Hello all, I am looking for your advice on what route I should go on purchasing a highly accurate firearm. As of right now I only reload for one rifle which is a Savage heavy barrel in 204 Ruger, but I also reload 45 colt & 40 S&W. With much care I can group the Savage in the 2's & 3's, which I'm told is good for 100 yards with all factory equip. But the problem I have is past that distance in reference to wind. I have read as much info. as I could on all aspects of reloading and accurate shooting. And it seems that I should step up to a larger round to buck the wind better. I've made up my mind that I need a 6mm BR, but what gun would you recommend? I have been looking at Coopers and Kimbers, but I wonder if you fine shooters would like to see me instead build a custom? Would I be better off with a custom or are the Coopers and Kimbers that good?
New to game where to begin?
- Thread starter 2000TJ
- Start date
NorCalMikie
Gold $$ Contributor
If you want to build a rifle without spending BIG $$$, you might think about working with your Savage. Get a 6BR barrel, .308 bolt head and you would be ready to go. I have a 16 FSS that started out as a .204. Switched the barrel to .223. It might end up as another 6BR before too long. 
The 6BR round fits in the mag box without any problems. Looks like it might work as a single stack feed.,I'am working on that!) Then if you like how it works, you could invest in a "custom" built rifle. In the mean time, you can see if the 6BR is what you "really" like! JMHO. Mike.
The 6BR round fits in the mag box without any problems. Looks like it might work as a single stack feed.,I'am working on that!) Then if you like how it works, you could invest in a "custom" built rifle. In the mean time, you can see if the 6BR is what you "really" like! JMHO. Mike.
BoydAllen
Gold $$ Contributor
If you are planning on a new rifle,or at least new to you), I would suggest that your options depend on how much you are prepared to spend. A "real" Benchrest rifle can be had, new, for about 2,200-2,300 plus scope and reloading equipment. Absent the desire to spend quite that much, you can re barrel a used Benchrest rifle. Another way to go should be to buy a short action Remington with a .308 bolt face and have Bob Brackney do a full action job and re barrel, replace the trigger with a Jewel and put that in the stock of your choice. Finally, you may be quite pleased with the result of re barreling your Savage, providing that you stick with the very highest quality barrel and gunsmithing. A custom FL die, and a Wilson seater should complete your kit. One reason to stay away from some of the options that you have mentioned is the availability of a suitable trigger. If you redo your Savage, you might consider the Rifle Basix Sav II trigger. It will go down to 4 oz. not quite true Benchrest weight but on a heavy rifle quite good. Good luck, and in the mean time get or build some wind flags. No one who is really serious about accuracy from the bench shoots without them. I talk to lots of guys who obviously have the money and don't. They have a long list of reasons. The bottom line, maximum accuracy is the result of a whole package of equipment and techniques. To get there you need the whole thing AND some luck and talent. If you pick and choose, all you will have are some wallet groups. Small groups are fun, but aggregates,averages) are what it is all about.
Forum Boss
Administrator
2000TJ
I think step one is to look around at the nearby club ranges and think about what kind of "precision shooting" you are most likely to do. Do you want to shoot from the bench? Does the club have a 500-600 yard varmint match? Are you interested in prone or three-position shooting. Do you just want a really accurate rifle that can do double-duty as a varmint rifle.
The answer to these questions, along with the distance at which you plan to shoot, will really dictate your next steps. If you know what KIND of shooting you plan to do, then we can help you with the decision about components and equipment.
If, for example, you want to shoot at paper, at a maximum of 200 yards, I might advise you to look for a used 6 PPC match rifle. If, on the other hand you want to shoot 500, 600 or even 1000 yards, then you'll want a different caliber and,probably) a different style stock.
We also need to know something about your budget.
I think step one is to look around at the nearby club ranges and think about what kind of "precision shooting" you are most likely to do. Do you want to shoot from the bench? Does the club have a 500-600 yard varmint match? Are you interested in prone or three-position shooting. Do you just want a really accurate rifle that can do double-duty as a varmint rifle.
The answer to these questions, along with the distance at which you plan to shoot, will really dictate your next steps. If you know what KIND of shooting you plan to do, then we can help you with the decision about components and equipment.
If, for example, you want to shoot at paper, at a maximum of 200 yards, I might advise you to look for a used 6 PPC match rifle. If, on the other hand you want to shoot 500, 600 or even 1000 yards, then you'll want a different caliber and,probably) a different style stock.
We also need to know something about your budget.
Wow, thank you for all the great ideas. The main purpose of this gun is to shoot groundhogs, coyotes & crows out to about 400 yds. The closest range is about 40 miles away and is only 200 yards. I have thought about converting the Savage over to the desired caliber, but I am hesitant about losing such a wonderfully explosive varmint round and the investment of reloading equipment. So I figured I might as well keep it. As far cost I was thinking around 3k total, so I only hope I can get a nice rig for that. I usually hunt out of a ground blind or on bipods. So my original thought was to have a trued short 700 action with a Lilja barrel 6-8 oz. trigger with a Leupold scope. But what other scopes would you go with? Thank You once again for the help I appreciate it all. Michael...
Forum Boss
Administrator
You can get a heck of a rifle for $3000,I'm assuming that includes optics). I'd recommend a no-turn 6BR or 6-6.5x47. Action-wise, a Stiller Predator or Lawton 7000/7500 would probably fit your budget.
The 6BR will probably have an edge for paper-punching. The 6-6.5x47 would give you another 200-250 fps if you want explosive velocities on varmints. The 6BR will have less recoil however, and that will make it easier to see your hits, even without a muzzle brake. As far as a stock, you have to decide if you will be shooting mostly from a bench or field table or whether you want something smaller.
There are other great varmint calibers of course--a 22/250, a 6mmRem AI, or a .243. But you say you want really top-flight accuracy and I think, right now, that points to a 6BR or 6-6.5x47.
The 6BR will probably have an edge for paper-punching. The 6-6.5x47 would give you another 200-250 fps if you want explosive velocities on varmints. The 6BR will have less recoil however, and that will make it easier to see your hits, even without a muzzle brake. As far as a stock, you have to decide if you will be shooting mostly from a bench or field table or whether you want something smaller.
There are other great varmint calibers of course--a 22/250, a 6mmRem AI, or a .243. But you say you want really top-flight accuracy and I think, right now, that points to a 6BR or 6-6.5x47.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.