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Newbie looking to get into bench rest shooting

I am looking to get into bench rest shooting for fun and need some help selecting a gun and equipment. I would be looking to compete in my local clubs stock class gun class to start out. I currently do not have any bolt action rifles so I would need to get a stock class rifle to shoot the 100 & 200 yard match. I also just have some basic reloading equipment. I was thinking about getting a Savage 6br ? What kind of groupings can I get with this gun? What else would you recommend?
 
First off, if you aren't required to have a factory rifle, I wouldn't go down that road.

There are TONS of used 6PPC custom rifles on here and the Benchrest.com classifieds. Go that route if you can. It will be a gift that keeps giving.

In addition to a rifle, in no particular order, you'll need:

1. Optics. 36 power minimum. The Weaver T-36 or the new XR in 46 power are a good place to start.

2. A reloading press.

3. A FL die and a seater die.

4. I recommend that you buy your first set of brass already prepared. P1 Zombie Killer on here does a good job. As do others. This is assuming that you have a custom, tight-neck chamber.

5. A decent set of calipers and a micrometer.

6. A front rest and a rear bag.

7. Good bullets. Barts, Knight, Yadda, yadda. Don't skimp.

8. Powder. H322, LT-32, N-133 are all good. The 322 will get problematic in hot weather.

9. Wind flags. I'd start out with surveyor's tape on top of snow poles, just to get started. Better yet, share a bench with someone that already has them.

10. Tony Boyer's "The Book of Rifle Accuracy".

I'm sure that I'm missing things, but that'll get the conversation started.

Looks like you're in Ohio. I'm just south of Dayton. I'd be happy to help out.
 
OK, some more:

11. Bore guide for your action.

12. Cleaning rod, jag, brushes, solvents, patches, etc.

13. Three bath towels for your bench.

14. Maybe a shooting stool. I shot off a cheap drummer's throne for years.
 
Eric1231 said:
I am looking to get into bench rest shooting for fun and need some help selecting a gun and equipment. I would be looking to compete in my local clubs stock class gun class to start out. I currently do not have any bolt action rifles so I would need to get a stock class rifle to shoot the 100 & 200 yard match. I also just have some basic reloading equipment. I was thinking about getting a Savage 6br ? What kind of groupings can I get with this gun? What else would you recommend?

Well, my first suggestion is to not even buy anything just yet. I strongly suggest you attend one of your clubs "stock class" competitions. Vuolenteer some time for the event and just ask questions and make some friends. Problem is you want to compete but have nothing for equipment. It's easy for an experienced member to tell you you need "this , that, 5 of those... and so on when in fact you might not. I would suggest .223 before any of the 6mm's simply from and economical standpoint. Sounds like your only interested in causal weekend club events which I think your wasting money gearing up and spending money on more top level competition equipment. This is especially true of your only going to be shooting out to 200 yards. Which ever rout you take, you definitely want to embark in hand loading. My simple opinion is find a used Savage 10 or a Rem 700 varmint in .223 with a 12 to 18x scope , get a Rock Chucker Master reloading kit, Lyman's 49th edition for loading, a good rest , a good set of dial calipers and you should be up and shooting. But back to my first comment, get involved in your specific club's event, learn the rules ask the experts so you buy the best fitting equipment the first time... good luck !
 
The learning curve is much shorter if you start with a rifle that can teach you to read conditions (i.e., wind). A used BR rifle is the best way to do that. The default option is a used custom-actioned light varmint (10.5 pound) rifle in 6PPC. Drop Bob White a line -- he can fix you up with everything you need for a reasonable price. And should you decide that this sport isn't for you, you can re-sell the stuff you bought for about what you paid for it.

theshooterscorner.com

If you already had a rifle suitable for shooting in the factory class my advice would have been different.
 
There are a bunch in the Benchrest.com classifieds right now.
 
#1 should be to find a mentor. Greg J. offered to help. You should definitely take him up on his offer.

Good Shooting

Rich
 
I would take a slightly different route, you are in a club, that is a good start. I had been on ROTC rifle team in high school and shot on team in 81st inf div - Garand days. some pistol comp locally.

I was "unlearned" as a BR shooter, didn't even know what it was, Al Angerman, a fine BR shooter whom I met at the range, invited me to his home to watch him load, make 224 bullets on B& A dies and clean his rifles after they had been shot.

-learned something of the loading process
-learned something of the cleaning process
-learned something of the precision needed in bullets
-we talked a lot and he was gracious to allow me to shoot one of his HV rifles, from his rest, with his loads, using his flags,

1st group I had ever shot in the .200's

That said,- get to the range, pick a shooter you know and ask him to help you learn, I will be very surprised if you are turned down.

once you have some knowledge and have had a chance to shoot a borrowed rifle for a match or even just in practice, you will then be in a better position to decide what to buy, what is needed, and where to start within your club, your $ availability and based on your willing to get in for fun, or "very very serious.

What ever, you decide, is then based on some personal evaluation of your starting point
Bob
 
GSPV said:
Looks like you're in Ohio. I'm just south of Dayton. I'd be happy to help out.

If there is anyway you can take Greg up on his offer. You should.
No way to place a value on having someones help getting started
 
Find out what rifle you can actually shoot in your club matches. And take Greg up on his offer. Someone that can show you the ropes will not only save you money but will reduce the learning curve dramatically.
 
You stated "stock class" so I assume you mean "Factory class".
Sako 6 PPC's can be found that shoot great.
Some clubs allow Rem. 40-XBR's. A 40-XBR in 6 BR would be
a great gun in factory class.
 
Here Here on Greg as a Mentor. He has taken a great deal of time to help me also new to this form of shooting.

Bob
 

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