30-06 Load Worked Slowed Down By Neglect

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My 30-06 just seemed to keep getting worse the more I shot it. Could not understand why I was getting same velocities but groups kept opening up wider and wider. Checked my scope and it was mount solid, it would track exactly where I moved it.

So just out of curiosity I wanted to make sure I had the screws torqued correctly and guess what I found. The main screw was not really snug anymore and the screw in front of the trigger guard was really loose, almost backed completely out and the screw behind the trigger guard needed some tightening up also.

Do you know how many rounds I waisted and now have to shoot over just to check and make sure I have not passed up a good load!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I need to take a break and adjust my attitude cause I can't tell you how disappointing that is to me and actually how mad I am at myself for not checking the stock and receiver fit. The only good thing about all of this is that the 358win just keeps on doing what it always has done (it might be all I hunt with this year).

My 260 Rem Custom is coming along as expected in that load work and has pretty good accuracy with RL-22, MRP and H4350 along with outstanding velocities. I know from now on before each range session and after each session with the 06 I will make sure the screws are tight. Not smart at all. I am behind at least a month and not to mention the components. OH WELL!!!!! It is what it is!!!! Mike :wink:

 

[JD338]

Hang tough buddy, could have been worse! Take a breather and relax.

Have you shot the 340 Wby lately?

JD338

 

[bullet]

Hang tough buddy, could have been worse! Take a breather and relax.

Have you shot the 340 Wby lately?

JD338

No I have not shot it lately for two reasons, one-I finalized my load work and Two-I have sold off everything I have owned in rifles, revolvers and many components for reloading including dies because my income is 50% of what it use to be.

I used the money to shore up the 30-06, 358Win, 260Rem and AR-15 with components and supplies to last for the next 3-5 years. I only own now these four rifles and they will have to do. I kinda wished you had not ask that question but since you did I needed to tell it like it is. That is why I was so upset about the component loss due to me not keeping the stock and receiver tight on my 06. I will have to assess my supplies and reduce the amount of loads I try again. As the young today say, "It is what it is."

 

[Desert Fox]

This is one reason why I pillar bed all my stock.

 

[bullet]

This is one reason why I pillar bed all my stock.

My rifle has a full bedding block in the stock, I am not sure what your point is, am I missing something? I know how you really do a good job with your rifles in putting together what you want.

 

[Desert Fox]

This is one reason why I pillar bed all my stock.

My rifle has a full bedding block in the stock, I am not sure what your point is but I am sure I am missing something. I know how you really do a good job with your rifles in putting together what you want.

I thought you have wood stock on that 06.

Even though, stock with full bedding block like the HS or the Bell and Carlson can benefits from skim bedding. I did it with HS Precision on my 308 and Model 70 Laredo, and Bell and Carlson on both the 223 AI and 300 Weatherby. One will assume that since the stock has a full bedding block it doesn't require any more bedding. Wrong! You'll be surprised how sloppy the fit are on those stocks, especially around the recoil lug area.

 

[Elkman]

mike
I also feel for you regarding your rifles and stuff that would be very difficult. I have a suggestion, I don't know why you are way behind? but perhaps after analyzing your data (I know you have kept detailed records) pick out two or three loads that look good load them test them pick the best one, and give the whole thing a rest for a longgggggggg while.
Unless you are a competative shooter (I think I said this to you several months ago when you were shooting 1/2 groups) You are burning up your resources by being compulsive regarding the ultimate load, when for your needs less than the ultimate load will suffice. We all want to be able to shoot little tiny groups but in most cases those groups mean nothing for success as a hunter. Most big game is killed by hunters with rifles that are capable of 2" groups at best. Take a break, unstress, unwind, start planning your hunting trips and enjoy the ride.
:grin:

 

[bullet]

This is one reason why I pillar bed all my stock.

My rifle has a full bedding block in the stock, I am not sure what your point is but I am sure I am missing something. I know how you really do a good job with your rifles in putting together what you want.

I thought you have wood stock on that 06.

Even though, stock with full bedding block like the HS or the Bell and Carlson can benefits from skim bedding. I did it with HS Precision on my 308 and Model 70 Laredo, and Bell and Carlson on both the 223 AI and 300 Weatherby. One will assume that since the stock has a full bedding block it doesn't require any more bedding. Wrong! You'll be surprised how sloppy the fit are on those stocks, especially around the recoil lug area.

