Improving long range accuracy

[Crunchy]

Ok I tried the search feature and didnt find what I was looking for, although I am sure it has been asked.  I am looking to improve the long range action of my hunting rifle, 700BDL in 7mag.  It is completely stock at this point.  Not looking at doing anything drastic.  What suggestions do you have?

[92xj]

reload

[Crunchy]

Not sure how much reloading will improve accuracy.  I shoot factory ammo Federal Premium which I have been happy with.  I guess that is an option 

[bobcat]

Glass bed the action and install an aftermarket trigger, or have a gunsmith lighten up the current trigger.

[92xj]

Not looking to do anything drastic, nothing you do will result in noticable accuracy gains.  I guess it really depends on your definition of drastic.  Non drastic changes to me would not be worth it on my guns for increasing accuracy.  But, reloading, trying all new cases, primers, powders, bullets OALs and so on can greatly increase your accuracy without changing or touching anything on the gun.  I went from 2" groups from factory ammo to .63" groups in my 300 by relaoading and experimenting.  Nothing was changed on the gun. 

[Crunchy]

Not looking to do anything drastic, nothing you do will result in noticable accuracy gains.  I guess it really depends on your definition of drastic.  Non drastic changes to me would not be worth it on my guns for increasing accuracy.  But, reloading, trying all new cases, primers, powders, bullets OALs and so on can greatly increase your accuracy without changing or touching anything on the gun.  I went from 2" groups from factory ammo to .63" groups in my 300 by relaoading and experimenting.  Nothing was changed on the gun. 

By drastic I meant changing out the barrel or someting along those lines.  Not sure I have the time to devote to reloading, and testing different ammo but I see your point.  I was looking at $300-$500 limit if that is a sufficient number.

[92xj]

Not looking to do anything drastic, nothing you do will result in noticable accuracy gains.  I guess it really depends on your definition of drastic.  Non drastic changes to me would not be worth it on my guns for increasing accuracy.  But, reloading, trying all new cases, primers, powders, bullets OALs and so on can greatly increase your accuracy without changing or touching anything on the gun.  I went from 2" groups from factory ammo to .63" groups in my 300 by relaoading and experimenting.  Nothing was changed on the gun. 

By drastic I meant changing out the barrel or someting along those lines.  Not sure I have the time to devote to reloading, and testing different ammo but I see your point.  I was looking at $300-$500 limit if that is a sufficient number.

Thats a good number to work with!  Start with the trigger like others have expressed and go from there.

[Bob33]

Dry firing is free.

[Crunchy]

No matter how much work you do or how much $$ you spend on a gun, it won't matter if you can't control yourself.  I use to see it all the time, guys with expensive custom built "high accuracy" guns who couldn't shoot a group under 2" at 200 yards.  Shooting is 95% mental.

Lets pretend I am already a good shot  Well at least better than most. 

[PolarBear]

I wasn't saying that you were.  I have no doubt that you are a great shot.   I was merely making a statement from years of observation and not a personal jab.

[Crunchy]

Wasnt taken that way. 

[Mongo Hunter]

Well you got a great gun to start with not sure what else is needed. I know some of the stocks that come on the 700's sometimes leave a little to be desired, Hogue makes one with a Aluminum bedding block all through the stock for about $280.

http://www.hoguestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=654_670&products_id=172

That might help some.

However on my 700 I found reloading by hand I could make ammo specifically for my gun and at 100 yards testing I stacked them on top of one another.

Also a good scope will always help. not that the scope itself makes you more accurate but good glass WILL help with seeing clearly at a distance.

[Crunchy]

Agreed on the glass.  Nothing fancy on that end, it is a Leupold 4.5x14x40 with the CDS dial for long range. 

[Mongo Hunter]

Well you got a great gun and scope. Reloading might have to be your next step. I know its a pain to get it right for your gun but there are alot of people on here who shoot and reload and might be able to give you a few pointers or shortcuts so you don't have to go through all your supply's testing. I personally use Nosler 150gr Ballistic tip boat tails loaded to about 3100 FPS which is the max load according to the loading manual.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Looks like reloading is a good idea. Maybe someone with the reloading equipment can help you dial in one good load for that rifle. Then that would be the load for life! Say maybe a IMR 4350 powder and and a 165 gr bullet? The reloading books talk alot about how to and why. Good luck!