using a F-Class stock for practical ELR shooting

[bsumoba]

So I have a 284 Shehane with Bat M action and PR&T lowboy stock, but was wondering if this would be weird for taking out to say BLM land and do so ELR shooting out to say a mile in its current configuration. Right now, its setup for F-Class. NF Competition Scope. If its not weird, then I would get something like the Sinclair F-Class bipod insetead of the std f-class rest.

The other option is to get a different stock (Manners, McMillan, etc) and maybe even a different barrel in the same caliber but with a lighter contour like a MTU rather than my F-class barrel, which is a sledgehammer.

what do you think?

 

[xswanted]

I say go shoot.

 

[TonyR]

Interesting problem. I've never shot that far but it seems like the cartridge is likely to get there barely super-sonic with a 180 Hybrid at 2900 fps MV. I think the bigger issue could be the + 65 to 75 MOA elevation from a 100 yard zero needed to get there. It also might be worth spending time with the new Berger Twist Rate calculator to make sure you have enough twist to retain the bullet's BC into the transonic range. If the BC decreases too much as the bullet slows down, you might go sub-sonic with a bullet that was not designed to do that. Otherwise, I can't see how an F-Class stock and front rest wouldn't work as well or better than anything else.

 

[bsumoba]

I could also get a mag bolt which bruno has in stock and maybe run something like a 7 SAUM or 300 WSM. Since I have a Long Action, hell....I could even go 338 Lapua Mag ;D...but at $2.50/round (and thats reloading the sucker), it could get expensive.

Would a laminate stock even be able to handle a 338LP? I would be putting a brake on it anyway so that will reduce the recoil a lot. Everyone shooting around me will hate me.

 

[mysticplayer]

To the orig question, if it shoots well at 1k, keep going. Accurate rifles are accurate rifles at all distances and heading to the mile will need all the goodness you can get your hands on.

As for bullets, some will and some will not go subsonic. Forget about a bigger case. The difference in actual distance before you go subsonic only extends a short distance for burning alot more powder.

Low vertical is absolutely critical and a smaller case makes it easier to tune.

Whatever bullet you use, run ballistic table to see where it goes subsonic (under 1200fps), shoot at that distance then 200yds further. The bullet will either track or "dissappear". Kind of obvious when a bullet starts to wobble and tumble. I use 200yds cause it gives the bullet enough time to shows its true colours.

If it reaches the further distance, then the bullet can go as far as you have elevation and real estate to shoot.

Elevation now becomes the next hurdle.. not magnification. I can highly recommend the SIII6-24X50 LRMOA scopes. With 100mins of useable adjustment, burris sig zee rings and a canted base, you can reach out without much fuss.

With these scopes, we can see the dust kicked up at 1 mile easily from most larger bore bullets.

So if there was anything to change to make this type of shooting easier, I would look at the optics so you have enough travel then just send a few bullets.

As for rests, if you can haul your pedestal rest out, use it. What helps you hit that 1/2 min X ring will serve you well when distances almost double.

If you don't want to carry a big rest, consider the MPOD. As light as a Harris and pretty darn close to a pedestal rest for tracking and stability. We have used it for years on all sorts of rifles from F TR's to boomers for ELR shooting. It works.

Good luck with your adventure.

Jerry