Accuracy of the newer Factory Model 70

R

R&H

New member
I know that this is hard question to answer but on average what kind of groups can you expect from a new Model 70 classic sporter LT? What is reasonable to expect, 1" groups,
2", 3", 4" or 6". I have an old "Ranger" model that after lightening the trigger, floating the barrel and glass bedding the action it shoots about 4 to 6 inch groups at 100 yards. Which is about what it did before doing all that stuff. The problem is I like the newer winchesters, I am glad they went back to there pre 64 style. I am just leary of buying another one. If you own one or have had any experience with on of the newer ones let me know about it.
 
I bought a M70 Classic Compact in 7mm-08 a year ago. With handloads, but without doing any specific load development, it shot 2" to 2.5" groups and fouled quickly. After firelapping the barrel using David Tubb's Final Finish kit, it now shoots 1" to 1.5" groups, fouls less and cleans up much easier. I don't think the barrels are all that hot off the assembly line but with a little time and $35, they can be made much better. I'm pretty sure with some time spent developing a load, I can make it a solid MOA performer which is plenty good for a hunting rifle.

The M70 Compact is a sweet handling little rifle. Its rapidly becoming my favorite.
 
Win Classic 70 accuracy

I have a 30-06 24" barrel 6 yr old Classic 70 with a 3-9x scope. I almost always get 1" to 1.25 " 5 shot groups with Hornaday 150 gr. Boat Tail Spire point Interlock hunting bullets. I've shot these bullets for about 5 yrs. with the same group sizes. I think several other bullet brands would do just as well. Reloading could get the groups under 1" for sure. Your Ranger rifle had to have to some sort of problem to fire that large of groups assuming you are doing your part on marksmanship side of things. I think the Ranger is a Push feed bolt action with should give excellent accuracy.
 
My .30-06 shot about 1.25" at 100yds until it was seasoned some. Then it went to an inch. If I tweeked the load some and free floated the barrel I am sure it would improve.

The foregoing was with 165 grain factory loads and handloads made with 150 Sierra Spitzer Boattails and IMR 4350.
 
I have a 3 yr old Model 70 but it does have a Heavy barrel so it might not count here. Loading Speer 165 grn STBT and 42 grains of IMR4064 it shoot .75 to MOA groups in .308. It does have a 4x16x40MM scope that I an sure helps me out greatly :)
 
The Ranger is just the regular Winchester 70 with a less fancy stock and a pretty good set of factory open sights. If your Ranger still has the 'thermoplastic' recoil lug bedding (hot glue) you might consider changing it. My Ranger in .270 shoots under an inch with Winchester 150 grain factory Silvertips, and around moa with two hastily cobbled-together 130 grain loads. This is with a good fixed power 4x scope, shot braced off a bench but hand-held, as it's a pure hunting rifle.
The accuracy that you got is certainly not typical or acceptable. My own barrel has been floated, but I suspect since it's so slim that a good pressure pad might be best for most of these rifles. How you tighten the action screws is important too: Front screw first, as tight as you can get it with a stout driver, rear screw 'easy' tight, and middle one just snug. Every rifle is a unique case, and getting them to shoot well is half the fun. The rare lemon, bad bbl. or whatever, can be sorted out at the factory.
 
My wife's new M70 Featherweight in 30-06 just shot between .8 and .5" at 100yds using some primo handloads kindly given to us by a friend. This is out of the box. All shot off wooden bench and sandbag (literally, 25# paper sack of landscaping sand :)). I have heard some reports of less accuracy, but would expect that a real test of what the rifle is fully capable of would depend somewhat on consistent (i.e. handloaded with quality componenets) ammo. I just picked one up for myself but have not had time to take it out and zero it.

Since shooting my wife's FW I've smoothed out the trigger and am pillar bedding and freefloating it. I'll report back on accuracy when done.

Regards,

Bob
 
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