Received my first custom rifle today!! with 300yd groups.

[BlackHawk95]

Well after a 10 month wait it finally arrived. My first ever custom rifle. I got the barreled action from Lawton and had it sent to Alex Sitman at Master Class stocks for the stock and bedding. So when it arrived and i got to look at it. I though wow, this thig ought to shoot.. I had the 6.5 x 47 Lapua reamer sent to Lawton for chambering. its a no turn .120' freebore setup for either 123 Scenars or 130 VLD's

The action is soo smooth its like glass sliding in and out. Im thouroughly impressed with the action and barrel. I cleaned the barrel and shot one round out of it. When I cleaned it, it one of the smoothest barrels too.

Also, Alex Sitman is great to work with. And the F-class stock fits so well. and the workmanship is outstanding. I would definately recommend him for stock work

Heres the specs,
Lawton M7500 1.450' dia. w/ fluted bolt
30' Lawton 3 groove cut rifled 6.5 fluted barrel
Jewell 8 oz. trigger
Master Class F-Class stock with adj. cheek piece and 3 way butt plate.

Heres a few pics. As you can see, its now time I upgrade my rest and rear bag!! Now all i need to do is get the scope mounted and see what she'll do.

Jerid

 

[RonRouse]

Blackhawk, that is one super nice rig--I am full of envy. Keep us posted on how she shoots. Bug holes to ya?

 

[BlackHawk95]

Ron,

Thanks alot. Yeah, I cant wait to get my scope on and see what happens.

 

[GermanS1]

That's a great looking rifle, Jerid! Alex always does beautiful work. Let us know how it does in the matches. What scope are you going to use? When's the first range session planned for? Exciting times...:thumb:

 

[DukeDuke]

That is beautiful!

 

[BlackHawk95]

German,

Ive got a Nightforce NSX 8-32 with the NPR2 reticle. Im hoping to be able to purchase some rings locally this weekend. I dont know when Ill enter a match. I havent shot a match befor. I can shoot out to 400 on my land. Hopefully by middle next week Ill have an idea of how it shoots.


Jerid

 

[MT300RUM]

Yeah buddy, She's lookin good Jerid, now lets see some pics with the nightforce??????

 

[BlackHawk95]

Thats what Im workin on. Hopefully have it on tonite.

Jerid

 

[BlackHawk95]

Finally got a chance to work on a load this morning. I was using the Berger 120gr boat tails as Ive ran out of 123gr Scenars. I laoded up the rounds using RE-15 with charges from 37.2 to 38.0gr. These were shot at 275yd. So far this is the best Ive ever shot! the 5 group average was .716' with 2 terrible froups in there.

Im having a hard time deciding which load to try some more. 37.2, 37.4 or 38.0? Iv not played with seating depth any either. What should be my next step?

Jerid

 

[Sendero_man]

You are getting some vertical on your lower charges, I would stay with 38 and possibly bump it a little if no pressure signs.

The 38 grain group shows the most promise. Where you in the lands ? How did you determine your seating depth ?

 

[BlackHawk95]

I was thinking the 38.0 looked liek a better grouping myself. The distance was Lasered at 279yds.

on the seating depth, I had the piece that was cut off the end of the barrel and ran the reamer into it. Those were set about .015' off the lands. I need to get a modified case so I can actually keep track where the throat is.

So far thats the best Ive ever shot at that distance. I still cant help but think a better rear bag and front rest I could pick up, if not more accuracy but consistancy.

Thanks,

Jerid

 

[tbeasley]

Jerid
Sweet lookin rig and a fine caliber to boot. Now with that being said and not raining on your parade, I need to recommend some ideas...
1)The front rest is o.k....but I would drape some sandbags on the legs just to add weight+stabilize the rest and I would 100% change the bag either to a SEB or Edgewood. I espically like the cordura bags.
2)The rear bag..change it too to a Protecktor or Edgewood.

Adding these items alone will improve the groups espically when you stretch this rig out. Remeber when testing bullets on paper, make sure your holding, applying pressure, and letting the gun recoil the same nearly identical to the last shot and shot before and etc,etc..... I personally didn't know how much having the right bag for the game meant until last year. When you can keep groups hoovering around 3/4' @ 400yds. Bags make that much difference.

O'yea..keep trying the 38.0gr load and also try the first one too. Slower might be the best for that powder/barrel/bullet combo.

 

[BlackHawk95]

Tbeasley,

Thanks alot for the help. Ive been working on my rest and bag setup a little at a time. And it seems to be helping.

From what i can tell, the gun is not tracking straight i the rear bag. I have to re-adjust the windage each shot. And when i get setup behind the gun and touch the stock with my shoulder I can see the crosshairs moving side to side. So i have too steer it a little bit.

As soon as I can im going to get a Protektor with the base and cordura ears. and see if I can modify my rest some more.

Thanks Again,

Jerid

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

Ahhhh, the joy of your first true custom rifle. It's almost as exciting as your first marriage...

 

[JLT]

Very nice piece, there. And it shoots, too!

Salud!

 

[boltfluter]

Beautiful rifle and great shooting on your part. Definitely a tac driver.
Very cool.

Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[Rope2horns]

I'm sure the OP has wore the barrel out by now,,,,,almost a 8yo thread.

 

[wholman]

I bet he is on his 5th berral by now.