How To Clean A Remington 742
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| Post subject: What to do with a Remington 742? | |
| Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:08 pm Posts: 292 Location: Back home in IN | Grandpa passed last week. I'll spare the details. But the point is that even though I would have probably never purchased a rifle like this myself, I'm now in possession of one and it has quite a bit of sentimental value to me. First of all, this rifle is the 22" version and chambered in 30-06. Grandpa had owned it as long as I can remember, and I doubt it had more than 2 boxes of shells put through it in that time(30 years). I also doubt it's ever been cleaned. It has a tiny bit of corrosion on the receiver that I'm not too worried if I can't get off, but I'd like to make sure that it's bore is as clean as possible and everything else is properly lubricated. I'm not exactly sure how to clean a bore that I can't remove the bolt to get to without shoving a rod down the muzzle, which I'd like to avoid. And I've never taken one of these apart, so I'm not yet sure what needs maintained or lubricated in the operating mechanism. Anyone have any tips on any of this? I will say that I know it "works", because I got a box of shells with it that's missing two rounds and I know that Grandpa used it to put down a horse last summer... From what I gather, these are gas operated? And I've never fired one(yet), but in assuming it probably won't be very accurate. I'm guessing 2 MOA should be considered good? Anyone have any other general info that might be helpful or anectotal experience to relay as far as how they shoot? And if I decide to try and work up some loads for it, does anyone have any recommendations for loading for this rifle compared to my bolt 30-06? Basically, I'm up for any information relating to Remington semi-autos or loading for a semi-auto 30-06 in general that anyone wants to share. It would at least be a nice primer for continued research. Many thanks in advance for any help.
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Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 2:02 pm
| truck driver | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Mon Mar 11, 2013 6:02 am Posts: 6770 Location: East Coast | I've never disassembled one but I would google them for instructions on disassembly. There is bound to be a U-tube on it. |
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| wvbuckbuster | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2015 7:43 am Posts: 877 | Some I've seen have been neglected by not removing the forearm and cleaning around the gas port (hole in the bbl to operate the operating rod) This needs to be done every so often as good place for rust to form. Knock the pins out holding the trigger group and pull out of the receiver. This will allow you to clean inside the receiver. As far as cleaning the bbl just do it from the muzzle and use a guard if you want. Don't bother with a bore snake as it won't remove any buildup. After cleaning lube lightly the action rods and bolt all should be well. As far accuracy goes depends on the gun and the load. Have seen some that were minute of pie plate and others shoot 1-1/2 in at 100yds off the bench. Clean it shoot it enjoy it because it was your grandpa's. Dan. _________________ It don't matter how fast you miss. |
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| mjcmichigan | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Mon Dec 26, 2016 7:35 pm Posts: 2203 | I loaded for a friend's 742 in 308. I had to go with service rounds as standard loads were too hot for the action. The to start with a 150gn bullet doing around 2600fps. I'd go old school, round nose flat base. More Constance should help stabilize it Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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| hodgeman | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| My condolences on the passing of your grandfather. The 742 was a long running design for Remington- 1960ish until about 1980 when it was replaced by the 7400. For reloading- you're going to want to make sure you are full length sizing your brass and keep pressures reasonable. This design doesn't have the camming power of a bolt action for primary extraction- so brass that is on the large end or expands considerably will be a problem in the extraction cycle. For reliability- pay attention to the chamber area- it's tough to get in there and clean it out and virtually no one does. Debris and fouling in the chamber can cause lots of headaches. Other than that- these are perfectly serviceable hunting rifles and seem to be popular in some locales. You should be able to find something that it shoots decently. You don't mention a scope, but these were somewhat notorious for killing 1960s era riflescopes- a modern version shouldn't be an issue if you choose to scope it. Overall, a nice and functional heirloom from your granddad. I've got a few and I truly enjoy dragging them out from time to time for a hunt. | |
