My 1st PRS rifle setup and what round to use.

T

TXcoach

Private
Minuteman
Oct 6, 2020
26
19
#1
First let me say I’m not an experienced long range shooter. I have had a couple of nice rifles and really enjoyed them and what they could do but the more chances I’ve had to see just how much I don’t know about shooting long range, really got me bitten by the bug and wanting to acquire and get good at this new skill. I should say I’m more of a buy once cry once kind of person and prefer to purchase the best quality product I can afford so as not to have to wish I had waited to get what I really wanted or feel like I need to go spend more to upgrade to something I should have done the 1st time if that makes sense. I have shot a couple of PRS type matches with my Bergara B-14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor. It is stock outside of the Surefire muzzle break, Cheap bipod attached to the front stud and the S&B PMii 5x25 in a 20moa Sphur mount that I purchased from Mile High Shooting a few years back.

I quickly found out I don’t have all or really any of the equipment to play this game at any type of real competitive level, beyond having a good piece of glass. Some items I’m thinking of purchasing as I get spun up are a pair of Vortex rangefinder binos with AB, a Kestrel and a really good bipod. I’m sure I’m missing plenty of items. Feel free to tell me if I’m looking at the right things to purchase and what I’m missing.

I’m wanting to get my 1st PRS rifle up and running. I think I’ve decided to bite the bullet and purchase one of the new AI ATX rifles when they come out. I have read how a lot of folks on here seem to really like their different AIs and I have always wanted to purchase one. I was saving up to purchase an AI AXSR but after seeing the ATX I decided that scratched my AI itch and it was more inline with what would be most useful to me as I have no need (at least none that I’m aware of lol) to fire large magnum rounds like 300 or 338 Norma (yes I almost pulled the trigger on one of those AI ASR kits Mile high has but I just don’t know when or where I would use all that gun). If there is a better production rifle let me know. I think I’m going to top it with a ZCO MPCT3 scope.

I’m not planning on running the 6.5 creedmoor barrel, I’m thinking of one of the 6mm rounds out there. Right now I’m looking at the 6 Dasher, this was my 1st choice but that is just based on others reviews as I’ve never shot it. My biggest concern from what I’ve read is the brass for it as all I can find is the Alpha and Peterson brass and from what I’ve read if you have one or the other you have to have your barrel reamed for that brass. I have no idea if that is correct or not nor do I know if either of those are really good brass. I’ve also thought of the 6GT mainly because of the feed issues I’ve read about in the 6 dasher and I see that the brass for it is also cheaper than the dasher. Then there is the 6BR Norma like the dasher. There are a lot of folks out there that seem to like this round although I’m not sure if that is for PRS and there’s Lapua brass for it so that is a plus. Finally there is the 6 ARC and to be honest I know even less than nothing about this round as far as it’s use for PRS style shooting but the few articles I’ve found and videos I’ve watched make it look interesting and hornady makes brass for it so there is that. I wrote off the 6 creedmoor because of the barrel life everyone talks about and the fact so many folks seem to be going to or using one of the other 6MM offerings. Another part would be is I’ll have to be able to use the bolt face that comes with the ATX so that is for a 6.5 and the ATX uses the double stack mags so I need to be able to use that as well. So any input, advice or guidance from you guys is greatly appreciated.

Oh and yes I’m planning on reloading for this rifle (and maybe more as I learn how it’s done). I’m already starting to look into what equipment I will need and designing a reloading bench for my garage area. Sorry for how long this was and thank you for reading it all.
 
#3
Iv yet to see a AI rifle at a match I think you could spend you money in better places. All the 6mm work great 6br is definitely popular up here in New England I’m shooting 6 creed right now but might switch over next barrel.
 
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#5
If you want a rifle to bolt all of the PRS gizmos to, such as a brass catcher, door holder, and that flat bottom sled thingy that guys stick under their forends, then by all means go nuts. Most of what I see are the krg whiskey chassis or some similar setup.

But honestly, if you haven't gotten your position building, body control, and fundamentals where you want them, then buying an expensive rig won't get you much higher in the ranks. All you will be doing is taking off life on a more expensive barrel, while still struggling with fundamentals.

Now please don't take offense, I don't know you or how you shoot. Your rifle may very well be holding you back because you're at the top of your game with your positions and fundamentals. But if not, I would spend more on ammo and practice time with your current rig, rather than spending money on new toys.
 
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#6
SquarePizza said:
If you want a rifle to bolt all of the PRS gizmos to, such as a brass catcher, door holder, and that flat bottom sled thingy that guys stick under their forends, then by all means go nuts. Most of what I see are the krg whiskey chassis or some similar setup.

But honestly, if you haven't gotten your position building, body control, and fundamentals where you want them, then buying an expensive rig won't get you much higher in the ranks. All you will be doing is taking off life on a more expensive barrel, while still struggling with fundamentals.

Now please don't take offense, I don't know you or how you shoot. Your rifle may very well be holding you back because you're at the top of your game with your positions and fundamentals. But if not, I would spend more on ammo and practice time with your current rig, rather than spending money on new toys.
Click to expand...

it’s easier to get better at you, when you take the other variables out of the mix.

