DJS, had a M7 260 also long ago, ....got a new bbl.

If I were you, I'd sell that gun if it won't shoot (blame the gun not the caliber) and buy a Sako 260 vs a bbl job, and if you don't mind a tad longer action, a 6.5x55 can be the cat's meow IMHO in a factory rifle, use Lapua brass and good bullets and don't be surprised to shoot around 1/2MOA. My 260 Sako GW is shot the first 2 shots in the same hole, at 200 yds, two groups in a row, w/federal 7/08 and 308 brass necked down and 130 accubonds. 3 shot groups averaged around 1" at 200 yds, for those 2 groups above, and a third group w/Rem brass.

Either way, if you had a Sako I'd reckon you'd be ready to lose both M7s wink

You tried, but Rem let you down IMHO which is why PERSONALLY, I don't own a Rem rifle save an old 22 single shot.