I received my new 7-08 from a well known builder with a 1/4" guarantee a few months ago. So far I have ran 1 box of factory ammo through it & 23 140 Sierra fb with 41.0 gr of IMR 4350. Except for a single 1/2" group it is a 11/2" rifle.
I plan to try Varget, 145 Speer Hot Cores, 150 partations & 150 Sierra BTs.
It has a new Zeiss Conquest on it with double dovetail Leupold mounts. I don't think the scope is bad but if 1 of the above loads I' trade out the scope for a proven German Zeiss.
If it doesn't shoot the 150 Sierras should I take it back or try all the above loads?
IME, bench rest technique becomes more critical, lighter the rifle. The really light ones can be a challenge.
I'd call the maker and see what load they used for their 1/4" groups. I'd find a bud who was a bench rest shooter with experience and let him try that load. Maybe get two or three really good shooters to give it a whirl.
If all results pointed to an inch and a half gun, then I'd call the maker and have a heart to heart discussion about their quarter inch guarantee.
DF
