I’m posting this letter to a number of similar forums in hopes of getting some quick feedback on a question about custom load development...

First some background: I’ve got a custom rifle (my first such) built by a local gunsmith with an excellent reputation. It’s a 7MM Magnum with a Hart stainless barrel, built on a Remington 700 ADL action that’s been trued, lapped, triggered, and bedded in a laminated factory stock.

The problem is that it’s not terribly fond of any factory ammo that I’ve fed it. I’m not shooting junk, either — I’ve tried numerous kinds of Hornady, Federal Premium, and high-end Remington in various bullet weights and configurations...

I’m a good shot, with solid experience behind rifles of all kinds, from .17HMR up to .458 Lott. I’ve never felt the need to reload, because I can generally put together fine groups with any gun I’ve ever owned, after a little tinkering with factory rounds.

But with this gun, I’m struggling to get inside of 1.5 - 2 inches. I’ve gone over it with a fine-toothed comb: The action’s properly torqued into the stock, and fully floated. And I clean the barrel to bare metal using Butch’s Bore Shine and Shooter’s Choice every 10 - 12 shots, so I’m certain it’s not a fouling issue...

Anyway, I need something accurate to hunt with this season. And a shop I’ve had good dealings with for 20 years (Hendershot’s Sporting Goods in Hancock, MD) is now offering their own line of “Extreme Custom Ammunition” that’s comparable in price to factory premium rounds...

They sell it pre-loaded by the box, but I’ve decided to have them develop a load specifically for my gun — a service they offer for $395. Turnaround time’s pretty quick, too. A couple of weeks, so they tell me.

I figure that’s at least as cheap as me buying all the reloading stuff and attempting to nail down a load that works on my own (which I don’t really want to do anyway).

Can anyone tell me what to expect from this type of service? I know there are numerous outfits that advertise custom load development for individual rifles...

Anybody care to share some stories about their results with such a process?

Thanks,

J

I have no prior experience with a custom loading contractor however I have considered starting that very same business myself.
Others may be able to help with their experiences but I would do the following first:
1. Try a different scope on this rifle, no matter what you think of the scope on it put a new one on it or a proven shooter from another rifle.
2. Talk to your builder about the situation and expectations you had compared to his expectations of the build.
3.Take another look at that crown.

Hope this helps.
Good luck with your rifle.

Good advice from Snellstrom, especially the scope point. My gunsmith just related a story to me about a rifle he built. Had a nice scope on it but wouldn't shoot. He put his on and it shot .7"....

Most custom builders will guarantee MOA or less even with factory ammo.

Check all the "Usual suspects" first.

Rings, mounts, scope, barrel freefloat, action screws, bedding, crown, shooter ect.

quote:

First some background: I’ve got a custom rifle (my first such) built by a local gunsmith with an excellent reputation. It’s a 7MM Magnum with a Hart stainless barrel, built on a Remington 700 ADL action that’s been trued, lapped, triggered, and bedded in a laminated factory stock.

Jim,

The above suggests that the rifle is precision built, but accuracy has primarily to do with concentricity - check the the chamber line up with the centre of the bore. And the same goes for the ammo as far as run-out is concerned. All this must come together that the bullet engages perfectly the rifling/bore without any skewness. It might be a good thing to have this aspect checked how your chamber was cut, and if this shows up as an issue, then the rifle will never be a shooter.

The barrel is also critical, and so make sure it is indeed up to the standard of a match barrel. The barrel may be a dud even though it is a Hart, or not as uniform as one would hope for. Get the report on your barrel from the maker.

The concern here is that you mentioned that ... "it’s not terribly fond of any factory ammo". This is rare - not all bullets can be at fault. Try a match bullet like a Sierra Matchking or the like and see if you still get these 2 inch groupings.

If all of the above can be ticked off, then check all other things that have been mentioned in the other posts like scope mounts & rings, the scope, fasten the guard screw, etc. Let someone else also attempt to shoot a grouping with your rifle to make sure there is no flinching present.

Warrior

All good advice.
Keep in mind that a new barrel is going to have a break in period. This varies from rifle to rifle.

If you are getting 1.5" groups consistently than it is probably not your scope. 9 time out of 10 if your scope is failing you won't get any consistency.

I reload and have done load development for all my friends and family but have never done it professionally. To purchase all of the reloading tools alone will cost $400 then you have the disposables, bullets, powder, primers, etc...
When I did it I always obtained 1/2 minute accuracy or better, documented the load data and produced at least 50 rounds. What are you getting for $395?

At that price I might get back into the game.

I have a Dakota 76 in 7mm Remmy which drove me nuts for two years. Krieger barrel was defective and the rifle was re-barreled after shooting 2.5 in. groups with almost everything. I finally found that it would shoot one-hole groups with Federal 160 gr. TSX's, not my whitetail bullet of choice, but it'll work on everything from antelope to Kudu.

Since, I have experimented with several handloads and have come up with some very, very accurate loads, using Berger 168 gr. VLD hunters, 150 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips, 140 gr. TSX's, and 150 gr. Combined Techs.

There is a load out there that will shoot in your rifle. Since you don't handload, finding it may be problematic.

Larry at Superior Ammunition in Sturgis, SD, offers the same service. They have a website.