First test drive with my new to me precision rig

Harry Callahan

Harry Callahan

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Well I've always wanted a high end precision rig since I've sold my last one (a Tikka Tac.) years ago. But this time, I was willing to go the custom rifle route. I was about to order a GAP when I came across this one a few weeks ago and just had to make her mine...

The rifle's details:

  • Stiller TAC30 A/W trued action w/ 20moa Rail & MicroSlick Bolt
  • 20" Broughton .30 cal 1-10" twist M24 heavy barrel w/custom Kampfeld customs Diamond flutes, SSC Patrolman crown profile & Badger Thruster brake.
  • Jewell R HVR 700 trigger
  • Manners T4 stock w/adj LOP w/AOR1 Digital Camo by Custom Gun Coatings
  • Surgeon SA bottom metal
  • 2 tone Cerakote FDE all metal parts.
  • .308 Match chambering on a trued action

Sorry for the crappy iPhone pics... Beside the poor rainy weather this afternoon it was a very pleasant day test driving the new toy. Managed to print a ~1" 5 shot group with factory Norma 168gr SMK ammo (the top left 5 shot group was with Federal GMM 175gr SMK's while I was dialing in the scope) @ 100 yards. I'm still rusty since it's been a while since I've done this but I think it's a good start for a first and I bet it will only get better with practice & technique.

Good Shootin'

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Very nice shooting. May I ask why you didn't go for a longer barrel (without starting a barrel length war) - did you have a specific range in mind for match-shooting?
 
1MOA said:
Very nice shooting. May I ask why you didn't go for a longer barrel (without starting a barrel length war) - did you have a specific range in mind for match-shooting?
Click to expand...

Good question. I did lots of reading on the subject (as you probably did too) and found that the .308 will gain (or loose) between 8 fps and 20 fps per inch of barrel over 20 inch depending on twist rate, metal type, slow vs. fast burning powder..ect. Lots of experienced shooters will favor the 20" for accuracy (because it has less "whip or flex") at up to 800 yards, some will say even further. Others will favor longer barrel lenght of 24"+ to be more accurate beyond 1000 yards because it has more velocity...

I've collected data on the Broughton 1-10" barrel:

From a senior member on Sniper Central Forums:

24"- 2715fps
22"- 2700fps
20"- 2685fps

30fps at the muzzle in cutting back 4". That is with 178 AMAX handload with Varget powder.

I personally think that gaining 30fps for 4" of barrel is negligible. What would be the difference in accuracy at 1000+ yards... I'll probably try the rifle at 1000+ yards someday and I don't think that it will be any less accurate than another high end rig with a 24" or 26" barrel. The 20" sure makes it lighter (it's no featherweight tho!) and since it's stiffer than a longer barrel it could marginally improve accuracy. For the moment I'll practice and try the 300+ yards and gradually go up to 800y if I can find a range that allows me to shoot that distance.

If I really want to do some extreme long range shooting, I'll buy a .338 LM with a 26"+ barrel.

Also read this nice article on the subject. w w w.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/
 
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I think myself that 20 inch is ideal for top accuracy and velocity, my takedown is really pushing those 178 north of 2700 with better accuracy than the shooter can... Very good choice HC... JP.
 
Thanks for the kind words guys. Those shots were taken with the bipod but no rear rest. I have some tweaking (and get a bean bag) to do on the rig and will report back with the results as soon as I'm back from the range. Accuracy will be better for sure.
 
Congrats and nice shooting :)

At the price of that glass, next for you is a reloading set up.

Go ! And shrink that group.

Enjoy and be happy !

Mush
 
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