It all depens what you want! Do you want a .2-.3 moa 18-25 lbs f-class type rifle? Or do you want something that is less precise and more versatile? Something you could dip your feet with in competition see if it's your cup of tea, have fun at at the range or outdoor or even hunt with? I got a 3500$ rig that weights around 12.5 lbs that i, a poor novice shot, shot 0.68 moa with... it's all up to you see what you want.
more gun or more glass?
- Thread starter krausb
- Start date
Sounds like you're going down the right path! A tikka in 223 with a sightron s3 will be a great start (8-32 idea). The lee breech lock kit is your basic starter kit, the rcbs rock chucker would get my vote for buy once. The ultimate press would be the Forster coax. Either kit will work, I'm not to sure the Forster comes in a starter kit. The lee or rcbs with a set of redding competition dies will get you going. Don't cheap out on dies. Reloading will likely get just as addicting as shooting tiny groups.
Trying to make a precision rifle out of a Remington or a Savage, or a Tika is like trying to make a race car out of Chev or Ford to compete against purpose-built race cars.
Buy a single shot precision action. You can buy a used target rifle for a starter.
A purpose built action will have a thicker wall (stiffer) and just an ejection port (stiffer). The single shot action allows the entire bottom of the action to be bedded. This enhances stability and repeatability. For any caliber bigger than 243, you want a third action screw (in the middle of the action) to reduce wear and tear on the bedding.
I smile when guys talk about their 0.5" groups. First a small group does you no good if it is not in the middle of the target. This is where a strong, stiff action in a well bedded stock come is.
Second, 5 shot groups at 100 mean squat. Will the rifle group at 600? 900? A group at 100 does not predict accuracy at the distances that matter.
Groups need to be 10 shots. This is a better predictor of how the rifle performs. Matches are 10 shots, minimum.
Look for a Barnard, Paramount, Musgrave or RPA action. It will probably com in a good stock. Fit the barrel/caliber of your choice. I like 260 Ackley for accuracy and good barrel life. Buy a quality custom barrel, fitted by a gunsmith that knows this game.
If the rifle comes with a good 308 barrel, test that. It might be a good place to start.
Buy a single shot precision action. You can buy a used target rifle for a starter.
A purpose built action will have a thicker wall (stiffer) and just an ejection port (stiffer). The single shot action allows the entire bottom of the action to be bedded. This enhances stability and repeatability. For any caliber bigger than 243, you want a third action screw (in the middle of the action) to reduce wear and tear on the bedding.
I smile when guys talk about their 0.5" groups. First a small group does you no good if it is not in the middle of the target. This is where a strong, stiff action in a well bedded stock come is.
Second, 5 shot groups at 100 mean squat. Will the rifle group at 600? 900? A group at 100 does not predict accuracy at the distances that matter.
Groups need to be 10 shots. This is a better predictor of how the rifle performs. Matches are 10 shots, minimum.
Look for a Barnard, Paramount, Musgrave or RPA action. It will probably com in a good stock. Fit the barrel/caliber of your choice. I like 260 Ackley for accuracy and good barrel life. Buy a quality custom barrel, fitted by a gunsmith that knows this game.
If the rifle comes with a good 308 barrel, test that. It might be a good place to start.
The 550B is a very precise tool, a semi progressive will reload very tight rounds, the longest is to adjust all your 4 stages, once it's done, a piece of cake, i weigh every rounds after and i may have to discard 5 out of 100 for weight difference... JP.
Thanks! That confirms what I was more or less thinking. And good to know about the dies. I will keep an eye out for the Redding competition dies. I can see how reloading can be an obsession of its own. So many variables to play with...
Mystic Precision
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Send me a pm for the list of gear I currently use... a wide assortment of brands but each item does a very good job and not always the most expensive.
Jerry
Jerry
All the info here for the most part seems pretty good. No matter what you end up getting, you'll always be looking at something new and improved, it's the gunnut sickness. Are you going to shoot prone or from a bench? Do you have any rests or bags yet?
Some of the replies here are from seasoned vets. I've only been at this precision thing for 2 years and I've made and paid for most rookie mistakes. If you have any questions feel free to pm me.
