quote:

Originally posted by wingnut:
Another AZ Writer -

Can't get much better than one-hole groups, All bullet holes touching, sub-half-inch center to center. If my handloads DID shoot better, I couldn't prove it - I believe that the groups I got from these rifles with the Winchester factory loads is about at the peak of my ability.

I've published the picture below before. However, it makes my point about the benefits were properly bedded action, quality barrel (three groove Lilja) and a properly adjusted trigger. It is important that the machining and installation the barrel the within the limits of machining technology (0.0001"), etc. development of hand loads in a two-step process using both course and fine increments. The results are predictable in that case.



I will say that the fifth shot on the lower right group was pulled to the left. Shot at 100 yards windage was adjusted the right the final group. Caliber is 7mm WSM.

Getting back to the original post.

I was in the LGS looking at rifles. They had both the M-77 MKII and Win M-70 (a BACO from the S.C. factory). The smoothness of the 2 actions is like nite and day. I've never fondled a smooth M-77.

quote:

Originally posted by MuskegMan:
Getting back to the original post.

I was in the LGS looking at rifles. They had both the M-77 MKII and Win M-70 (a BACO from the S.C. factory). The smoothness of the 2 actions is like nite and day. I've never fondled a smooth M-77.

What do you attribute the smoothness too? Was there a plastic follower ? Or did the follower have a cutout so it was not touching the bolt ?

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:

What do you attribute the smoothness too? Was there a plastic follower ?

I'm not a super expert here, but having several prewar 70s customized, I noticed the following.

If you examine the bottom of the bolt lugs and the surface that they ride on you may find a certain roughness there. Secret to smoothing the action is to hone those surfaces by a minute amount with a very fine small stone. I expect the amount of metal removal will be considerably less than 0.0001". The trick is not to get carried away, but to do it as a super precision operation where you start with the lugs, holding the stone perfectly square, make two passes then reassemble the rifle and see what the effect is. If you don't have the confidence to do this to get to a competent Smith as he will have the capability of doing it.