[BsChoy]

I went to the range with my Model 70 Featherwieght 30-06 and was dumb founded. 1 or 2 months ago I shot 4 of 5 rounds into 1/2 inch with 50.0 grains Varget, 150 SST's seated 3.235(cannelure), with Federal large rifle primers in federal brass. I go back with the same load and 5 rounds of that combo with Fed Match primers and get about a 2 inch horizontal spread? Prepped the same, gun cleaned the same no differences. I have not dropped it or done anything wacky with it. Any ideas?

[Car Knocker]

If you changed primers that may well be the reason.

[Art Eatman]

Doesn't sound like ammo, to me. Sounds like a wee tad of canting the rifle. It doesn't take much...

Art

[esheato]

IME, horizontal strings are my fault whereas vertical strings are load related. (assuming zero cross wind)

Are you using a stable rest? Heat mirage a concern?

Ed

[hoghunting]

Was there a cross wind? That can also affect horizonal stringing.

[BluesBear]

Any time you change ANY component you change the dynamics of the load.
Go back to the original primers and see what happens.

[USSR]

BsChoy,

I don't believe that going from Fed 210 to Fed 210M primers is the problem. They are the same primer with a little added QC for the match primers. It sounds like something you are doing (or not doing) at the bench. Also, those featherweight barrels can be finicky.

Don

[ID_shooting]

One thing that hasn't been touched on is temperature. Loads developed at 70 degrees will shoot differently at 100 degrees. This can even be magnified if the rounds sat out in the sun at all.

[BsChoy]

I have a feeling I was the issue...I remember having issues with correct sight picture for some reason...The temp came to mind but it was cooler yesterday than when I shot this load last time...time to invest in a better rest I think the old Hoppes isn't cutting it 100%...thanks for the input gents

[huntershooter]

Is the rifle stocked with wood? Horizontal stringing can indicate a bedding problem. Since it's been mos. since you last shot, I'd consider increased humidity/stock warping as a possibility. Is your rifle bedded? All featherweight mod. 70's I've seen have a "pressure pad" at the muzzle end of the barrel channel. If the stock sucks humidity/warps, the pressure on barrel at this point changes.