What is a good goal in 600 yard br?

[Falfan2017]

I've just gotten into 600 br in the last few months and shot a couple matches. What is a good goal for consistent group size at matches? The club I shoot at is not very competitive usually the winner has a 5 shot group from 2.5" to 3.5". I've shot a couple in that range as well using a savage target action criterion barrel with lapua brass.
What does it take to get to 1.5"? Is that reasonable with my equipment and experience level?
Not trying to beat Bart's record right away but I want know know what to shoot for.

 

[Immike]

I've just gotten into 600 br in the last few months and shot a couple matches. What is a good goal for consistent group size at matches? The club I shoot at is not very competitive usually the winner has a 5 shot group from 2.5" to 3.5". I've shot a couple in that range as well using a savage target action criterion barrel with lapua brass.
What does it take to get to 1.5"? Is that reasonable with my equipment and experience level?
Not trying to beat Bart's record right away but I want know know what to shoot for.

I’ve seen savage shooting under 1” so it can be done. 2.0 to 3.0 is pretty sporty shooting! Rookie of the year is good goal in IBS

 

[Falfan2017]

I’ve seen savage shooting under 1” so it can be done. 2.0 to 3.0 is pretty sporty shooting! Rookie of the year is good goal in IBS

The biggest thing keeping me from being around 2" is my vertical spread. Most of my groups are 3" vertical groups. I got a comparator and realized my seating depths were not all consistent which I can fix but what else could I do to improve vertical?

 

[BT1]

Powder charge tests 0.2 gn increments to pick the best vertical, then seating depth test to round them off. 1.5" for just starting out is too much to wish for in an average. Yes, a few under 2" with good conditions is doable, but averaging 2" or under for a 4 target string is asking too much for now. Just go to as many matches as you can, have fun and ask questions. I bet you can get your vertical down in the 1" to 1.5" range with a bit of testing. Nothing wrong with a good Savage Target action. Barrels? you just never can tell with any rifle or action. The relatively poor trigger is usually the only feature not in Savages favor.

 

[dkhunt14]

The biggest thing keeping me from being around 2" is my vertical spread. Most of my groups are 3" vertical groups. I got a comparator and realized my seating depths were not all consistent which I can fix but what else could I do to improve vertical?

Powder, seating depth, primer all play an important part of vertical. ES means very little, but actual seating depth and load mean more. Good bullets and the right kind and amount of powder. Matt

 

[Falfan2017]

Powder, seating depth, primer all play an important part of vertical. ES means very little, but actual seating depth and load mean more. Good bullets and the right kind and amount of powder. Matt

Using the hornady bthp 105s right now with varget but I'm not too impressed with those bullets. I'm going to switch to the Berger 105 or the sierra 107 and work up another load.

 

[mmcu]

Using the hornady bthp 105s right now with varget but I'm not too impressed with those bullets. I'm going to switch to the Berger 105 or the sierra 107 and work up another load.

Don't look past the Berger 108. This bullet is easy to tune and shoots quite well at the distance you're interested in.

 

[Falfan2017]

Powder charge tests 0.2 gn increments to pick the best vertical, then seating depth test to round them off. 1.5" for just starting out is too much to wish for in an average. Yes, a few under 2" with good conditions is doable, but averaging 2" or under for a 4 target string is asking too much for now. Just go to as many matches as you can, have fun and ask questions. I bet you can get your vertical down in the 1" to 1.5" range with a bit of testing. Nothing wrong with a good Savage Target action. Barrels? you just never can tell with any rifle or action. The relatively poor trigger is usually the only feature not in Savages favor.

Yes knowing what I know now I would have gotten an action that uses remington triggers. Have a jewel on a different rifle and it's night and day to the savage.

 

[retired]

what do you have for a front rest ?
rear bag ?
scope ?
it is a shooting system, it all counts

 

[Falfan2017]

what do you have for a front rest ?
rear bag ?
scope ?
it is a shooting system, it all counts

Bald eagle rest with doctor big rear bag. Sightron 10-50 siii scope. I think the weak part of my game is the ammo I'm making and the competitions are shot from wooden tables that move around a bit.
For reloading I'm using a hornady fl bushing sizer on a lee classic turret. I think upgrading the die and press may help with consistency. Using the wilson seater and a hand primer which both seem to work well.

 

[Terry]

It depends on the conditions at your range. Not all ranges have conditions that produce sub 2" groups.
If 2.5" to 3" wins at your range, that should be the goal. Once you have achieved that you will better understand what it takes to shoot 2" or less. Everyone concentrates on powder charge and seating depth. Table manners and reading the wind have a large impact. Learn how you can setup your rifle to track and handle well in the baggs. Try different technique to find what works well with that rifle.

 

[retired]

is this the aluminum rest ?
if so, save up for a sinclair competition rest.
big heavy rests resist movement, and will help with uniformity.
i just added a 20 lb plate to the bottom of my sinclair,

Bald eagle rest with doctor big rear bag. Sightron 10-50 siii scope. I think the weak part of my game is the ammo I'm making and the competitions are shot from wooden tables that move around a bit.
For reloading I'm using a hornady fl bushing sizer on a lee classic turret. I think upgrading the die and press may help with consistency. Using the wilson seater and a hand primer which both seem to work well.

 

[BT1]

It depends on the conditions at your range. Not all ranges have conditions that produce sub 2" groups.
If 2.5" to 3" wins at your range, that should be the goal. Once you have achieved that you will better understand what it takes to shoot 2" or less. Everyone concentrates on powder charge and seating depth. Table manners and reading the wind have a large impact. Learn how you can setup your rifle to track and handle well in the baggs. Try different technique to find what works well with that rifle.

Ya, what Terry says. In trying to help new shooters I see many problems with their bag and rest set-up. In addition, gun handling after you break your shot. Find a way to hold the gun while you reload. Try to minimize movement, will get you back on target with the least rest adjustment. Find a shooter that is willing to sit down with you to go over the basic bench set-up. Most are happy to help a new shooter.

Steve

 

[MarkS]

Bald eagle rest with doctor big rear bag. Sightron 10-50 siii scope. I think the weak part of my game is the ammo I'm making and the competitions are shot from wooden tables that move around a bit.
For reloading I'm using a hornady fl bushing sizer on a lee classic turret. I think upgrading the die and press may help with consistency. Using the wilson seater and a hand primer which both seem to work well.

I would get a Wilson seater and arbor press. If you are shooting a 6BR get a Harrell F/L die that matches your chamber. https://harrellsprec.com/index.php/products/full-length-die

Mark Schronce