If he has the means, best to get a competition level rifle and learn on that.

Learning on shit equipment can actually build bad habits as well

That said, I think the marching PRS and NRL22 combo makes tons of sense.
 
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#8
SquarePizza said:
If you want a rifle to bolt all of the PRS gizmos to, such as a brass catcher, door holder, and that flat bottom sled thingy that guys stick under their forends, then by all means go nuts. Most of what I see are the krg whiskey chassis or some similar setup.

But honestly, if you haven't gotten your position building, body control, and fundamentals where you want them, then buying an expensive rig won't get you much higher in the ranks. All you will be doing is taking off life on a more expensive barrel, while still struggling with fundamentals.

Now please don't take offense, I don't know you or how you shoot. Your rifle may very well be holding you back because you're at the top of your game with your positions and fundamentals. But if not, I would spend more on ammo and practice time with your current rig, rather than spending money on new toys.
Click to expand...
No offense taken at all, with my Bergara out to 300 I can hold everything with hornady match ammo to less than 2 inches at 100 i can hold less than a half moa just about anytime I shoot but I definitely need tons of practice and I agree with what you said, however I also believe it's good to practice with the gear you plan on using as well. But i definitely need to burn a ton of powder and practice positions. I don't think I would be buying any higher spot buy purchasing what I'm looking at but when I do get things worked out my muscle memory and habits will be on the gear I want to use in the long run.
 
#10
TXcoach said:
First let me say I’m not an experienced long range shooter. I have had a couple of nice rifles and really enjoyed them and what they could do but the more chances I’ve had to see just how much I don’t know about shooting long range, really got me bitten by the bug and wanting to acquire and get good at this new skill. I should say I’m more of a buy once cry once kind of person and prefer to purchase the best quality product I can afford so as not to have to wish I had waited to get what I really wanted or feel like I need to go spend more to upgrade to something I should have done the 1st time if that makes sense. I have shot a couple of PRS type matches with my Bergara B-14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor. It is stock outside of the Surefire muzzle break, Cheap bipod attached to the front stud and the S&B PMii 5x25 in a 20moa Sphur mount that I purchased from Mile High Shooting a few years back.

I quickly found out I don’t have all or really any of the equipment to play this game at any type of real competitive level, beyond having a good piece of glass. Some items I’m thinking of purchasing as I get spun up are a pair of Vortex rangefinder binos with AB, a Kestrel and a really good bipod. I’m sure I’m missing plenty of items. Feel free to tell me if I’m looking at the right things to purchase and what I’m missing.

I’m wanting to get my 1st PRS rifle up and running. I think I’ve decided to bite the bullet and purchase one of the new AI ATX rifles when they come out. I have read how a lot of folks on here seem to really like their different AIs and I have always wanted to purchase one. I was saving up to purchase an AI AXSR but after seeing the ATX I decided that scratched my AI itch and it was more inline with what would be most useful to me as I have no need (at least none that I’m aware of lol) to fire large magnum rounds like 300 or 338 Norma (yes I almost pulled the trigger on one of those AI ASR kits Mile high has but I just don’t know when or where I would use all that gun). If there is a better production rifle let me know. I think I’m going to top it with a ZCO MPCT3 scope.

I’m not planning on running the 6.5 creedmoor barrel, I’m thinking of one of the 6mm rounds out there. Right now I’m looking at the 6 Dasher, this was my 1st choice but that is just based on others reviews as I’ve never shot it. My biggest concern from what I’ve read is the brass for it as all I can find is the Alpha and Peterson brass and from what I’ve read if you have one or the other you have to have your barrel reamed for that brass. I have no idea if that is correct or not nor do I know if either of those are really good brass. I’ve also thought of the 6GT mainly because of the feed issues I’ve read about in the 6 dasher and I see that the brass for it is also cheaper than the dasher. Then there is the 6BR Norma like the dasher. There are a lot of folks out there that seem to like this round although I’m not sure if that is for PRS and there’s Lapua brass for it so that is a plus. Finally there is the 6 ARC and to be honest I know even less than nothing about this round as far as it’s use for PRS style shooting but the few articles I’ve found and videos I’ve watched make it look interesting and hornady makes brass for it so there is that. I wrote off the 6 creedmoor because of the barrel life everyone talks about and the fact so many folks seem to be going to or using one of the other 6MM offerings. Another part would be is I’ll have to be able to use the bolt face that comes with the ATX so that is for a 6.5 and the ATX uses the double stack mags so I need to be able to use that as well. So any input, advice or guidance from you guys is greatly appreciated.

Oh and yes I’m planning on reloading for this rifle (and maybe more as I learn how it’s done). I’m already starting to look into what equipment I will need and designing a reloading bench for my garage area. Sorry for how long this was and thank you for reading it all.
Click to expand...
Hi @TXcoach where you at in TX? I shoot down in Navasota at TX Precision. You are heading down a big rabbit hole. I have BRs, Dashers, and Creeds. TX Precision has loaner rifles where they will loan the rifle and kestrel (you only buy ammo). You will end up squadded with a bunch of good people who will be more than willing to loan you stuff to try out before you buy.

