Best Book on Bench Rest Reloading

[barrowsr]

I'm thinking about building/buying a rifle for target shooting and would like to know if there is a good book on reloading for small groups. I do not plan to compete and the rifle may well be a custom Ruger No 1 so it will not be capable of the accuracy of a bolt gun built for bench rest competition. I have a Sinclair manual version 8 which is dated but helpfull. I use a set of Wilson hand dies for a 218 and would consider a tight necked chamber 22 BR for the accuracy potencial. I have turned and reamed necks with the Forester trimming tool.

Thanks,

Robin

 

[fullersson]

I use the manuals for a starting point because I found that alot of the time the rifle they tested had a different barrel than mine. Hogdon info is usually about the hottest load data you will find. Hogdon info seems to be too hot for my rifle, but their info is free on their website and that an advantage. Hornady's manuals are generally alot lighter and seem to work better for my starting place. Sierra's info lists match loads but that doesn't help much if the test barrels are different. There are caliber specific books that list loading info from the more popular powder makers. The book is called 'One book, One Caliber' and it seems helpful at times.

 

[GermanS1]

Robin, if what you're looking for is a book on reloading processes for accuracy,rather than specific loads) then go to www.precisionshooting.com click the Books tab and look for 'The Precision Shooting Reloading Guide' and 'The Benchrest Shooting Primer' both will have a lot of the type of information you want. Sinclair has an updated version of the book you have and it's worthwile too. Beyond that, this forum is a good place to learn and exchange ideas about the little details that make little groups.

 

[Winchester69]

Benchrest is a discipline a little different from the rest of the handloading world. Their practices and preferred equipment differ from other accuracy regimens. You should be aware of that when reading.

Another book, and it tells you up front that it does not encompass BR, is Glen Zediker's Handloading for Competition. It is not always easy to read due to his writing style, but is very good otherwise.

If you're not competing, and considering your choice of equipment, I'm wondering if you might want to choose a different caliber that would give you some flexibility in your shooting, especially for longer distances. A 6mm of some type?

Just thinking out loud.

 

[barrowsr]

Thanks guys,

I've sent for the 'Precision Shooting Reloading Guide'. Several people have advised against the 22 version of the BR in favor of the 6mm. I'm also revisiting the Ruger No 1 as an accuracy platform - seems to be just too much going against an otherwise gorgeous rifle. A friend of mine is willing to sell me a Remington 700 in 22-250,cheap) that I could use as a basis for the build. Since I can’t afford a 40XB action or rifle, that will most likely be my route. Thanks for the help – I’m sure I’ll be back often.

Robin

 

[savet06]

barrowsr,
If you are going to build a rifle for the pure enjoyment of target shooting, trying to tinker with loads, and then maybe break out into varminting or even informal competition,I know you said you were looking to compete, but eventually the draw to compete may be there) I offer humbly to look into the 6mmbr.
Readily available quality brass, TONS of information on loads, many excellent bullets to choose from, decent barrel life, no fireforming, no neck turn option when you rebarrel, and you won't have to change the bolt face on that .22-250, and as accurate as you could want it to be.

If you are planning on having that action 'accurized',bolt trued, lugs lapped, etc...) you may end up spending a bit trying to get it to the level of a custom action like a predator.

I went down the road that you are traveling a few years back, and I wish that I had listened to those who said 'Buy the best you can afford, and cry once'.

If you know you like to shoot tiny groups, you would not go wrong perusing 'the list' and trying to find a good used custom varmint gun. Doesn't have to be a $3,000 uber rifle, but some of the live varmint style guns are incredibly accurate and you'll get a custom action, or at the least a trued remington, on a good stock platform that would fit your needs.
http://benchrest.com/shooterscorner/thelist.pdf
V28. 6BR Varmint, Mod. 700 BDL trued action; SS Shilen varmint taper bbl 27” X 10T factory nk <300 rnds; H&S Prec. Syn varmint stock
w/glassbedding over bedding block; Rem crisp 2 lb 40X trig; Inclu: Burris Pos-Align 1” mnts; Gunsmith: B. Monell; Exc cond. Great 9¾ lb rig for
reaching out w/o recoil. $1049.,$1675. invested) 3329 ser #G6238342

V37.22BR Custom Rem, w/trued Rem 700 action, converted to single shot; Shilen SS fluted 26”X14T bbl, w/.247 nk & 400 rnds; McMillan f-glass hunter
class model stock w/alum pillar glassbedding; Factory 2 lb trig; Gunsmith: Borden Accuracy; Bore Exc. Stock need some sanding & maybe painting.
Great chance for a very accurate custom Varminter. $895.,c.1600. orig invest.)3402 ser #6230619

Consider this:
Cost of your remington.
Cost of new barrel, chamber job, and fitting of barrel to your action by a competent smith probably $500 or therabouts.
scope rings and bases - $60-100
new stock $2-500 depending on what you go for and inletting available.

You may even be able to get a deal in the classifieds here where a guy will sell the whole deal: gun, rings/bases, and dies.

Hope this helps. Whichever way you go have fun doing it.
Mike