My first bench rest rifle

[338Lapua]

I am in the early stages of building my first bench rest rifle. After some years in egg shoot comp.

It was only a bit of fun but my old varmint gun is not going to cut it in bench rest comp. I want to get peoples opinions on which cartridge to use. The gun will be used in 100 200 300 bench rest competition and later out to 600 and 1000 yards.

These are the rounds I have in mind 6.5 x 47 lapua, 6 x 47 lapua, 6br, 6BRX.. These are not my choices just one’s I have seen in used out to 300 yards. Im leaning towards 6x47 Lapua, at this stage but not committed to one or the other. What is barrel life of the 6x47?

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Of the cartridges listed, I'd go with the 6BR, but for 100-300 yd. BR, it's real hard to beat a good PPC,30 Major or 30BR. They all can do well out to 500-600 yards, but are not optimum for beyond 300 IMO. Thats where the 6BR and it's variants shine, and will still do well at short range...just not quite as well as the aforementioned cartridges, overall at short range.

Mike Ezell

 

[338Lapua]

I also meant to asked, what is the best twist rate

 

[BoydAllen]

With respect, if you are thinking about 1-200 yd registered group competition, with a 6 x 47, you need to study a bit more. I suggest Ratigan, and Boyer's books. The proper way to cover the ground you have in mind, with a single rifle, is to start with a custom action, with a so called universal bolt face (will extract both BR and PPC) and have a 21.5",13.5 twist Kreiger or Bartlein chambered in 6PPC, and a 28" from the same list, 8 twist, chambered in 6 BR or 6 Dasher. A weight system that is flexible enough to allow minor balancing to just under 10.5# for the PPC, and more weight to balance the longer tube as well. In the 600 and 1.000 yd. games, you shouldn't have a problem, with 17# to play with ( I think.).

 

[338Lapua]

Were would Ratigan, and Boyer's books be available, i like reading these types of books…. Sinclair international be a good place? you are right I could use with some more study time on this glad you suggested those books.

 

[BoydAllen]

http://extremerifleaccuracy.com/
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Book-of-Rifle-Accuracy/Tony-Boyer/e/9780982678817
That should keep you busy for a night or two. I would read them both about three times, and attend a registered match between each reading. Also I would check into whether Rosetta Stone has a program for learning how to speak "wind flag".

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

IMO, there is not 1 gun that will do all that you want to do, and get you in the top 1/3. You may occasionally win this or win that, but that will not be often. How serious do you want to compete? If money is an issue (as it is with most of us) pic 1 discipline, and get the best gun (don't forget you still need to buy bullets, primers, and powder) you can for that. Then when the time comes, get the other one (and bullets, primers, and powder).

A 6br with 2 different barrels, 1 : 14 and 1 : eight, (had to spell eight as it kept making a funny face) can be semi productive in 100-600 competition's. But once again.... they will only win occasionally.

I am a short range shooter so I can not advise on midrange or long range calibers. My suggestions for 100-300 range Benchrest is either 6PPC or 30BR built by a good reliable gunsmith.

 

[bozo699]

Wes,
Why don't you think a switch barrel couldn't be a top competitor? I think Boyd had a great idea for the op if he hadn't of mentioned it my post would have been very similar except for the choice in books and thats only because I am not familiar with them, I am thinking about ordering them. I do agree with reading them three times, I have read hand loading for competition by Glen Zediker three times and feel I am about half there Seriously though why don't you think the switch barrel could be a top competitor? I am interested in your thoughts.
Wayne.

 

[338Lapua]

Yeah switch barrel was what i had swimming around in the back of my brain for ranges past 600 yards.

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

Wes,
Why don't you think a switch barrel couldn't be a top competitor? I think Boyd had a great idea for the op if he hadn't of mentioned it my post would have been very similar except for the choice in books and thats only because I am not familiar with them, I am thinking about ordering them. I do agree with reading them three times, I have read hand loading for competition by Glen Zediker three times and feel I am about half there Seriously though why don't you think the switch barrel could be a top competitor? I am interested in your thoughts.
Wayne.

When I said "1 GUN" I should had been more clear... I meant "1 CALIBER".... I stand corrected. Thus my thoughts on a switch barrel 6BR. If you are switching between a 6PPC and a 6 Dasher.... then I think that can compete. Thanks Wayne for keeping my honest.... I am working on several things right now (trying to update my wind flag posting as I shot an AWESOME group last weekend) and I was rushing my post.

 

[bozo699]

Wes,
No problem I can't multi-task either. Where is your thread on flags, I would like to read it and see your awesome group
Wayne.