Model 70 in 30-06: A love hate relationship

[@sekaf4125]

I own 3 of these rifles. 2 30-06 and 1 338 Mag. What I did was epoxy bed them. I would HIGHLY suggest that if it isn’t done. Marine Tex Grey. Many people on KZbin showing how it’s done. I’m sure you’re familiar with floating barrels etc. if it were me I would reinstall base, rings scope to be sure. Process of elimination. Then bed the rifle. THEN work on loads. As you know there is so much involved. Seating depth was huge also. I know you’ve probably heard all this but this is what helped me

[@jamesduren8437]

Shoot flat based bullets I have 270 and with 130 grain nosler I get 1/4 inch groups

[@cw2a]

Morning man. Featherweights can be a booger. I have had a few and altho ALL where made ta shoot. As advised ALL NEEDED BEDDING WORK!! When ya see consistent flyers, THINK BEDDING. Terminal ascent bullets are the ultimate!

[@lmbear]

CW hits the nail on the head. Always glass bed these rifles. Or, re-glass bed them. The older ones were worse than the new ones, but none of them were great. Back in the day, Winchester used what many of us called "hot glue" bedding. It's kind of gummy, and sometimes sticks to the rifle receiver. When you see that factory bedding, remove it, and do it right. Devcon 10110 has cured many a model 70 accuracy woes. The new Brownings are better, and the bedding material they use is better, but it's often times just thrown in there for looks. And most times it looks like crap. Conversely it also affects group size, when not done well.

[@bustabass9025]

After seeing nothing but synthetic stocks on rifles lately, that wood is truly a refreshing change from the mundane. Wouldn't mind getting my hands on one chambered in .300 WinMag.

[@BtRct]

Sometimes the scope rings are not installed properly or they could be cheap scope rings that is causing micro-shifting of the scope after every shot. You don’t want them torqued down too tight or too loose. Use a laser boresight, confirm the zero with 1 round, then put the laser bore sight back in. Look and see if it has shifted. If it has, it is definitely not the rifle.

[@gw5436]

Look no further than that scope, man

[@jaybailleaux630]

A model 70 Winchester control round feed makes my knees week like a 6ft tall Los Vegas show girl.

[@blaserlongrange7616]

Don't waste any more ammunition until a gunsmith have checked the gun

[@mattluszczak8095]

Bedding, torque screws

[@markm5112]

Agree, my model 70 3006 featherweight is 1MOA with federal 150 and Remington 180. Put a limb saver on the butt plate for comfort , might reduce any flinch

[@ericyoung2959]

Have a first year new production model 70 30 06 made in South Carolina. With the cheapest factory Federal ammo it’s sub moa at 100 yds all day long. Incredibly accurate.

[@edwardabrams4972]

Having reloaded for 60+ years and being a collector of rifles I think you need to start with all the basics and keep track of each one. Tom over at Simple living has run into Winchester model 70 problems too and by doing basic elimination you will make it a lot better! I had a feather weight that I let my brother in law borrow and he got the stock very wet from coastal hunting and the outside of the stock looked fine but the barrel bedding was so bad I had to replace the stock to get it to shoot MOA. I first spent days at the range trying all the common problems.

[@DaveDanger-v9g]

My brother would have replaced the stock. I would have insisted. I have 4" & 35# on him.

[@backcountrydreamer1996]

Check the throat on that thing. I’ve had 3 winchesters recently (last 5 years) where lands start at different spots to the extent of a. 1/4” so hard to get accuracy when bullet isn’t hitting all lands square.

[@juanherrera2672]

Got my son a black shadow for his 12th birthday gift. After a few years of not being able to get it to group well and doing all sorts of things I discovered the chamber was reamed wrong at the factory. Winchester replaced it with the a top of the line stainless rifle after I gave them an earful and it is a tack driver. Measure your fired brass and make sure it’s to spec otherwise I’d start A check list scope, scope bases rings stock torque bedding etc etc Just worked on a savage for my sons friends father. It had the wrong bases so scope was all out of line the scope turrets would turn when u put the caps on . Put a picrail and tps rings Burris scope and it’s well with in 2moa with cheap ammo

[@nightwave3782]

Actually the story about where the current Winchester model 70s are made is interesting. The barrel and reciever are made in FN's plant in Columbia South Carolina but final assembly is done in Portugal. Sources for info on this a segment on the model 70 from the NRA plus Winchester Customer service. I've seen photos on Gun broker with pictures of the side of the box which states Made in USA assembled in Portugal. Now if I was to own a model 70 mine would have to be either the Alaskan or Supergrade I like a standard contour barrel myself.

[@rhlouis4128]

I’ve got a lot of experience with lightweight rifles, Model 70 Featherweight, Model 7 Remington, and Kimber Montana. You can shoot them like you do a bench rest beast; should be holding the forearm or down on the scope. First thing to check are the scope mounts, use a torque driver. Check the action screws, use a torque driver at the correct inch pounds. Then maybe switch scopes. And, then, if all else fails, have it pillar and glass bedded. If nothing helps, I’m sure somebody else will give it a good home.

[@oncall21]

I have the exact same rifle. I would try a different scope of it. If that fails then I would either return it to Winchester or if not then I would fully bed and float it. Wishing you all the best because I know how frustrating this can be.

[@DG2244]

The action screw pressure can be critical on wood stocks. If pillars aren't installed, pressure will vary and groups will bounce around. To me it looks like the action is ok because it will put two close and throw the third. A stable foundation is key.

[@danielback3236]

I had almost this exact same thing with a Remington 700. Plastic trigger guard had cracked. So action screws weren’t set. Would “throw” almost every other shot.

