Re: Which Rifle
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: greyshirts</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I really need some first hand accounts on these rifles. Surely someone has owned one if not all at some point? </div></div>
You said hunting and shooting fun - I will respond in regards to this. I was in the same exact boat as you 3 months ago - so I just picked up this LTR (have about 200 rnds through it) I only have experience owning the LTR - (and shooting buddy's 700P - and him shooting next to me - never shot the 5R)...I keep up with my buddies 700P that has been worked on - (trigger and trued recv) he was shotting black hills .308 match....and some FMG/Mil surp S.A.....we were shot for shot for about 100 rnds.....
My thoughts:
The LTR (and the others mentioned) have heavier barrels. I used my LTR this year on a few hunts - and honestly, I felt bad beating the shit out of it in the NW....I don' think the HS stock would last long in the NW crap I crawl around in. Installing/removing the sling I cracked a tiny piece off the stock.
(I actually just picked up a Tikka T3 Lite for hunting - my thread on this page 30-06)
The LTR feels weird with a sling over your shoulder if you are used to normal hunting rifles. The barrel is so heavy - it just feels weird carrying it all day (it can be done - it's just not a hunting style rig).
I would assume you would go with a decent steel base, and decent steel rings - and decent Magnified glass - which all adds to the overall weight (keep in mind for hunting).
To be honest - I'm not exactly sure how my 20" barrel would do at 800-1000, I do plan on trying this year - and hopefully it will work. My LTR went from my hunting/bench/fun bolt gun - to now just bench/fun bolt gun.
Notes on the LTR accuracy....I slapped some temporary warne rings, and temporary Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40 mil glass on it. I ordered and should have the Trijicon 5-20x50 glass shortly....then I'll do nightforce/badger rings as well.
I picked up some Fed Match Gold in 168 and 175....first time out to the range (actual 100 and 200 yard range) from a bench with front bag and rear bag - I did the below groups.
(the rifle - added the mag extender, and cheek riser for proper cheek weld)
I feel I could do much - much better at 200yds+ with a higher mag glass than my 3-9x40.
168 gr's at 100 (left) and 200 (right)
Top 2 groups are 175gr SMK's FMG....bottom 2 are 168gr SMK FMG....
All 4 are 200 yards - still using the factory FedMatchGold...168 and 175....
Then I started mixing up recipes - and trying my own re-loads....
.791" 4 shot at 100
.447" 3 shot at 100
.387 3 shot at 100
.283 3 shot at 100
.581 5 shot at 100
.384" 3 shot at 100