Accuracy Expected for Stock Rifles
Rifles have as variable personalities as people. I've had them shoot .5 MOA right out of the box and I've had others that couldn't shoot 3 MOA no matter what I fed them. I will assume you have mastered your end of shooting the gun (breath control, trigger control, sight picture, etc.) and focus on the gun itself. Look at the barrel channel for any obvious tight spots. If the stock is making uneven contact on the barrel, your groups will be erratic. The cure for this may be free-floating the barrel although pressure-bedding seems to work well on lightweight barrels. Check your scope to make sure it is securely mounted. The slightest amount of play will destroy accuracy. Is the trigger release crisp? A 5-pound trigger is O.K. for hunting as long as it's crisp. If it has a lot of travel, you'll never get the best out of the gun. What bullet weights have you tried? Most factory 30-06s have a rate of twist designed to stabilize 150-180 grain bullets. Also, most guns will show a preference for one load over another, even with the same bullet weight. Try different manufacturers to see if there is a difference in how your gun behaves. If you find a load your gun likes, stock up on that lot number (I am assuming you are using factory ammo, if not then we have a whole new can of worms to open.) Also, look at the muzzle crown. A burr or chip or any irregularity here will through off the accuracy no matter what load you are using. If you find a problem here, get a good gunsmith to re-crown the barrel. Last, check the torque on the screws securing you action into the stock. Try loosening all and then tightening the front screw first. This one should be pretty tight, but be careful of stripping the screw. Next tighten down the rear screw. This one should be pretty snug too, but not as tight as the front screw. I don't remember if the new Model 70 has a center screw, but if it does you will only want this one snug. If it is over-tightened it will stress the action and throw off your accuracy. Hope this helps.
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