[@bobbyboothe8964]

Love mine every time I go hunting with it. A great gun and caliber

[@frankmccarthy2624]

I bought one of the very last featherweights they chambered in 280 Remington a few years ago. Best is that it was $889 from buds guns haha - PreCovid. Mine is definitely not that picky. It’s around MOA with everything, a little over and a little under sometimes. 140 grain Barnes handloads were best - maybe .06 MOA but Barnes factory shoots (2994 fps) about 1.25, not terrible. I’m in CA so how it shoots with copper is really all that matters. I have shot some lead and it shot Federal Blue Box amazingly well, sub MOA for sure. I unfortunately scratched the barrel hunting last year and ended up putting midnight blue cerakote on it. It still looks great. Send it somewhere like Hill Country Rifles for accurizing. I feel a Winchester 70 is worth working with and spending money on. Most others I’d say dump it. But wood stocked guns with actions that smooth are starting to disappear and/or get very expensive. Now a lot of the guns shoot but look like cheap, synthetic crap to me. Browning X-bolts are my other favorite rifle - I’ve owned a bunch and they’ve all been extremely accurate, sturdy and reliable. I think Browning/Winchester/FN is the best gun company currently along with Weatherby and Tikka/Sako. But all of them are having to cut costs now…

[@geoffkeahey2651]

Have one since the mid 80s. Took it to a gunsmith for a bent firing pin. The first words out of his mouth when he called me that first night after test firing was, "Can I interest you in a good recoil pad?"

[@warpspeednow]

A few points, always load from the magazine as it is controlled round feeding and the extractor will break, eventually. When shooting a feather weight you need the sand bag under the fore end tip, whilst at the same time holding the forfend part of the stock with your left hand (assuming your right handed) as in an off hand style. this technique will give you better groups which the M70 is capable of. Try 53gn to 55gn of H4350 with a 150gn bullet. I have 5 feather weights, crash feed and crf and they can all shoot 1/2 inch groups.

[@kimstocks4485]

ahhh. negative on the extractor breaking. old tang rugers were a push feed with a claw extractor, the claw on the rugers jumps the the case of the shell every time. my ruger is 43 years old, killed over 150 deer. the claw extractor is almost spring steel. shot thousands of rounds through the gun over the years. ive never owned a winchester, almost bought one yesterday. i'm not impressed with firing pin lock time...after watching a few videos on these winchesters i decided not to purchase it...

[@warpspeednow]

@kimstocks4485 your correct in regards to the Ruger's as they are a highbred on the Mauser design. FN 98 Mausers had a cut out in the action to allow the extractor to snap over the rim, if need be, but not recommended as a rule. The original Mausers broke extractors hence why it's not a good idea to push your luck. In regards to the Model 70 lock time, get a new spring from Wolf springs and replace it, which I have done on a few occasions. All working perfectly.

[@kimstocks4485]

@@warpspeednow thx for the tip, so is it possible on these new winchesters to break the claw extractor if they have to jump the rim? having the most reliable fire arm possible is a must where i hunt...my old trusty m77 's plunger spring is getting a little weak and i can't find a replacement...

[@warpspeednow]

@kimstocks4485 It possible to break if you continually make the extractor jump the rim but not likely since most rounds, if not all, are fed from the magazine. On the rare occasions where a round is not fed from the magazine, it won't be a problem. I have had no problems at all with my model 70's and in my humble opinion they are a rugged and reliable rifle. I don't get too hung up on accuracy as the first shot is the most important.

[@kevinpackadmiral]

I agree on holding the forend...saw another channel where there was a world of difference for the guy "riflechair" maybe.

[@johnanderson8740]

Grew up shooting the 06, except in the Remington 700 hunting deer, alot of good memories!!

[@steveb6103]

I have 2 pre-1964 model 70s. A 30-06 and .270. Both are tack drivers at 200 yards. I would check the forearm barrel fitment.

[@txnomad3334]

The barrel is so thin on the featherweight. Im shooting a 7mm rem mag and know that I can only group 2 rounds with it until the barrel completely cools. The 3rd is always 2 inched higher with mine, I guess its what you get when you buy a lightweight hunting rifle.

[@jeremiahthompson43]

If everything is correct with the reloads...... It sounds like it may be a barrel issue. I believe there are a couple screws on the bottom of the action. Make sure they are tightened to spec or even play with them a little and see if that improves anything. And make sure the barrel is not touching the stock anywhere. Anyway, it sounds like the barrel or screws on the bottom of action. I'd try that and go from there.... if it doesn't work, send it back to them

[@davidcraig9938]

Spot on. My Remington 700 mountain rifle is the same way. 2 shots is exactly what you get.

[@iancurrie8844]

That scope being put on that beautiful rifle is a war crime.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Let me guess... you want a Leupold on it?

[@iancurrie8844]

@@ReloadingWeatherby Anything but a Vortex...or Bushnell.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

@@iancurrie8844 One... this isn't my rifle and I didn't pick the scope on it. Two... Higher end Vortex scopes are pretty good. The one on this rifle is a middle of the road Vortex scope. So is it really nice? No, is it really bad like you make it out to be? No.

[@iancurrie8844]

@@ReloadingWeatherby All in good fun. They're just super tacky. It really doesn't fit with the rifle at all.

[@blaynemacpherson8519]

I see a lot of people suggested to bed the rifle and I am suggesting the same thing. Another is 4064 stop IMR 4350 👍🏻. Those rifles were never known to for accuracy if you get an 1.25 you are doing good. I have a Winchester pre 64 in 264 win mag at first this rifle was extremely picky then I bedded it and got torqued down and the groups got a lot more consistent and I am very happy with it. Don’t change the powder charge change the powder and put a lee crimp on them.

