BAR 7mm mag has poor groups.

[glen moa]

Tried 170gr super x. Groups are over 4” at 100 yards. Tried three different scopes no change. Vertical is worse the horizontal.
Any factory ammo I should try?
I need 2.5” @ 100y for this moose gun.

[elkhunter11]

Since there is no 170gr Super X load for the 7mmremmag, I don't know what you tried. My BAR in 7mmremmqg shot the 150gr Partition into 1" with my handloads. I would try a load using 150 to 160gr bullets.

[mightybuck]

If you want accuracy and reliability buy a bolt gun.

[glen moa]

I know it was 170gr Winchester ammo.
I’ll try the 150gr.

I hear ya on the buy a bolt gun. I like bolts better but I have this bar I will use if it can shoot.

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by glen moa

I know it was 170gr Winchester ammo.
I’ll try the 150gr.

I hear ya on the buy a bolt gun. I like bolts better but I have this bar I will use if it can shoot.

It was 175grain is my guess.

Go re read what you bought.

[Xbolt7mm]

Originally Posted by glen moa

Tried 170gr super x. Groups are over 4” at 100 yards. Tried three different scopes no change. Vertical is worse the horizontal.
Any factory ammo I should try?
I need 2.5” @ 100y for this moose gun.

Where are you from, I may have a few different kinds laying around here somewhere.

[glen moa]

Sorry it could be 175gr. I’m just revisiting this issue from last fall.
Thanks for the offer but I’m doing an ammo run away so I’ll just pick up some 150 to try. I wonder if 150 would make the group under 2.5”. Seems like a lot as it’s so big now. The gun might be better for someone that hand loads.

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by glen moa

Sorry it could be 175gr. I’m just revisiting this issue from last fall.
Thanks for the offer but I’m doing an ammo run away so I’ll just pick up some 150 to try. I wonder if 150 would make the group under 2.5”. Seems like a lot as it’s so big now. The gun might be better for someone that hand loads.

I have shot a lot of BARs, all were capable of 1 1/2", amny were under 1" with factory ammo, and even better with hand loads. If you can find the ammo it likes you will easily get it under 2". I would try some Nosler factory ammo with the 150 or 175 grain Partition. The ammo isn't cheap but it almost always shoots great.

[bagwan]

Make sure your rear stock is not moving as well. Butt plate comes off and a large common screwdriver to check tightness. May feel a bit of play if you twist the stock.

[7mmremmag]

I bought a brand new lefty BAR in 30-06 about 5 years ago. Terrible, couldnt get it to group better than 3" at 100yds no matter what factory ammo I used. Sold it to a buddy and havnt bought a semi auto big game rifle since.

[Full Curl Earl]

Brownings manuals list the accuracy at 3.5” groups at 100 yards, as acceptable for the 7mm Rem Mag. It’s by far the most inaccurate cartridge lineup in the BAR series according to Browning. Granted my book is for 70’s era BARs.
So maybe the OP isn’t as far out of touch accuracy wise as he thinks.

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by Full Curl Earl

Brownings manuals list the accuracy at 3.5” groups at 100 yards, as acceptable for the 7mm Rem Mag. It’s by far the most inaccurate cartridge lineup in the BAR series according to Browning. Granted my book is for 70’s era BARs.
So maybe the OP isn’t as far out of touch accuracy wise as he thinks.

There is a BIG difference between factory ammo from the 70s and factory ammo today. I started reloading in about 1968 because even out of a good bolt gun, you were hard pressed to get factory ammo to shoot under 2.5" in any caliber and a lot of it shot 3" or more. Hand loading was the ONLY way you were ever going to get sub 1" groups. Hand loading was not that common around here back then and I remember many guys at the range being absolutely amazed at how good the groups were from a whole raft of rifles when they were being fed home rolled.

Now, I can buy factory 7x57 Sellier and Bellot that I have to work like heck to beat the groups it produces and that is just one example of really accurate factory fodder. Weatherby Select 257 Bee will shoot 3 shots into 3/8 of an inch out of my Ultra light, and they are doing 3400 FPS. If it wasn't for the cost savings I would just shoot factory out of it.

[Full Curl Earl]

I agree 100%, and the difficulty in getting components these days has plenty of long time reloaders watching dust settle on the press.
I’m not certain how Browning came up with the listed accuracy, as it doesn’t state any details, ie. cartridge manufacturer.

[glen moa]

That’s great info and thank you.
I’ll keep you posted.

[fps plus]

Contact and pressure areas on the forearm of BAR s is critical for accuracy.
Make sure crown is not damaged .

[58thecat]

Farming around with this firearm will drive you nuts and cost money, some just don't want to shoot....so sell it....save the headaches, take the cash and buy a rifle that performs....kinda like a bad marriage...get out and move on.
Someone else might enjoy her......

[jkbloom]

Originally Posted by glen moa

Tried 170gr super x. Groups are over 4” at 100 yards. Tried three different scopes no change. Vertical is worse the horizontal.
Any factory ammo I should try?
I need 2.5” @ 100y for this moose gun.

I use winchester accubond CT 162 grain and shoot half inch groups at 100 yards. I did try several brands of shells, the next best was winchester xp3. I also have a BAR in a 338 that is not nearly as picky as my BAR 7mm

[JCP]

I'm sure its a no brainer but make sure the bore is clean and all/most of the copper removed.