Remington 742 ? Nothing seems to work

[Divernhunter]

I have a 760 and have loaded for several other 760/742 in 30-06 since the 1960's and found them to be good shooters after a learning what to do. Most will shoot groups that will fit into a silver doller or less at 100yds.
One of the first things to do is usually lighten they trigger and this is very easy. Contact me if you want more info(a excellent gunsmith friend showed me) at www.dougnmary@bigvalley.net
Next I have used Win760 powder(mag primers) or IMR 4350 with 125-165gr bullets. I do not use 180 as I have no need for them.
Use small-base dies.
One thing to consider is the scope. It may seem ok but cause the trouble. I have a Leupold varriXII 3X9X40 in Redfield/leupold one piece mounts. It was installed in 1970 and after zeroing it in I have never had the caps off the scope and it still shoots to the same spot(2.75" high @100yds) with the same handloads.

Before the trigger and a quality scope it shot garbage can lid sized groups. Try a different scope and check the mount/rings closely to see they are tight. The trigger makes a huge difference in the guns I have worked with.

MY 2 CENTS