Seeking an inherently accurate larger cartridge for bench.

[VaniB]

My shooting is done verly slow and methodical at 100 yards from off of a bench with an iron rest, adjustable cradle, 24X scope, carefully crafted hand loads, and wind flags. However, I am NOT using an actual benchrest gun. I would best describe the heft and barrel contour of my custom rigs as being in the class of Sendero Varmint style rifles or Remington Police rifles. Therefore, I don't expect to shoot sub 1/4" groups with them, and I am quite content with 5 shot sub 1/2" groups.

The reason why I don't post this sought of question in the "general" or "big-stuff" forums, is because of the amount of hunters and casual shooters who would reply. I have YET in all the years I've gone to the public range ever seen the everyday "hunter" or weekend shooter put a single 1/2" MOA 5 shot cluster on their target with their bolt action......never mind the 1/4" groups I seek.

And I don't think Van is interested in case forming or cares to spend hours prepping brass. ...... I believe he wants this new toy to shoot strickly for fun.....but he wants to be "the guy" at the local range that put groups down range well under .5 moa pretty much at will....barring tricky conditions.
The .308 gets you Lapua brass (2 versions)......not many of the other recommendations allow for quality off-the-shelf brass. If one does his homework, and gets the right reamer specs , there is no reason this varmint grade gun can't also shoot impressive 600 yard groups which will make the OP proud.....as long as Vani does his part in the learning curve. Maybe he will get the bug and pursue competition.

LH,

LOL.....yea....you got it half right! Yes, you are correct that I want to be "that guy" at the range, just like you want to be "that guy" at your competition meets. But I'll bet you, that both you and I take pride and joy in just knowing that we can do it.....even if nobody happens to be watching!

Where you guessed me wrong, is that I do a LOT of preperation. I'm talking annealing, bullet weighing, double weighing each charge, concentricity gage checking during and after case prep, bump gage checking, detailed note taking, wind flags, etc. And yes, I do seek Lapua brass over anything else. You know that you don't get this kind of group without some prep;


Here are the groups I shot yesterday with my 6.5 Creedmoor;


The 3/8" group next to the dime, and the 1/2" group on the right, are more normal for me then is the "bug hole" group in the top photo. And it is these 3/8" to 1/2" 5 shot groups is what I'm looking to produce again consistantly with my next rifle.

Here is the 6.5CM rifle that shot these groups. I custom made the stock to fit the fluted Brux barrel, and to accept a DM;



In an earlier post, I described my rifles as "varmint/police rigs". This rifle is not a bechrest rifle, and the Remington action is not blueprinted. While I'm not seeking competition groups in the 1's or 2's, I hope I can at least have the satisfaction of knowing that my rifles are a notch or two above the guns a couple of guys are suggesting I buy off the shelf at a store. I normally incorporate a jewel trigger, pillar bedding, and a flat bottom stock into my rigs for accuracy, as you see here;

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Nice job on the stock. For the accuracy you are seeking, most common calibers will suite you. Lately I have been wanting a 6.5x47L, why? I don't know, I just kinda want one.

 

[thekriebles]

If you want to try a slightly unique wildcat cartridge, then perhaps the 30HBR (Hunter Benchrest). The 30 HBR is a full-length 308 Win. with a 30° shoulder and less body taper than standard 308 Win. And as one member mentioned, you have Lapua brass to use in small or large rifle primer.

 

[lawman29]

precise groups shot inaccurately.....

p.s. take the sling studs off.

 

[DR1586]

Cut the guy some slack. He could have been testing loads and didn't want to jack with the dope for his primary load. The gun might be a field rifle and the sling swivels may serve a purpose. Not everyone shoots free recoil and worries about tracking.

 

[Medic505]

Great looking stock and a nice rig!

 

[VaniB]

precise groups shot inaccurately.....

p.s. take the sling studs off.

Not that I shoot free recoil, but I do always take the front sling stud off at the range, feed cartridges into the chamber singly by hand, and flip up the scope covers so I can see through the scope. I also prefer to leave the shaky glass patio table at home and use the bench provided at the range. But, thanks for the compliment.


Ok gentleman. I'm leaning heavily toward the 284Win as my next cartridge. It was already a strong favorite of mine before I chose the 6.5CM, and I see it's a choice being mentioned more then once on this thread. The 300WSM is probably a bit more blast then I can enjoy, and I have fired the hand loaded .308 case too many times in an AR Krieger Obermyer barrel for it to appeal as something new anymore. I was looking for reinforcement for a 284Win case here, and I think I found it. A custom reamer cut by Dave around the 162Amax will likely suit me well.

I appreciate the help.

 

[VaniB]

Great looking stock and a nice rig!

In this forum, I'm mingling with the big boys and can't expect any special treatment you know.
I'm guessing that you and zfast are just offering your compliments out of pity for me, aren't you?

I'll take it!!!!!!!!!! ;D

Thanks.