I am going to Africa next July and thinking seriously of taking 2-Remington 700's in 30-06 (one is for my son) what did you take? I wanted to take my 7mm PRC but worried if I needed ammo. Plus I think wood stocks and blue just fit there.
I am the oddball and like the 3-15 over the 3-9. You cannot beat them for price, weight, and durability. Glass is ok as well, edge to the 3-9 in that department.
Yes, clean the barrel and run coppers and I bet it makes a difference.
Can't answer to factory but all my 300WSM shoot 190 CX like a target gun, little groups.