Right off the rip with the warm welcome with everyone! I wasn't expecting as much but what an awesome start! Those of you that mentioned the expenses; I couldn't agree more! I've spent some serious money on a number of items or systems over the years. I've learned the hard way from some of these purchases, but there was the lesson learned after all. The learning curve proved steep at times but when time and money forced a "distillation" period, the lengthened thought process typically paid off for me.
Switching over to competing and attending matches, I've given some thought to engaging in these. I think my biggest hesitation lays with my difficulty with finding a solid place to practice, really test out some handload recipies and reliably have access to as often as possible. I reside in the Southwestern side of Oklahoma, and I've not had a whole lot of luck finding somewhere that I can reach past 1000 yards and not have to sacrifice one of my toes as payment to play. I know there's a great deal of info that can be found inside of 300 yards easily, but I like to have the opportunity to stretch some of my hair brained ideas when I feel that it's achievable. Those further shots have always been intimidating but I savor a challenge; especially when it's against myself. The challenges help build confidence and trust in the systems I use and the practices I observe. Failure has taught me so very much, I've even become somewhat fond of failure, as those lessons are never without considerable value.
To "joshb", I still have my ole rock chucker and it's yet to let me down, even after more then ten years! Sure I've drool a little at times over the Forster co-ax and I've considered the Redding T-7 turret press; I set neck tension using mandrels which for me makes re-sizing a two part process. I just can't be convinced that the ole rock chucker doesn't have a place on the bench even though I truly loathe brass prep at times! Despite the dreaded brass prep and the time consuming path having a single stage entails, I know I benefit from doing one round at a time and I've never nearly stepped on the "landmine" I know as a double charge.
I feel obligated to mention that I'm a big .308win guy and I weened myself successfully off of 6.5creed a few years back. I mean no hostility nor disrespect to any who rightfully adore that slippery little bastard; my experiences with the creed taught me a few very valuable lessons and I have been forever changed by them. I'd be happy to explain to those who wish to hear about it but I am certain there are those who'd rather eat some grape fruit spoons instead of hear anything about the Creedmoor, we musn't anger the elders!
To wrap things up, I do have a pressing question I would love to hear from anyone about, I'm toying with building a new bolt gun and this'll be my first 100% parts build from scratch. By all means, please re-direct me to the appropriate path if the discussion is better suited elsewhere.
I have a good deal of experience using "push feed" style actions in the past and I don't have any tangible reason to suspect the grass is greener elsewhere. I also have a "control feed" in 300prc by Bad Rock and boy oh boy is that thing a blast to shoot! I have this nagging quarrel though that I can't seem to ignore and I am honestly very curious. With the way a push feed typically operates, your case is going to experience a given amount of pressure specifically from the ejector plunger during operation. Of course one could surmise that proper case sizing and a snug chamber would all but eliminate any "off axis" skewing this may be imparting to your chambered cartridge. In the land of absolute measurements though we all know that just a few thou where appropriate on the case is necessary for proper chambering and extraction. I'm genuinely wondering if there is any potential benefit of going with a control feed over a push feed in light of the apparent potential for a push feed possibly contributing to one's cartridges being every so slightly askew once chambered? My perception of a control feed style action is that it's more simplistic to some extent and IMHO, that is shaving off a possible variable from a number of factors that could be at play. I humbly request anyone whos willing to share their opinions and or experience with either, I'm eager to hear what you have to say. As we all know, this obsession is by no means cheap, which only solidifies my motivations to make a well educated and informed decision when considering the heart of the rifle. The overall goal for me is precision which begins with consistency for me personally.
I'm not aware of too many organizations offering control feed style actions (ruger, bad rock, zermatt, american rifle co.) but the culture seems awash with push feed styles of many flavors and options.
I wish you all well and the best of times in todays circus! Best of luck to those honing their craft today and enjoy the weekend!
With reverence and respect,
-JAS30
but it’s worth every penny.
