered with glass bedding a ruger and really never needed to only adjusting the trigger and playing with different loads. Good Luck

RE: 7mm Rem mag (am i being to picky)
 

Some Rugers respond well to forend pressure. I have seen rugers with pieces of plastic under the barrel at the forend to do this. It helped tighten the groups and no more stringing shots.