Some of the replies here are from seasoned vets. I've only been at this precision thing for 2 years and I've made and paid for most rookie mistakes. If you have any questions feel free to pm me.
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There is alot of excellent advice in this thread.
However, I would like to suggest another option for the 5K range for someone who is considering the Rob Furlong school for markmanship, I suggest going for more gun and decent glass. I suggest trying to scoop an AI on the EE for possibly about 45ish. Then go for less expensive, but good glass, like a SWFA for $500 or maybe a sightron or bushnell for about $1K. Then upgrade your scope at a later date at a later date as your tastes before more refined and as needed. I've seen guys on SH put SWFA scopes on there AI's so its not out of the question in my opinion. You won't regret buying a high end rifle, but I'd recommend by passing the 223 and going straight to a 308.
However, I would like to suggest another option for the 5K range for someone who is considering the Rob Furlong school for markmanship, I suggest going for more gun and decent glass. I suggest trying to scoop an AI on the EE for possibly about 45ish. Then go for less expensive, but good glass, like a SWFA for $500 or maybe a sightron or bushnell for about $1K. Then upgrade your scope at a later date at a later date as your tastes before more refined and as needed. I've seen guys on SH put SWFA scopes on there AI's so its not out of the question in my opinion. You won't regret buying a high end rifle, but I'd recommend by passing the 223 and going straight to a 308.
Cmon now, the AI is only a 0.5 moa or a bit better rifle. Might as well get the TRG if we're shopping for shotguns
Sorry, I had to pull that Joke lol.
Buy either one and find out for yourself!
Then the joke would be on you!
R.
Haha...TRG's and shotguns...funnyCmon now, the AI is only a 0.5 moa or a bit better rifle. Might as well get the TRG if we're shopping for shotguns
Sorry, I had to pull that Joke lol.
Btw, I couldn't help but notice that at the 2015 BCRA PR match this year that the top three competitors and the top team were all running AI's.
It's just a joke Rman, we already talked about this they are tactical rifles. And I do own an AI AW. Last time I tried the cgn online 0.5 moa challenge I had three groups in the mid .350's
Check it out, post #574 shot from bipod with rearbag. I will try again later this summer when I have time and will hopefully make it. The rifle can do it, my shooting skills are the limiting factor.
Cheers,
J.
Fair enough, and apologies if you thought it was a jump.
Very nice shooting from the AI AW as well, very nice indeed.
Which bipod and bag set up are you running? Pertinent to the OP as well, as this is equipment he will require, regardless of rifle purchased.
R.
I know that my reply isn't quite what you are looking for, but after several rifles, he's my conclusion, and only mine. If I had to do it again and wasn't a "lefty" I spend the initial money and get a new or used PGW coyote. I know it's big bucks, but its also a "buy once, cry once" you won't out grow that rifle. Save some cash and get a decent optic, I'm using a Bushnell ERS and IMO it's G2G.By the time you get an action, stock, get it assembled etc, your close to the Coyote. I believe that the Coyote with give all that you need, you can concentrate on your skills, and leave the "rifle build" behind. Optics well, maybe get what you can afford, and trade up later. Once again it's all about the shooting you want to do, and how much you want to get involved in the building of the rifle etc. Good Luck.
Thanks R, I have been using the Parker Hale bipod for quite a while on that rifle. I want to run my LRA bipod on it and have been patiently waiting for a BDS picatinny spigot mount so It can be mounted up. I use a TAB gear rear bag with it.
The PH bipod while great for tracking and shooting at steel is problematic for target work due to its built in movement. I have to load the heck out of it to get it to stay locked on target for shooting groups.
J.
I must say, the Coyote does intrigue me. What kind of price range to they fall in to? I don't seen any pricing at all on the PGW website so I'm almost afraid to ask...
I must say, the Coyote does intrigue me. What kind of price range to they fall in to? I don't seen any pricing at all on the PGW website so I'm almost afraid to ask...
Last time I checked, Coyotes were around the $4800.00 mark............then you need optics/rings.........At times they do show up in the EE forum......
Haha...TRG's and shotguns...funny
Btw, I couldn't help but notice that at the 2015 BCRA PR match this year that the top three competitors and the top team were all running AI's.
That be have been true, but the rifle is only a part of the equation............the driver behind the trigger is the most important part.......