[@RexAlexander-z8w]

I agree on taking the rifle to a gunsmith. I bought a Model 70 Extreme Weather 308 brand new in the Fall of 2020. I had similar issues with grouping and trying different factory ammo and handloads. I assumed a bedding problem and eventually took it to a gunsmith. Before bedding it (Bell & Carlson stock with aluminum rail) he inspected the barrel with a light and camera. The barrel is defective from the factory. Bad bore job with lots of scarring on the rifling. I’m wondering if there was a bad batch of barrels put out around the same time. It seems likely..

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Probably the same issue unfortunately

[@RexAlexander-z8w]

@@ReloadingWeatherby I also agree with don’t waste any more ammo..

[@dafishmantn]

My learning curve has just begun. I bought a M70 carbine in ‘06 a month ago with junk glass. Threw it out and put a nice enough Nikon on top and haven’t gotten to the range yet. The featherweight would be the closest in weight to what I have so I’m paying attention. No longer reload so I’m praying that I find a factory load before the money runs low and I’m sleeping in a box. Worked loads for a past M70 in 270 and found that gun liked rounds that weren’t screaming hot. Tamed the loads down about a grain and a half from recommended and it did great. I’m looking forward to the process of finding out this carbine’s personality and dialing it in. Also praying that the recoil isn’t brutal. Thanks for the video, keep ‘em coming.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Good luck

[@byronporter80]

Relieve the barrel first. Then bed the action. If that doesn't work then go to full barrel bed. Light weights always group two, then toss for some reason. Sounds easy to fix.

[@larrybassett5559]

I would check your action screws and barrel channel first. Then try another scope. Then try some standard cup and core bullets, if you cant get it to shoot 180 or 165 grain Hornady Interlocks, or Sierra Game Kings, you have a sick rifle. And as the other gentleman noted, feed it from the magazine. The extractor is beveled to snap over the cartridge in a pinch, but eventually it will break if that continues. I have two newer Model 70's, one from 2019 in .270, and the other from 2021 in .30-06. They are both accurate, the one in .30-06 is phenomenally accurate. I generally load it with 180 grain Hornady, Interlock, Spire point, flat base bullets. With Ramshot Hunter powder, Remington 9 1/2 Mag. Primers, i get sub one inch groups, and just a tick below 2,800 fps. Its my go to, and yes its old and boring, but it just flat works. Ive loaded that same 180 Hornady in various. 300 Magnum's for friends and family for 25 years, numerous deer 🦌 and elk taken, has worked splendidly.

[@K-bob_45]

My exact same experience. Max charge if Ramshot hunter under a 180 gr Sierra pro hunter with a winchester magnum primer. 2770 ft/sec and sub MOA from my featherweight and my extreme weather 30-06

[@joesonfifth3661]

My dad had a 30-06 from WWI era and he had all kinds of accuracy issues with various loadings. Finally he tried 220 grain round nose and they were sub MOA. It might be worth a try…

[@theoriginalDAL357]

Your results mirror my results with a Winchester Model 70 Compact I bought a couple of years ago in 7mm-08. I tried several different factory loads of varying bullet weights, along with handloads using different components, and the rifle shot horribly. I also varied the bullet seating depths, to no avail. Sometimes it would put two rounds within 1/2" from each other, then it would throw the next shot 2-3" away (yes, I realize it has a thin-profile barrel). I tried different torque settings on the action screws, as well as putting a temporary pressure pad under the barrel (sometimes it works, in my experience), but that didn't help either. I finally placed the gun on consignment, but I did tell them of my troubles with the gun; whether they passed the information on to the buyer, I don't know, but I suspect not for the reason I will get to shortly. It's a pity the rifle performed so poorly because it was the prettiest long gun I've ever owned, or likely ever will own. It was replaced with a Weatherby Vanguard, also chambered in 7-08 and, though a bit picky on loads, it lives up to Weatherby's three-shot MOA guarantee. Winchester, and the people who build their rifles, really need to get their act together. You guys (Winchester) can only coast on looks and past glory for so long. There is no excuse to put out inaccurate, inconsistent guns like this today, especially at the prices you are charging. I don't believe I will ever buy another Winchester product again. Anyway, a couple of months after I sold the gun I saw it again on the used gun rack at Scheels. I knew it was the same rifle from the serial number. Apparently, I wasn't the only one to find it was a problem child. Just as an aside, I own a Browning X-bolt Speed in .30-06 and it is a true MOA shooter, and I don't need to jump through hoops to get it to do so.

[@Simon-talks]

With the first two shots generally being super accurate(almost touching) it has to be due to the old fashioned pairing of a super thin, lightweight barrel, obviously to keep the weight down for carrying hunting, coupled with traditional wood for the stock. The fact that it happens after two shots seems to clearly show that it is the heat to the barrel and heat transfer to the wood and that seems to go in line with what old timers experienced for decades with traditionally made, wood-stocked, thin/featherweight type barrels. ie; it's a pure hunting rifle and not suited for precision benchrest target work. The way I see guns is the are very specific tools that have strength on one end and give up something on the other end of virtues. I own a Model 70 Supergrade and I never even bother bench resting it for supreme accuracy(I use a custom Howa for that with all the new material trimmings and attributes and cut 1/2 MOA holes at a benchrest with it). But for a cold, crisp, Fall TN morning, hiking up and through the deep wooded ridges, looking and listening for that wonderful 'snort'...there's just something special about feeling that checkered walnut in hand, paired with old fashioned blued steel and a Leupold optic on top, that can't be described...I think that's purely what they were invented for. Cheers and best luck to you.

