Changing calibers

[rjtfroggy]

Tim good luck. I've been living with this since 1995, forced retirement at 45 years old from the F.D. , the last couple of days I've been laying real low because to do anything else is too painful.
I know what you all are saying about the 30br, I check the results page on I B S every week and see what is winning, but I was always a non conformer, but will give your suggestion some thought.
I did a little research and made a few phone calls ( Berger & Sierra) and the general consensus is the 65-68gr. bullets can and will shoot from a 7 twist barrel.
They also said with a chuckle that I can always shoot heavier bullets with the 7 twist but not with the 12 or higher twist. So for the $275 that the barrel is costing I'll give it a go if the results are not good or better I'll have it redone in 243 Win.

 

[LHSmith]

#1. If other shooters are scoring 250 high teen to 20 some "x"s in average conditions.....the benches are not the problem. Unless benches are concrete tops, uneven wood top benches are common in BR and the problem is easily addressed.
#2. I see your home range is Bell City, and they apparently have 15 benches. Try asking the match director if you can have a dedicated bench for that days match so you don't have to re-set your rest between relays due to your back issues.
#3. Make a check list and review your set-up check points BEFORE firing that first shot.
#4. Until you bite the bullet and acquire the appropriate rifle and components your results will always be haphazard. You will shoot better on some match days and with the same equipment in other matches your score will be lower.....never making a connection as to why this happens. You will be concerned about dropping points while others are talking about dropping "x"'s.
In a nutshell, it all boils down to this: You simply cannot learn condition reading with a rifle that will not allow you to call the shot before it is made. The 30 BR barrel would be low cost alternative at this point....but a 10 twist is too fast. Having the proper twist is HUGE in this game.
#5. Your attendance level at these matches show your genuine interest. My best advice to you is pack up your Savage and bullets and head to Bob White at Shooters Corner an hour or two drive and pick out a used BR rifle whose performance has been match proven along with some custom bullets and correct cases. Bob knows BR....he is past President of the IBS.
#6. Don't get hung up by the false security that a few small groups shot in practice gives....BR is all about the aggregate .....one should practice on the same targets in which they compete- shoot score targets (for score) not for group.Don't forget that in a match you are: 1/under the clock - your "window" to shoot is fixed (10 min.) 2/ shooting next to other shooters (muzzle blast) . The match event lasts several hours in which the atmospheric conditions usually go through many changes which affect how you see the target, bullet flight, and powder combustion (velocity).