I have a Remington 700 in .300 RUM. The best groups I could manage with this rifle out of the box were around 2.5 inches at 100 yards off of the bench. I hated the factory trigger and I replaced it with a new Jewel trigger which cut a bit off of the group size. I was anticipating a bit with the old trigger.

I then had it bedded in a MacMillan stock by a very competent gunsmith. I am now getting 1.5 inch groups with the right ammo.

The gunsmith I use suggested that I rebarrel this rifle if I'm still not satisfied. I really want this rifle to shoot MOA groups. If $300 would get this rifle under 1" it would be worth it to me.

Am I stupid to be thinking of putting a barrel on this thing? I really like this rifle, and I know that the .300 RUM's can be very accurate rifles.

If I didn't want to re-barrel I might see about getting the old barrel re-crowned but,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

At this point a new barrel is the right thing to do. Get the smith to square everything up while he has the barrel off. This is included by some smiths and an extra charge by others. Be sure and ask about it. Lots of great choices when it comes to barrels. I've used more Shilens than any other brand, but to be honest there are only a few brands I will shy away from.

Terry

quote:

Am I stupid to be thinking of putting a barrel on this thing? I really like this rifle, and I know that the .300 RUM's can be very accurate rifles.

everyone to his own...if you have the cash and think it's worth it to gain .25 radius in your groups then have at it!

Just remember.....a new barrel is no guarantee of 1" groups!

quote:

If $300 would get this rifle under 1" it would be worth it to me.

For $300 installed you're not getting much of a barrel!!

Thanks for the replies guys. I have not looked into barrel prices yet as I don't really have an idea of what to look for. I believe the gunsmith mentioned Shilen and Hart? He also said he would square up the receiver at the same time. I'm sure my gunsmith can help me but I wanted to know what I was getting into before I pursued this with him.

I am not the type to own a lot of rifles, and I guess that's why I want the few I have to really shoot. For years I hunted with a stock Ruger 270 that would shoot any ammo under 1.25 and I think I am spoiled.

I was thinking barrel costs alone when I said $300. I just checked Shilen's web site and they have stainless match grade for $329.00.

There are probably other things you can do to bring the groups in before shelling out for a new barrel.

A new crown is ALWAYS a good move. Out of whack mounts can affect the optics which don't do a thing for tight groups. The size and type of cross hairs can cause problems. Particularly if they are in the way of the target (Too Broad). Unless the barrel is shot out, I would double check the gun from muzzle to recoil pad, and I would even let someone else take a whack at the targets with the gun just so I knew it wasn't me, before suggesting a replacement barrel.

Westpac,

I think all of your suggestions are good. The one thing besides the crown I have not tried is remounting the scope. I think i will try that and then talk to my gunsmith about recrowning versus a new barrel. Also have a sample pack coming from Superior Ammo with some new bullet choices.

Don

DC

Many times when shooting a fairly lively or hard kicking rifle off of bags,"large" groups are a result of the rifle recoiling a little different shot to shot.

Before you rebarrel try this.

Next time you shoot the rifle off of bags on the bench, use a very tight hasty sling and grip the rifle VERY TIGHT, with the same amount of pressure/force for each shot.

Pull it into your shoulder HARD, put your face on the stock FIRM, grip the fore-end tight.
The same way for EACH shot.

Then report back and let us know what happens.

I will give this a try. This is definitely a "lively" rifle. The new stock has added some much needed weight but it still kicks like a mule. I have tried some different methods of holding the rifle but have never held the forend particularly tight. I tend to hold the forend rather lightly with a death grip on the pistol grip.

Hello,
All of the above suggestions good ones, but unless you have an unusual Remington barrel, as in "bad one," barrel may well be just fine. Have you torqued the action screws on the action? I know a sily question, but is the barrel clean, no fouling, copper build up?? Doubt that the bore from the factory was, shall we say, polished and would need a good break in period/process to bring out the best. Good gunsmith can take care of the mechanical issues if any, but would advise finding someone in your area with lots of shooting/reloading experience, as in long range match shooting and let them take a look at it and as mentioned let them shoot the rifle. Lots of bitch'n and moaning about Rem. at times, but I work at a range almost every day and see all sorts and most Rem. 700's shoot fine for the dollar invested. Like some other things, that second or third opinion of someone with knowledge/experience can help solve a problem. Good luck.