[@martinchen3838]

That's my experience with my featherweight too. Just be satisfied with a tight 2 shot group and go hunting.

[@Roy-ve8vp]

I have a 1990's genuine Winchester made in New Haven version of that rifle in .308. I bought it via a private sale, the owner's son had it and couldn't get it to shoot to his satisfaction, (the dad was up front about this). The price was right, so even if I would have rebarreled it, I wouldn't be in too deep. On examination, the first thing I changed was what Winchester called, ''bedding''' . It was at the recoil lug and had the rigidity of a pencil eraser. I dug that crap out and used Accura-glass in the lug recess, under the receiver and chamber area of the barrel. It wasn't as bad as your brother's gun, but unsatisfactory to me. I full length bedded it with Accura-glass and it did no better. 1.5-2'' 3 shot groups off the bench with handloads. Finally I put a slight pressure point under the barrel about 1.5'' from the tip of the stock and began getting good groups, some as small as .5'' for 3 shots, (the light barrel does tend to heat up quickly enlarging groups to 2+'' after 3). This was the most difficult rifle to get shooting I think I ever had dealt with. Funny thing is, I also had a 1980's push feed Featherweight in 7mm Mauser that shot good right out of the box, same outward stock design. I wonder if the owners of Remington model 7's and the old Ruger M-77 Mountain rifles have the same difficulties...

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing

[@BigdaddyE71]

I own 2 of those rifles. 1 is from the 80s and the other is 2010. Both love 150 grain loads. Check your torque on your action screws. Also, If there is a screw in or just behind the magazine, loosen it to about thumbnail tight. One of my rifles gave me fits until I figured that out. Now it shoots .6-.8 with most factory 150s.

[@varg8696]

Are action screws tight? Is the barrel floated correctly? Mine barrel was touching so i had a gunsmith sand it to floating again. Mine is a constant 1- 1.5 inch gun. 6.5 mememoor

[@davhuf3496]

Expectations these days for rifle accuracy is sky high. Growing up in the '60s and '70s a rifle that shot 1.5 to 2.0 inch groups was great.

[@Simon-talks]

Yes this is the truth. Old school featherweight barreled and wood rifles didn't shoot sub moa, you were lucky most times if you could get 2" out of them(you would have to spend 3 to 4 thousand dollars(which would be 6-7 thousand dollars or more adjusted for todays inflation) on a custom built target rig, in order to get sub moa. These types of rifles are designed for shot in the woods and then dragging something home....not bench resting for precision.

[@larrysayers1377]

Great review. Very thorough. Just an FYI but I recently got a Bergara Hunter in 06 and it too shot the most terrible groups of almost 3” at 100yds with the 175gr Terminal Ascent. Highly disappointing because the box is over $80 here in Canada with tax. I was thinking of getting a Featherweight but they are behind in production and none in the gun stores in Western Canada anyway. But great review. 😊 This is what shies me away from the Win Featherweight. I was looking at a 270 but I kept hearing and seeing KZbin vids showing the accuracy was inconsistent. So I got a Tikka in 270 n 7 Rem. Both shoot factory ammo very accurately. 1” groups in 3 different factory ammo for 270 n so far 2 brands in the 7 Rem

[@ScottGostick]

Why do I have a suspicion that that rifle has not gone through a good barrel break-in routine. My recommendation is start there. Get the copper out of that barrel a few times. Winchester makes that rifle with a 22" barrel. That Federal ammo is tested with a 24" barrel so the velocity difference is somewhat expected. That rifle being so consistently inconsistent tells me it needs tuning on some level more than it needs finding the right load. Bedding, scope mounts, scope canted, excessive copper fowling. It's a beautiful rifle that comes with a bonus mystery to solve. I think that mystery needs to be solved before load development comes into play.

[@chipsterb4946]

I agree. Any rifle shooting patterns like that (can’t call them “groups”) has a fundamental problem. A thorough cleaning followed by a bore scope would be my first step. Have to wonder if there is damage at the muzzle crown, really rough throat, or machining marks inside the barrel.

[@danielhigley8543]

I had one of these rifles, though it was much older... probably mid 80s..... same problems. Also, it kicked like a mule! So bad infact, that it broke a very very nice nikon scope. That is what ultimately lead to me deciding to sell it.... still regret that. That was the last gun i sold..... 19 yrs ago. I wont sell another. Once they are mine, they will be mine until my daughter inherits them.

[@Gearsofchocolate]

Have you considered getting a gun smith to look it over? Something has to be off, that is horrible. I had a Weatherby vanguard in 308 that did not shoot any factory ammo worth a darn. I would get groups similar to what you have on that 30-06. Almost wondering if they royally screwed the machining on that barrel.

[@JohnGriffith-w2w]

How does the factory let a “Rifle” leave the plant without having a proper accuracy test? What are they doing or rather NOT doing? Why bother with beautiful walnut and bluing and bringing back the claw extractor if it is not a SHOOTER from the get go? Am I missing something? Pun intended!

[@tommyboy0379]

i had one in 280 bought around the year 2000. Kicked like a mule and baseball size groups at best. Such a shame as they are nice looking. Currently, im looking at another but do i take another chance?. Im not sure, I dont think in this day and age of cnc machining and computerization that i should have to spend another $500 to get it to shoot.

[@pauldickson1495]

I have a feather weight in 7mm wsm . Had to use small base dies to get it to group . Also controlling the recoil was a big thing on my gun for good groups . Try griping the forend or putting your hand on top of the scope.