Personally, skip the AI. You can buy a full custom 6mm-something with an Impact action and get away cheaper. If you are new to loading, Id recommend the 6mm Creedmoor because you have the option for match grade factory ammo if things dont work out well. Be ready cuz reloading can/will cost as much as the rifle to get set up. If you're set on a BR variant (BRA, Dasher, etc), I highly recommend the straight BR. You put a Berger 105/109 over 30gr of varget 0.020 off the lands and I can almost guarantee they will go in one hole if you do your part - they call it the easy button for a reason. You will have a million things going on as a new shooter so try to keep things as simple as possible.

Feel free to message me and I can help get you set to come out Oct 9th for the TX Precision Fall Classic to see what its about.
 
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#11
I've only seen AIs at two matches. That said, the ATX seems to be a better option for competition with the full arca rail, etc.

I still think an XLR JV special, MDT ACC, or MPA is going to be best for competition since you can put weights everywhere and get the right balance on your rifle. I run a KRG Whiskey 3 and struggle to get enough weight on the front end. I just run it because the facial ergos are perfect for me and I love the way it looks.

It's funny - everyone mimics what their local champions run, and what their local smiths are recommending or making for the champions. Here in Utah, it's all Lone Peak Fuzions with XLR JV specials, running dashers. In WA it seems like everyone is running KRG with Kahles. Midwest seems to be Impact in a foundation. Southeast is GA Precision in GT with Bushnells. Ohio is Kelbly's.

It's like gun fashion.

One of the guys I was shooting with last week was shooting 105 hybrids out a 6BR at dasher speeds. My two caliber recommendations would be 6BR and 6GT. 6BR because you won't go through as much powder, and powder is in short supply in 2021. GT because you can make it work with h4350 or varget.

I just ordered a GT because I have a ton of h4350 and not as much varget on hand.
 
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#12
I have been shooting PRS for about 6 months and I started with my 6gt and it’s very easy to load for , I picked a powder charge and worked a little on seating depth and have a tack driver!!!! The problem is I’ve only ever shot 6GT ,but I do hear from others it is easy to reload for! Good luck!
 
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#15
I would not get the AI for PRS. While I think they are AMAZING rifles and great at certain things I don't think it's the best choice for PRS. I would not do the BR's right off the bat with it either. While very accurate you may run into more trouble than you would want. I'm putting together 5 PRS rifles right now that I wanted to spec out to get the most out of PRS. Remember that PRS is a game and you'll have certain challenges so try to make tackling those challenges as easy as possible.

I would look at the 6 GT, easy to load for. Great virgin brass available as well as great factory loaded ammo if you want. Get a stock or chassis you can balance weight the way you want. You can spec out your action, your trigger, your barrel contour, your stock, etc. I think you would be much more comfortable and effective with it.

Not sure where you're at in TX but I would be glad to let you check out some of our rifles that have seen great success in PRS and similar sports.

Best of luck in the game and I think you;ll have a blast! It's hard not to!
 
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#16
RobertB said:
I would not get the AI for PRS. While I think they are AMAZING rifles and great at certain things I don't think it's the best choice for PRS. I
Click to expand...
Blasphemy

Cheapest ? No. Do they give up anytbing to other rifles ? No

C8AA4CC1-901C-4786-98D5-7E56DED7E2D9.jpeg
 
#17
Rengage said:
Blasphemy

Cheapest ? No. Do they give up anytbing to other rifles ? No

View attachment 8008455
Click to expand...
Like I said, I think they are amazing rifles and enjoy shooting them. But I don't think they are the best for PRS. But I would put most any AI up to handle more than your avg PRS rig could. Just different tools for different reasons.

You don't see many AI's doing well in PRS. Just a few guys alone shoot them. In both their rifles and their chassis.

I do like that one though, if you were to get one that's the one to get!
 
#18
AIs are like apple, or socialism. You get what you get, and will be happy.
Very little, if any after market support, and locked into a "system".

Liken it to buying a new car. You want the diesel not petrol, you want the auto not manual, you want anti lock brakes, you also want the 3t towing upgrade, you want the 18" rims not 16", you also want it in green. Leather seats, but dont care about the electric seat heater. Etc..

AIs you "get what you are given". As @RobertB pointed out, you can tailor a rifle to you, or a specific competition (or game). Weight here, 2 lug torqued on barrel, 3 lug switch barrel, 2 stage or single stage trigger, curved or flat, potentially length of foreend, barrel channel to suit that full bull barrel carbon barrel, an insane amount of different muzzle brakes, single or double stack mag configs, bolt knob upgrades, maybe a 25 or 30moa rail to take full advantage of that sweet optic you just got. Etc.

Buying a new ferrari does not make you a racecar driver. Same with rifles. Yes AIs are sweet rigs, but if you dont know how to use it properly, you may get WORSE performance during a comp because its not right for your body mechanics.
 
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#21
With the new ATX you can do everything you can with a custom (Impact, etc), the problem is ease of getting accessories. You can wait on stuff from AI for months (or years), and Rem 700 clone actions and parts are everywhere.

You can debond and AI action and put it in a MPA Chassis if you so desire.
 
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