77rsi accuracy

[pumpgun]

i have a 77rsi mk2 in 308 that i really like. the problem is that after the first shot or two the groups open up big time. 2-3" at 40 yards. it is obviously some kind of bedding issue and i was wondering what others have done to overcome this. should it be free-floated or bedded or partial bed or what? if anyone has some real world success with this, let me know.

thanks

 

[Bigboreshooter]

Congrats on a GREAT rifle. 8)

I have a couple of RSI's and they all have one thing in common: the barrel heats up quickly, and takes a fairly long time to cool down.

The RSI's have a "thin" barrel, which will heat up quickly. The full length stock surrounds the bottom half of the barrel, which prevents the barrel from cooling down as quickly as a gun with a "standard" stock.

I have found that my RSI's will typically put the first two shots very close together, and then begin to string the shots vertically.

The first thing I would try is to allow 3-5 minutes between EACH shot, with the bolt open, to see if that will tighten up your groups.

We haven't even discussed your ammo, bullet weight, etc., which could all have a major impact on your group sizes.

Don't give up. The RSI's are great guns and are certainly capable of the kind of accuracy needed in a hunting rifle.

 

[pumpgun]

thanks. i shoot rem 150 corelokts mostly. i have tried the win 150 powerpoints with same thing. i don't handload yet. it does the same as yours, one or two shots are right there and then it strings them. you are right about the hot barrel not cooling fast. for a hunting gun its fine but i like to be able to shoot a few rounds off the bench too because it is such a nice little peice. i have a bushnell sportsman 3-9x32 on it and was thinking of putting something smaller on it one of these days like a little nikon monarch 1.5-4.5.

 

[resident]

I've had my M77RSI-.308 for 25 years now, and it's the most beautiful rifle in my collection.....yet that's my only complaint about it...poor accuracy.
Too pretty to knock-about in the rocks/rills....too inaccurate to use for targets. Still...I love it.

 

[358 Hawkeye]

My .308 RSI had the accuracy issue, a little relieving of the front metal and some barrel chanel work tightened up the groups significantly.

 

[pumpgun]

i've never had mine out of the stock. what points should contact the wood? should the barrel float except for the end cap and action? i probably wouldn't attempt it myself though but i would be interested in what needs done.

 

[Silent Sam]

Well I hunt mine. I don't use it for plinking at the range. I am far more concerned about the first shot "group" than I am about a firing a string. I keep a first shot target over multiple range visits and my RSI is as accurate as any of my hunting rifles and better than many in that respect. I quit worrying about that first shot drifting due to the full stock after a few seasons because it doesn't.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

my 250 will shoot inch and a half 5 shot groups at a 100 with about any bullet but will shoot 117 sierras and the old nos 120 solid based bullets into an inch.

 

[pumpgun]

Well I hunt mine. I don't use it for plinking at the range. I am far more concerned about the first shot "group" than I am about a firing a string. I keep a first shot target over multiple range visits and my RSI is as accurate as any of my hunting rifles and better than many in that respect. I quit worrying about that first shot drifting due to the full stock after a few seasons because it doesn't.

ya i hear ya. make the first shot count. mine is definitely a MOV gun but i would like to see if i could make it stop the stringing so i could plink a bit without getting frustrated.

 

[Kerz]

i have a 77rsi mk2 in 308 that i really like. the problem is that after the first shot or two the groups open up big time. 2-3" at 40 yards. it is obviously some kind of bedding issue and i was wondering what others have done to overcome this. should it be free-floated or bedded or partial bed or what? if anyone has some real world success with this, let me know.

thanks

I also have a RSI 308, 1996 vintage. Shot good, about 1.5 at 100, until last deer season. The center mounting screw had become loose. Would not hold 5 inches at 50. This winter I did a complete bedding job. First the reciever area and then the full length of barrel. Initial results look very good but waiting on the weather for the real test. I'm shooting 168 CT on 41.5 4895.
Vic