[@r.awilliams9815]

Do you have a bore scope? I'd like to see what the barrel and throat looks like.

[@mikemauton]

I assume you've checked all the normal stuff; barrel actually free floated, action screws properly torqued, scope properly torqued, inspected the crown? Was there any barrel break in done?

[@jwhmerica504]

FN/Browning bought Winchester in 2006 if I remember. They started making the model 70 shortly after and production was in the USA up until about 13 or 14. The receiver will say made in the USA if you have a USA made gun.

[@N101RG]

I watched a video on that exact gun recently. A bore scope showed that the lands were not square which is a sign of sloppy craftsmanship. A bore scope is a good idea. He was having a lot of copper build up in a few rounds because of that. If it were mine I would send it in to browning or have a gunsmith (a good one) look at it. I rebarreled mine with a Douglas medium contour in 6.5 06 and it shoots 1/2” groups all day. Factory rifles have been declining in workmanship where it matters for years. Custom rifles are very expensive but deliver in performance usually. The only other thing you might try is free floating the barrel or bedding it. I’ve seen that work quite often if done properly. Something is shifting your point of impact and that is the likely culprit. Good luck.

[@Accuracy1st]

Have a Remington trued action with a PacNor barrel in 30-06 and with respect to bullets, it liked the 168 TSX and TTSX best as well with H4350. I was able to get multiple loads for it but the Barnes was best. My opinion, take that rifle to a good smith, pillar bed the stock, true the action, put a chrome moly replacement barrel on it from the maker of your choice, many have them in stock, get it blued to match the action, keep the old barrel, then start over. I think Douglas and Wilson barrels are least expensive and they will out shoot that factory barrel but if $ not an issue, get a stainless steel barrel from whomever you want. All of my Ruger and Remington blued actions have stainless steel bead blasted barrels. I think they look fine

[@williamfeldner9356]

I currently have 4 Model 70s of Portugal manufacture, 3 Super Grades and an Alaskan. Two in 308 and two in 3006. All theses rifles shoot at an inch or better if I do my part. I did have a Model 70 in 308 that I could not get to shoot that was made in the US shortly before manufacturing left the US. I had a gunsmith render an opinion and he thought the bore was slightly overbore, needless to say I no longer have the rifle. However,the other Model 70s will be with me until I die…. I would try and rebed that rifle before I got rid of it, unless it is still under warranty and then I would send it back to Winchester . The feather weight barrels are so light that they heat up very fast, I would only shoot two rounds at a time and let the barrel cool for 10 minutes……. Also, you might try FLAT BASED Bullets, they stabilize in a shorter distance, I now use mostly flat based bullets for that reason. One last suggestion would be to put your left hand on the scope and hold the rifle as steady as possible when shooting for a group. I tried this at someone’s recommendation and my group sizes decreased……. There is lots of rifle jump before the bullet escapes the barrel, especially on light weights….. I ENJOY YOU VIDEOS, Thank you…….

[@DaveDanger-v9g]

I think your head space is Cattywompis. Have GOOD smith check it out. My dads classic feather weight will put 150 gr Rem corlokt on top of each other at 100yds. He uses a Lupold varry X III 3.5x10 x 50 scope.

[@jk-kr8jt]

RW, that's a beautiful rifle. It's a shame it doesn't shoot better. Sometimes we all get one that is just a project. I know that I've had a few that should be sent down the road. I just don't feel right sticking someone with a rifle that just won't shoot. I do have a 70 Super Grade that won't group. It's an early return to the claw extractor, Winchester/USRAC. But it has beautiful walnut and I'm hoping to get it right. Someday. Don't give up on that one yet.

[@dhooter]

Model 70's from what I've read really respond well from bedding.

[@raleighparker7046]

A lot of people have made good recs. All I shoot/hunt with are bolt action model 70s. None too special however I have one pre-64 FW in .243 (my dads), I have 3 other post 64, push feeds I. 7mm REM Mag, .270WIN, 30-06. All I will say is that post 64 stocks regularly fit actions sloppy so they can/do regularly shoot erratically until you stabilize. 3-things to try in order of complexity……1) check your 3 action screws and play with the torque, normally your front recoil lug action screw should be run in an snugged well seating the forward action to wood, then install and run up the far rear screw to bump then gradually snug up firmly but as you do this watch for rocking F/R or tilting L/R of the action in the stock….if you SEE movement it’s a crap fit and will vary its stability in stock from shot to shot so……..2) bed the trigger guard first then bed the recoil lug area and about 2.5” ahead with glass and relieve the barrel channel ahead to the forend about .015” to prevent barrel contact and at the same time remove some wood around the the rear receiver lug and also,glass bed the rear. Tighten the forward and rear action screws to about 35 in lbs and Let set, Trim squeeze out and cleanup glass and receiver now then REPEAT the #1 fit test. You should not see any rocking or tilting. Tip, relieve the area in front of recoil lug so that there is no contact to the wood, only the rear side and horizontal,surfaces glass formed to wood. Now go shoot it. If you can’t get sub MOA with 165 spritzers and H4350 near max velocity you have bad barrel to bolt fit, something is wrong…..a 30-06 will shoot.

[@falba1492]

Once you have a load with a good SD and ES, which you did, play with you seating depth. There will be a node close to and far from the lands.

