So far I've gotten from 1-2" with Remington 140 gr PSP, 2-4" with Winchester 140 gr PPs and BSTs, and 6" with Hornady 139 ILs.

I took the stock off this past weekend to check the bedding, etc. The front action screw was so tight I had to use a big screwdriver head with a pair of visegrips to break it loose. I'll check the bases and try again this weekend.

The best shooting factory load for me was the Federal Premium with the 140 Nolser BT's but that was when the opposing windage screw was a half turn loose.

Was the rear guard screw tight? How do other rifles shoot with the same bench technique?

For an inexpensive "deer" bullet for testing the Speer Hot Core flat base 120's shot quite well.

I would have to say it is the individual rifle, not the loads.

For what it is worth, my Ruger 77 Mk 2s in 7x57 shot 2 to 4 inch groups until I used IMR 3031 with 40 grains, regardless of bullet weight. Groups went to 3/8s to 1/2 inch at 100 yds.
I have TWO Ruger 7 x57s like this!

I have a Winchester Featherweight in 7 x 57, and that rifle shoots 1/4 to 3/8 inch groups with whatever you feed down the barrel.

Cheers and Good shooting
seafire