Getting started in BR

I'm wanting to get started in benchrest shooting this year, but not sure where to start. I mostly shoot standing at short distances, so benchrest and trying to shoot as tight of groups as possible at longer distances is a whole new thing for me.

Anyone have any recommendations as to caliber and scope to get me started? Can you start with any caliber/gun, or are there some I should avoid?
Thanks

 

Short range or long range BR?
LR=600 and/or 1000 yards
SR= 100/200/ and sometimes 300 yards
CW

 

Probably short range. I don't know of any clubs in my area that have 600+yard ranges

 

Bob White @ shooters corner is a decent place to shop for short range rifles.

 

There are some real good folks on this forum that can offer a ton of help.
I just started down this trail a couple of years ago.
I have a 6PPC and all the accouterments needed to have fun. Maybe not win, but have fun.
The list below is what I received from Dan Dowling when I asked the same question.


The scribbled notes are what I jotted down as I listened to other shooters.

Good Luck
CW

 

We have UBR matches in Newburgh, In. Come to a match and look me up. I'd be very happy to help you get started. A mentor really helps shorten the learning curve.
Looks like the first match there is April 18th. There are several matches to the south..--Mike Ezell
http://ultimatebenchrest.com/upcoming-events

 

Following

 

This is an offer too good to refuse!!!!

You really must go to a match, or observe and talk to some short range benchrest shooters BEFORE you spend any money on any benchrest equipment. The trip is worth it. You can practice on your home range, and travel to matches.

The other benchrest organizations are;
https://www.nbrsa.org/
https://internationalbenchrest.com/

 

I don’t know where you are located in Indiana but I live in the Southern part of the state and I compete in SR bench rest. Be glad to talk to you about it. Pm me if interested.

 

A big +1 for going to a match/meet a few shooters before you buy a rig. At this point you don't know what you don't know.

 

I am in east central indiana and have several items i could let you try. We shoot UBR, group and several informal fun varmint matches.
FWIW,
Vern

 

take mike (gunsandgunsmithing) up on his offer and remember, we have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

^^^^ There is a great offer !.!.!
Not only would he be a great mentor with a TON of experience, but he's also a well known gunsmith.
My advise is to take full advantage of that offer !.!,!

Good Luck

 

Hi Clay John From Idaho.I would also recomed a good reloadind manual,I like the Sierra reloading manual AS FOR A Good Gunsmith One of the best resides around the corner from you Try Calling Dan Dowling in Palisade,Colorado Custom Bench Rest Rifles, 970-434-0525

 

A word to the wise is get out now while you still have a little money to spend. But if your going down this road a Nightforce Benchrest 12 x42 would be a good scope to start with and you might never need to upgrade but I doubt it. A 6MMBR with a
13.5 twist barrel would be a good starter gun to get a handle on the short range game in your area.