Nosler Techs: finicky M70 30-06

[AlanR]

I recently purchased a featherweight M70 classic in 30-06. It is the first '06 I've run into that won't shoot 56-57 grs. H4350 and a 180 gr. Ballistic Tip or AccuBond. What powder, primer and bullet combo do you recommend I use to see the potential accuracy of this rifle?

Thanks.

 

[JD338]

My go to load was always 57.0 grs IMR4350 with 180 gr bullets.
Take a look at RL22.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

New, used, freefloated, pressure pointed?

Scope? screws? etc?

Need info

 

[AlanR]

Pop:

Used
free floated
Glass bedded
Leupold 2.5-8..solid, no issues
Dual Dove tail bases/rings
All screws tight

 

[FOTIS]

Maybe it does not like the free-floating. Featherweights have light barrels. Stick some cards in the forend and see if it likes a pressure point.

 

[Bigcat_hunter]

Check the crown for dings.

 

[AlanR]

Crown is good. Will try front barrel pressure but from my own experience, I have yet to own a rifle that shoots more consistent with barrel pressure rather than free floated.

To bring this question home, I would like to know if the Nosler Techs would recommend, for example, a flat based Partition and a relatively fast burning powder such as 4895 to determine accuracy potential? For example, I know Chub Eastman has recommeneded certain bullet/powder combos over the years with the conclusion that if the rifle won't shoot (name the recipe), get rid of the rifle. I just can't remember what those recipes were :?:

 

[FOTIS]

I bought a Featherweight in 243 WSSM. Some nimrod had freefloated and bedded the action. Shot like crap! Added a 6 lbs pressure point to the forearm and bingo .75".

 

[AlanR]

Accuracy update: chasing the lands has been the secret. I am now shooting all bullet combinations 3 thou off the lands. The rifle has turned into a solid MOA (usually less) shooter.

 

[CZ]

TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT RL22.- EXCELLENT RESULTS WITH NOSLER 165 B.T.- 100% LOADING DENSITY ABOUT 2900FPS.

 

[sniper208]

I added a piece of equipment to my rifle and it helped a lot. It compensated for some of my shortcomings and improved accuracy by over 50%! I am referring to Limb Saver's Barrel Deresonator (http://www.limbsaver.com). Some people poo-poo the little gadget. I submit those are the people who either haven't used it or routinely put 5/5 through the same hole.

I recently worked up a great load for my Sig SHR 970 .30-06 (22" bbl.). I shot Hornady's 165 SST with Remington brass, Rem 9 1/2 LR primer, 57.3 grains of IMR 4350 and seated to 3.335". Groups averaged .25" inside and .40" outside. For grins, I removed the Deresonator and shot the same load (next 10 in the box) and averaged .80" inside and 1" outside. I re-installed the Deresonator and shot the next 10 rounds at the original size. I allowed for 90 seconds of open breach cooling time between shots. It works and it compensates for a lot of unknowns. Just a suggestion.