GUhunter
Bearcat
I picked up a used M77 MKII last summer chambered in 7x57. The rifle was made in 1998 and I really like the overall feel of the gun, but am having a tough time getting it to shoot like I expect my rifles to shoot. The rifle has a 8.75" twist and a long throat so i figure it should favor heavy bullets. I have tried 139 - 175 grainers and 2 inches is about all I can expect. I've loaded all ammo long since the mag has room, but am starting to wonder if loading to factory length might be worth a try. I have not loaded and round nose bullets mainly because I live and hunt in WY and would rather not limit it's ballistic capability if I don't have to. I have played with H4350, Win 760, IMR 4350, R22 (with the 175 grainers). I have many other sporters (Savage, winchester, remington) and can typically ring out 1 - 1.25 MOA fairly easily. I do seem to be getting much more horizontal spread than vertical, which is something I've not seen in such an obvious way.