Another FTR build "help me" post

[Migolito]

I'm looking at starting to shoot F TR and am looking at the myriad of choices.

I thought I'd start with the bullet: Berger 200 20X. Loaded in Lapua Palma brass.

I like what I hear/read about Pierce Engineering, so I'm looking at the FTR Action and BA trigger 2 stage.

Brux barrel 1/10 HV 30"

I'm looking at both the McMillan XIT or a Chassis...MPA or MDT.

Scope Vortex or Sightron.

I've read this site and others and have based much of what Ive read on the above. However, I obviously have a few questions. Please feel free to make suggestions. I have thought about the savage FTE and the Palma...however, neither really support the 20x.

 

[Ned Ludd]

One consideration might be the availability of certain reloading components. For example, Lapua has indefinitely suspended production .308 Win Palma brass, and we don't really know how long it will be before they start producing it again. .308 Win SRP alternatives such as Peterson and Alpha brass are also hard to come by. Likewise, 200.20Xs are not always easy to find. If the chamber of this new rifle is cut with ~0.170" freebore that is optimized for the 200.20Xs (i.e. using something like the USFTR reamer), it will also accommodate 185 Hybrids very nicely. I'm not suggesting in any way that you abandon the notion of using SRP brass, it is certainly the better way to go. However, if out of necessity one has to use LRP brass, the running the 185s will also provide a little better brass life. In other words, a 0.170" freebore chamber can run either bullet choice optimally, and provide more options in the event a particular reloading component may have limited availability. I would suggest discussing these possibilities at length with your chosen gunsmith prior to starting the build, as well as trying to secure a good supply of your preferred reloading components in the meantime.

 

[BP1]

I wouldn’t go with a 2 stage trigger,otherwise you’re on the right path, my first custom action was a pierce TI and it was solid.

 

[dthomas]

I have a pierce ftr titanium action on my f open rifle. I don't need the weight savings but I bought the rifle used.I have no complaints with it. Also if going with a B&A trigger go with the bench rest model, I've used it for a few years without any problems.

 

[LVLAaron]

The xit stock is on the heavy side. I avoided it for that reason... I couldn't get the weight where I wanted it with a HV barrel. Most people I see using them are running what looks like heavy palma barrels.

 

[KT]

I'm looking at starting to shoot F TR and am looking at the myriad of choices.

I thought I'd start with the bullet: Berger 200 20X. Loaded in Lapua Palma brass.

I like what I hear/read about Pierce Engineering, so I'm looking at the FTR Action and BA trigger 2 stage.

Brux barrel 1/10 HV 30"

I'm looking at both the McMillan XIT or a Chassis...MPA or MDT.

Scope Vortex or Sightron.

I've read this site and others and have based much of what Ive read on the above. However, I obviously have a few questions. Please feel free to make suggestions. I have thought about the savage FTE and the Palma...however, neither really support the 20x.

The 20x is the preferred bullet. However the Berger 200 hybrid and 185 jug are very viable options.

Lapua Palma Brass is the best. If you can't get the Lapua brass, stick with Small Rifle primer brass.

Pierce Engineering actions are awesome. Don't do a 2 stage trigger: Jewel BR, Trigger tech, or Bix Andy will be perfect.

I prefer Bartlein Barrels, but Brux are very good too. 1/10 is perfect. If you don't have a light stock you may not make weight with the HV, you might want to go with a Heavy Palma to give yourself room for weight.

Stock is really up to your preference. Not alot of people run chassis. Not saying they don't work.

Vortex all the way.

I recommend KW Precision for building the rifle. However remember who ever you pick just remember that Rome wasn't built in a day and it takes time to build these rifles.

 

[David Brooks Rifle Stocks]

For the Weight of the Stock Issue, i might have a solution for that. I am building these in wood, and they are anywhere from 3.5lbs - 5lbs, depending on wood selection. The walnut is roughly 3.8lb before inletting and clear coat, and the maple is 4.4lbe before inletting and clear coat. On my F Open stocks, inletting has taken out about .6-.8 pounds depending on action. The walnut is spoken for, @Colnagotex

 

[memilanuk]

However remember who ever you pick just remember that Rome wasn't built in a day and it takes time to build these rifles.

No kidding! I'd forgotten what a drawn-out process getting a new gun built was; started ordering parts at the beginning of July, got 'lucky' and found the action I wanted basically ready to go within a couple weeks. The stock... not so much. I've got every thing else sitting here ready to go... the stock *blank* might be ready by the end of the month. Then off to the gunsmith, and that'll take however long it takes.

Maybe I'll get it in time to do some load development and shoot it in a match this season, maybe not. Luckily, I have other FTR rigs to load up and go shoot in the mean time

 

[D-4297]

Recently changed stocks ; from a Kelby K-TR , to a GRS HYBRID for TR . If you find that your rifle comes in on the heavy side , take a look at the GRS because it is 1-1/2 lbs. lighter than the Kelby . The GRS is the best stock I've ever gotten behind , and is a beautiful shooter . So very comfortable ; I'm always a little surprised when I hear that , 20 and ALL OUT !

