gear for long range

eaglesnester

eaglesnester

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Have ordered a Cadex Patriot light in 338 Laupua. Have a Vortex Viper PST in FFC
6X24-50 on top. Have been looking a a Kestrel 4500NV Ballistics meter for dope. Any long distance shooters use this meter? If so how does it work for you and do you like its layout and general ease of use? I understand that some military shooters are using this gear.
Also I plan on using Redding Competition bushing neck die set for my reloading. Any other recommendations or comments on this choice of dies? I do not want to spend the bucks and find out I have made some bad mistakes.
Any suggestions for pet loads for this rifle. Wish only to hear from Cadex Patriot Light shooters as info on other manufactures rifles may not apply to the Cadex platform.

Cheers & Tighter Groups: Eaglesnester
 
if you want to get the best of your bushing die, dont forget to turn your neck first.
if not, the neck being resized from outside all imperfection will be Inside and contact bullet. this is why some willtell that lee collet die does a better job than a bushing die.

for the rest, I shoot a custom rifle with a 32'' 3C barrel so I cant help with load. but with 300gr, RETUMBO should be the way to go if your barrel is long enough to burn it.
 
Welcome to the lap mag game. I'm using RCBS for my reloading dies. No idea about the calculator, but as long as your reloading's consistant, you, LL be able to make a ballistics chart on your own.
 
dero338 said:
if you want to get the best of your bushing die, dont forget to turn your neck first.
if not, the neck being resized from outside all imperfection will be Inside and contact bullet. this is why some willtell that lee collet die does a better job than a bushing die.

for the rest, I shoot a custom rifle with a 32'' 3C barrel so I cant help with load. but with 300gr, RETUMBO should be the way to go if your barrel is long enough to burn it.
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It is my understanding that neck turning can be an exercise in futility. Have been told that case irregularities which cause run out go all the way from the neck to the web of the case. Neck turning does nothing to solve this problem of run out? Please let me hear your thoughts on this.
 
eaglesnester said:
It is my understanding that neck turning can be an exercise in futility. Have been told that case irregularities which cause run out go all the way from the neck to the web of the case. Neck turning does nothing to solve this problem of run out? Please let me hear your thoughts on this.
Click to expand...

I would only neck turn for a turn neck or tight neck chamber otherwise you run the risk of creating too much clearance which causes other problems.

For you long range shooting a very good rangefinder is almost a must. If you really want the best a Vectronix rangefinder (Like a Vectronic 15C) with built in compass linked to a Trimble Nomad handheld computer ( loaded with Field Firing Solutions) will give you touch of a button firing solutions. You just click the rangefinder and it gives the solution instantly on the Nomad. It will also give you a GPS location to your target.
 
The Kestrel w/AB is GTG(get the AB model, not the horus). The Redding Bushing dies are also GTG, try to set them up for 0.001-0.002" of neck tension. I neck turn for some of my rifles but not my 338. If your going to be shooting at unknown distance I would invest your money in a GOOD rangefinder like a Vectronix. From there Optics. Good luck.
 
I use the Applied Ballistics app on my Android, one of the best out there IMO and I have used quite a few. Only messed with it for a few minutes on the Kestrel and found it cumbersome to enter all of my load data and rifle set up.. I bought a regular 4500NV and pair it with AB on my phone for long distance shooting. I also carry a small, $20 portable battery charger for my phone. It's handy for long days and trips without a car charger.
 
The Horus version of the Kestrel is the same as the AB version only you can input either a G1 or G7 BC. I have had them both and they work very well of you input all of your information correctly. If you want to set it up even more, you can go the Vectronix/Nomad/FFS route but you'll likely get similar results.

Yes a good rangefinder is a must.

As far as turning brass, in any chamber that isn't cut for a tight neck, you are probably wasting your time unless you are getting crazy SD in which case, you may have neck tension issues which neck turning might solve. Most rifles see little to no improvement when neck turning, and yours probably won't either.

Have fun and share some results.
 
If your looking to range finders.... There is an Newcon LBR 3000 at prophet river. These are an excellent range finder which will exceed almost any shooter. Next a winder meter, it is my opinion that a simple one will do, because it is only measuring the wind at your position. Taking a wind course will do much more for you shooting then the gear will. Get your self some survey stakes and some ribbon and watch... I would suggest a reputable shooting clinic or school ie: Milcun or a Rob furlong course. Optics will never be a waste of money. This includes your rifle optics, spotting scope and the range finder. A decent rear bag and a sturdy front rest whether you are shooting with a bipod or a front bag, will help you steady your shots. Your reloading gear sound appropriate, Your rifle is clearly capable of the task....good luck.
 
Sounds like you don't mind spending a bit, so my recommendation is to get a custom sizing die made based on 4-5 pieces of brass fired in your rifle. It really isn't that much more. Several places make them and can be compatible with Redding bushings for fine tuning.
 
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