need to get started

1chota

Private
Minuteman
Feb 28, 2010
20
0
77
new mexico
i have been to a couple of precision rifle matches with a .308 on a post-64 action. Not a bad rifle, but i would like to start from scratch. What should i buy? Factory any good or should i get a custom built? i would like to stay with .308 as i am set up to reload that and i shoot .308 in 3 gun matches. i need info on everything, action, barrel, stock, scope, bi-pod, trigger, bedding,etc.
 
Re: need to get started

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's wrong with the rifle you have now?

Why do you need to "start from scratch" if you're just learning?

Have you started to read here at all?

All the information is here for you to read. Look at the custom search box below the shout box on the right side. </div></div>

^^ THIS!! ^^

See the two links in my sig line below. The first is for the Hide Google-based Search Engine. The second is a compilation of FAQs and other good reading for you since you are just getting started.
 
Re: need to get started

well, i guess i should have titled the thread "what do you use?"
i did look through the threads and there wasn't what i was looking for. i don't know who makes what in the custom line and i thought perhaps some of you experienced shooters would share your likes and dislikes. Sorry if i busted your patience bubble.
 
Re: need to get started

If you are looking to get something else and don't know if you should buy factory or go with a built rifle, we would need more info to be of much help.

If your wallet can stand it, go custom and never look back. If in a hurry, go to the 'for sale' section and buy something ready to go.

Good luck.
 
Re: need to get started

For 1000yd F Class, our bunch maintained a Savage Model 12BVSS .308 as a newbie loaner gun. It's really well configured right O/O box, and should serve initial LR precision needs for a long time before becoming an impediment to marksmanship progress. I think we ended up selling a lot of new guys on the 12BVSS.

I would suggest a Ken Farrell 20MOA sloped base, and a stock pack with possible additions of pads made by cutting up mouse pads as spacers underneath the pack.

I think a Burris Black Diamond 6-24x scope, and Burris Signature Zee rings would work, and any scope base/bore axis windage misalignments could be resolved using Signature ring offset inserts.

For loads, I suggest Rem brass F/L resized each time, SRA 175SMK, CCI BR-2 primer, 42.2gr IMR-4064, 2.815" OAL for magazine feeding, or longer single fed to suit rifling engagement. Don't get nutzo about BR style handloading, it's not necessary beyond weighed charges, and at 1000yd, that should be good enough to hold a decent vertical.

F/L resizing on every reloading cycle can be rough on brass, but it's what G. David Tubb recommends, and Rem brass is good enough and cheap enough to use effectively and still replace when necessary without burning any big holes in your pockets. Win is just as good.

Basic Harris BR height bipod for starters, with a Hoppe's Rear Bag.

That should do it.

A Savage MKIIF .22LR with Tasco VAR624X42M Varmint/Target scope would make an effective/economical trainer with CCI .22LR Standard Velocity Target ammo.

Greg
 
Re: need to get started

savage all day long, good starting platform that wont break the bank. i am a savage shooter and i love mine. i have shot in a few matches with decent results so far.

also give the remington 700 5R in .308 a look this is also a very solid starting platform just add maybe a new stock or chassis and some good glass and go shoot. you wont be dissapointed either way.
 
Re: need to get started

thank you for your info. i will look at that Savage, among others. should i stick with the factory stock or look at others?
i have been using Varget and 175 SMKs with pretty good groups. Black Hills brass F/L resized and trimmed. Winchester primers.
 
Re: need to get started

There are more aftermarket parts for the Remington 700 than there are for the Savage.

If I were you I would start with the Remington 700 SPS Varmint. Then get behind a number of stocks until you find the one that best suits your body-type and probable shooting environment.

Then fine-tune with barrel length, brakes, bases, rings, optics, etc until you have the perfect rifle for your needs.

Shoot the hell out of that, then go custom action/barrel once you are more familiar with the less expensive aftermarket parts available for the 700.
 
Re: need to get started

i found a Savage 110BA in .308 with a Bushnell 3200 10x40 scope for $1750. i don't particularly care for the scope but the price on the rifle seems fair. any particular bitches about this rifle?
 
Re: need to get started

no bitches here and it would be the 10BA if its in .308, i am very happy with my 110BA in .300win mag, it is a very solid platform.
543260_417848804912256_688678103_n.jpg


here is my best 100 yard group with it shooting factory ammo. hornady 180gr SST
 
Re: need to get started

doesnt seem that he is looking for cheap, he made the statment that he could afford the custom rifle in which usually run 3k or more the savage 10BA will suit him well or the remington 700 5R.
 
