I am new to the whole shooting game when it comes to bench shooting. I have bench shot my whole life however never had I actually.... benched. I entered a contest with a partially modified Model 700 Remington chambered for .243 Win. I shot a .77 inch group with it and thought I did great... my friend shot a .43 inch group and said he did bad. So I realized that I had literally NO IDEA how the whole shooting game worked. So maybe some input on how to get started would be nice?
New to the shooting game.
- Thread starter Bench4fun
- Start date
First of all welcome to the shooting game,it really is a way of life.
Second get into hand loading,That is where your going to gain the most.
Third know how to read the wind,and practice.Some of the guys here can go through 2000-4000 rounds a year,so have a good Second income.
just my 2 cents
Jon
Second get into hand loading,That is where your going to gain the most.
Third know how to read the wind,and practice.Some of the guys here can go through 2000-4000 rounds a year,so have a good Second income.
just my 2 cents
Jon
Forum Boss
Administrator
2000 rounds a year?
Some of our guys are shooting 1000 rounds a month...
In any case, one smart saying is that "accuracy is like a chain--every link must be in place." That means the bullet must be good, the powder charge correct, the brass consistent, and of course the shooter must do his part.
That said, if you want to shoot tighter groups quickly here are four suggestions:
1. Upgrade to a true match barrel
2. Use really good brass, and pay attention to neck tension. Consistent neck tension is vital.
3. Experiment with seating depth. A .030" difference in bullet position,in some rifles) can be the difference between a .7" group and a .35" group.
4. If you really want to get serious about bench work, you'll benefit enormously from a BR style stock with a wide, flat fore-end. The added stability really makes a difference. The Tooley MBR style is a good choice--you can both shoot it free-recoil or grip it if that style works better for you. Here's a laminated version made by Bruce Baer:
Some of our guys are shooting 1000 rounds a month...
In any case, one smart saying is that "accuracy is like a chain--every link must be in place." That means the bullet must be good, the powder charge correct, the brass consistent, and of course the shooter must do his part.
That said, if you want to shoot tighter groups quickly here are four suggestions:
1. Upgrade to a true match barrel
2. Use really good brass, and pay attention to neck tension. Consistent neck tension is vital.
3. Experiment with seating depth. A .030" difference in bullet position,in some rifles) can be the difference between a .7" group and a .35" group.
4. If you really want to get serious about bench work, you'll benefit enormously from a BR style stock with a wide, flat fore-end. The added stability really makes a difference. The Tooley MBR style is a good choice--you can both shoot it free-recoil or grip it if that style works better for you. Here's a laminated version made by Bruce Baer:
You have made the most important first step, ie going and shooting in a match and [ with a good atitude ] accepting that you have a lot to learn.
Keep going to the matches. Ask questions, nobody is born knowing this stuff. Start watching the flags. Upgrade your rifle and equipment as you can. Learn about precision reloading.
I shot a Savage in our group matches last year and learned a lot. The mods I made that really helped are a light trigger 5 oz or less; 3" forend; anti cant bubble level; 36x scope; precision reloads. The rifle had a 12 twist, no turn, 6mmBR bbl on it when I got it. I heartily recommend a similar set up for any newbie.
Keep going to the matches. Ask questions, nobody is born knowing this stuff. Start watching the flags. Upgrade your rifle and equipment as you can. Learn about precision reloading.
I shot a Savage in our group matches last year and learned a lot. The mods I made that really helped are a light trigger 5 oz or less; 3" forend; anti cant bubble level; 36x scope; precision reloads. The rifle had a 12 twist, no turn, 6mmBR bbl on it when I got it. I heartily recommend a similar set up for any newbie.
There are some really good books on the topic. I would recommend reading as many as possible. Read as many topics on the board as possible.
I struck up a friendship with a local gunsmith that builds bench rest guns, he built my varminter.
Use the ploy of having your hunting rifles worked on, trigger work, float the barrel and bed the action.
As some one suggested learn the craft of reloading. It will be a necessity for tight groups.
I've only shot two competitive shoots. Got my butt handed to me
but learned a bunch.
I struck up a friendship with a local gunsmith that builds bench rest guns, he built my varminter.
Use the ploy of having your hunting rifles worked on, trigger work, float the barrel and bed the action.
As some one suggested learn the craft of reloading. It will be a necessity for tight groups.
I've only shot two competitive shoots. Got my butt handed to me
but learned a bunch.
Moderator said:
MODERATOR: Jon, I wasn't being critical in the least. 2000 rounds per year might even be above average. Your point is well-taken that, regardless of the number, the costs add up.
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