Where to go from here?

B

Bug

Guest
I recently rebarreled a Rem SA to .308 Win. I used a "famous maker" SS match, hand-lapped barrel in about a #2 (light sporter)contour. I chambered with a new PTG reamer. The first few outings, the grouping was a disapointing 1 1/2 - 2" groups. Both factory and hand loads were used. I recrowned the barrel with minor improvement. So, I visited with the manufacturer - literally! I took the rifle, targets, reamer, and some fired cases to the shop.
After some inspection, they offered a few improvements that would likely help things. A small correction to the bedding and making the mag box slightly loose (to prevent any stress), and lug lapping (can't believe I had neglected that) were the major ones. After these tasks were completed, accuracy has improved - down to an inch, now. But I think it will do better.
I wish to shoot 150 gr bullets, But, no matter what the weight, the mag box limits length (2.815") to the point I am near 0.100" off the lands. Not only does that stuff a lot of bullet into the case (hence the 150s), but it leaves me with a hell of a bullet jump - minimum 0.090". I can't, for the time being, spring for an extended mag, like a Wyatt's. I don't have the knowledge, ability, or tooling needed.
My first thought is to send the reamer back to Dave, and let him re-cut it for my OAL. That would be a simple fix. Set it back and rechamber - problem solved. Or is it? So many of you guys have BTDT, that I thought I'd ask for opinions/input before doing this. Is there anything I'm missing? Of course, there'd be a need for a new reamer, if I ever wanted a longer oal; or at least a throater. That's the only drawback I can see. Am I thinking this thru - clearly? Thanks for your time...................................Bug.
 
.090 sounds like a lot but, why not single load your long rounds first and see if there is an improvement before going to far.
 
Hmmmmmmm,
Well, yeah, that would pretty much tell me what I need to know. See, that;s why I asked... I had no thoughts about this rifle being a single shot. It must function from the magazine. Funny how my mind works - or doesn't! It just never ocurred to me to try it.........Thanks, Ken!
 
Try different, longer bullet

Hmmmmmmm,
Well, yeah, that would pretty much tell me what I need to know. See, that;s why I asked... I had no thoughts about this rifle being a single shot. It must function from the magazine. Funny how my mind works - or doesn't! It just never ocurred to me to try it.........Thanks, Ken!
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0.09" jump sounds a lot but not necessary has to be bad. I shoot .308W/180 SBT/2630fps (AOL 2.8") into 20mm circle/100metres from 22" barrel that has 0.08" jump. That's not a target rifle, but an every day throw around work rifle.

Shoot well
Peter
 
try some hornady bullets...like thier 130? they use a different design( secant vs tangent?) puts more full dia in front of the case.
sounds like a std 308 reamer..maybe a 7.62x51 nato.....lonnnng throat.

mike in co
 
.308 accuracy

I have the same situation. My rifle will not shoot the 150 gr. bullet (or lighter).

Shoots 175 & 180 grain lights out.

I gave up on 150's.

KG
 
Some of this comes down to twist. Try a selection of bulets as a single shot, slightly into the lands, to see what it likes, then you can see what reamer/chamber mods you need so that the magazine can be used. My first CF rifle was a 788 in 308 (the one with the 24" barrel). It didn't like 150s worth a darn, but 168s and 190s were really good. It had a 10" twist. If I wanted to shoot lighter bullets, I would pick a slower twist.
 
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