I have a Model 70 Classic SS .300 WM. It wears a Leupold VX-II 3x9 Plex and Burris rings. It basically shoots fine for what I do. But you can always do better :-)

The question is where to start. Is there any point to blueprinting an action, and setting the factory bbl back as a half step in the process. Then a re-bbl further down the road if its not "good enough" at 500 - 600yds? or is it more of an all or nothing deal?

Or, if it shoots 1 to 1-1/4 moa now with 200 gr partitions, Am I better off to leave it alone and look at triggers ( I don't have any issues with the stock trigger it has- it's set to 3 to 3-1/2 lbs), optics, mounts, reloading procedures, etc to see what it can really do before you get into trueing and bbls?


john

If it shoots fine for what you need you might want to leave it alone.
There is no quarantee that any changes will help.
I would look at different loads and bullets first.

If I was to blueprint an action I think I would rebarrel at the same time. Probably would go with a Timney trigger too.

I have done this in the past and ended up with a elk rifle that killed no better than when I started

However you might end up with a real tackdriver!

Good Luck,

KC

I agree with KC. You need to try different bullets AND different bullet weights. Try 180's for example. I would suggest a range of 165's to 180's and then, try the 210 and 220 SMKs. Go through a full load development. This will give you a good idea of what your rifle can do right now. My Winchester in 300WM is very accurate with 180 gr. NPs. I mentioned match bullets. Use these, as they will give you an idea of your rifle's potential. I would not waste time on the trigger (if it is halfway decent) on a hunting rifle.
Peter.

I'd send it to a good gunsmith and have him true it and bed it. This shouldn't be all that expensive. Win barrels are OK, and I'd save my money for a new one when the one you have is shot out. There is nothing wrong with Win triggers. If you want "stability" go with a good synthetic or laminated stock. Kudude

I would have it glass bedded.
And if your still not happy free float.
those are Inexpensive and if it helps at all you are doining well.
of course thats after trying some other loads. If you are hunting elk , try a bunch of bullet from 180 grain up.
And also the 168 grain tsx.
Do that 1st then glass bed. Try different powders and primers too.
You are doing prety well already. You only need a tweek, not a rebuild...tj3006

1-1.25 MOA sounds good to me for a hunting rifle, but if you want more, I'd start by bedding it into a stiffer stock and floating the barrel, as those tupperware stocks from the factory just aren't the most condusive to fine accuracy. If that doesn't get you where you want to be, then go ahead and rebarrel, true the action, and what ever other steps you might deem appropriate, but just go ahead and do it all at one time unless money is an issue. Good luck with your project.

Before you do any of it, I'd shop around and find out what this work is gonna cost you. Then look at that price tag and understand that it will not include a guarentee that your rifle will shoot one bit better than it does now.
I would bed the action --it's easy and lotsa DIY sites on the web-- and make sure everything is snug and tight with the rifle and maybe brush up on my bench technique and try a couple of other bullets. NP's are great game bullets but they're not always the most accurate when you start talking about one hole groups. Maybe try some Sierra Match Kings. Maybe jim around with the seating depth of your bullets. You can switch back to NP's when you go hunting.
Lots I'd do before I'd toss a 1.00" barrel just to stroke my ego.
Also, find out exactly what they do on one of those "accurizing" or "truing" jobs. Sometimes there's more smoke and mirrors than substance.

Had a so so rifle and took it to the gunsmith and had it glass bedded...came back and shot it and oh my what a difference that made...groups shrank to .75 from 1.25...
now I'm going to just leave it alone...that is mighty fine for an Elk rifle....

I have bedded the rifle, and insured the the bbl is free floated. That's about all I have done with it - other than put a couple of elk in the freezer. I think, based on the input so far, the thing to do is to see what I have. I'll work up some accuracy loads with a target bullet and see what the gun is capable of, before I do anything drastic.

Thanks, John