by wildcard6 » 02 Nov 2019, 9:22 pm
I'm very happy with my new 457 Varmint - it shoots extremely well, although so far it seems to prefer less expensive ammo over the top-shelf stuff. I shot a 50m five-shot group using CCI Mini Mag [HV] that went just over .5" [9/16ths] then changed to CCI Standard ammo. The first shot was the only one that didn't join the following NINE into less than .5" at 50m. The total for ten rounds is 11/16ths" I also tried Eley Edge at 100 yards - not great, then Lapua Centre-X [$20/50] and they shot a huge group at 100 yds - over 3"!! I finally settled on SK Standard + that shot 8/10 shots into 1.5" at 100 yards, which isn't too shabby at all for a non-target rifle. A couple of things to note though. The short 60-degree bolt lift is HEAVY, so if you want a rapid-fire rifle, you won't like the 457. Second point; the adjustment available for trigger weight is not enough to get the trigger down to a good shooting weight [won't go under about 2.5 lbs], although the break is awesomely crisp and inert due to the short, lightweight firing pin. I've installed the YODAVE replacement trigger spring and the weight is now around 1.5 lbs, which is fine. Last point to note; the pillar-bedding system leaves a lot to be desired, because the holes in the pillars are about 5.5mm diameter, while the action bolts are only 5mm. This means the action doesn't automatically self-centre in the stock - especially noticeable when the barrel is off-centre like mine was. I've wrapped some 100 mph tape around the action bolts and snipped off bits until the bolts only JUST pass through the pillars and this seems to have put the barrel into the centre of the channel now. Each time I've removed the action from the stock [T25 Torx], they seemed not to be as tight as I put them in so it might pay to put some light lock-tite on the threads to ensure they don't come loose. Over-all I'd say all the changes CZ has made add up to a very classy, accurate rifle worth the dollars.