This was the initial test and sight-in session of my "Christmas rifle", a South Carolina-made Model 70 Extreme Weather Stainless model in .30-06, using a Leupold VX-II 2-7x33mm scope mounted on Talley Extra Low Lightweight One-Piece Scope Mounts.
For the first 20 shots or so, groups were mediocre (inconsistent 2-4" 3-shot groups at 200 yards). This must have been an initial break-in issue.
After those first 20 rounds, 3-shot groups tightened up to a consistent 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" at 200 yards off a bipod, with sandbags helping to stabilize the butt. With a machine rest, I think it could have been shooting 1" 3-shot groups at 200 yards, since I wasn't 100% steady. Needless to say, I was impressed with it.
The trigger is wonderful. I know that some longtime Model 70 fans don't care for the new mechanism, which gives up some of the simplicity and open design of the original. Maybe, after using the gun in the field, I'll be on their side of the fence. However, the new trigger sure feels good when you use it.
I chose the combination of scope and mounts to keep the weight down. The scope weighs 10 oz. on my digital gram scale, and the ring/base combos weigh a total of 1 7/8 oz. without the base screws, so call it 2 oz. This kept the overall weight of this scoped long-action rifle with a regular contour 22" barrel down to just about exactly 7 1/2 lbs., empty. Uncle Mike will be happy to see that the rifle, rings and scope are all US-made.
Ammo was my hunting handloads, with 56.5 grains of IMR-4350 and a 165-grain Hornady SST bullet. They were developed in and for another rifle, so I have no idea if they're optimal for the Winchester. They shoot as well as or better than they did in that original rifle, though.
For the first 20 shots or so, groups were mediocre (inconsistent 2-4" 3-shot groups at 200 yards). This must have been an initial break-in issue.
After those first 20 rounds, 3-shot groups tightened up to a consistent 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" at 200 yards off a bipod, with sandbags helping to stabilize the butt. With a machine rest, I think it could have been shooting 1" 3-shot groups at 200 yards, since I wasn't 100% steady. Needless to say, I was impressed with it.
The trigger is wonderful. I know that some longtime Model 70 fans don't care for the new mechanism, which gives up some of the simplicity and open design of the original. Maybe, after using the gun in the field, I'll be on their side of the fence. However, the new trigger sure feels good when you use it.
I chose the combination of scope and mounts to keep the weight down. The scope weighs 10 oz. on my digital gram scale, and the ring/base combos weigh a total of 1 7/8 oz. without the base screws, so call it 2 oz. This kept the overall weight of this scoped long-action rifle with a regular contour 22" barrel down to just about exactly 7 1/2 lbs., empty. Uncle Mike will be happy to see that the rifle, rings and scope are all US-made.
Ammo was my hunting handloads, with 56.5 grains of IMR-4350 and a 165-grain Hornady SST bullet. They were developed in and for another rifle, so I have no idea if they're optimal for the Winchester. They shoot as well as or better than they did in that original rifle, though.