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| JD338 | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2004 12:08 pm Posts: 21081 Location: Cedar Springs, MI | Sorry to hear about your Grandfather. JD338 _________________ Speed sells but Accuracy kills. Noslers Rock |
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| Elkman | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2010 9:59 pm Posts: 4548 | My dad had a 740 and had good loads with IMR- 4895 and Sierra 150 gr bullets. What I remember most about that rifle was that my grand paw would always kid him about needing a whole magazine load of ammo for each deer. He did have a tendency to kill most of his deer with the last bullet. _________________ Good hunting and have a great day!!! |
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| jason miller | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:08 pm Posts: 292 Location: Back home in IN | Thanks for the responses so far, guys. I really appreciate it. And keep it coming, if anyone has more. I've been doing some research tonight, and it seems like keeping the chamber clean and rust-free is definitely important with these rifles. The other issue that keeps popping up is the guide rails eventually wearing out from the beating that the bolt/carrier gives them. I was thinking maybe some slightly lower pressure loads(but enough to cycle the action), combined with sticking to 150's or maybe 165's, and maybe even a faster-burning powder like the 4895 they use in a Garand to try and lower port pressure might help extend the life of the rails? Just a thought... If so, anybody have any 50-55K psi loads with 150's or 165's and 4895 or Varget? Maybe even 4166 to try and minimize copper build-up in a barrel that apparently needs to be cleaned from the muzzle? |
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| jason miller | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:08 pm Posts: 292 Location: Back home in IN | Elkman wrote: My dad had a 740 and had good loads with IMR- 4895 and Sierra 150 gr bullets. What I remember most about that rifle was that my grand paw would always kid him about needing a whole magazine load of ammo for each deer. He did have a tendency to kill most of his deer with the last bullet. Any idea what that 150/4895 load was? |
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| Elkman | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2010 9:59 pm Posts: 4548 | Jason, Sorry I do not, that was 50 years ago. I don't even remember what happened to the rifle. I wish you luck with yours. _________________ Good hunting and have a great day!!! |
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| hodgeman | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| jason miller wrote: If so, anybody have any 50-55K psi loads with 150's or 165's and 4895 or Varget? Maybe even 4166 to try and minimize copper build-up in a barrel that apparently needs to be cleaned from the muzzle? Hornady #9 has a section of "M1 Garand" loads and I've seen "Service Rifle" loads in other manuals that keep pressures low. #9 lists Varget 42.3gr for 2400fps to 46.4gr for 2600fps. H4895 at 43.2gr for 2400fps to 46.4 for 2600fps. Both with 150gr bullets. I think you're on the right track to run these type loads. Even though these loads are well below SAAMI max for the cartridge- it more closely replicates the ammunition that Remington was churning out back when this rifle was built. A bit of time searching loading manuals will turn up several M1 Garand type loads that should be easier on all the moving parts than full power 30-06 ammunition. | |
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| Guy Miner | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 8:42 am Posts: 16107 Location: Washington State | Cool old rifle, and yes, they can be surprisingly accurate! I'd mount a rugged, fixed-power Leupold and sight that rascal in with some good 150 - 165 gr bullets loaded at moderate velocity/pressure. Should make a dandy deer & black bear rifle! Regards, Guy |
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| Dr. Vette | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2012 1:59 pm Posts: 1274 Location: Holland, MI | My first rifle was a Rem 7400 in 30-06. I still have it. You can clean it easy enough from the muzzle, but use a bore guide on that end to protect the crown. As others noted, remove the forearm and clean everything you see there too. They can be accurate - mine is often MOA with the right ammo. I have worked up a load using Speer 150 Hot-Cor bullets that works quite well. Unfortunately I can't seem to find the recipe here, but will see if it shows up. |