I did have a wooden stock on it but ruined it by trying to put pillar bedding post in, but that was my sloppy work that messed it up. With this stock I get know movement and it fits like a glove and the barrel is completely free from the stock all the way to the receiver. Never had a stock fit as good as this Hogue Mold Over with full bedding block. It is not like my B&C that still had a little movement. When I first put the stock on I did not fully torque down the screws and was going to before shooting but forgot. If the groups do not become consistent and tight I will consider some more bedding as you mentioned. When I say this stock that was made for the Ruger fits tight and snug, I mean there is no movement back and forth, up or down or side ways. Now there might be some I can't detect and if so I will have to bed further, but I will know after another time at the range.

 

[FOTIS]

Hang in there Mike. Take a breather and start again.

 

[bullet]

mike
I also feel for you regarding your rifles and stuff that would be very difficult. I have a suggestion, I don't know why you are way behind? but perhaps after analyzing your data (I know you have kept detailed records) pick out two or three loads that look good load them test them pick the best one, and give the whole thing a rest for a longgggggggg while.
Unless you are a competative shooter (I think I said this to you several months ago when you were shooting 1/2 groups) You are burning up your resources by being compulsive regarding the ultimate load, when for your needs less than the ultimate load will suffice. We all want to be able to shoot little tiny groups but in most cases those groups mean nothing for success as a hunter. Most big game is killed by hunters with rifles that are capable of 2" groups at best. Take a break, unstress, unwind, start planning your hunting trips and enjoy the ride.
:grin:

Yeah, I agree, I have already decide to check out a few from all of my past experience with the 06 and go from there. Pop, I am going to give this thing a long breather. I got to start thinking of hunting.

 

[bullet]

Hang in there Mike. Take a breather and start again.

I will, and have decide to reduce all my efforts. I do have some good stuff on the MRP with the 208gr and 180gr Ballistic tips that were good before the stock worked loose. Yep, time for hunting season. Elkman was right about me burning up to much of my components.

 

[BK]

I've been thinking about putting together a checklist to run through before heading to the range, and to check while at the range. Think I may have just found another item to put on there!

Sorry about the wasted components.

 

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I've been thinking about putting together a checklist to run through before heading to the range, and to check while at the range. Think I may have just found another item to put on there!

Sorry about the wasted components.

I have enough components left to hunt and practice at least four times a year plus have my hunting loads for the next three or four years but I can't shoot like I use to and as much. But, I will do fine, just have to end my load work quick.

 

[SJB358]

Good luck Mike. I hope you find what you are looking for in your 30-06. It was also a good heads up on the stock screws loosening, as I plan to put the same one on a M70 7mm Rem Mag I have. They seem like well priced and very functional stocks. I will keep reading to see how you make out with yours. Scotty

 

[bullet]

Good luck Mike. I hope you find what you are looking for in your 30-06. It was also a good heads up on the stock screws loosening, as I plan to put the same one on a M70 7mm Rem Mag I have. They seem like well priced and very functional stocks. I will keep reading to see how you make out with yours. Scotty

It was not the stock. When I first put the stock on I only slightly snug the screws intending to tighten them later as I was make sure of the fit but got distracted and assumed I had tightened them. I went to the rang yesterday and after the range session I checked the screws and they were still very tight. The fault was mine and had nothing to do with the stock.

 

[SJB358]

Thats good to hear, thanks for the heads up on it Mike. Seems like it must be a decent enough stock if Ruger is putting them on alot of their rifles right outta the factory. Scotty

 

[bullet]

Thats good to hear, thanks for the heads up on it Mike. Seems like it must be a decent enough stock if Ruger is putting them on alot of their rifles right outta the factory. Scotty

Ruger is putting the pillar bedded Hogue which is not even as good as the full bedding block on mine. They are good stocks.

 

[SJB358]

Thanks again Mike. I think the pillar bedded ones are still probably pretty good. I am shooting for the full block like yours. I would like to see how the 7mm would really shoot with a good foundation. Scotty