Re: need to get started

If I was doing everything over find a stock that you like mcmillian, manners, etc. I am waiting on a kmw from terry cross right now. I would go with a surgeon action and krieger barrel. If you can find someone that is a good smith in your area that is the way I would go. Just my opinion and that is not worth much. Good luck
 
Re: need to get started

well, i jumped off and bought a Savage 10 BA in .308. It should be here in about a week. I also picked up an IOR 3-18X MIL/MIL scope off the Sniper's Hide for sale section. It too should be here in about a week. I will let you know how it goes. Why, oh, Why did i ever go shoot that precision match? Now i am hooked! one more shooting addiction.
 
Re: need to get started

glad to hear it man!! im sure you wont be dissapointed. make sure you post updates. i am interested to see where this goes. i havnt seen anything on the 10BA yet but if its anything like my 110 300wm it should do everything you ask it to.

cheers on the savage man enjoy.
 
Re: need to get started

I've got at LA Precision 308 and 260. I shoot berger hybrid target 155s in my 308 when I run it in a match. This summer with the heat down here I was getting 3,021 avfps which got me to a grand at 7.8 mils., pretty good out of a sail boat. The thing you are going to need to do is shoot in the wind every chance you get log your data. Learn your rifle. It is funny that I was outrunning the 6.5s out of the muzzle but they were hitting the targets sooner, this is because the energy bleed off is faster in the 308 than the 6.5s. Find someone with a good knowledge on set up and get them to help you set your rifle up to fit you, so you won't be fighting the gun. There is so much to learn to have just a basic understanding that if you can find a good shooter in your area that will take you under his wing you would be miles ahead. I was lucky to have William Roscoe.
My 308 is a LRP with nightforce f1 about $5,500 rig and shot my first match where I to was hooked.
After I shot my first match I sold the bass boat and had a LRP 260 built with S&B optics about $7,000 so get ready if you are already hooked.
Congrats on your new rig and good luck with the new addiction.
 
Re: need to get started

Also look up louisiana precision rifles and check out William Roscoe's web site. He has a lot of information about what goes into getting precision accuracy out of a bolt gun. If you end up purchasing a custom rifle in the future I would give him a shot at your business, you will be happy you did. Anyway check his web site out he has sections that show you what goes into truing a action, bedding, chambering and a lot of helpful information.
 
Re: need to get started

well the Savage 10BA in .308 showed up this afternoon. the ad said it had only been shot 50 rounds. the bore is filthy. i think way over 50 rounds. or moly. i am cleaning away as i write this.
scope should be here tomorrow. week-end weather is going to be nasty, so mebbeso by mid-week i will get a range visit.
i will let you know.
 
Re: need to get started

My factory savage barrel would copper and get filthy after just a few rounds.
It is a factory, button rifled barrel after all. Not sure what you were expecting. They USUALLY shoot VERY well though.

Personally, I would have bought either the HS Precision or McMillan stocked version, brand new and saved 500 to 700 dollars.

Better, lighter, more comfortable stocks.

But, you have it now.

Invest in some foaming bore cleaner, there are several brands, I use Gunslick. It works VERY well and cleaning is a breeze.
Don't waste your time scrubbing the bore with brushes etc...

Foam it, let it sit for a couple of hours, or overnight (muzzle lower than the action), run a dry patch followed by a couple soaked with #9, let it soak for a couple of minutes followed by two or three dry patches.

Your barrel and throat will last longer by not scrubbing the hell out if it.
 
Re: need to get started

thanx. i got the barrel clean last nite. i don't use brushes either. i was expecting the guy to ship it cleaned. but, oh, well. we will see what it shoots like. i paid 1500 for it, so that ain't too bad. supposedly has had only 50 rounds downrange. we will see what we will see. again thanx,
 
Re: need to get started

spent a little range time with the Savage 10 BA. Me and that Accu-trigger need to become friends. i tend to wrap my trigger finger around the trigger. the Accu-Trigger seems to work best with the pad of my finger on it. i occasionally had the trigger just give a click when i would prep it, then slightly release it.
i will get that figgered out. now as to the Savage. it liked my 155 palma load and my 175 SMK load. both of these went into one-half to six-tenths of an inch out to out. looks like i can make this thing a nice toy.
 
Re: need to get started

How bout some pics of your rig. I'll bet that is a damn sexy looking rig.

Sounds like you got a typical, excellent shooting savage.

I have the 3-18 IOR on my rifle. I love it, though it isn't perfect.

Congrats on your excellent stick.
 
Re: need to get started

i will post pics in about 10 days. i am off to Scott and White in Texas with the boss lady. Next week will be tests and hopefully answers.
after that i promise pics. I found a load that shot pretty good: 155 gr. Palma match over 44.5 grains of Varget. 5 shots .610" (group size not overall) and 4 of them went into .297". i will get a pic of that also.
i am going to change the mount, but that will be later.