[@falba1492]

I have three M70’s. All of them sub MOA rifles, but this one sucks lol. I’m not kidding about the seating. It can make a huge difference

[@mcman47]

I have the sporter with the 24” and mine groups best with 150 gr pro hunter and 150 core-lokt in factory ammo. I’m working on some 180 AB loads for Elk

[@epicfail36]

I have a featherweight m70 from the 80s in 30-06 I've ran a lot of different types of ammo threw it but the 1 it absolutely loves is factory barnes 168 TTSX ammo it shoots sub MOA with it at 100 yards it is my go to hunting riffle. I can't say I have any experience with the newer model 70s but the pre64s and the ones from the 80s I've owned or shot have always been solid shooters once you find what they like

[@martinchen3838]

My 308 Win featherweight short action (bought 1984) likes Rem Green box 150 grain PSP very well, first two shots are within an inch but as the barrel heats up the rounds walk to the right. Some of your groups look like that is happening, two shots close and one to the right. You just have to do a two shot group. If you try to zero with three shots you will go nuts. The gun hunts great. It's not a good range gun due to barrel getting hot and of course the recoil.

[@lylesmith5079]

One thing that hasn’t been mentioned is both lugs touching the action well. I loaded for a Sporterized Springfield for years and had good luck with IMR 4895. Match loads made in the 40s used this powder.

[@Simon-talks]

I truly don't think there's anything wrong with the rifle. It's a pure, classic-style hunting rifle, through and through. Not designed for benchrest shooting(doesn't have the materials and design for that). This is common with Featherweights(or just about any classic old school hunting rifle actually): first two shots almost touch, then after that the group goes down hill. That's purely the old fashioned pairing of an old school designed featherweight barrel that heats up super fast and a wood stock that begins expanding the moment you start shooting. (it's purely for hiking through the woods with, looking for that venison.) They weren't meant to take more than 1 or 2 shots with..... After that, you weren't suppose to still be sitting at a bench rest shooting, you were suppose to be gutting and dragging something heavy out of the woods. Cheers and best luck to you!

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for commenting! Good news is... it likes at least one bullet

[@randysmith1113]

Iam so lucky i have rem from 1970 ,80 ,90 and 1 made 2018 the old rem shoot half inch groups at 100 yards about the same at 200. 06 is my babies. All 4 of them. Small town man god bless you all and this great land.

[@nhwnhw02]

Consider 2 shots from the terminal ascent almost touched. The flyer is due to something being very different between the shots. In my experience paper is cheap and ammo is expensive. I use Redfield Sight-in targets but only the centers. Line your crosshairs up on each of the heavy bars. Same amount of orange showing on all 4 crosshairs. That way you are pointing at the same place exactly. I had a model 70 featherweight chambered in .308 Winchester many years ago. Got rid of it when I observed my wife hunting with it and saw all the flashes of light coming from the shiny floor plate and barrel. It was very accurate with my handloads of blc2 and 165 Nosler Partitions. It took trimming all my cases to the same length for equal neck tension and finding the correct overall length. Invest in a case gauge. You can get a lot of very important information by dropping each resized and then loaded round into the case gauge. Currently have a Model 70 SSM chambered in 30-06. It loves Federal 165 gr Trophy Bonded ammunition. A close second is Federal Fusion 165 gr.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for the suggestion, and thanks for watching!

[@markwaldron4516]

I have a suggestion for you.this is a classic hunting rifle with a 1 and 12 twist rate.why don't you try a 150 grain Hornady flat based interlock or a 165 grain nosler partition.chances are this rifle will like one of them if not both.

[@K-bob_45]

It’s a 1/10 in the 30-06. I have one just like it minus the accuracy problems.

[@milboltnut]

You can't blame the rifle. Factory rifle acceptable groups. Handloads don't help, especially if you really aren't loading to the potential of the loads and techniques. Bedding the actions, and having the right height cheek comb on the butt and good shooting technique too, trigger pull weight., anticipating the shot, squirming as the shot goes off, etc.... is essential.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I'm certainly not the best shooter... with that being said every single other rifle I own shoots much better.

[@fixingstufftv453]

Very strange indeed, you seem to have the skills, I don't question that. The rifle is made by FN, assembled in Portugal and imported to the US through the Browning subsidiary, also owned by FN. They are famous for high quality components. Might I suggest investigating the optics platform, bases, and always check rings for alignment, lap if neccesary. Many new rings are not machined well, 2 piece bases add to alignment issues also. Also check the action screws. That rifle should do a Lot better than that. FN has great barrels.

[@Alan_B_Trehern]

I would reach out to Winchester. Did you ever do that? Not sure if they would be helpful, but it would be interesting to see what their customer service would do. I wanted to get one in .308 to replace my Bergara that’s a bit on the heavy side. Thanks!

[@REDNECKROOTS]

The terminal accent are the best factory ammo made today. Love em

[@zzz7zzz9]

did they replace the vital-shok? my 7mm rem mag loves the vital-shoks, but i believe they are now discontinued. i thought i heard somewhere, that this bullet replaced them.

[@REDNECKROOTS]

@@zzz7zzz9 no they still make vshoks but there not that popular anymore. There is still a cpl runs a year w vshoks loaded in . The terminal accent are awesome though. I only hunt w those now. There slayers

[@Joe-lk6oc]

The Win 70 is a true classic rifle and I really like them. I would start by doing a proper glass bedding to see how it would shoot. I have never seen any rifle shoot the Swift Scirocco bullet well.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I've tried the Swift bullets in a very accurate 30-06 and a accurate 300 Weatherby. Both guns hate the bullet

[@REDNECKROOTS]

The new model 70s just always seem to lack the tack driving abilities I crave in a bolt gun. I bought my first weatherby vanguard few years ago. And that's all I'll buy now. There un matched for price vs features and all quality metals.