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| preacher | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2012 6:44 am Posts: 2023 Location: Sandy, Utah | Get you a Small Base Resizing die also. You may get by with a FL die but eventually you will need to squeeze em down. I grew up around Mod 740s and 742s. Some would shoot well, some didn't, of course. I bought one off my uncle when he needed cash ( I later sold it to my dad, but I ended up using it a lot). With Remington factory 150s, I'd get about 5-6" groups at 100 ( iron sights) then Federal (the old Red Box stuff) came out with the Sierra 165 SBT and it shot 3-4" at 100. I killed more hogs than deer with it and it was a great round. Just break it down as far as you can, scrub it with an old tooth brush and spray solvent, then after drying it off, lightly lube it with something like Outers Tri-Lube, let dry. A good chamber brush is definitely worth the price for this particular rifle! If it was mine, I'd try some Federal Blue Box 150s and 180s (round nose in later) and see how she shoots. It will be mild enough. My BIL and his friend still use their Mod 742s in .308, bought back in '73! They use the Sierra 150SBT. Good luck to you Pard. |
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| Bruce Mc | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2005 6:35 pm Posts: 970 Location: Edna, Texas | I loaded a 150 gr sierra sbt with 52.5 grs of IMR-4895 for my Dad's 742, remington cases and cci primer. The rifle would shoot 2" groups or so at 100 yds. It's my rifle now but I haven't spent any time shooting it. I put a new 2x-7x leupold scope on it but that's as far as I've gotten. I always full length sized the cases and never had any problems. The BDL deluxe is a nice looking rifle with the basketweave checkering. _________________ Garg 'nuair dhuisgear |
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| cloverleaf | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 3:12 pm Posts: 3675 | Sorry for your loss. I have seen a few Remington autos at the public site in's over the years. Hogemans advice is probably right on. One that I recall had function problems seems to me were resolved with a good chamber cleaning. A chamber brush for your caliber is available some where. You might be surprised with the accuracy potential. Cool rifle and gift. Enjoy! CL _________________ Pray hard and shoot straight... |
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| jason miller | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:08 pm Posts: 292 Location: Back home in IN | Guy Miner wrote: Cool old rifle, and yes, they can be surprisingly accurate! I'd mount a rugged, fixed-power Leupold and sight that rascal in with some good 150 - 165 gr bullets loaded at moderate velocity/pressure. Should make a dandy deer & black bear rifle! Regards, Guy It currently has a Bushnell Sportview 3-9x32 in the old stamped steel Weaver rings on a 1-piece Weaver base. I guarantee it was like that when Grandpa bought it. I've considered getting an old gloss Leupold 4x or maybe even 2.5x, but I'm also tempted to just leave it alone and see how that old Bushie works just left on 3x. And thanks again for all the input. It's nice to see what others are loading/shooting for theirs. |
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| rjm158 | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Thu Oct 15, 2009 11:46 am Posts: 515 Location: Central Missouri | I bought a model 742 .308 last year that was manufactured in January 1962 according to the manufacture code on the barrel. It was not pristine but I wanted it clean before I took it to the range. I found several useful videos on YouTube that are easy to follow and show you how to completely disassemble the rifle. Mine had been carried a lot and shot a little based on what I found. I also found they are easier to disassemble than I had thought before I started. The accuracy is better than I'd hoped, and it has functioned flawlessly so far, too. I was anticipating 1-1.5 inch groups but it's been 1 inch or better with my loads. I also discovered it likes 150 E-Tips and shot one, three shot group that measured .49 Ron _________________ "when in doubt, get the Whelen out!!" |
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. I guess a blind hog finds an acorn now and then, after all. | grry10 | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:58 pm Posts: 216 Location: Warrens, WI | I've owned both Remington 740 and 742 and they are excellent rifles. When I got the 740 it had not been taken care of and there was a light coat of rust in the chamber causing fired cases to stick. I took the barrel off and polished it using J&B. After that I never had an issue. If you're going to handload 4895 is a good place to start. feeding out of the magazines can be hard on the tips of your ammo, so I recommend using a bullet with a tip. Also, I would use a light crimp on them, or a lee crimp die if using a bullet without a cannelure. They are not 1000 yard shooters but I didn't have an issue to 300 yards making kills. 300 was my self imposed limit. |
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| jjs405 | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Sun Dec 24, 2017 10:22 am Posts: 106 | preacher wrote: Get you a Small Base Resizing die also. You may get by with a FL die but eventually you will need to squeeze em down. First off - sorry for your loss ... I will 2'nd Preacher's comment on this - I've reloaded for my 742 (which I've had for 40+ years). The auto-loader does not have the camming power of a bolt action - you will need the smaller base dies to ensure reliable chambering. You'll love the gun - have fun ! |
