Need cure for "wandering barrel"

[laf_shooter]

Here's the problem, after firing 3 to 4 round through my 7400 in 30-06 the point of impack will drop about 1/2" right and down at 100 yards. Each shot gets worse than the last. If I wait about 30 minutes the POI is back in the bulls eye. I believe the problem is the barrel heats and distorts. I know this is not designed to be a combat weapon but I would hope the POI would be constant for more than 4 rounds. Anybody else having this problem? Anybody have a cure.

[remington600]

Well you answered your own question. It is barrel temp. I dont know what the weather is where you are but the barrel will also heat up faster during these hot summer days. Rest a little longer between shots. You will be able to squeeze a little more out of it when the weather cools.

[laf_shooter]

Well down here in S. Louisiana the temp stays 95+ from June through September with 80+ humidity so the barrel will be hot. Any truth that Stainless barrels give less trouble? It just sucks that getting it zeroed in will take three week ends worth of afternoons. From what I hear and read I have one of the better ones when it come to reliable action. Has not given any trouble cycling and so far seems consistant with just about any brand or weight ammo. There's gotta be a way to reduce this barrel wandering.

[Wulfman]

Is this WITH or WITHOUT a scope?

If it's "with" a scope, there could be other issues.......like parallax.


Den

[remington600]

You said it goes back to bulls eye after a brief rest so it doesnt sound like a scope issue to me. There can be more accuracy issues with a semi auto then a bolt action. Yours sounds like a hot barrel. Your only cure is going to be cooling it off.

[laf_shooter]

This is with a scope. Each time the PoI starts to wander it is always right and down. I have found some other forums that suggest the possibility of the barrel nut being loose. Problem is I don't have a proper vice and barrel wrench to check it with. Contact with the gunsmiths in my area results in comments of "just another crappy 740 series Remington". One thread reported this on a newly purchased 7400 and when send back to Remington the Receiver and Barrel were replaced and problem corrected. My 7400 was made in 2001 and I got it used so I doubt Remington would be willing to handle in the same way.

[peacefuloldman]

I agree with the barrel heating up scenario. I had 3 of the Remington auto loaders. When I was sighting them in for the hunting season, I always put 1 cartridge in the clip, shot, and allowed the barrel to cool with the bolt open for 20-30 minutes. Did this until I had it where I wanted it. Thin profile barrels heat up quickly, besides in a hunting situation, the first shot, from a cold barrel, will be the most important.

Best of luck