Some cartridges never settle in, no matter what you do. You torque the action, float the barrel, try different seating depths, and still walk away scratching your head. Maybe it’s the velocity swings. Maybe the bullet never stabilizes right. Or maybe it’s one of those rounds that looks good on paper but never delivers repeatable groups. You’ve probably shot a few yourself—one minute they’re stacking, the next they’re stringing or drifting without any real explanation. And it’s not always the rifle’s fault. Some cartridges are just too finicky, too temperamental, or too misunderstood to give consistent performance across platforms. If your groups look more like a shotgun pattern than a cloverleaf, there’s a good chance one of these is in the chamber.
.22-250 Remington
On calm days, the .22-250 Remington can be magic. But get a breeze or a warm barrel, and things start wandering. It’s fast—sometimes too fast—and the light bullets it pushes don’t always stay put. You’ll get a tight group one day, then vertical stringing the next with no changes in your setup.
The problem is consistency. Factory loads vary more than most realize, and handloading for this one is a rabbit hole. Powders that work great in winter can open things up in summer. Twist rates don’t always match modern bullet weights either. If you’re chasing prairie dogs, it’s fine. If you’re chasing groups, good luck.
.243 Winchester
The .243 is a fine deer cartridge, but it can be a headache at the bench. Some rifles love it. Others throw flyers no matter what bullet or powder you feed them. Barrel life doesn’t help—after a few hundred rounds, groups start growing, and no amount of cleaning will bring them back.
It also has a reputation for being picky with bullet seating depth. A slight change can open a tight group in a hurry. And with the velocity it runs, poor handloads or inconsistent factory ammo tend to show their flaws fast. It might look like a shooter’s round, but it doesn’t always act like one.
.300 Winchester Magnum
The .300 Win Mag promises long-range punch, but it often delivers frustration. Recoil makes it hard to shoot well for long, and factory loads rarely match point of impact from box to box. Even quality rifles can struggle with consistent cold-bore shots.
Handloading helps, but case stretching and primer pocket wear are real issues. Some bullets won’t stabilize in factory twist rates, and the long powder column means small variations can make big differences. If you’re not chasing elk at 600 yards, there are easier ways to stay accurate. This one can wear you down fast if you’re chasing bugholes.
7mm Remington Magnum
You’d think the 7mm Rem Mag would be more predictable with its loyal following, but accuracy can be a gamble. Some rifles shoot it great, but others never find a load they like. Barrel fouling builds fast, especially with higher round counts or cheaper bullets.
Even slight bedding inconsistencies can turn decent groups into frustrating flyers. Velocity spreads with factory ammo aren’t always tight either, and handloaders often find themselves chasing the perfect combo longer than expected. It’s a great hunting round when it works, but don’t be surprised if it fights you on paper.
.45-70 Government
Nobody buys a .45-70 to shoot groups, but some folks are still surprised when it can’t hold tighter than three inches at 100 yards. Between the slow bullets, rainbow trajectory, and huge case capacity, it’s more like lobbing artillery than punching paper.
Throw in inconsistent crimps or powder charges, and you’ll see shots walk all over. It also doesn’t help that many rifles chambered for it have heavy triggers or sights that aren’t exactly precision tools. If your goal is repeatable accuracy, this one’s going to test your patience and your shoulder.
5.7x28mm
The 5.7x28mm was never meant for tight groups—it’s a lightweight, high-velocity round designed for specific roles. But when folks try to stretch it out or test precision loads, it falls apart quickly. Even with good optics, groups wander and vertical stringing is common.
Ammo choices are limited, and many loads don’t use match-grade bullets. Barrel lengths in most platforms don’t help either. You’ll see more velocity drop than you expect, especially with suppressors or short barrels. If you’re looking for a flat shooter that holds groups, this one isn’t it. It’s a better fit for plinking than punching paper.
.30 Carbine
The .30 Carbine is fun to shoot, but it’s never been known for accuracy. Designed for short engagements at modest ranges, its trajectory gets unpredictable fast past 100 yards. Even in scoped platforms, groups are all over the place, especially with bulk ammo.
The platform doesn’t help. Most M1 Carbines weren’t built for precision, and modern options aren’t much better. You can tighten things up a bit with handloads, but you’ll never get benchrest results. It’s a cartridge that delivers nostalgia more than performance. If you want tight groups, you’ll find better luck elsewhere.
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Here’s more from us:
Calibers That Shouldn’t Even Be On the Shelf Anymore
Rifles That Shouldn’t Be Trusted Past 100 Yards
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
