I want to get into long range benchrest--but how?

[GSPBirdDog]

Hey guys!
I am new to this forum and looking into 600-1,000yd benchrest. What is the best way for me to get started? I already have all the loading equipment and I am fairly knowledgable about reloading...as well as precision. I worked as a tool & die maker/CNC machinest for 10 yrs before taking a job as a manufacturing engineer/cnc programmer at a big manufacturing facility in the energy business.Also ....what is the best caliber? I live right down the road from Ferris Pindell and have done some custom machine work for him where i used to work at....so would the 6PPC be the route to go? I am sure if i went to Feriss's house he would be more than glad to help me out ;D

 

[JCummings]

If you can find a local mentor to help you. These sites are good resources: http://benchrest.com/forums/, http://www.usrifleteams.com/lrforum/, and http://internationalbenchrest.com/. The 6PPC is a short range round used mostly at 100-200 yards. For 600-1000 yards you'll want something with more powder behind it. Most people are using 6-7 mm bullets these days. The F Class winner for the past 2 years shoots a 284 Winchester. Many people shoot 6.5-284. The 6BR cartridge either plain or modified sees lots of use too. But, there are many options. Where are you located? If you can find the closest range that has 600-1000yard competitions you should attend their next match, meet people, and ask them for pointers on how to get started. The international benchrest shooters site has a page with the scheduled long range matches that should be helpful. Their are quite a few pertinent articles here at 6mmBR.com that should be helpful too. Good luck and happy shooting.

 

[therifler]

Long range bench at 600yds is being ruled by 6mm br , 6 dasher and 6xc type cartridges . I myself like the 6.5 and have developed a 6.5X250 ackley which is working very well for me at 600yds.. I am in the process of setting a customer up right now with a 6.5X47 Lapua . The reason I like the 6.5 round is you can get bullet weights up to 140grs. I have my gun shooting 120 bergers and the smaller case capacity adds up to longer barrel life than 6.5X284 . Not to mention alot less recoil it is imparative that you do your research and choose the cartridge for the discipline you want to shoot. www.therifler.com

 

[Nodak7mm]

Attend matches, offer to help in anyway. When "most" folks find out your green and wanna learn, before ya know it, folks will be offering ya up their equipment for ya to try out.

Shooters are a great group of guys. Go and have a blast.

 

[GSPBirdDog]

Thanks guys for all the advice! It is much appreciated.....BTW... I am in SE Indiana

 

[hedditch]

Money, lots of money!

 

[johara1]

Get on benchrest central and click on IBS. and find a long range club near you. Then check the equipment reports and see whats winning and use your own judgement. If you have a basic knowledge of loading that will help but short range is a start and long range is a little more precise but i'm sure you will learn......jim

 

[JCummings]

This site will help you find places to shoot near you: http://www.nra.org/nralocal.aspx.
Also ask at local gun shops. I don't see any long range benchrest matches listed near you on the IBS website. So, you'll have to find them through other resources. Good luck.

 

[expiper]

Go visit Ferris...

If you live near him and know him and have done work for him.,..he would apreciate the visit...the last time I saw him was at the Nats. and he looked very fragile,,,he is not in good health and it would be a terrible thing to not take his mind off his health issues with a friendly visit and a good shootin conversation,,,,,as was pointed out ,he pioneered/mentord/developed/ the modern day "B"enchrest rifle....but he knows what works and should be used at long range also.....say hi ,,,tell him hi from me,...Roger