Handloading for Benchrest

[spinconn]

I am just a basic reloader and would like to learn how to load for benchrest competition. I have read several reloading manuals and years of articles in Precision Shooting and Handloader magazines but I don't really know advanced techniques. The articles I have found here cover specific tools or techniques but I want a comprehensive manual.

Ultimately I will own more than one, but "Precision Shooting Reloading Guide" and Sinclair's "Handloading For Competition" for sale here look like what I should start with.

I would appreciate any comments on which one I should get, or perhaps a different book. Thanks.

 

[dkhunt14]

It would be a lot better to find a mentor. Either here or at a shoot. Matt

 

[Comrade Terry]

The Book of Rifle Accuracy, by Tony Boyer. You must have this book.

 

[dragman]

Matt hit the nail on the head.
You need to get together with someone and go trough the process with them hands on. Lots of little things that a long time competitive shooter can teach you saving you LOTS OF TIME AND $$$$$$$

 

[spinconn]

I'm looking now for a benchrest match near me so I can go and watch and maybe after that try factory class if they have one but there don't seem to be any near me in Bluffton, SC. I did find a few in Northern GA and I am trying to contact someone at those ranges to get match schedules. I might meet someone then who will give me some tips. Meanwhile, I like to read about benchrest.

 

[snert]

The Book of Rifle Accuracy, by Tony Boyer. You must have this book.

And Sinclair manual...

+1

 

[Tim Singleton]

I'm looking now for a benchrest match near me so I can go and watch and maybe after that try factory class if they have one but there don't seem to be any near me in Bluffton, SC. I did find a few in Northern GA and I am trying to contact someone at those ranges to get match schedules. I might meet someone then who will give me some tips. Meanwhile, I like to read about benchrest.

Are you interested in short range 100-200 yard benchrest?
Or mid to long range?

 

[spinconn]

Are you interested in short range 100-200 yard benchrest?
Or mid to long range?

My interest is in short range group shooting. I am currently shooting against myself at 100, 200 and 300, trying to learn and trying to develop good loads for my factory Savage 12 VLP in .223. I have never even seen a benchrest match in person but I just learned a club in Northern GA will start its schedule in January.

 

[Tim Singleton]

I'm not sure if there is anything closer to you or not.
I'm in Waynesville NC and nothing real close to me either.
Riverbend gun club in Dawsonville GA hold monthly 100-200 yd group club matches as well as host two registered nbrsa matches each year
I've been going to these for a couple years now. Also closer to you Twin Oaks gun club in Dublin GA holds a big registered match each spring the Shamrock shoot some of the top BR group shooters in the USA travel there each year. I'm not sure if they hold monthly club matches or not

Shoot me a pm if you want to. I will help ya all I can

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

Mike Ratigan's book would be a good one to read after you read Tony's book.

 

[spinconn]

I'm not sure if there is anything closer to you or not.
I'm in Waynesville NC and nothing real close to me either.
Riverbend gun club in Dawsonville GA hold monthly 100-200 yd group club matches as well as host two registered nbrsa matches each year
I've been going to these for a couple years now. Also closer to you Twin Oaks gun club in Dublin GA holds a big registered match each spring the Shamrock shoot some of the top BR group shooters in the USA travel there each year. I'm not sure if they hold monthly club matches or not

Shoot me a pm if you want to. I will help ya all I can

PM Sent.

 

[TonyL]

I think one of the most important things is to use wind flags. If your not using them it is almost impossible to determine if one load or seating depth is actually better than another.

 

[davidpatton]

I'm looking now for a benchrest match near me so I can go and watch and maybe after that try factory class if they have one but there don't seem to be any near me in Bluffton, SC. I did find a few in Northern GA and I am trying to contact someone at those ranges to get match schedules. I might meet someone then who will give me some tips. Meanwhile, I like to read about benchrest.

theres an old turkey barn here in nc somewhere that has short range matches. i cant remember the name right off but those guys could help you out. maybe someone here knows the name....honestly thats the best way to learn

 

[Jaybo]

Tony Boyer book helped me with a lot of my long range shooting and reloading skill. A great book.

 

[plainfield]

Riverside gun club. Has their own club shoot indoor @ 100yds. Close to albemarle NC.

 

[joshb]

The Book of Rifle Accuracy, by Tony Boyer. You must have this book.

Triple Ditto! This book opened my eyes...............and emptied my wallet!

 

[Shynloco]

The Book of Rifle Accuracy, by Tony Boyer. You must have this book.

In addition, read "Extreme Rifle Accuracy" by Mike Ratigan. Tony and Mike taught me tons to consider and apply in reloading. But books, manuals and articles, can give you all the basis and thinking behind producing competitive ammunition. It's applying those principles and methods AND then making them work for YOU that makes the difference. And that's where a MENTOR comes in when you get your hands dirty first hand in making those loads. I've always believed that no one person can give you all the guidance that leads to success. But different ESTABLISHED experts share ideas, some that will work for you, while others may have a better way of doing it. So read and listen to all. Then get with someone who knows and has proven they know what they are doing. I was always blessed with a gift of being able to shoot. But it was those guys (all of whom I thank and continue to thank) who took the time and taught me the little things in precision reloading, that made my targets even better. And some of them post on this blog.

Alex

 

[Catfish]

If you want to get serious about bechrest get ready to spend a lot of bucks. NO FACTORY GUN will come close to shooting with them. You will then need compassion dies with neck bushings, a case neck trimer and a neck case turner. An arbor press to load with at the matches, a good spotting scope for the matches, and that is just the beginning. I also recommend you go to a NBRA match. Most of the shooters are more than willing to give you pointers, but remember, they are not quite right. If a guy win several shoot in a row and the word get out that he loads his bullets backwards, all of the other shooters will try loading bullets backwards.

 

[Tim Singleton]

Dang!!
I'll have to turn my Bullets back around.

 

[GerryM]

I would check out Benchrest schools IBS has had several in the past.
They are a wealth of information. They teach most of what you need to know.
Reading the wind ,case prep, developing a load ,tuning the load to your rifle,
what types of equipment you may need also you get a mentor to help you and shoot a finely tuned Benchrest rifle.
check with both IBS and Nbrsa for a possible school in the future.