New 6PPC build, need advice

[jhord]

I recently picked up a new Borden Rimrock action and plan to use it for a 6PPC build. I've tried to read up all I can but still don't understand a few things. I'm from Ohio and shoot local club matches where the rules aren't too strict and the 6PPC's pretty much dominate the 100/200 game. However, in the future I'd like to hit some bigger events if/when my skills advance far enough, and I want a rifle that will be legal. I guess my first question is, to what spec should I build this rifle? I read about light and heavy varmint, which spec is the best for a noob? What combination of parts do I need for a good basic 6PPC based on the Rimrock? Not very well defined questions I know. Any advice or links to articles is much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[BoydAllen]

Build a rifle that weighs less than 10.5 lb., a sporter. It is the most common, and you will be competitive in three of the four classes, the exception being unlimited (NBRSA designation) The weight should include everything that will be on the rifle when it is shot in a match, except for ammunition.

 

[FergusBailey]

Boyd is 100% right. Build a 6PPC to 10.5lb and you can compete in sporter, LV & HV. You can also compete in Unlimited, so that lets you shoot virtually all forms of registered BR matches. For stocks, I really like the Scarborough and Leonard stocks, but you may not want to wait as long or spend as much as you will need to, to get one of these. A lower cost and probably more readily available alternative would be the Robertson stocks sold by Stiller or Borden. For a barrel, I like Bartlein or Kreiger. A 4 groove, 1/14” twist is probably the best start, but there are a lot of twist options and it will depend on the bullets you use.

Find a good gunsmith. By “good”, I mean someone who can make winning BR rifles. Do NOT have the rifle made by someone who has not built a BR rifle before. There are many other details to consider beyond the points I have mentioned above, and a good gun smith can help you decide on some of these. I have personally used, and have no problem recommending Wayne Campbell and Clay Spencer. These guys are both current competitors, first rate smiths, and will steer you in the right direction. Other guys like Dwight Scott, Billy Stevens and Gary Ocock are all very highly regarded and have excellent track records, and there are many others out there.

Lastly, you dont mention if you are going to matches much? Once you work out your build, you really should get to as many matches as possible, and particularly talk to experienced, high level shooters. Someone will probably help you a lot in getting to the next level in loading, shooting technique, etc.

 

[rayporter]

if at all possible go to the upcoming registered matches at Sidney and talk to some shooters. you may even find a smith to talk to there.

is Kenton ever going to have the coon dog trials again?

ray-ex buckeye

 

[jhord]

The replies are much appreciated. Building to the 10.5lb weight certainly makes sense to me. I wasn't sure if most people did that, or had two rifles, or added weight to a 10.5. I don't have the budget for anything other than 1 rifle, and it has to be a fairly modest build.

Stocks- I was leaning towards a Borden or Macmillan Edge. Someone is bringing a used Kelbly to next weekend's match @ Delphos for me to look at. I was also thinking about a Shehane Baby Tracker in laminate. Not sure what I need to look for as far as weight, with a Sporter build in mind? Planning on doing the bedding myself.

Barrels- Assume I will need a LV profile? As far as brand, the only custom barrels I have experience with are Krieger, Shilen, and Brux, happy with all of them. I will probably leave this up to my 'smith and source the barrel through them, unless I stumble onto something here.

Gunsmith- Thought about Borden but heard some delivery time horror stories? Kelbly's is reasonably close, I heard long delays but it is done when they say it will be done. Another I'm considering is Pierce, I have a friend who they did some work for quickly and very well. Not sure what he'd say about barreling a Borden when he makes his own actions, but worth a shot. Mike Bryant?

Shooting- I've been shooting a lot of club matches. 2x a month, varmint and BR. Plus I have my own range at home, 50-800 yards. I've been getting my butt kicked in BR, most of which is me being a new BR shooter but part of it is I'm showing up to BR matches with F-class rifles. Getting my butt kicked just makes me more motivated.

 

[WyleWD]

All good advice given so far........ if you need a VERY good gunsmith.. there's a fellow named Mark(?) Penrod in north central Indiana that I'd highly recommend, and not too far for you to drive to pick up and deliver.

If you are interested send me a PM and I'll help hook you up with him. I've shot against quite a few of his rifles and heard no complaints. I've met him numerous times and he's a good fella and a darned good shooter too. WD

 

[Kian]

I have Mark rebarreling my bench gun right now as we speak, I also have shot against him and yes hisguns are good and he shoots very well also.

Kian

 

[artbosco]

I recently picked up a new Borden Rimrock action and plan to use it for a 6PPC build. To what spec should I build this rifle? I read about light and heavy varmint, which spec is the best?

Have Benchrest Hall of Fame Member Jim Borden build you a LV 6PPC. That way you can shoot it in LV, HV, and Sporter classes, and Unlimited class [if you're so inclined].

Jim can give you lots of advice on the Rimrock because that's his bread and butter action: http://www.bordenrifles.com/ . Click on the word "Competition."

He can build you a national winner if you let him. Do it once, do it right!

 

[jhord]

I emailed a few Q's to Mr. Borden about building a gun for me, he took the initiative to call me on the phone to discuss things. Gave me some great information! I tried to quickly summarize what my goals were, and he basically said what you did Outdoorsman, do it right the first time. It's hard to argue with that. I think I could save a few bucks by shopping around but it might end up "penny wise, pound foolish." At this point I think all I need to do is figure out what stock I want to use and then set the wheels in motion. Anybody have any pro/con comments about the Borden LV stock? Other stocks? I've heard some favorable input regarding McMillans. I will try to sit behind some 6PPC's this weekend to get a feel.

 

[FergusBailey]

I would really recommend a Bordan stock, particularly now you are talking to Jim about a rifle build. I had a BRX/Speedy/Stiller stock made by Robertson (same person who makes Jim Bordan’s stocks now) on a bench rifle. It really shot, and tracking was equal to the Scoville/Scarborough stocks I have had, and the best of any stock I have shot “out of the mould”.

The Edge seems to be a little more variable. I know some who shoot very well with this stock, but I had one on a rifle and replaced it with a Bordan (older model, before Robertson was making them).

 

[dale metzger]

Jim would be a great choice. He built my first Benchrest rifle a long time ago. It remain competitive today, though less racy as some of the new actions and stocks. The Benchrest stocks that he sells are very good.
I would highly recommend Jim for a build.

 

[gmorganal]

Ditto on Mr. Borden, his stocks, his chamber jobs, his meticulous record keeping and his honesty.