Gunsmithing Remington Seven 7 Options

[ss7]

I picked up a Remington Seven a couple years back in 300 SAUM to fill the roll as a brush gun/edge of field gun for deer and elk. I was hoping for at least 1-1.5 MOA with loads on the hotter end of the loading tables, as my other 700s had no problems there. After a several hundred rounds sent down the backyard range, I have found no combination satisfactory. It can shoot 1.5 MOA only while sacrificing significant velocity, which I'm not really excited about.

Are my expectations set too high for this action/stock/barrel combo? I did bed the action and float the barrel, which helped almost enought to make me think it was worth it.

Should I consider cutting back the chamber so I can load out to the lands? I cannot put it anywhere close and use the magazine, which is essential. I have also found it to be a real chore to remove fouling from the barrel - could it be a shotty barrel? Should it just be replaced? I'd be interested in drop-ins if anyone can recommend a supplier.

I wouldn't mind rechambering to another caliber - I'd now rather it be a .308 and grab another tool for the elk, but the bolt face would have to be modified. Is it a viable option to go down in diameter?

Sorry for so many questions.. I've had plenty of time to wish it was different. Its been just sitting in the safe for the past 2 years though, as I've rendered it useless. Any recommendations or comments would be welcomed and appreciated!

Sam

 

[jrm850]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ss7</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I picked up a Remington Seven a couple years back in 300 SAUM to fill the roll as a brush gun/edge of field gun for deer and elk. I was hoping for at least 1-1.5 MOA with loads on the hotter end of the loading tables, as my other 700s had no problems there. After a several hundred rounds sent down the backyard range, I have found no combination satisfactory. It can shoot 1.5 MOA only while sacrificing significant velocity, which I'm not really excited about.

Are my expectations set too high for this action/stock/barrel combo? I did bed the action and float the barrel, which helped almost enought to make me think it was worth it.

Should I consider cutting back the chamber so I can load out to the lands? I cannot put it anywhere close and use the magazine, which is essential. I have also found it to be a real chore to remove fouling from the barrel - could it be a shotty barrel? Should it just be replaced? I'd be interested in drop-ins if anyone can recommend a supplier.

I wouldn't mind rechambering to another caliber - I'd now rather it be a .308 and grab another tool for the elk, but the bolt face would have to be modified. Is it a viable option to go down in diameter?

Sorry for so many questions.. I've had plenty of time to wish it was different. Its been just sitting in the safe for the past 2 years though, as I've rendered it useless. Any recommendations or comments would be welcomed and appreciated!

Sam </div></div>

What kind of stock, scope, and rings are on it now?

 

[excaliber]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

The feedrails are opened up to much to go with 308. If the rifle has that plastic stock on it, take it off and go with something fiberglass. My 308 model seven will shoot under 1/2 moa. You might have a bad barrel. Try to load a few out close to lands and just see how that does.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

Also, there is a reason Remington puts those pressure pads at the fore-end. Try stacking a bunch of card stock to put around 8 pounds of pressure on that skinny barrel at the fore-end. You can then pull out one card at a time, lessening the pressure a bit each time and checking groups for accuracy. Probably will be at 6 to 7 pounds. Then you can replace the cards with an epoxy pad as a permanent solution. Hope this works. Has for me.

 

[ss7]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

Factory plastic stock with bedding job. Leupold VX-2 4x12 power with leupold solid/single and leupold standard rings.

 

[ss7]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

Sorry.. leupold solid base - not the 2 piece.

 

[ss7]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

I have not been good about documenting what loads I have worked up, but I do know I've tried loading near the lands in attempt to find something better. If I recall correctly, there was little to no difference as I've never had a good day shooting it.

 

[ss7]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: former naval person</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also, there is a reason Remington puts those pressure pads at the fore-end. Try stacking a bunch of card stock to put around 8 pounds of pressure on that skinny barrel at the fore-end. You can then pull out one card at a time, lessening the pressure a bit each time and checking groups for accuracy. Probably will be at 6 to 7 pounds. Then you can replace the cards with an epoxy pad as a permanent solution. Hope this works. Has for me. </div></div>

Interesting. I did not know Remington did this intentionally; however, I did not float the barrel before trying to work up a reasonable load. This test is easy enough to do, though. Thanks!

 

[ugsly]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

What velocity are you looking for with what bullet weight? I put together two 300 WSM, one a shilen and other a douglas barrel. Both of them shot very good but when I approached 3000 FPS groups opened on both. I just shot a heavier bullet then and dealt with the drop.

Kc

 

[ss7]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ugsly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What velocity are you looking for with what bullet weight? I put together two 300 WSM, one a shilen and other a douglas barrel. Both of them shot very good but when I approached 3000 FPS groups opened on both. I just shot a heavier bullet then and dealt with the drop.

Kc </div></div>

I was hoping to shoot 180gr at 2800 fps.

 

[my human host]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

Do both of locking lugs on the bolt show some wear?

If they do, I like fnp's idea of toying with forend pressure.

If that doesn't work, you might consider having the barrel checked with a bore scope.

 

[ss7]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: my human host</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do both of locking lugs on the bolt show some wear?

If they do, I like fnp's idea of toying with forend pressure.

If that doesn't work, you might consider having the barrel checked with a bore scope.
</div></div>

I have considered getting some lapping compound in an attempt to get better contact. Do I need to remove the barrel and use the special tool, or can it be done with barrel attached?

There is some difference, but not too alarming in my ignorant oppinion. One lug shows wear across the entire surface - the other has 2 broad lines of wear with a narrow line in the middle and near bolt which has not been touched and is still blued.

 

[ss7]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

Good side:

Bad side:

 

[my human host]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

If you have partial wear across both lugs, you're gtg.

Lapping is one of those things that can do more harm than good if it isn't done right.

Edit: Pics suggest you have good contact.

 

[ss7]

Re: Remington Seven 7 Options

I opted for a different option - traded it in for a new .308!

Didn't take a huge hit, but now I'm left with a couple hundred plus rounds of brass I will never use..

I appreciate all the support.