Model 70 in 30-06: A love hate relationship

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@blaserlongrange7616]

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

[@mattluszczak8095]

Bedding, torque screws

[@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

[@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?"

[@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..

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnanderson8740]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@criticalbo]

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

[@aceoswell9849]

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

[@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.

[@brybuckmaster]

Mine likes 180gr accubond and 180gr berger elite hunter. Both seated as long as the magazine allows. Max charge of RL22

[@Off-target-xy6bx]

I’d take it to a gunsmith. Remember that you can not reload your way out of a bad barrel. Maybe some crown issues or a whole list of other things to check. If the smith decides it the barrel I’d look for a match grade replacement. And a threaded muzzle for a brake would help with the bouncing around. Suppressor would be a wonderful addition if money is not a problem. A brake isn’t that expensive or hard to get if you can stand the noise. I think it’s a beautiful rifle and hope it is an easy fix. Good luck and happy hunting 👍

[@whiteyfisk9769]

There is absolutely no need to put a brake on a 3006. If you need a brake on an 06 then maybe take up figure skating, thatd be more your speed

[@Off-target-xy6bx]

@@whiteyfisk9769 That seems to be bouncing all over the table. A brake couldn’t hurt..... but figure skating might 👍😊

[@gaboygaboy6645]

mine likes 150 ttsx with max listed charge of 4064 but always work up

[@davidbrust4104]

I have the same same rifle 1987 Era I shoot remington 165 corelokts factory ammo it really likes those I've tried federal and other brands I think it just doesn't like hotter rounds

[@BadoreksDailys]

I have a 300 win mag that’s similarly picky. I’ve shot 180 AB’s, 190 ABLR, 200 TA, 200 ELDX, etc. it will ONLY shoot 2 loads I have found sub MOA. 180 Norma Bondstrike (fine by me) and federal premium 215 Berger Hybrids. LOVES the hybrids. Likes the Bondstrike. Very strange

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Glad your rifle likes something

[@BadoreksDailys]

@@ReloadingWeatherby appreciate it! It’s frustrating to take the $1,200 package out and shoot bug holes, switch to the $2,000+ setup and struggle to shoot an inch, lol.

[@kcv5716]

With monolithic bullets go go down to around the 130 grain.

[@jaybailleaux630]

Have Hart barrel rebarrel it with a #4 contour barrel (magnum contour).

[@jefferywilliams7687]

Primer looks like CCI BR-4 Benchrest Match

[@mikehass2229]

Beautiful rifle. Hopefully you find a load that it likes. Both of my Winchester model 70 extreme weather rifles shoot great but they are chambered in 264 Win Mag and 270 Winchester.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Good news is it likes 168 TTSX. Would be fun to see it shoot other ammo as well

[@mikehass2229]

@@ReloadingWeatherby Those featherweight rifles are really nice. And, you are correct, that action is so smooth.

[@gilream]

Factory rifles are like a box of chocolates...you never know what you are gonna get. Before you even fire it you should relieve the barrel channel and glass bed the action. Purchase high quality scope rings, and install them with care and remember that you can not handload your way out of a bad barrel.

[@michaelb4528]

If it shoots that bad, Winchester would be getting a rifle back. That is horrible

[@1HeavyHitr]

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

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Haha Tom is great!

[@jeff6989]

I guess they just don't make them like they used too!

[@longstar550]

Powder looks like varget to me but smelling it would tell u for sure

[@wingstop7021]

I’m sorry to bother and excuse my ignorance I’m new to scope mounting, I just bought a new model 70 in 308 I think featherweight if that helps with a Leupold 3x9 50mm scope but I can’t seem to find the right rings and rail to fit my setup. Could you link me some rings and a rail please?

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I would recommend getting Leupold rings. Your tube diameter is most likely 1 inch

[@wingstop7021]

@@ReloadingWeatherby yessir my scopes diameter is 1 inch, will any rail that fits on a model 70 work with leupold rings? Or is there any rail you recommend?

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

@@wingstop7021 Any rail will work

[@philiptrump8472]

What about Barnes LRX 175gr going at about 2750?

[@philiptrump8472]

I should have watched the full video before I commented... I love both the 130gr TTSX (out of my308) and the 175 LRX out of my 30-06

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I was hoping to get higher velocities than I did. Will be testing the 175LRX again

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@backcountrydreamer1910]

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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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…

[@tdp7244]

Have you checked recoil lugs and bedding? Scope mount & rings? I'd advise taking the gun to a reputable gunsmith for a thorough look over because a Model 70 does not shoot like this.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@eugenegress5896]

This all new Modle 70, was really Hyped, Long anticipated return. Its quality built, but SOMETHING ,is Definitely Wrong. Budget Rifles will out shoot it. This Rifle should shoot 1 MOA, With Winchester Factory Ammo, and .75, to .50 with proper Hand Loads. Maby its the bedding. But at the 1000 dollar plus , price Point, This should NOT be happing PERIOD.

[@internationalplayboy8685]

Every newer factory Model 70 should be bedded. Most serious Model 70 rifleman know this. If you bed it properly, I seriously doubt you will be calling the rifle a lemon.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

You would think the "riflemans rifle" would not be so crappy that you have to do extra work on it to get it to shoot.

[@johngeddes7894]

Put that left hand on the fore end and pull the butt end into your shoulder; not real tight but firm. Your groups ought to improve. Letting that muzzle bounce around unrestrained is usually problematic. All screws need to be checked, especially that middle action screw. Back it off a little. Scope rings and bases; everything. A model 70 is worth the cost of paying a gunsmith to glass bed the action and barrel channel and free float the barrel. That rifle should be a tack driver. Nothing less. Find the accuracy issues and eliminate them. Getting mad is going to compound your frustration. Put on your trouble shooter hat.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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…….