 

[Rope2horns]

I would look at the equipment all the top tier FTR shooters (several in this thread) are using and who they are using for a gunsmith. Then I would call the gunsmith I planned on using and have a conversation with him.

Another vote for KW Precision to put all the puzzle pieces together.

 

[Migolito]

I'll chime in with my experiences as a new F-TR shooter, I started shooting F-Class August last year. My current build;
MPA Hybrid chassis
MPA Hybrid Weight kit
Terminus Zeus action, 700 SA, .308 bolt face, RBRP, integrated 20MOA PIC rail
Bartlein 1:10 30" Heavy Palma 5R barrel
Trigger Tech Diamond, Pro-curve trigger
Vortex Precision 30mm rings
Nightforce Competition 15-55X52mm DDR-2 reticle
SEB JoyPod-X
Protektor Flat-top rear bag
Berger 185 Juggerrnauts
Alpha SRP
Varget
Federal GM205M primers

Issues I've had, or changes I've made;
1) The MPA chassis w/o all the forend weights from the weight kit has a lot of flex. Diving boards have less flex. With the forend weights installed, the chassis stiffens up nicely, but I can't install the heavy bag rider from the kit and still make weight.
2) I started with Alpha LRP brass and CCI BR-2 primers, but based on guidance provided here, I went to SRP brass and the Federal primers. Lapua was tough to find, so I have a mix of Alpha and Petersen.
3) I started out with the Berger 185 Juggernauts. Finding the 200.20x is a unicorn hunt, so I'm sticking with what I have and what I'm used to shooting. I have seen the Juggernauts come available recently, including the OTMs. They are very easy to load for and tune. I asked my gunsmith to give me .170 freebore, and I jump the Juggs.
4) The Nightforce Comp scope recommendation and reticle choice came from Emil Kovan, in an article here.
5) I started with a Tier One bipod. It would not hold vertical no matter how tightly I screwed down the set screws. And with it locked up tight, I was having to squeeze the Protektor bag for minute elevation adjustments, or to correct for the bipod falling down like a drunk fan at a football game. I ordered the JoyPod and while waiting bought a Phoenix bipod. I like the Phoenix. it holds elevation very well, but again, with a chassis bag rider and flat-top bag, I'm back to squeezing the bag. I found myself fumbling around adjusting the mariner wheel shot to shot, even with an arrow shaft, particularly during pair fire. I have the JoyPod in hand now, but haven't shot it in a match. The JoyPod also lightened up the system by close to 1lb.

I'm very much still learning how to shoot, read wind, etc. But, I've had some decent scores. Best mid-range score was a 194-6X at CRC, CO. Best long range scores, 196-11x at Cameo CO. and a 145-3X, (15 shot match), also at Cameo. Like I said, I'm still learning, but, I'm having a lot fun doing it.

My planned build;
McMillan XIT - On order
Defiance Deviant single shot 700 LA, .308 bolt face, RBLP, integrated 20MOA PIC rail
Trigger Tech Diamond Pro-Curve
Brux 1:10 30" Heavy Palma barrel, (Bartlein wait listed)
Near Alphamount or Spuhr scope mount, or Vortex rings again, (haven't decided yet)
Kahles 1050 10-50X50mm with the MOAK reticle, (I liked this scope after shooting a friends rifle with one)
All else the same as above.

Why the.change from the Terminus to Defiance? Was the something you didn't like about the Zeus?

 

[Lucky6547]

You can do well with a factory action if you’re willing to spend the money on the rest, but after finally getting a custom action, I would recommend getting one if you’re able to afford one.
I’ve shot a slew of 600 yard cleans with my old trued Remington 700 with a krieger 1/10 30” hv, krg bravo chassis, jewell trigger and a golden eagle.
The 200.20x or 200hybrid are awesome. I’ve got one more box of lapua Palma brass that I’m hoping will last a barrel.
My most recent build was a Borden BRM, mullerworks barrel, dima stock, triggertech diamond, nightforce 42x. I’m not shooting better scores, but I’m enjoying it more. The gun is so much smoother and tracks way better. I’m able to focus on the shooting more when I’m not upsetting the rifle every time I open the bolt and have to reset the bipod.
Have fun!

 

[dthomas]

Use whatever stock is comfortable for you but don't rule out the chassis. The ftr nationals was won a few years ago by Jade and he was using an mpa chassis.

 

[BP1]

Use whatever stock is comfortable for you but don't rule out the chassis. The ftr nationals was won a few years ago by Jade and he was using an mpa chassis.

Exactly this ^….but Jade could mount his barreled action to a 2/4 and still beat most folks

 

[dthomas]

Exactly this ^….but Jade could mount his barreled action to a 2/4 and still beat most folks

Yeah your probably right

 

[1shot]

Several posters on this thread say to not use a 2 stage trigger, but don't tell you why. Triggers are a personal choice item. As long as it's reliable and repeatable, shoot what you are used to shooting. I have a 2 stage triggers on all my sling/prone rifles, so it just makes sense to shoot the same trigger on my F class guns.
I hope this helps,

Lloyd

 

[Liven The Dream]

Defiance is working on a New Lighter Action I here may just be a story ?