F TR rifle ?
- Thread starter rmist
- Start date
praveen
Administrator
If not custom, I would go with the Savage FTR in either .223 or .308. They are by far the most accurate rifles out of the box that I have seen. Also, 30" barrel really does help with getting some great MVs.
You could go with a 308 but a .223 should shoot just fine for mid-ranges atleast.
Most people go with the .308 though shooting anywhere from 155 gr to 175 gr bullets out of that rifle.
You could go with a 308 but a .223 should shoot just fine for mid-ranges atleast.
Most people go with the .308 though shooting anywhere from 155 gr to 175 gr bullets out of that rifle.
I don't see why you couldn't start out with the Remington VLS with a good bedding job. I would recommend using a soft rear bag like a Triad or soft Protector so you can adjust for elevation and have good support of the rear of the stock. I have friends that started with the Remingon PSS, SPS Varmint, and 5R MilSpec that have done pretty well. There are also several Savage models with varmint or heavy barrels that I have seen do well including their F-TR, Palma, and F class models with 30" barrels.
If you plan to shoot mid-range only (300-600 yds), a 223 Rem can work very well and save you money while you are learning and is easier to shoot. The most of the same rifles above are offered in 223, and you should be able to get one to shoot 75-80 gr bullets well. If you choose to shoot a 223 Rem, make sure you get one with a barrel twist of 1:9 or 1:8 (1:8 would be best).
If you don't already have the Rem VLS, I would choose a different model with stock that is more designed for target shooting and will ride the rear bag better. Then you could use a bigger, heavier, stiffer bag like the Protector Dr bag. Using the bigger bag takes out more error from shooter input.
If you plan to shoot mid-range only (300-600 yds), a 223 Rem can work very well and save you money while you are learning and is easier to shoot. The most of the same rifles above are offered in 223, and you should be able to get one to shoot 75-80 gr bullets well. If you choose to shoot a 223 Rem, make sure you get one with a barrel twist of 1:9 or 1:8 (1:8 would be best).
If you don't already have the Rem VLS, I would choose a different model with stock that is more designed for target shooting and will ride the rear bag better. Then you could use a bigger, heavier, stiffer bag like the Protector Dr bag. Using the bigger bag takes out more error from shooter input.
Medic505
Gold $$ Contributor
Shoot whatever you have. The important part is to just go shoot! Ask questions, pitch in, help move and hang targets. You will find that F-Class shooters will bend over backward to help you. See if it's for you and then start worrying about what you are shooting. Welcome and I hope to see you on the line somewhere.
ARIZONA_F_CLASS
FTR LR High Master, FTR MR Master, Smalbore Master
Medic505 said:
What he said^. I started out shooting a Remington 700 XCR Tactical 26", then went to a Remington 700 5R 24", Then a custom Rem 700 with a 30" Krieger barrel, and now have a Rem 700 32" Bartlein barrel. I also have a Rem 700 .223 with a 28" Bartlein barrel.
For me nothing beats a Remington 700!!!! Especially if you are starting out.
Most of us started with what we had at the time. Nothing wrong with a Remmy VLS 308. Hook a bipod on it and go have fun. If the bug bites you hard enough there are millions of add ons you can get for the Remington. Everything from stocks barrels and triggers. Go to a few local matches, talk with the competitors, have fun.
if your going to shoot mid-long range (600 to 1K) I'd go with the 308. Better bullet BC. Also stock Remmys have a 1/12 twist so you should be good with bullets up to 175 grs or so. Some barrels will shoot heavier bullets. I believe the 223's have a 1/9 twist so shooting heavier bullets like 77-80 gr can be problematic.
Remember when the "Bug" bites it bites hard.
if your going to shoot mid-long range (600 to 1K) I'd go with the 308. Better bullet BC. Also stock Remmys have a 1/12 twist so you should be good with bullets up to 175 grs or so. Some barrels will shoot heavier bullets. I believe the 223's have a 1/9 twist so shooting heavier bullets like 77-80 gr can be problematic.