[@tacticalmattfoley]

This is the second rifle I've seen from Winchester on KZbin that was what I would kindly call "out of spec" within the past month. Please, send this back to Winchester with the target. This is absolutely unacceptable. I wouldn't waste any more time or ammo on this gun.

[@dhooter]

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

[@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.

[@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…

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheGV50]

Have a competent Gunsmith Pillar Bed that rifle!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@rogersmaland7077]

Check if anything is loose on the rifle, glass bed it and wait a little between each shot.... Good luck.

[@easttexan2933]

Just my two cents worth, but just from my view point, you don't look stable at the bench. I've never been a fan of bringing the left hand under to the rest. You need to be more stable at the muzzle. And while your at it, grip your pistol grip fully and not just with a finger on the trigger. Move your left hand under/around your forward rest and secure the stock finger tight. If this doesn't help, I'd just kick that can on down the road.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for watching and the advice

[@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.

[@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

[@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.😅

[@davidrevelle-z2t]

Check torque spec probably the problem.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@martinfernandez5005]

Lock Tight the scope and try again.

[@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.

[@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👍👍

[@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

[@Seelos333]

+ Only change one thing at a time. Check all fasteners first. Then rule out defective scope. Then consider micro-bedding receiver. Then take those 178 grainers and mic your freebore distance. Etc, etc

[@Eggomania86]

I'm a Winchester model 70 owner myself, All Weather SS, I got lucky it can shoot toe to toe with some factory rifles designed for competition. The Winchester model 70 either has match grade accuracy or they are picky as hell and are poor shooters. It's usually a barrel problem. Watch Tom River's channel. He does a good job of going through the rifle and diagnosing the problem. I think it's a crown or throat problem causing excessive copper fouling. I'd get it bedded properly. Take it to a gunsmith. I know another guy who had a similar issue. He had the gunsmith run a chamber reamer through the chamber and had said barrel re crowned. The issue is that they are using dull tooling from the factory. Of course, factories are trying to fill in back orders from the recent shortage. They are pumping rifles out as quickly as possible, sometimes using sub-par tooling due to supply chain issues. Also, fitting the rifle with a new barrel is an option. A Winchester model 70 with a Lija or Hart barrel would be the cats ass.

[@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.

[@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?

[@GeorgeSemel]

Well, I had the same sort of issue with a Feather Weight M-70 that I bought in 1981 in 7 x 57, I could not get it to shoot well. I really liked the rifle and I sent it out to a gunsmith, he did a bedding job on it and reworked the trigger a little and It shot very well after that, My load of choice 50 gr of IMR-4350 W-W case and a 140 gr Nosler Partition. I will be coin that having the gun rebeeded would cure the issues.

[@rockylavigna5977]

Just went through the same thing with a WBY MKV deluxe. A 257 mag and your targets and my targets look the same I actually thought I damaged the gun it shot so bad. I took the gun to the range three times put three different scopes on the gun and my reloads and factory loads printed exactly the same like yours horrible. The first time at the range I left disgusted and when I went home I inspected the barrel with a bore scope and to my surprise after only one box of shells my barrel was completely copper fouled. Typical bore cleaner is completely ineffectieve to remove the mess however I purchased Bore Tech copper remover and that was completely effective. I spoke with Weatherby and went over this failure and they absolutely recommended to scrub the barrel, I know guys like shooting dirty barrels however you might want to reconsider that philosophy. Two more times at the range same results horrible pattern and extreme copper fouling. Then I decided to try some reloads I used in a vanguard rifle and with a clean gun the first three shots went in the bullseye at .65 sub moa.What happened? Well the bullets that worked so well in both guns were flat based bullets however after that I tried some Nosler BTs in the gun and achieved sub moa with those as well.Bottom line you might want to inspect the inside of the barrel if it is fouled it will never shoot a nice group, I know guys don't want to listen to that however Weatherby totally agreed to my approach with the guns failures and added that new high performance rifles will foul with copper when new and this must be removed from your barrel. Also like it or not flat based bullets are more accurate than high bc boattails and they provide less attrition to your barrels meaning your gun will last longer these facts are rarely fowarded to us by the bullet manufacturers. I really love those Model 70 rifles a true American Classic, don't give up

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Thanks for the advice. Will have to do a deep clean of the rifle

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@charlconradie4935]

Don't make the mistake I made.. before you know it you could have bought 3 other guns with money wasted on ammo. Save yourself the frustration

[@bobbyboothe8964]

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

[@vikingsoftpaw]

Bore scope it. I'm betting it has a badly machined chamber.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Probably

[@tdjohnsky]

As Tom River said in one of his videos. “ maybe Winchester needs to stop calling their guns rifles and start calling them muskets”. 😂 But I do like the model 70. I hope to get one in a few days in 300 win mag.

[@scark00]

Bed the barrel.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@JohnMiller-vr9ld]

I have a weatherby vanguard in 30/06 only shoots 190 grain interlock bullets to my liking

[@terryhenry8243]

These rifles have kind of a reputation for nasty accuracy. I've owned 2 that acted the same as yours. I ultimately sent them both back to Winchester and they were rebarreled. That fixed the problem. That was with the New Haven built guns. I have no idea if the new production rifle manufacturer would be so kind. Good luck because you'll need it more than likely