Benelli R1?

[Quackin_Archer]

I seriously looking into one of these rifles in the .300 win mag.  Anyone have any good/bad experiences?

[carpsniperg2]

My buddy has one is 300 win mag. He really likes it and thinks it's the cat's meow. I have shot it working up loads with him, and have yet to see it shoot under 1" most of his groups are around 2" with it. Havent found a load it loves yet, he has shot a few with his. By no means would I look at it to be a longer range gun like 300+ because I don't think it shoots well enough for that style of hunting.

[Quackin_Archer]

Are these reloaded rounds? I would think that would be more of a shooter/scope differencial? What rounds is he using in it? The biggest appeal to me is the semi auto and the recoil reduction. And the benelli name as they are a great company. I wouldnt take 500 or 600 yard shots but I would say I would want a gun that Im comfortable with a 400 yarder if I had to.

[bobcat]

My cousin has one in 300 WSM and as far as I know, it's always been really accurate for him. I think he got his best accuracy from Scirocco's. (factory rounds)

[carpsniperg2]

It's not the shooter or the scope both of us are very good shots and he runs leupolds just like me. We have shot 5-7 types of factory ammo and probably close to 12 different reloads in it

[400out]

It's not the shooter or the scope both of us are very good shots and he runs leupolds just like me. We have shot 5-7 types of factory ammo and probably close to 12 different reloads in it

sometimes it's not the name that makes the gun 

[Quackin_Archer]

Do you happen to know the barrel length he was shooting? I have actually read that in the 300 win mag alot of people get the 22 or 24 inch barrels and that costs at the longer range and to go with the 26 or 28 for the 400 yard shots. But that was with any brand.

[Bob33]

The factors that usually influence accuracy the most are the shooter, the ammunition, and the gun: in that order. 

A gun that consistently shoot groups of around 1.5 inches or better is plenty good enough for big game to 400 yards or even beyond if the shooter is capable.

The reviews I have read of the R1 tend to say the following: accuracy is good, not great: 1.5 to 2 inch groups are not unusual; trigger has a two stage feel (lots of take-up) and is around 4.5 to 5 pounds out of the box; recoil is milder than bolt actions of the same caliber; follow up shots are quick.

[carpsniperg2]

Bob those reviews is spot on to my first post. Most the groups with a lot of different loads run threw it are around 1.5-2".is

I can shoot 1/2-3/4" groups in all my mags all day long. My friend that has it has around 60 guns and is a very good shot. The shooter is not the case with this gun. Both of us shoot very well

Quackin a 1.5-2" group is fine for killing any big game animal around here. I just like to see smaller groups. Do I feel it is a good gun yes. Do I think it is a tack driver no not by any means. Does it shoot well yes. Less recoil yes. I will have to ask him on the barrel lenght. I tired to call him and he did not pick up.

[bobcat]

I know my cousin had relatively poor accuracy with his 300 WSM (2 to 3 inch groups) until he tried the Sciroccos. I think he's getting 1.5 inch groups with them.

[carpsniperg2]

Ha he just called back He said it is a 24"

[Quackin_Archer]

Hmmm. Thanks Carps. Very good info. Yea. I am with you on wanting the smallest group possable. I just wish I could shoot it before purchasing it. Im trying to find one locally to just hold and see how it feels. Im just trying to narrow down a pros and cons list from people who have actually shot them and or own one. Other than barrel length, do you know what grain bullet you were shooting and range of the 2 inch groups? I have also read that the .300 win mag does best at the 180 grain and above??

Bobcat, I agree that you have to find a load that it shoots well. I would be happy with 1 - 1.5 inch groups at 300 yards. Im not sure the R1 comes in a WSM though?? From their website its .30-06, .300 win mag and .338. Or I would jump allover the WSM!

[Bob33]

Longer barrels = more powder burn = higher velocity.  Depending on the caliber, 25 to 40 feet per second difference per inch of barrel.

[Bob33]

Group sizes are typically three shots at 100 yards unless stated otherwise.

[carpsniperg2]

Heck we shoved about every grain bullet made into cases for it. His hates the light stuff and for sure shoots the 180's best. The accubonds shot the best if I remember right.

Yeah and it would be 1.5 at 100 for sure not 300. You probably just hit the wrong key. Happens to me all the time. Ask Bobcat he knows