I have a 23” heavy barreled Contender in 7-30 Waters that I can not get to shoot accurately. I got a set of feeler gauges and with a case in the chamber a .001” gauge is clamped solid when it’s closed. I would think I should have more headspace than .001” but I’m not sure. Since it headspaces off the rim how would I correct it if it has positive headspace?



Thanks

Why would you think you need more headspace?

In my mind I need some clearance between the rim and the face of the receiver but I could be wrong.

You don’t. Regardless, you established that you have ~.001”.

What problems are you having? Details!

I’ve tried the 120 nbt, 140 nbt, and 140 Sierra with imr4895, h4895, and 3031. Groups are running on average 2-3” with vertical. I’ve used the factory hinge pin and a bellm 1x hinge pin with no real difference.


Weaver base, Burris rings and 2 different proven scopes.


I’ll get the occasional decent group around 1” and then it’s back to 3” of vertical.


I’ve tried the bags to the rear of the forearm, etc.


I have other Contenders and Encores and I don’t have any issues like I do with this one.

I'm no expert but weren't locking bolts and springs an issue with some? There are different style bolts (flat, stepped & 2 piece) depending on the age of the barrel. Maybe swap out the bolt & spring on this barrel with one of your other good shooting barrels?

Is your forearm floated or in full contact with the barrel?

I had shims under it to float it but after taking some more measurements it may not have been enough because the forearm recess is cut quite deep.


I have reworked the shims now and I have clearance. I’m going to test again in a bit.

Many times vertical stringing can be traced to the forearm bearing against the front of the receiver.

You guys are correct.


While I was reworking my shims for the forearm I noticed it was solid on the barrel on the left side. I used a socket and sand paper to for more room and bolted it back up, now it’s bearing on the right side? As I kept fiddling with it the front screw stud could be drifted left to right pretty much with thumb pressure on it. On top of that there was a high spot on the back of the forearm near the receiver. I got everything looking centered and sanded, used a punch and a hammer to help it stay in place, tightened the forearm down and took it back to the bench. After 2 rounds for scope adjustment I fired 8 consecutive shots into just a shade over 1” at 107yds.


Thanks for the help.

👍

Good info, and congrats on getting it figured out!

Let us know when you make meat with it.

Nice thing about a Contender - accuracy is very doable - if you understand the few quirks it has.

My Contenders have always been my most accurate rifles, if I cannot get 3 shots inside an inch at 100 I am having a bad day or I screwed something up. Most of them are 3 inside a quarter at 100 and more than a few have been consistent five in a nickel most days. The best have always been 5 inside a dime every day guns, including a 6.5 BRM barrel, a 30-30AI barrel and a 7-30 waters. None will ever be sold.

RAS

I think my Encores and other Contender spoiled me. I’ve never had issues from them with accuracy while this one was very erratic. I’m glad guys here knew enough to point me in the right direction.