Began the 6PPC Journey...What Now?

[NorthernSights]

I’m just starting this 6PPC journey and I need some help. I’m not a new shooter but relatively new to bench rest. I enjoy tinkering with these things so I bought a rifle off here this winter and spent a few months “restoring” it. This involved stripping the stock and repainting, removing the action, cleaning, polishing and then gluing it in again. The fluted barrel that came with the rifle was a complete unknown other than it’s supposed to be a Krieger. I sent this barrel along with a new blank off to Lee Gardner and he chambered both for a .268 neck. So far I’m just shooting the mystery barrel. Rifle weighs 11.2# so I will need a new scope if I want to try LV competitions. Ultimately I’d like to start shooting competitively but that is likely a next year proposition.

Here is my setup.


And the local range I’m shooting at, notice the high tech wind flags .

Here are the first 13 groups shot out of this mystery barrel, where I was trying to shoot a group.

I’m using Lapua brass, 8208, Federal 205 primers and Berger Column bullets. Truth be told, these are by far the smallest groups I’ve ever shot and I’m quite happy with them. These were all shot in little to no wind. That said, I suspect these are ok groups but need to get grounded on my results so far. How am I doing?

My million-dollar question is this, do I start with my list below or do I keep this load and focus on reading wind and shooting technique?

My list of things to do/try/work on:
- Get Boyer’s book and read up
- I have plans to build a bench based on input from Boyd (current bench I can change POI by where I position myself on the bench and any pressure against it)
- This range is close (10 miles) but for a 20 mile drive I get a ground level concrete pad to shoot from
- Better flags
- These are the first 30 cases I’ve ever neck turned or fire formed and wasn’t thrilled with them (First process was to expand, turn, bump shoulder to be able to chamber and turned again for a small clean up. The next go round will be a change of operations with hopefully better results)
- Give N133 a try
- Run through a range of seating depths
- Do I need custom bullets or should I stick with Berger Columns?
- Compare thrown (Harrell’s BR measure) versus weighed charges
- Practice at 200 yards
- Loading at the range
- Does velocity data (ES, SD) matter in this game?

What do you all think my next steps should be?

Any and all advice is welcome.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Tim Singleton]

Good looking rifle and a great list of things to do
Tony’s book at the top is a great start

It is clear the barrel likes right around touch(not sure of your method to find this point)
All in all great start
Shoot what ya got at .005 off and practice practice

 

[Nick Caprinolo]

Consistency is the name of this game. Like you I am new and by no means an expert but consistency has been drummed into my head by everyone I have talked to. You don't mention what type of dies you use.

Neck tension is another important issue. You should use a good bushing die to keep neck tension constant.

Others will chime in with some good advice. One thing I learned is that these guys know what they are talking about.

Most winning shooters are using N133 powder.

 

[NorthernSights]

Good looking rifle and a great list of things to do
Tony’s book at the top is a great start

It is clear the barrel likes right around touch(not sure of your method to find this point)
All in all great start
Shoot what ya got at .005 off and practice practice

Thanks for the advice. I am following Wheeler’s video to find touch.

 

[Tim Singleton]

Thanks for the advice. I am following Wheeler’s video to find touch.

Shoot the .005 off and remember what temp time of day that nice round group formed
You may need to go up or down a little on powder to keep it nice and round like that
Shoot it and learn your flags.

 

[NorthernSights]

Consistency is the name of this game. Like you I am new and by no means an expert but consistency has been drummed into my head by everyone I have talked to. You don't mention what type of dies you use.

Neck tension is another important issue. You should use a good bushing die to keep neck tension constant.

Others will chime in with some good advice. One thing I learned is that these guys know what they are talking about.

Most winning shooters are using N133 powder.

I’m using a Wilson neck die with a .262 bushing along with their seating die. So far I’ve only neck sized between firings but did send cases off to Harrell’s today to get a die made. My loaded round measures .2655.

I have no doubt consistency is huge in this sport.

Thanks, Chris

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Try to run that bullet into the lands about .015 or more. Get some lt32 or n133. Looks like youre doing good keep it up.

 

[jimmymac]

If you can shoot from concrete benches at the other place, I'd take the ride.

Find a helpful guy that competes and does well. That is where the real value is because he can shorten the learning curve. The best place to find that guy is at a match. Get to a match as soon as practical.

You are off to a great start! Good list you have there.

 

[Greyfox]

All good advice, especially Boyer's book and an upgrade on the flags. Take Dusty's advice on LT 32 and try some custom bullets, Bart's. Hillbilly, Cheek. And like Tim said, wear that barrel out with practice. Barrels are like bullets, powder & primers....expendable. One other thing on your next barrel, a tuner. But don't waste the money on this one.

Rick

 

[Frankr]

What Now? RUN!... Looks like your too deep down the rabbit hole now to get out. Good Luck. Looks Nice.

 

[R.Morehouse]

Get a set of high-quality wind flags. Then get another set of high-quality wind flags. Then leave them in your car......Take my word for it, after shooting with them you won't want to shoot your ppc without them. .................Happy Shooting.........Ezell For Flags...

Regards
Rick

 

[rxshop00]

I’m just starting this 6PPC journey and I need some help. I’m not a new shooter but relatively new to bench rest. I enjoy tinkering with these things so I bought a rifle off here this winter and spent a few months “restoring” it. This involved stripping the stock and repainting, removing the action, cleaning, polishing and then gluing it in again. The fluted barrel that came with the rifle was a complete unknown other than it’s supposed to be a Krieger. I sent this barrel along with a new blank off to Lee Gardner and he chambered both for a .268 neck. So far I’m just shooting the mystery barrel. Rifle weighs 11.2# so I will need a new scope if I want to try LV competitions. Ultimately I’d like to start shooting competitively but that is likely a next year proposition.

Here is my setup.

View attachment 1111700
And the local range I’m shooting at, notice the high tech wind flags .
View attachment 1111701
Here are the first 13 groups shot out of this mystery barrel, where I was trying to shoot a group.
View attachment 1111704
I’m using Lapua brass, 8208, Federal 205 primers and Berger Column bullets. Truth be told, these are by far the smallest groups I’ve ever shot and I’m quite happy with them. These were all shot in little to no wind. That said, I suspect these are ok groups but need to get grounded on my results so far. How am I doing?

My million-dollar question is this, do I start with my list below or do I keep this load and focus on reading wind and shooting technique?

My list of things to do/try/work on:
- Get Boyer’s book and read up
- I have plans to build a bench based on input from Boyd (current bench I can change POI by where I position myself on the bench and any pressure against it)
- This range is close (10 miles) but for a 20 mile drive I get a ground level concrete pad to shoot from
- Better flags
- These are the first 30 cases I’ve ever neck turned or fire formed and wasn’t thrilled with them (First process was to expand, turn, bump shoulder to be able to chamber and turned again for a small clean up. The next go round will be a change of operations with hopefully better results)
- Give N133 a try
- Run through a range of seating depths
- Do I need custom bullets or should I stick with Berger Columns?
- Compare thrown (Harrell’s BR measure) versus weighed charges
- Practice at 200 yards
- Loading at the range
- Does velocity data (ES, SD) matter in this game?

What do you all think my next steps should be?

Any and all advice is welcome.

Thanks,
Chris

Hello Chris,,
I have just acquired a Sako 6ppc. What is the title of the boyer book you are referring to? Tnx.

 

[rxshop00]

Hello Chris,,
I have just acquired a Sako 6ppc. What is the title of the boyer book you are referring to? Tnx.

I just found it on Amazon. Tnx anyway.