Remember when the "Bug" bites it bites hard.
Down South
FTR Junkie
rmist said:
Everyone that posted gave you good advise. Are you talking about shooting mid or long range FTR matches? If only shooting mid range the .223s do great and have very little recoil, if shooting long range i'd opt for the .308 cause in rough conditions i think they tend to do better on average even though i've seen some good scores shot at 1000 with a .223. Do you have the Rem VLS already?
Thanks for the replies !! At the moment I don't have either rifle!! That's the easy part to get. Components the next issue. I have a 22-250, 220 Swift, and 6mmRem in a VLS but not 223 or 308. Looking for another avenue to shoot more that's not tacticool !! Had enough of that with 26 years in the ARMY !! I like the Remy's so I'll look for something by them. I think but not sure of range. The close one to me is New Holland in Lancaster county. I think it's mid range to 600. The little bug bites get irritating this time of year !!
Thanks again,
Rmist
Thanks again,
Rmist
600 at New Holland. Nice bunch of guys, let em know you're new and watch what they do.
Www.nhrpc.org
Looks like a 3x600 match may 17th.
Www.nhrpc.org
Looks like a 3x600 match may 17th.
Alexander-M
Gold $$ Contributor
Rmist,
When I started in F-T/R to see what it was all about in August 2013, I used my DPMS LR Panther .308. I did not have a sled (single round magazine follower), so I just dropped the rounds on top of the regular magazine and closed the bolt. I used a cardboard box to catch the ejected brass.
I was a bit nervous, but had a lot of fun, scored 280-8x (out of 300) and was hooked. At the time I wasn’t quite ready to buy a custom rifle, so I bought the previously (above) recommended Savage 12 F-T/R, and it was great! I used it all last year and enjoyed it. I am still learning to shoot properly, the wind, reloading, etc. but managed to score for Master at the last match, missing HM by 7 points, so that makes me a fan of the Savage for a starter rifle. Now I am ready for a custom build.
That having been said, there is nothing wrong using whatever you have in .308 or .223 and shoot a match or two. You will learn a lot from the other shooters, which I can guarantee you will be eager to share with you what they know, what they do, and their experiences.
Good luck, and go shoot a match
Nando
When I started in F-T/R to see what it was all about in August 2013, I used my DPMS LR Panther .308. I did not have a sled (single round magazine follower), so I just dropped the rounds on top of the regular magazine and closed the bolt. I used a cardboard box to catch the ejected brass.
I was a bit nervous, but had a lot of fun, scored 280-8x (out of 300) and was hooked. At the time I wasn’t quite ready to buy a custom rifle, so I bought the previously (above) recommended Savage 12 F-T/R, and it was great! I used it all last year and enjoyed it. I am still learning to shoot properly, the wind, reloading, etc. but managed to score for Master at the last match, missing HM by 7 points, so that makes me a fan of the Savage for a starter rifle. Now I am ready for a custom build.
That having been said, there is nothing wrong using whatever you have in .308 or .223 and shoot a match or two. You will learn a lot from the other shooters, which I can guarantee you will be eager to share with you what they know, what they do, and their experiences.
Good luck, and go shoot a match
Nando
A friend recently bought a 223 savage with a 7 twist barrel and I am so impressed with how it shoots. With my handloads (he's not loading yet) 1" groups at 200 yards are almost a given. Rifle cost 800 dollars and we've shot 75, 80, 80.5, 82 and even 90 grain bullets.
223 offers many benefits. long barrel life, low (almost zero) recoil, cheap (er) to load, low powder consumption, fun to shoot all day. And, I truly don't think you're giving up anything shooting 600 yards.
223 offers many benefits. long barrel life, low (almost zero) recoil, cheap (er) to load, low powder consumption, fun to shoot all day. And, I truly don't think you're giving up anything shooting 600 yards.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.