Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Model 70 1:8 twist and heavies

Here is my new Model 70 classic in 270 WCF. Barrel is Pac-Nor #2 with 1:8 twist. Sitting in an Echols Legend stock, with Leupold VX-5HD 2-10.

Initial range day. Only three shot groups to get a feel for the rifles and bullet powder combination. Thinking it will be a solid hunting rifle with heavier bullets.
A little disappointed in the 170 gr, monos were a pleasant surprise.

If I have my choice, I will go with the 155gr LRX's. There is more flexibility with seating depth. The Bulldozer bullets are only 0.005 off the lands, if I seat them deeper, then the case mouth would be on the ogive.

170gr Nosler Ballistic Tips


Barnes 155gr LRX


150gr Badlands Precision Bulldozer

With three shots at each charge level you may as well not write down those SD estimates.

Beautiful, well put together rifle, enjoy!
What BM is that and also do you know the finished weight as pictured?

Looks like a great rifle. You do have some good data points there. I'd personally be testing every 1/2gr, not 1 grain jumps. Also, as we all know, 3 shots can sometimes be misleading. Fun taking a new rifle out though and she's a looker. I like the stock color and red pad. Great looking rifle. I'm sure it will be driving tacks too, once you get your load sorted out. Good luck with it!!

You are correct, habit. Once I get a little more serious, it will be on to 5 shot groups, then final testing with ten.



Bottom metal is PT&G
Weight as pictured is 8.25#, a little heavier than I typically like.
I have done the ultralightweight 270 WCF with a Kimber 84L. Too light and tough to get the rifle to settle down.

I have a Model 70 Classic FWT in and Edge FWT stock that gets the nod if a lot of hiking is on the agenda.

Absolutely, just initial range day to get a feel for the rifle.

I believe it'll be great.

I wouldn't want to bet against you on this one.

Probably won't take much getting use to. I'll bet that trigger is great too. I'll jump back and forth between my Tikka's and Winchesters and don't notice any difference. A well tuned trigger goes a long ways.. I look forward to hearing more about your fine model 70. Is that Legend an edge fill? What is total weight of the rifle, as shown?

Nice rifle! Reminds me of the old saying... "That dog will hunt".

Man, I’m red buddy! That sucker is cool as ice! I might just do a brown and red pad myself after seeing yours.

What a hammer with the 155 LRXs just over 3k…. I could make do with that load myself.

Trigger breaks at 2.25#
Not Edge fill.

Average for the sixteen 3 shots groups today is 0.916 inches. More than pleased.


I am liking the LRX also. Was hoping for 2900fps+, more than pleased. No pressure signs at all with the 3000fps load.

Dang, so now that you’ve used the rifle some, would you give it anymore throat to help with the 165+ bullets Chad?

Not that they’re needed with the 155 at 3k, but I’m mulling over what you’ve done with the SAAMI reamer.

How’s the 155 sitting for length?

The 155's are good for length. I get 3.375 to the lands, I seated them 0.050 off at 3.325. Do not see any reason to change, but may play a little. You could certainly throat it longer to give you more powder space.

If I was going to shoot the Badlands Precision exclusively, I would want it throated longer. But they seem to be shooting pretty good at 0.005 off the lands.

How about the 170 Noslers? Good space for them?

Great rifle! What’s the barrel length?

That thing is a beauty.

3.330 to the lands.
I seated them at 3.3. Once again you could lengthen the throat for more powder capacity. If 0.1 really makes that much difference.


Thank you, 23" barrel length.

Very nice. That gun is screaming for some Talley lightweights though.

I'm rooting for your model 70 to shoot good man!!