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| Polaris | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:44 pm Posts: 1223 Location: Central Minnesnowta | I have several rifles that must be cleaned from the muzzle. I cut the base off of a .243 case to use as a muzzle guide for the rod. Also makes a funnel for adding more solvent in the case of heavy copper fouling. The 742 is a bit of a pain to clean. I've gone through a few owned by friends when they got so gummed up so as not to cycle anymore. Rule of thumb with these, keep the bore cleaned and lightly lubed with a penetrating oil such as JB 80 or Liquid wrench. Same for the action. Do not perform a full strip and clean unless it is starting to miss cycles. If it slides grease it, if it moves oil it. I use a Moly based lube sparingly on sliding parts on my semi-autos, it's a Zep product I get from work. 2" would probably be par for these rifles, but some will do better. They prefer 150-165 bullets with powder in the 4895-4064 burn range near max. You'll run into cycling issues with slower or faster powders. You could certainly try M1 Garand loads. If they cycle and shoot well, go with them, you're basically turning it into a .300 Savage and that round has killed a lot of deer. That's what I shoot in my 30-06 rifles, including the M1 and an M17 sporter. 47 gr IMR 4064 in HXP military brass and various 150 grain bullets. Mild shooting and accurate, even to 600 yards with the 155CC. I'm away from my Hornady book right now, but I believe H4895 is in that same weight range. The 150 Sierra PH is a deer hammer at these speeds. These rifles tend to be hard on brass, I would source some LC or HXP military brass. It is a little stouter than most commercial brass out there. I've never felt the need for small base dies, just a good full leverage crush on the FL die with a couple of seconds to set the resize, and I shoot several semi-autos with tight match chambers. _________________ May all your blood trails have happy endings. |
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| preacher | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2012 6:44 am Posts: 2023 Location: Sandy, Utah | I had two friends who also used the Mod 742 30-06. One used nothing but Remington 220 Corlokt factory ammo! He killed deer/hogs. all under 100yds but man did he get exits! ha The next one wanted me to mount a scope (Weaver 3x9) for him and zero it with Remington factory ammo. I tried 150s, didn't like them at all. I then just went staright to the old 180 round nose Corlokt and it stacked them like a match rifle! He killed a nice buck in Georgia with it, around 80yds, could "eat right up to the bullet hole:. So don't be afraid to try round nose loads either. I believe someone out there makes trigger replacement/parts for a better trigger pull too! Have a ball Pard! |
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| orchemo | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:37 am Posts: 519 Location: Oregon | Sorry about the passing. 2 things Remington recommends about these rifles 1. Buy a brass chamber brush for the rifle. They look like bent test tube brushes. Give the chamber a good brushing before and after firing. Any gunk in the chamber will affect case extraction and the rifle will jam. With a clean chamber, they run well. 2. Use full pressure loads. Light loads or light weight bullets are more likely to not cycle the bolt as well. The gas action reduces the recoil. The triggers can be OK or bad. For some models, a Rem 870 trigger kit can be used to tune up the trigger. Check with Midway for the kit and what models it fits. Cheers |
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| drakehammer | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Sat May 23, 2015 4:25 am Posts: 163 | I got a used 742 .30-06 for my ninth birthday, just over 39 years ago. Put a Bushnell sportview on it and used it through my adolescence. Through gradeschool , highschool, and college, i killed every deer i shot at. Many many many deer. Started out with 180gr round nose CoreLokts but switched to 180gr Bronze Point CoreLokts, then 165gr nosler PTs as my primary loads. At that time i mixed and matched ammo and its a miracle i ever hit anything. I had no idea different bullets would fly differently. I just used the ammo box as my ballistics chart. Lol. I never got better than a 2 inch group at 50 yards on paper. Im embarrassed to admit i often would just shoot a beer can on the Friday afternoon before opening morning and call it good. Anyway, it was an effective killer. Never properly cleaned it. Memories. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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| 1100 Remington Man | Post subject: Re: What to do with a Remington 742? |
| Joined: Tue May 01, 2007 9:05 am Posts: 999 | Sorry for your loss. I reload for one as my Father has a 742. 30-06 I have loaded using 125gr Nosler BT for him for Antelope and they shot just under 2 inch groups. For what it's worth I should of just loaded 150gr BT for him. I use RCBS small base dies. |
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How To Clean A Remington 742
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