Range test of the new M70 264WM

[SJB358]

Here are some results from my range day with the new M70 264WM. Overall, it did pretty darned well I would say. I spent a few extra rounds getting it straightened out at 50 yards. After finally getting it punching the bull at 50, I took it back to 100.

Here is the first group out of the rifle. The Ammunition is Nosler Custom 125gr PT's. The box states 3200FPS. I got 2998, 3136, 2987 from this three shot string

Here is the 2nd group out of the rifle.

This group is a hair under an 1". Not a varminter, but a very good start for a new rifle, scope and such for me and it was very windy today in Northern Va. The wind or a hurricane could not have stopped me from shooting today.

Overall, I really like the rifle, it is a huge PUSSYCAT on the bench! I mean like 25-06 recoil. It was awesome. I shot it prone also, and it turned in some decent groups, but as the barrel started to warm up, groups really began to open up. I am thinking it needs a good barrel scrubbing which it has not gotten or I will have to address the bedding. Either way, three rounds from a cold tube printed right at an inch. Pretty happy with it.

I am thinking about ordering some pillars and some more Acra Gel in order to do a proper bedding job on it. I love the 4.5x14 Leupold! I say it is a great scope for the rifle. Excellent magnification and seems indestructible in the mounts and rings it is in. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

Good show. I do believe it will work out for you.

 

[JD338]

Scotty

Excellent start! As we discussed, try that load with the bullet seated a little deeper, you may hit the jack pot with a factory load.
I think you are one your way to having a real tack driver.

JD338

 

[HeathSexton]

Very nice! The .264 is a round that I have always thought highly of. A friend has one to hunt powerlines around here, it's a death ray.

 

[Powerstroke]

Scotty

Fantastic ! Good to see a shooter right out of the gate. That is a great looking rifle that will reach out and touch something for you.

 

[billbam]

Pretty sharp, cool find. Good luck, looks like a keeper.

 

[WYcoyote]

I don't really buy into most of the barrel break-in bandwagon but I'll bet it shoots better yet after a few range sessions/cleaning cycles. I believe a rifle settles in after 100 rounds or so.
Bet it is a shooter and in a great chambering also.

 

[Elkman]

Scotty

Nice groups especially for factory ammo and first day out, want to trade for a 7MM STW, I might even throw in a guided elk hunt !!!!!! :wink:

 

[DrMike]

I might even throw in a guided elk hunt !

That sure sounds generous of you. Oh, wait a moment. You're already guiding him. You sly rascal, you. :lol:

 

[Elkman]

DrMike says
That sure sounds generous of you.

I just can't help myself I am just a giving kind of guy !!

 

[SJB358]

I will give it is a good scrubbing today and make sure I get the barrel back down to bare metal. I didn't touch it before this first shooting session, but it didn't seem to be overly fouled either. I still have more of those 125gr PT's to shoot up, so those can kind of be the standard in order to test it out. Scotty

 

[6mm Remington]

Scotty that looks pretty darn good. I know you chronographed them and I would be curious to know if the two close together in your first group were the 2998 and 2987, and the last one being the 3136 or if you kept track or noticed which was which? Same thing with the second group you had two close and the third just out a bit, although both were really good groups?

Now the rounds you load up in the Scotty anal fashion that only have an extreme spread of 40 fps and not 149 fps will probably make a difference! Now we have never met Scotty, but by just listening to the guys on this forum I would say we each are probably a little anal retentive! :mrgreen:

Nice looking rifle and we expect to see success pictures this fall sir!
David

 

[FOTIS]

Notice the diff in velocity of the string. 2 close and one much higher. Same as your group...... :wink:

 

[jmad_81]

POP that is what I noticed. It seems a good bit low as well?

I'm sure with a bit of hand loading and the bedding you'll get her driving tacks. That is one sweet looking rifle. I love the look of the m70 classic wood.

 

[1Shot]

That rife will be a shooter with good handloads if it is doing that with factory 125 partitions. It has been my experience that the Partition is a good game bullet but it is not the most accurate bullet around. Get you some Retumbo and some 130 Accubonds if you really want to see what accuracy and seed is. :mrgreen:

 

[SJB358]

That makes alot of sense, and to be honest, I missed that. I am thinking with some decent handloading, I will get it to turn into a better shooter. It is nice to know that I could use the Nosler Custom ammo in a pinch and still have very acceptable hunting accuracy.

I have some Retumbo, RL22, IMR7828 and some RL25 on the bench, I am thinking of starting out with the Retumbo and 130gr AB's to see what they do. I am hoping they shoot well. Once I get my hands on some 140gr PT's and 140gr AB's I would also like to see what they do as well. Scotty

 

[FOTIS]

POP that is what I noticed. It seems a good bit low as well?

I'm sure with a bit of hand loading and the bedding you'll get her driving tacks. That is one sweet looking rifle. I love the look of the m70 classic wood.

You said it.

 

[Greg Nolan]

There's just something about a model 70. sleek and elegant come to mind and in a really great caliber. Nice!

 

[Desert Fox]

Beautiful rifle you've got there Scotty. I always like the Model 70 rifle. I might re stock mine as soon as I get it back from my smith. I think you can tighten the group a bit with reload.

 

[boomer68]

Let us know how the AB and Retumbo works for you. I have a custom M70 in 264 and once the weather improves I hope to get some more testing done.