Erratic 243 New England Handy Rifle

[Jack]

A very simple trick that often helps group size when shooting from the bench with any 2 piece stocked rifle- move the rest back until it is under the action. That way, the rest isn't putting any pressure on the forend.
Doesn't always work, but it can sometimes give major improvements in group size from the bench.
IMO, the very LAST thing to worry about in a factory barrel is twist rate- factory barrels are designed to shoot any factory load out there, and will have a twist rate appropriate to do so.