first post.... first precision rifle project... rem700 sps .308 w/ 16.5bbl

[akleadlobber]

well hello everyone. I've browsed through threads on this form in the past and found lots of great info... so on that subject thanks to everyone.
recently decided to build my first precision rifle. i have built numerous AR's but this is the first bolt gun.


whats on it so far....

rem 700 s/a sps tac. w/16.5 inch barrel 1 in 10 twist
mdt lss chasis
vortex viper hs-t 4-16x44 sfp with anti cant (spelling?) level

will soon install a timney trigger and a prs stock.



i chose the 16.5 inch barrel because its gonna be a quiet one here in about another three weeks.


my few questions...

1. I've never worked up a sub recipe. did some research and a few people say use 175 grainers with round noses but the guy at the lgs said shove a 220 grain pill in there. online said use fast pistol powders and guy at lgs said it dosent matter. any suggestions?

2. what kind of range can i expect to get out of a shorter barrel? wasn't really planning on a 1000+ weapon but id like to get the most out of it that i can.

3. what else can i do to maximize accuracy out of this rifle? only 20 rounds thru it 10 shots with bore snake and some clp run thru it after each shot. then every 2 shots up till 20. ( took me 3.5 hours for 20 rounds down range.)

sorry if i posted this in the wrong place. if so constructive criticism is appreciated...

thanks

 

[groundhogbuster]

I shoot a 20" to 1k every weekend with a 5R with great results. I used to break in brrls but found out that the hrs wasted could have been used to shoot game, or steel. I don't shoot with a can (yet) and if I did it wouldn't be sub-sonic, simply because I want something that I know will reach out and touch. What do you plan on doing with the gun? Hunting game? Punching paper? Steel? On a factory tube the sps 16.5" we were barely getting 2450 with a stiff charge of varget and a 175smk. Each gun is different though, either chrono it or true your velocity by shooting to 500y and gathering drop data. The best powder for the 308 I have used is Varget,H4895, and lots more. The .308 isn't picky, but if your looking for maximum accuracy, save your $ and have a good Smith True action, and replace barrel with a good barrel. If it were me? I'd shoot the heck out of it. The 5R is 11.25tw and shoots 208's just fine, but find 1 or 2 pills and stick with em, and use 1 powder you like the best. Use the KISS principle, and keep it simple. Shoot, shoot and shoot some more, and when "you" can out shoot the gun, it's time to send to Smith. Lots of good ones on here. I have used Dave Tooley, Clay Spencer, Truman Wilson, Jon Beanland, and shot several Spartan,Bugholes(Greg), SAC, and GAP guns. All gtg guys.
Remember you can never go wrong with SMK pills, the 168 & 175 is about all I shoot, except 155 scenars, but Berger makes some awesome pills too.

BTW can you see your anti-cant bubble from prone? I shoot lefty so mine is on the right in front of the 1st ring, but I only use it when I go 300 +.
Nice stick, just shoot it, clean it when accuracy drops

 

[akleadlobber]

i plan on using this as a "trainer" weapon system to punch paper and figure out the logistics of long range shooting. i wanted something way beyond my capabilities at this time then work my skill level up to match. i have had scoped rifles before but nothing beyond a good deer rifle and the furthest I've shot is about 400 yds.

yes i can see my bubble while in prone but i have to open my left eye to make it visible.