Bolt Action question-Mag boxes

S

SCgman

New member
After purchasing a Ruger Hawkeye last year I was having some grouping issues during break-in. I was hoping for 1.5" and was getting erratic groups up to 2.5-3". I got on the web and stumbled across a tip on a Ruger forum that suggested common accuracy issues with the M77 resulted from the mag box putting stress on the action due to the specified torque on the screws. The tip explained the mag box should rattle a bit to insure the stress was not present. I checked my mag box and sure enough it was a tight fit. The solution called for removing 1/16" of material from the contact points along the bottom of the mag. I followed the instructions and my next trip to bench resulted in MOA or better consistency.

So now I'm wondering if I'm getting maximum potential our of my other bolt guns. All shoot consistently 1.5" or better, but all use screw torques of 55-65"#, and all have tight mag wells. I'm pleased with my results but am now wondering - can they do better. Has anyone dealt with this issue on a rifle other than Ruger?
 
All internal box magazines should be 'free floating' in its stock well. And firmly fit to the receiver; epoxied in place is a good way. The follower spring should be permanently staked in the floorplate so it doesn't move.
 
Thanks Bart,

All my remaining hinged plate bolt guns have flat bottom actions mated with full aluminum bedding blocked stocks. The next time I have them apart I'll check to see how much work may be involved to insure a stress free assembly. I have had no reason to suspect accuracy issues so far with these rifles - It's just that the improvement with the Ruger was so drastic it got me to thinking......and sometimes that's not necessarily a good thing. If I decide to modify any of the others I'll be sure to try to keep it to as little as possible.
 
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