Newbie Update and Question

[rix60]

Hello all,
A few of you may remember my misguided attempt back in November of last year (2012) to squeeze some accuracy out of (don't laugh) a DPMS AR15.

After a bit of expense, and a great gnashing of teeth . . . I purchased a Rem700 in .308! I've been using either Federal Gold Match ammo, or reloading the Federal brass using Federal match primers, 168 grain Sierra Match King BTHP heads sitting on top of 26 grains of Varget. They are averaging about 2650 fps. My optic is a "decent" Nikon M223 that I appropriated from the AR fiasco.

Well, two days ago was a red-letter day for me. I placed 2 out of 3 rounds on a 6" plate at 550 yards; the first time I've done that, the group was under two inches, and the miss was just barely outside of the group. Temp was 89F, humidity was in the low 90%, and wind was coming from directly behind me at less than 5mph (the only environmental challenges were the helicopter-size mosquitoes!). Anyway, I have a couple of questions.

1. I know nothing about benchrest competition, what kind of groups, at what distances are considered competitive?

2. I know it's not a contender, but does anyone have any experience with the Nikon BDC reticles? Do you have any idea how much area the "donuts" subtend at various ranges, or any reference points on the reticle I can use to convert to mildot?

Thanks again for all the incredible advice and support you guys offered earlier. Were it not for that, I doubt I would have pursued rifle shooting.

 

[fdshuster]

rix60: Kind of tough to come up with a "standard" since there are so many different types of competition.

In our local Hunter for score match's, using the regulation IBS targets for 1 & 200 yards, but fired at 1 & 200 meters, to be in the top 3 scores you (and the rifle/ammo) must hold 25 shots for score in a 1/2" dia. bull. At 200 the same requirements but with a 1" dia. bull. To score an "X" the bullet hole must touch a tiny center dot.

At our longer distance match's, using club targets, an approx. 1/2" 10 ring at 100, 1" at 2 & 300, and a 2" at 4 & 500, all meters.

In F-Class F/TR, which your 308 would be legal for (according to cartridge requirements) the 10 ring is 6" in dia. with a 3" dia. "X" ring, all at 600 yards.

So, that's just a few of the "For Score" match's examples, at least what I'm familiar with. There's a lot of choices, so take your pick.

Incidently, I hope the 26 grs. of Varget was a typo? Should be closer to 45 or 46 grs.

p.s.: I had one of the Nikon scopes when they first became available with the "donuts". Did not like it. The "donuts" were too large and frequently covered the aiming point. A good scope for hunting, but not the best for precise target work JMO.

 

[GSPV]

You might ask around about tactical or sniper matches. Your rifle would be a good starter in those formats.

 

[rix60]

Thanks guys!

fdshuster . . . yep fat fingers, late night - 46gr of Varget not 26!!

 

[B Mize]

Nikon has an app for the BDC reticle. You put in your load data and it will show your where to hold for different distances.

 

[rix60]

I use Nikon's app pretty regularly, it's called "Spot On" and comes fairly close to real-world application. I've found that some tweaking is required to obtain a decent zero.

Still, my desire is to develop a MOA or mildot relationship to the BDC reticle. I KNOW it exists, I just lack the experience to figure it out!