First BR rifle

[DShortt]

Whatever you decide to shoot ( I have 6ppc, 30 Major & 6 Dasher ) the most valuable piece of my bench rest puzzle is the Ezell wind flags that I don't leave for the range without.......Just Sayin'

Regards
Rick

I 'get' that learning curve as well. Last time I shot, I wasn't impressed but I knew out of the gate I wasn't going to have a good day. To make matters worse, it was a gusty cross wind. I have shot enough to recognize that much at least. I was just glad I hadn't paid an entry fee and transportation/lodging costs as well.
I'm still a working stiff. I shoot when I can.

 

[Bob in WI]

Having both a 6ppc and a 30BR, a nod for the 30BR. As noted, barrel life alone will give you bunches of years to play. 2 competitors I shoot with have noted 7500-9000 rounds of accurate barrel life. The saying goes " They don't stop shooting accurately, you just have to decide when too much effort is being taken to get the copper out between relays at those numbers". My experience..accuracy wise the 30BR can be tuned to be very accurate indeed...I consider .125 groups "big" out of my 30BR.
My 2 cents.

 

[DShortt]

I should have stated to begin with, I'll be eligible to retire in a 29 months. So I'm planning ahead. Hopefully by the time that date arrives, I'll have a plan worked out to at least be middle of the pack.

 

[joshb]

I’m in the 6br pool. Mild recoil, tons of good bullets and it’ll shoot out to 1000 yards if you get the urge. The 30 has a fairly stiff recoil and shoots best with custom (pricey) bullets.

 

[jmill21]

Kind of a poll here.

Knowing what you know, not knowing if benchrest is going to prove to be something you are interested in.

What cartridge would you start with?

Just interested in old faithful stuff. Not gonna set the world on fire wiz-bang neeto stuff.

Thanks for looking. Looking forward to the opinions.

Lets not forget with a LV and sporter class the total weight of the rifle can only weigh 10 1/2 LBS. This makes the 30 a little more severe in recoil.

 

[boltfluter]

You should really find a way to shot the .30BR compared to a 6PPC before you jump in. Recoil is definitely a factor for many people. Good luck.
Paul

 

[FNSafari]

Short range?

Group or score...or both?

 

[DShortt]

How tough is a 6br to do load development on for a nobie to the cartridge?
I've no interest in long range in the foreseeable future.
I like the idea of low recoil. Seems to be many advantages to that.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

Yes. 100 yds.

6ppc

 

[DShortt]

Group or score...or both?

Can't answer that question because as someone who has never competed, I am not familiar with the difference.
I did go to observe a couple of matches some years ago. Just because I was curious. Didn't learn much, but I avoided conversation because I didn't know enough to have a conversation back then.

 

[hoz53]

I'll confess I was leaning towards a 30BR simply because I have read it's the cheaper and easier version just to see if BR is really something I'm interested in.
But I thought I'd see what a 'poll' would turn up. So far, the 6PPC is way ahead.
But it sounds like it's more complicated, particularly for a first-timer.
I'm not delusional. I just want to not embarrass myself. I don't expect to come out on top moving into competition for the first time.

you can buy an action that will pull either PPC or 308 base cases. that way a switch from PPC to 6br or the other way could be done with the one action. i never had a PPC nor have i shot in SRBR but if i decided to Id start with an action as above and id prob start with a PPC but ive shot alot of 6br.

 

[JMayo]

IBS is x count. A ppc 6 just won't get em like a 30.

Ubr x size is different according to the caliber so a 6ppc or less is better, (doesn't kick you to death)
Bat ds action, on both my ppc & 30br.
I'm not familiar with other disciplines

 

[gpoldblue]

Can't answer that question because as someone who has never competed, I am not familiar with the difference.
I did go to observe a couple of matches some years ago. Just because I was curious. Didn't learn much, but I avoided conversation because I didn't know enough to have a conversation back then.

Remember...there's a learning curve for everything....flags are the most important and take the most time. Barrel life is a matter of how hard you want to run 'em.......you don't need "Hellfire and Brimstone" to shoot this stuff. Most Shortrange BR shooters use the free recoil system of shooting and .30BR's recoil significantly more than 6PPC's. I have not found the 6PPC finicky at all to load develop or maintain tune. I have competed in the past,but now I enjoy shooting with friends for personal satisfaction. Brass and barrel life is what you make it. It's an enjoyable sport and challenging. You can shoot at your pace.
Good luck and stay safe.

 

[DShortt]

Everyone has given me quite a bit to investigate. I appreciate all the replies.

Thank you!

 

[DShortt]

IBS is x count. A ppc 6 just won't get em like a 30.

Ubr x size is different according to the caliber so a 6ppc or less is better, (doesn't kick you to death)
Bat ds action, on both my ppc & 30br.
I'm not familiar with other disciplines

Referring to your first sentence, is that, in your opinion, because it's easier to 'cut a line' with a larger bullet?

 

[TIMO]

I started with a 30BR in a used rifle (Rem 700), it shot well enough as a modified rifle that I could could keep up with a good number of custom rifles. Loading and developing a load was like hitting the easy button. I learned a lot with that rifle, still shoot it at local club matches. like others have said there is a learning curve to any shooting shooting discipline. I moved up to a custom rifle in 30BRS, full custom rifle and it hammers as well. A little more recoil though. Added a custom 6PPC, late last fall and I have not done much except fire form brass. Hopefully in the next week or two I can start on developing a load as I plan to shoot it this year.
Oh, so far every rifle has been a used rifle. No regrets in how I progressed in UBR, a lot of great fellow shooters to assist and help you in the process, remember all advice is good but, you have to develop and refine what works for you. One last item, refine your reloading skills as well as it will make a difference.

It is a journey with taking.
Welcome and I hope this helps a little.
Tim

 

[JMayo]

Referring to your first sentence, is that, in your opinion, because it's easier to 'cut a line' with a larger bullet?

Same poi, a 30 will get the dot and a 6mm won't.
I've tried a 6ppc a few times and couldn't keep up the x count compared to the 30 shooters.
I I.
Half of that is still a miss.

 

[Doug Casner]

Ive never shot a match. Shot alot of rounds through a Panda action Shilen select match and 2oz. Jewell. Try 68 gr. Barts, N-133 powder. 262 neck youll have to turn necks. Agged under .250 with that setup . Doug

 

[powderbrake]

I should have stated to begin with, I'll be eligible to retire in a 29 months. So I'm planning ahead. Hopefully by the time that date arrives, I'll have a plan worked out to at least be middle of the pack.

I was in the same situation, but had retired. I bought a name brand 6ppc rifle from a Hall of Fame BR shooter, and all the stuff that is needed. Finding the right starting load is easy, just read Tony Boyer's book " The Book of Rifle Accuracy" He gives all the info on loads and case prep. As stated above, Barts 68 gr and N-133, about 28 to 30 gr.

Second, the real problem is THE WIND. To be competitive, shoot a lot, and always over wind flags. AND ask questions of a high scoring competitor. See if they will mentor you, most likely they will. Benchrest shooters are a friendly group.

The Third big item is adjusting your load to the temperature and humidity to keep it "in tune", which can only be learned by doing it and listening to the advice of the better shooters.

I had all the hardware, but didn't shoot enough to master the wind, so I did not rise out of the middle group.

Why would a top competitor be willing to tell you all his "secrets"? Because he knows that it is the guy pulling the trigger, doping the wind, and keeping the rifle in tune that wins matches.

 

[Evlshnngns]

Are there any UBR ranges/matches near you? That puts some neat 22cals back on the list.