Wheeler built 2500X 22LR Bench Rifle

[Dave Way]

I just got to shoot this brand new 22 benchrest rifle that Alex built for me. The components are a Holeshot 2500X right bolt, left port action. Muller Works 16 twist, 8 groove barrel. Holeshot tuner. Bix-N-Andy trigger. Rotex stock. Leupold 40X in Talley rings.

To say I was impressed with the quality of the action and the accuracy of the rifle would be an understatement. I shot five different lots of Lapua Midas, Lapua Long Range and Lapua Super Long Range ammunition. At 50 yards all the groups were pretty tight. I was shooting in some wind, using flags. One lot seemed to stand out so I put a target at 100 yards and shot three rounds in it as aiming points. I shot three five shot groups with the last 15 rounds of that lot that I had with me. All 3 groups were under 1/2” and they were getting tighter as I moved the tuner! I will need to continue with the tuner at a later date.

I have never received a rifle from Alex that didn’t shoot incredibly well and this one is no exception. I’m just getting into the 22 world so I don’t know if this is good, great or excellent accuracy but it seems pretty accurate to me. Hopefully some will chime in and tell me how this rifle stacks up against similar rifles.

 

[Fuj]

Ridgway battle plans ??

 

[Iowa Fox]

Those are nice groups for 100

 

[Ranger188]

Those are good groups for 50 yds. let alone 100 yds.

 

[Dave Way]

Those are good groups for 50 yds. let alone 100 yds.

These were all at 50 yards. They could have been better but I was just getting used to the trigger and everything. Five different lots of Lapua.

 

[Ranger188]

Looks like a shooter.
Sometimes I like shooting my 22 better than my centerfires.
Especially when they shoot like that.
You'll need to season the barrel with the ammo that shoots the best.
As you've found out, some are "oilier" that others. Don't want to mix-n-match.
You'll be taking it out to 150 and 200 next.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Everything looks great about that setup. I bet the extra trigger time means something too.

 

[BP1]

I just got to shoot this brand new 22 benchrest rifle that Alex built for me. The components are a Holeshot 2500X right bolt, left port action. Mueller Works 16 twist, 8 groove barrel. Holeshot tuner. Bix-N-Andy trigger. Rotex stock. Leupold 40X in Talley rings.

To say I was impressed with the quality of the action and the accuracy of the rifle would be an understatement. I shot five different lots of Lapua Midas, Lapua Long Range and Lapua Super Long Range ammunition. At 50 yards all the groups were pretty tight. I was shooting in some wind, using flags. One lot seemed to stand out so I put a target at 100 yards and shot three rounds in it as aiming points. I shot three five shot groups with the last 15 rounds of that lot that I had with me. All 3 groups were under 1/2” and they were getting tighter as I moved the tuner! I will need to continue with the tuner at a later date.

I have never received a rifle from Alex that didn’t shoot incredibly well and this one is no exception. I’m just getting into the 22 world so I don’t know if this is good, great or excellent accuracy but it seems pretty accurate to me. Hopefully some will chime in and tell me how this rifle stacks up against similar rifles.

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Get ready to pull your hair out!

 

[linekin]

looks like a nice shooting rifle. If you really want to know how it stacks up it needs to go to a ARA or IR50 match. Plenty of IR50 around you in PA.
If you gotta know this winter look to Luray, VA & shoot it IR 50 indoors.
I have no doubt it'll be competitive.

 

[bozo699]

Dave, nice write up!… great looking rifle and stellar groups!…. When Alex posted his first Rimfire build post I knew I had to have one your post just sealed the deal! I need to start gathering components. I just recently decided to get into Rimfire, I played with my Kimber and cooper and they shot so well I decided to buy a cz 457 bought a area 419 rail for it but have yet mounted a scope or fired a shot through it!…. After seeing your setup I may never take it outta the box.
Wayne

 

[R.Morehouse]

Nice write-up and a VERY cool gun. Whose tuner is that?

Regards
Rick

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I dont think its possible for anyone to send a rifle to Dave that doesnt shoot. He just has a knack for it. Im glad I got into the rimfire stuff. I dont have any interest in rimfire competition but its taught me a lot about bench manners and I get a lot more trigger time. Its a great tool to learn wind flags with as well. It should make me a better center fire shooter. That was really why I built mine. I normally sell every gun I build eventually and Dave was going to get mine but I said you should start gathering parts, I think Im keeping this one

 

[Dave Way]

Nice write-up and a VERY cool gun. Whose tuner is that?

Regards
Rick

Holeshot tuner.

 

[Thauglor]

Nice write-up and a VERY cool gun. Whose tuner is that?

Regards
Rick

In the OP he mentions it us a holeshot tuner

 

[Dave Way]

I tested three lots of Lapua Super Long Range today. This lot looked really good so I bought a case. It’s a blast shooting this rifle over wind flags. It’s amazing how little wind it takes to move the bullet at 100 yards. I was having to hold off today to finish up groups. That’s when it’s the most fun.



Thanks again Alex.
Dave.

 

[bozo699]

I tested three lots of Lapua Super Long Range today. This lot looked really good so I bought a case. It’s a blast shooting this rifle over wind flags. It’s amazing how little wind it takes to move the bullet at 100 yards. I was having to hold off today to finish up groups. That’s when it’s the most fun.

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Thanks again Alex.
Dave.

That above And beyond Awesome Dave!… As you test more keep us posted I for one am very interested in your new rifle
Wayne

 

[Vin81]

I tested three lots of Lapua Super Long Range today. This lot looked really good so I bought a case. It’s a blast shooting this rifle over wind flags. It’s amazing how little wind it takes to move the bullet at 100 yards. I was having to hold off today to finish up groups. That’s when it’s the most fun.

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Thanks again Alex.
Dave.

Nice shooting! My .22 will be coming next week from Alex. Pretty similar build. I cant wait.

 

[Dave Way]

This lot of Lapua Super Long Range is 34 speed (334 meters per second). That equals 1,095 fps. I ran it over the Oehler 35P at 1,088 fps at 37 degrees. Extreme spread was 18 fps.(10 rounds)

 

[Dave Way]

looks like a nice shooting rifle. If you really want to know how it stacks up it needs to go to a ARA or IR50 match. Plenty of IR50 around you in PA.
If you gotta know this winter look to Luray, VA & shoot it IR 50 indoors.
I have no doubt it'll be competitive.

I may just do that. Can you provide a contact for the range in Luray, VA? No better way to learn than to just jump in.

Thanks,
Dave.

 

[linekin]

I may just do that. Can you provide a contact for the range in Luray, VA? No better way to learn than to just jump in.

Thanks,
Dave.

Unfortunately the IR50 site doesn't have the '24 schedule up yet. The only thing I found that may help is the club's FB page.

Piney Hill Benchrest Club & Range | Luray VA

Piney Hill Benchrest Club & Range, Luray. 154 likes · 6 talking about this. Piney Hill Benchrest Club & Range is an indoor 22LR bolt action benchrest range located in Luray, VA.

www.facebook.com

There is an email listed for a contact with their upcoming schedule.
Hope you're able to make some matches.
Keith