[@richardkramer1094]

I would suggest changing your powder to 4350 or 4831 in the IMR line or perhaps so Norma 204 or MRP. 4064 is a bit too fast for a 165/168 grain bullet.

[@couespursuit7350]

Bed the action. Also are you adjusting bullet seating depth to get the bullet jump to the rifling that this gun might like the most? I have several newer MOD 70's and they all shoot great. My 30-06 MOD 70 Classic shot best with H4350 and Sierra 165&180 bullets, did best with near full loads. I have one 270 sporter that shot better after bedding the action. My model 70's in 243 and 270 all shoot well with Federal Fusion ammo. Good luck.

[@MrBrian4109]

I have an early 90’s M70-30-6 made in USA. I get great results with Win Fail safe 165 grain. Fortunately I stocked up on it b4 discontinued but always get #3 jump. I attribute it to thin barrel, and lightweight. But it’s great when you cover many mikes and hills in a day. Where I have hunted I don’t expect to ever get a 3rd shot. My Springfield m 1903 surplus never jumps.

[@JamesTaylor-jc5sk]

I shoot the Remington 180g core-lokt psp at 100 yards I’m a 1/2” group and for some reason it loves that ammo. Would like to see a video of you shooting this round? Let me know thanks for the videos.

[@audieladd2476]

Had an early 243 Featherweight and it was super picky as well. Only thing that worked was Sierra 70 grain HPBT Matchking's. It went from 3 inch groups to .4's.

[@Joetrout]

Featherweights have always been little picky but thats extreme! I would of sent it back to winchester have them look at it. A buddy of mine had a extreme weather that did the same in 25 06. He sent it back and had the issues resolved. It had to do with the chamber. His barrel was replaced

[@b01tact10n]

Ive got some data for BARNES TSX 180s with subpar groups. I cannot get any overlapping groups @100yds so i scrapped it but my relatives love and use the load i developed😁 If you love the Accubond so much you should develop them for your '06 and you wont have any what ifs when you line up your cross hairs on that Buck only confidence👍👍

[@T410ce]

I have this exact rifle as well and it has the same problem. I have just chalked it up to a faulty scope ( Nikon Prostaff 3-9X40 ). I am going to try a new scope this summer; I just had a thought though, I wonder if the extremely light barrel is the culprit? Edit: it seems a few other guys say that this is a common issue with any lightweight mountain rifle; the barrel is just too thin for anymore than two well placed shots.

[@wayne-oo]

No mention of the twist rate ???

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

1in10

[@wayne-oo]

@ReloadingWeatherby Try a shorter bullet, 1 in 10 is old school nowadays with long high bc bullets ! Most high quality guns in 3006 are 1 in 11 twist if not 1 in 12 to shoot these high bc bullets..

[@tomlarue654]

Watch some Simple Living with Tom Rivers videos. He is excellent at figuring accuracy problems out. He usually will run a bore scope down the barrel and sometimes that tells the story.

[@Brandenuzis]

I’ve always wanted one in 264 win mag. Every single model out there is out of stock except 7.08 I’ll hit the lottery before I find one

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

7mm-08 is a great round. But 264 Win mag is a classic cartridge

[@lukeharris6920]

I've got the exact same rifle and had similar issues. You need to bed and float the barrel. Then I bet it will shoot well

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Probably so

[@chadbendickson3088]

Every model 70 I have had to test bullets and powder. Some took awhile a while but after finding the right combination, they all shoot 1/2 inch groups.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

This gun is a lemon

[@chenxili7112]

I have the exactly same setup, but mine do pretty well with cheap ammo I bought in the Walmart. Ive tried federal 150gr power shock, and Winchester 168gr power point, they both shoot .60 moa which is better than my reload…. So I don’t know.😅

[@bigriver3278]

I assume those are 100 yd groups? I am in the process of sighting in a model 70 super grade piece of art chambered in 06....kinda having the same issues, but due to range circumstances I was forced to jump to 200 yds after bore sighting @ 25 yds. Went through a box of ammo and couldn't group 3 shots inside of 6"....usually 2 good shots and a flier. I thought I was letting the barrel cool enough but I read somebody's comment about being a traditional rifle and not made as a bench shooter past a couple shots, and that MO fits this gun....so maybe that's true. The range should have the 100 yd berm repaired next time I go and we'll see. Beautiful guns though.

[@jonj.4015]

Any update on the Featherweight? I have the same rifle but chambered in .308 and I have the same exact issue. It only likes 168gr Barnes TTSX and it only groups them moderately well. I’ve swapped out scopes, torqued the action screws, made sure that the stock is not touching the barrel and cleaned the barrel numerous times with no luck. I was hoping you had some success in getting yours to shoot well.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Sadly I haven't looked into it more. I did find another load that shoots fine. 165 gr Accubond

[@iammuskyhunter]

I’ve never gotten a featherweight to shoot well unless I held the fore end of the stock.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Maybe I should try that

[@cbsbass4142]

I love Mine in 7X57, BUT I am having to do things like TORQUE Action screws and. adjust the factory 2-point bedding with a Dremel to make it shoot MOA. There is like a bedding shelf, out in front of the recoil lug, like a glob of ooze. I ground that down some so it is free floated ALL THE WAY TO THE LUG and would not alter POI due to heat at that area which may be chamber. Before it was 2 and 2.5, would group 2 and throw a flyer. Now it's more like 1.08, 1.03. So it's tightening up. Better with Norma Brass instead of PPU too. It is great as Minute of DEER at reasonable Max Point Blank ranges, not 1000 yard "sniper-wanna-be" ranges. 70 Featherweights are "particularly picky people" I will agree. I love the look and feel of the rifle and will always keep it even if it goes to "Minute of Rock Throwing. :)

[@baconeater3468]

Have you tried a flat base bullet? A interlock or partition might be the ticket. A classic bullet for a classic gun.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I haven't yet. I do have some partitions... but that's expensive to test on a gun that is super picky

[@jasonschaub30]

Factories dont always use powders available to us. 50 grs pjts it in the 4064 burn range.

