Newbie Equipment Questions

[Phil3]

I am very new to all of this, but have a strong interest in benchrest shooting. I am looking to have some fun developing loads, shooting well, reading the wind, etc. Competition may come later, knowing modifications and more investment will come with it. For now, I do need some guidance on equipment to get off on the right foot.

I am concentrating on 200 yard shooting as that is all the San Francisco bay area offers, unless I drive 115 miles to a 1000 yard range. I am not sure what caliber and twist would work best at 200 yards. Rifles under consideration.

Savage F Class – 30” barrel:
6mmBR - 8” twist.

Savage Long Range Precision Varminter,LRPV) - 26" barrel:
204 - 12” twist
22-250 - 9” or 12” twist
223 - 7” or 9” twist
6mmBR - 12” twist

Any other comments on these two rifles,and scope for 200 yards) are welcome.

Thanks,

- Phil

 

[Forum Boss]

Phil,

If you're really limited to 200 yards I would suggest purchasing a used PPC. You can get a really nice gun for $1500-1600 less optics. Barrel may be a little long in the tooth, but would still probably give you enough accuracy to win club-level matches.

If you go with a new build I might suggest a 15-16 lb 6BR. Very versatile. With 8-twist it will still shoot both the 100-grainers and the lighter bullets,e.g. Berger 80s) really well.

But for the 200-yard game its hard to beat a PPC. There's one for sale on the board now with McMillan Edge stock and Viper Drop Port--a nice set-up.

 

[Phil3]

I know the 6PPC is THE round for 200 yards, but the gun price is much higher. From what I have found, ammunition costs are quite a bit higher than anything else I listed, plus it is time consuming to prepare.

I considered the 6mmBR because Lapua brass is readily available and pretty usable as is, but the round seems like overkill for 200 yards and may offer no advantage over a 223. ??? What round is next most accurate vs a PPC at 200 yards?

As a new person, it may wise for me not to jump in at the deep end of the pool with a pricey custom gun, but start with something that I can upgrade as interest develops. For instance, can I get a Savage action, custom stock and barrel, and the switch to 6PPC barrel later if desired? Sorry, I am not sure you can switch to PPC without a lot of work or not.

Clearly though, competition will require top drawer components in 6PPC, and if my interest is that deep, I wouldn't mind selling off my first rifle and investing in the custom rig.

Thoughts?

- Phil

 

[HPMike800]

Phil:
It's just my $0.02 -
Get the Savage F-Class in 6BR and learn to reload, shoot a little bench and a little f-class. There was one for sale on Benchrest Central for $850.00 a month ago. You'll decide which way to go when you get exposure.

Start competing as soon as you get the gun. Don't wait, you learn much more when every shot counts.

Mike

 

[Twud]

Phil,
If your planning to shoot to B/R accuracy levels you need to plan on reloading. I've heard that Lapua factory ammo is good and it may or may not shoot in a Savage.
Get your self a reloading amnual and read the front section on basic reloading.
I'm working up loads right now for a custom varminter in 6 BR
1/12 twist for shooting 68-80 grain bullets. I fully expect the gun to put 3 shots in 1 ragged hole at 100 yards. It should shoot in the low 2's at 200.
You will find that accuracy becomes progressively more expensive.

 

[jb1000br]

Phil,

"Nate Haler" on this forum,and others) may be able to advise you on shooting locations as well as mentor you on things out that way.

Last I knew he was still in that area.

Contact him thru the forum.

JB

 

[bkmilw]

If you switch a savage,6br) or whatever you'll need a different bolt face Im pretty sure but I would think that would be it other than barrel.

 

[jo191145]

To learn 200yds with I'd suggest the LRPV 12 twist. Thats all you need to start learning. If Savage is offering these in repeaters I'd suggest the single shot version. Much easier to bed and eventually thats part of the learning process.

To convert any Savage M-12 action to 6ppc you will need a new bolt head. Only place to get them already made is SharpShooter supply. That I'm aware of anyways.

In reality if you ever get real serious and desire to go 6ppc and compete Nationally you'll already have figured out "custom" is the only way to go.

Nothing wrong with learning the basics on a factory gun. You just may find its all you ever want or need.

 

[Phil3]

Phil
I live in Santa Rosa and shoot in Sacramento most of the time.I am usually at Circle S Ranch in Two Rock every sunday of the month when there is no match.I willbe there this sunday unless it is raining and will have a couple 6BR's and a pair of 300 Ackley heavyguns with me for 600,1000 yard shooting.
You are welcome to try any of my guns.You can't miss us at the range.We usually get there when the wind starts blowing around 11 AM and the guns are truly one of a kind.
The rangemaster knows us very well.
Lynn

Lynn,

Your offer is fantastically generous! And of course, I will be there. I must tell you I am VERY new and uninformed on long range shooting, and the amount of information to know is daunting. Translated, I have about three billion questions, but will be mindful of your time, making an effort to to observe and learn without being a pest. So, I am hopeful you can put up with a self admitted newbie.

- Phil