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

Did you ever try Nosler Custom ammo? I have heard it usually shoots as well as handloads. Bit pricey, but so is having a custom load made. Now is that 395 all in, or 395 PLUS the cost of components? I have seen some places advertise custom ammo, but its usually around 400$, on top of paying for brass, bullets and powder. That can turn into close to twice that price depending on the cartridge.

Jim,
Welcome to AR!
I can't offer you experience with custom loading services as I've been a handloader for over 40 years but I would say that if you have tried several factory offerings with different bullets without success, I would be inclined to look closer at the rifle. Have you swapped out the scope? Checked the mounts?
Also some barrels like to be a little dirty. I would clean with Wipe Out, then try 20 rounds and see if that helped. Also, if it was me, I would spend the money on a starter reloading set from RCBS especially if I had other rifles that I was shooting. Just my $.02
Good Luck!

quote:

Originally posted by Blacktailer:
if you have tried several factory offerings with different bullets without success, I would be inclined to look closer at the rifle.

Me too. I have experience with only 1 Hart barrel and I will tell you it is very accurate, but was hell to break-in. Horrible with initial fouling. I really cannot remember how long it took to break it in but it was more than any other barrel (handlapped).

first off, welcome to AR! Second, exactly which 7mm Magnum are we talking about? Every caliber, and every rifle has it's preference. I have Weatherby in 7mm Rem. that prefers a hand load that is actually about a 2gr over load from the max listed in most manuals. Have you consulted with the builder? A lot of rifle makers will have a preference on loads used in their rifles. In the end, it might be time to become a handloader. I can't imagine not being, but I too have been at it a long time. Good luck!

For $400.00 you can buy a nice reloading set up. Join us in the reloading forum and we will help you out.

quote:

I would be inclined to look closer at the rifle. Have you swapped out the scope? Checked the mounts?

Good idea, if you haven't already....even the best scopes can have an erecter go bad (your crosshair adj)....you can usually sense this problem as 2-3 shoots will group, then you a get flier. Or if the scope adjustments won't retrace in shot placement... Simply swap out the scope and retest with your best commercial ammo.
Bob

Thanks for the suggestions on the scope...

But that was the first thing I ruled out. I swapped the gun's Nikon scope AND the mounts with a Leupold from another 700 that shoots well, with no improvement in groups. And the Nikon shot a perfect square on the other gun.

Nah, I'm sticking with my decision to try custom load development. If the results satisfy me, I think I will take the plunge and begin reloading on my own...

Thanks, all.

Try some cheap ammo. I've seen a few rifles that liked just plain ole "cheap" ammo. Remington Core-lock or Federal Power Shok. I would also second the idea to start reloading. For shooters that don't reload don't disregard the cheaper ammo.

God Bless, Louis

Let me echo the several posts that suggest the problem is with the rifle. In fact, long before I committed to paying $400 for some ammo, I would have been back at the smith's shop with a major attitude. Have you contacted the smith?
I also agree with the folks that said for the money you've already spent for ammo and what you're gonna spend for the custom stuff, you could get a basic reloading kit and extend your shooting to a year around hobby.

That sucker should shoot good with store ammo.Take some targets with the rifle back to your Smith and ask what is going on.Also bring some ammo for him to shoot ,and be there when he does shoot so you can see for your self.

I would forget the" custom ammo for hire " crap and shoot that sucker myself! I derive great pleasure from very scenario you describe. You can find a load that the rifle will shoot,learn something in the process, while gaining a sense of accomplishment. Like Eastman says DIY. Dr.C

I have used ammo from Precise Ammunition in Atlanta Georgia. They are reasonble and do good work. Alan Steinle is the owner.
http://www.preciseammunition.com/

quote:

Originally posted by wasbeeman:
Let me echo the several posts that suggest the problem is with the rifle. In fact, long before I committed to paying $400 for some ammo, I would have been back at the smith's shop with a major attitude. Have you contacted the smith?
I also agree with the folks that said for the money you've already spent for ammo and what you're gonna spend for the custom stuff, you could get a basic reloading kit and extend your shooting to a year around hobby.

Why would you have a 'major attitude', as you put it? How about going to the gunsmith and politely telling him of your problem and asking for his help. Give him a chance to see if it might be something he did, or another cause.

If someone came to me with a 'major attitude' right out of the gate, I'd simply say "Go forth, and procreate thyself".