[@aceoswell9849]

As others have stated, holding the the forend with your left hand may tighten up those groups a bit.

[@jamielackman8193]

Have you checked the bedding? My Rem 700 BDL 22-250 had same problem with groups, free floated the barrel now it'll shoot .318 or better.

[@criticalbo]

I think Id just send it in at this point. No point wasting supplies.

[@DonGilbertoGuruledeNuevoMejico]

I've experienced model 70s not holding zero, SO DID CARLOS HATHCOCK, who eventually switched to a rem 700, maybe a vangaurd in a wood stock is better?

[@karelzuzak1839]

If it were me…. I’d try 1) insure scope is solid. 2) torque scope mounts to spec. 3) torque action screws within torque range for you stock. In your case it appears to be wood. So less then 40 ft lbs. so try 35 (shoot measure accuracy) and then 40,,, Note be carful. To much torque can crack the wood…4) consider a synthetic aluminum bedded stock allowing greater torque …5) take it to a gun smith or call/return to manufacturer.

[@csalsb]

Have you checked the scope mounts and scopes I would start there. Then I would go to a gunsmith that knows how to work on Mauser style actions. Have the barrel changed and and action blue printed. I had a model 70 in 375 H&H that had this problem as well. Sent it out got a Timney trigger, Schlien barrel, Pilar and glass bedded and blue printed. Now it is a sub Moa gun.

[@austinroyer3229]

I’ve had more than one 30-06 that I’ve had accuracy issues with.. One was a Weatherby Vanguard Lazerguard(I know, shocker lol) and the other was a Savage 114. Both of them were extremely picky. My Savage didn’t stick around long enough for me to find a pet load for it, we had some tough times financially and I had to part with it. Beautiful rifle, great to carry and hunt with. Wish I had kept it. The Vanguard Lazerguard would ONLY shoot 150gr Barnes TTSX’s. Everything else I tried in it wouldn’t do any better than 1.5-2 inches at 100 yards. Once I tried the 150 TTSX she was a quarter minute rifle. Shot lights out. I ended up selling that rifle to a buddy of mine who told me that if I ever wanted to buy it back, to let him know. Until he started shooting it and hunting with it 🤣 after he killed a few deer with it he told me he was keeping it.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for sharing

[@bobd8553]

I know this is an old video, but I have the exact rifle in .308, shoots better than yours but still picky. While inspecting it with a bore scope, I noticed the lands were crooked at the freebore. Called the “new” Winchester customer service and they were not much help, they said warranty was only 5 years and months of waiting if I sent it in to inspect it. Also I was told that the barrel threading on these new Winchesters is different than the past versions, so putting a new barrel is not as easy as I thought.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Darn... I have found one other bullet it likes. But it's still a very picky rifle

[@DominicZelenak]

I've been reloading a 175 gr SMK for my Weatherby and 1903A3 Springfield. My powder charge sweet spot is around 49.5 to 50.0 gr of Accurate Arms 4064. Books list the velocity around 2700 to 2750 fps. Could be a very similar powder being used in the Terminal Ascent factory load.

[@NobleSavage44]

I would start with the simplest fix first. Remove the scope, rings, and base. Clean screw holes with alcohol or acetone, and re install everything with factory spec torque. I have a mid 80’s push feed M 70 in 30-06 that is my go to deer rifle.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

It's not the rings or scope. It consistently shoots the 168 TTSX and the 165 Accubond well. It's just a really picky rifle

[@Jeff_Seely]

Oh man I know the feeling! I spent a lot of money hunting for a decent hand load for my featherweight Savage 270 and nothing seemed to be satisfying. It seems obvious now that the pencil thin barrel was the issue. The very thing that made that rifle as light as it was. When I got my Shilen barrel that added about a pound to the rifle, It became my most accurate hunting rifle to date. It was a trade that I would make 100 times! It went from nothing shooting to. anything shooting. Almost anyways...

[@1HeavyHitr]

You and Tom from simple living should go for a beer lol

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Haha Tom is great!

[@v5rocks]

Are you cleaning the barrel down to base metal between bullet types?? As seen on Ron Spomers channel shooting copper bullets over cup and core bullets gives very bad accuracy

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I've had opposite results to Ron. My best groups have come from shooting a cup and core before shooting mono. The best groups were the mono bullets. So... I'm not sure I believe that theory.

[@joshclemons9975]

Save yourself some money and send it back wherever you got it from, my bergara shot 5 different factory ammos when I was trying to find what load it liked the best and every factory ammo was under one inch with 2 ammo under a half inch

[@rodsvintagesxschannel.3095]

Ive got 2, 30-06 , one is a savage 111 with accutrigger, and a mauser 98 i built, both shoot MOA at 100 yards. IMR4350 is king in both rifles With 180gr-220gr bullets, ive some Luck with IMR4320 and RAMSHOT BIG GAME, With 125 gr sierra pro hunters i used H335...all shot MOA I think your rifle has a barrel issue... My model 70 XTR 300 win mag is also a MOA rifle, another thought. Any scope issues? Have you tried another scope? Id be happy to chat With you if you use FB

[@Threegunmaster]

I love my Model 70 feather weight in 243 Winchester, I don't load my own ammo and it's very picky about what factory loads it likes.