Bushmaster Predator build

liquid_1477

liquid_1477

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Im just getting started on a bushmaster Predator precision rifle build. This is my first precision rifle build. I would love any tips or suggestions as well as reloading advice. This project has got me really excited. lets see pictures of your builds.
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Because my range only goes to 200yds, I have not bothered building an AR. All bolt rifles.

however, I have read many articles where AR's are shooting very very well. Big one is get a quality BR barrel with a suitable chamber.

I can offer you Shilen BR grade barrels contoured for the AR ready for chambering and install. The Wylde chamber seems to be a very popular match chamber these days.

From there, get a good trigger. I can offer you Jewell and Timney for the small pin receiver.

Then its load work up. you may get lucky with that ammo but I would lean towards rolling my own with a proven match bullet.

I know a shooter that has an HK SL8 and uses 75gr Amax. We plink out to 1000yds and it is very near MOA. If you get an 8 twist, I would suggest 70 to 75gr VLD's from Berger or Hornady over Benchmark. Varget will take up too much room and lead to compressed loads. CCI 450 or BR4 or 400 primers work really well (I prefer the 450's or BR4).

He loads his Amax to fit in the mag and it runs without a hitch.

For sizing I would use a Lee collet neck die AND a Redding body die. A redding bushing neck die will also work. If Forster ever gets production geared up, the bushing/bump die would be perfect.

Adjust the body die to ensure positive chambering but not so much that the case gets sloppy. For a seater, the Forster or Redding inline seaters will get the most out of that bullet.

From there, just work up in very small powder increments. Weigh all your charges and keep them to the same tenth. Powder measures are way too coarse with extruded powders.

Sub MOA should be possible with a little tuning.

Enjoy your project.

You might also want to ask your questions on the Black forum. Mostly they like blasters but there might be a few accuracy builds there too.

Jerry
 
I have a slightly different model(R-15). I have several K rounds through it out to 600m. When I got it, I loaded some of the Sierra 69gr accuracy loads, and found they were subminute in large round count groups at 200m, so I stopped goofing with the load. That is more then accurate enough for the unsupported shooting that I do.

If you are going to be using that Harris, keep your mag length less then 20rnds. You may find that the 30s bang off your shooting surface.
 
Jerry that barrel he has there claims to be 3/4moa he just needs some reloading supplies and bullets :)

Liquid try some of those fiocchi out and see if your barrel likes them. I wouldn't expect 3/4moa tho
 
carbonrod said:
I have a slightly different model(R-15). I have several K rounds through it out to 600m. When I got it, I loaded some of the Sierra 69gr accuracy loads, and found they were subminute in large round count groups at 200m, so I stopped goofing with the load. That is more then accurate enough for the unsupported shooting that I do.

If you are going to be using that Harris, keep your mag length less then 20rnds. You may find that the 30s bang off your shooting surface.
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What type of scope do you have?
 
liquid_1477 said:
Im just getting started on a bushmaster Predator precision rifle build. This is my first precision rifle build. I would love any tips or suggestions as well as reloading advice. This project has got me really excited. lets see pictures of your builds.
007.jpg
Click to expand...

Your rifle looks pretty good as it sits right there. Get a nice scope that you like and have fun. I like those handguards for sure.
 
I put a NF 2.5-10x24 on it. I wanted something for 1-500m That would not be too heavy for offhand, and other positional shooting. It is a great scope for this, but it does lack some of the things you'd want for longer distance, like side parallax. I had to use a ADM recon mount to get the scope far enough forward for proper sight picture though.

If I were benching it, I probably would have went towards the Haley gun, and put a leupold Mk4 3.5-10, or maybe one of the 50mm NFs.
 
The Predator is an amazingly accurate rifle, mine will do one ragged hole at 200m with 77 grain SMK in IVI brass. Using that load I scored a 50 at both 300m and 500m earlier this year at Vokes. I was using a Leupold 1.5-5 in an ADM mount. Just a word about the trigger, it is not very durable and needs constant TLC. I will be switching mine to a Giesselle.
 
I am very happy with mine. Shoots better than .5 moa with the right ammo just the way it is. I like the night force idea, thats what mine will get dressed up with eventually.
 
I'd recommend staying away from loading the 75 grain Amax to mag length.
Can you do it? Some here have. Is it smart? Load a dummy round and see where the bearing surface is for yourself. Personally, I think its not the most intelligent choice.

As an alternative, the 77gr. SMK and Berger match bullets are far better suited (and in fact designed for this specific purpose).

Your gun, your face and as always your milage may vary.
:welcome: to loading and shooting the AR.
 
Well my build is almost done. I thought I would post up some pictures. I have now spent way more than I was planning to but guess thats half the fun.
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pickaxe said:
Have been considering a AR based rifle; is there a particular reason for choosing a bushmaster?
Personnal preferance, inherant quality, accuarcy, ease-expense of alteration/upgrades etc.
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I bought this Bushmaster Predator Mainly for the 20inch heavy fluted barrel with a 1 in 8 twist rate. The barrel will stabilize a heavier grain bullet. It also has a Two-Stage Competition Trigger. The ease of upgarding an AR it is fairly standard from model to model an Ar is kind of like leggo all the parts are interchangeable. As far as bushmaster quality goes I am very happy with the fit and finish. I had alot of fun researching and building this rifle.
 
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