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600 yd Target shooting
joken
Member Posts: 201 ✭✭✭
I am considering shooting 600yd bench rest targets at the range I just joined. The guys shoot once a week. A bunch of old timers so I will have the opportunity to learn a lot and I'm 61. I'm curious about what folks think would be an appropriate caliber and rifle type to consider buying. I'd like to stay under $2500 with scope and I do reload but that expense would also be a consideration. I know this is a very subjective question. Thanks, Ken in Oregon
Comments
There are dozens of variations in the answer to your question but the simplest one by far is the Savage:
http://www.savagearms.com/12f_class.htm
I would suggest the 6BR Norma chamber which is versatile and easy to develop loads for when you reload. There is an absolute ton of load data on the internet. On top of that, the new records for the 600 yard Benchrest competitions are held by those folks shooting the 6BR Norma. The brass is excellent, there's lots of Match quality bullets and several powders suited to creating superbly accurate loads.
Lots of resource material:
http://www.6mmbr.com/index.html
If you choose not to reload, both Norma and Lapua sell Match ammunition.
If you like to do some of the build work yourself, Savage will sell you just the action or even a barreled action if you want, then you can finish a stock for yourself.
http://www.westcustomrifles.com/
Barrels are made by nearly every custom barrel maker so all you need is a set of headspace gauges to have your own switch barrel set up if you'd like.
You should also take a look at the 6.5 x 47 Lapua cartridge since it's on the upward track for accuracy performance.
6.5 x 47 Lapua_.243 Win._.308 Win.
The good old .308 Win. cannot be beaten as a standard of performance and once again, there is a ton of information loads and shooting. The only drawback that I'm aware of is the lack of good brass occasionally because of the war efforts and civilian demand. If you want a backstop, find a supplier and buy a couple of thousand cases at one time. You can't go wrong with .308 Win. ever.
Another old timer that is seeing a resurgence is the 6mm International. Basically it's a 22-250 with a longer neck and slightly reduced case capacity.
Personally, if you want to get started right away, I'd run with the Savage and the 6mmBR Norma.
Enjoy the competition!
Best.
Savage 6BR Factory Rifle Delivers Superb Accuracy
Ace 600-yard shooter Terry Brady has been testing a box-stock, factory Savage 6BR F-Class rifle for AccurateShooter.com. This gun features a 30__, 8-twist barrel (0.100__ freebore), Savage Target Action, and heavy, laminated stock with 3__-wide fore-end. We know you guys have been eagerly awaiting the accuracy results. We_fll let the targets speak for themselves. Bottom Line: the Savage 6BR shoots_c like a house on fire.
Savage Shoots under 1/2__ at 200 Yards
With Terry_fs handloads (Norma 203B powder, CCI 450s, Berger 105s loaded .010__ into lands), the Savage produced three-shot groups well under 1/2__ at 200 yards. That_fs right, TWO hundred. Measuring off Terry_fs photos, using our target measurement software, one of the 200-yard groups was a measured .350__ or 0.167 MOA.
Impressive Bugholes at 100 yards
At 100 yards, Terry had one 5-shot group with the Berger 105gr Match (non-VLD) that measured 0.140__ with our target measurement software. Measuring with calipers, Terry said this group was 0.279__ outside edge to outside edge. It_fs interesting that Norma 203B shot tighter in this rifle than did Varget, as you can see.
Half-MOA or better with Lapua Factory Ammo at 300 Yards
The Savage 6BR also shot exceptionally well with Lapua factory ammo of two types, one loaded with 90gr BT Scenars, the other loaded with 105gr BT Scenars. Because Terry had a limited amount of factory ammo, at 300 yards, he shot three-shot groups. The 90gr ammo shot 1.490__ or about 1/2 MOA, while the 105gr ammo shot .780__, about 1/4 MOA. For comparison sake, Terry_fs handloads (Berger 105s, 30.5 RL15) put FIVE shots in 0.650__ at 300 yards.
Complete Report Will Follow
We will provide a complete feature article on this rifle in the weeks ahead. That will include load data, more accuracy testing results, and Terry_fs comments about the rifle. If someone in North Carolina can help Terry with a video camera, we_fll add video to the story.
So far Brady has been very impressed with the Savage overall, but he had two minor criticisms. First, he felt the Accutrigger spring weight is a bit too heavy, and second, he noted that the 1__-wide flat on the bottom of the stock at the rear is too wide for most bags: _* didn_ft track well with my bag. I had to really hold the gun. Ideally you_fll want a bag with wider ear spacing._h
Overall, Terry gives the Savage an _gA_h grade: _gFor an out-of-the-box bench gun, it is well worth the money! I would recommend it to any shooter._h
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Best.