I am getting into reloading largely to fuel my desire for target/bench shooting. I want to buy a rifle that I can shoot 100 times a day and enjoy. Currently, most my shooting is with Weatherby 300 mag, S&W 500, and 50 BMG. I need something on the other end of the scales you might say. Thought about a Rem 700 "police" .308, Savage target/varmint type rifle, etc.. but I don't know anything about these type of guns. Hoping some of you guys could make some suggestions and give me some options to research. Anything from 6mm PPC to .308 is on the table. I am open to brands and willing to spend $700-1200 on the gun. I want to mount a good scope (Burris BD or Leupold) and have a chance at shooting some 1/2" groups. Any comment appreciated.


-Dan

Dan,

Go to www.benchrest.com/shooterscorner/ and look at the list. Should be a used rifle in your price range that will shoot below 1/2" with no problem.

BigB

I would look at a fast twist 6mm BR. You already have the bigger rifles covered, and the BR will do everything to paper that a 308 will do, in a cheaper to shoot package that is easier on the shoulder. I've seen them do fine to 1000 yards and beyond.

If you like sharp shoulder, 6mm Dasher looks cooler and gains some speed!

If we are talking 100 rounds per day .5 moa. we are not exactly talking bench rest competition. The Savage or Ruger varmint .223s will do the job for the dollar and not beat you up physically or ecconomicly. Bench rest ,high priced competition rifles are not what you are looking at unless your loaded with cash. roger

The link BigB gave you above will show you rifles capable of accuracy within 1/4" for 5 shot groups at 100 yards and stay within your price range as long as you use an inexpensive scope.

If I were you, after reading the material there I'd call Bob White, the owner of that site (and former president of the benchrest shooters' association for the eastern 2/3 of the U.S., the IBS).

Have a nice friendly chat with him and let him know what your shooting background is, tell him what you want to accomplish and ask him to sort of take you under his wing and give you some advice.

He is a very, very nice guy, really knows his apples about accurate shooting and what to buy or not buy. He likes to help new bench shooters, whether they ever move on to competition or not, and most important, you can trust him to HELP you, not bullshit or shaft you.

He also makes some of the best bullets in the world, though he doesn't always have any for sale.

Good luck and best wishes,

AC

Bob is a very knowledgeable shooter, and a really nice person to deal with.

That said, look at the Savage target rifles. Only the Savages come with an adjustable trigger, the option of a single shot, solid bottom receiver, and a properly fluted barrel. Many years ago, Carl Hildebrand (chief engineer there) and Ron Coburn (CEO) went to a machinery sale. Carl talked Ron into buying this cute little tool H&R used to cut the flutes in 22rf cylinders for their revolvers. The deal: it cuts all six at the same time, with the exact same pressure. Everybody else uses the single groove cutter, which can bend the barrel as it mills/cuts the grooves.

You will find a model 12BVSS (single shot stainless receiver, fluted 26" barrel, with heavy laminated (or synthetic) stock in 223 Rem (1:9" twist for heavier bullets) or 308 Win will test, then develop your capabilities as a shooter with a good scope. They just work. I have one of each, and both shot under 1/2" at 100yds from a bench with a 36X target scope. With factory ammunition.

Rich

Thanks for the insights. I really appreciate it and will look into all options. The Savage is interesting for some reason. Never even seen one in person, but they seem to offer a pretty full line up. Many ways to skin a cat I see.


-Dan

I have a factory Savage and it shoots lights out from the factory, but it is a hunting rifle.
I still like my CRF guns and modified 700's for a lot of bullet count.

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:


You will find a model 12BVSS (single shot stainless receiver, fluted 26" barrel, with heavy laminated (or synthetic) stock in 223 Rem (1:9" twist for heavier bullets)Rich

I have the exact rifle Rich is talking about and it is the most repeatable horse in the stable roger

The other neat thing about the Savage; you can buy spare barrels with the same head size and switch them out to suit.

IE: buy a 308W, and add 22-250, 243, 6.5x284, etc on the same rifle.

I took mine out today to show a friend who is buying his first Rockchuck rifle. He is going to order a 223. His second 5-shot group measured .652". Mine was .445" a few minutes later.

Rich

Rich

quote:

If you like sharp shoulder, 6mm Dasher looks cooler and gains some speed!

It was also invented by one of the best smiths in the country, Dan Dowling. But don't expect him to take on anymore work until after benchrest season is over. He likes to shoot them too.

Here's a little inspiration:

http://www.6mmbr.com/schatz1000.html

quote:

Originally posted by danattherock:
I want to buy a rifle that I can shoot 100 times a day and enjoy.

Get a .222!
- mike

I will second the 222. I have one by Dan Dowling and it will more or less put them in a 1/4 inch all day long. It is a Rem XP-100 action converted for use as a rifle.

BigB

I recently bought a CZ550 Varmint in a 308.All I can say is,man what a rifle! http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-550-varmint/

I recommend a Savage 308 with accutrigger with either an accustock or laminated wood stock. They have several models so you will need to decide if you want to compete (and in what) or just drive tacks.

I have the Model 12 Palma rifle (308) with 30" barrel which I shoot box stock at 1000 yards with excellent results. It shoots better than 1/2 MOA at 100 yds with about any load.

I have a friend who bought the plain synthetic model 12 fvss(not an accustock but does have a varmit weight barrel) it shoots 1/2 MOA with Hornady factory ammo.

I've shot high power competition for 17 years and owned much more expensive precision rifles. To find one that shoots a little better than a Savage competition or varmit model you will need to spend about five times as much as you would on the factory Savage.