Need some help from the experts

[nocturnalnasty]

I really appreciate the knowledge that is shared here on this site and know that someone here will have the experience that I can tap into for this project. OK, just bought a Savage F Class 6.5-284, I have never had a rifle like this and want to buy and do things right the first time. I'd like to know thoughts on the following.

1) Scope base brand and type, I'm thinking one piece 20 moa from SSS.
2) Do these rifles typically require glass bedding in addition to the bedding block?

3) Die choice? I like RCBS Competition and Forster dies, or should I use something like a Redding bushing neck die and body die? Again, I'm going for high quality and accuracy the first time. Even if it means having to save a while to buy better equipment.

4) With the 3" wide forearm, what is the best way to attach a Harris bipod? Is there an adapter?

Any tips or suggestions that you might have for this rifle would be greatly appreciated.
Noc

 

[Preacher]

The bases from SSS will work OK, and it sure won't hurt to skim bed the action for a perfect fit.
If your looking for high quality dies, check out Neil Jones, or Warner Machine, you'll need to send them 3 fired cases from your chamber, and you'll never have a better set.
If your into the one size fits all type of dies the others will be OK.
You'll end up needing a Fl die sooner or later, so you may as well do it right from the start....
You can attach the bipod to a sling stud put in the center of the stock about 2 1/2 - 3 inches from the front edge......

 

[BlackHawk95]

Hello, Ive got the exact rifle you have. Your going to love it once you get it running.

As far as scope base goes, I bought a EGW one piece 0 MOA from Midway USA for $39.00 bucks. they also have a 20 MOA base too. There are other one piece listed on there site too,

As far as bedding, I have not bedded mine. So far its shooting well enough I dont want to mess with it. Im not a competition shooter or anything but, the first time i shot my rifle at 400 yards, 10 shots was 1.9" and all were X's.

As far as dies go, I actually pieced my dies together to save a little money. I bought the Redding body die and Neck sizer. And a Foster BenchRest seater die. I ended up saving about $60 bucks.. If I were to do it again, The only thing I would do different is get the Foster BR seater with the micrometer top. It makes seating depth changes so much easier.

As far as the Bipod. These rifles are ment to be shot off some kind of rest. I use the Caldwell BR rest its about $140.00. a gunsmith could install a stud for a bipod though.

Also, So far my rifle seems to preferr either the Lapua 139 scenar or Sierra 142 MK. It didnt shoot the 140 VLD as well. Of the 3 powders I tried, VV N-165, H4831sc and RE-22. Re-22 gave me the best velocity and groups. My accuracy load is 139 Scenar, 52.5gr RE-22, Fed LR match primers and Lapua brass. My load is a little on the hot side, so start around 49.5 and work up. Also, my barrel is not the fastest and 52.5gr of RE-22 is 2925FPS.

Good luck and enjoy your rifle
Jerid

 

[280man]

I would recommend a front rest instead of a bibod you will be in the open class with the 6.5x284 might as well use a front rest

 

[Dgd6mm]

I recomend a spare barrel before 900 rounds.

 

[nocturnalnasty]

Thanks guys. This kind of info is really useful to a newbie like me. It'll be a while before I have this rig up and running, but I will give you a range report when I do.
Noc