Getting back to what I truly enjoy and what led me to this forum, which is shooting.  Both enjoying shooting, sharing experience, helping new shooters, and getting to know like minded folks. 

I have recently gotten back into shooting my Rem 700 .308.  I bought this rifle many years ago with the intention of eventually updating.  When I bought the rifle, I envisioned an aftermarket stock and cerakote.  Remington's blued finish is ABSOLUTE CRAP!!!  To the point where I would shoot the gun one afternoon and case it up.  Then when shooting the next day (not even 24 hours later), there would be a sheen of rust.  I mean it was easy to wipe off, but that's crap. 

The original gun is a Remington 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD with a Vortex Viper PST 4-16.  I chose .308 because it was a popular/common caliber that was readily available commercially.  I had "visions" of eventually getting into reloading.  I enjoy shooting steel in general, so when the steel got taken down at KHSC I lost motivation to shoot the 700, as well as a lull in my shooting in general.  Anyways, I have the bug again and have picked up the update. 

As I've gotten back into shooting the 700 and started reloading, I've received a lot of feedback from folks on the forum and friends, as well as on the internet.  I've found that like many things in life, context is key when receiving feedback.  From folks that hunt, to are interested in stuff like PRS style/level shooting, and F-Class and benchrest folks.  I'm somewhere in the middle.   I mostly just want to improve on the stock gun and goal is better results than commercial match ammo.  Not expecting to get into the 0.25 MOA average level, but of course want to get the best I can out of the gun, ammo, and my shooting ability.

Cutting to the chase, here's where the gun is at now:
- Cerakoted barrel, action, and bolt (with larger bolt knob)
- American Precision Arms Little Bastard brake, turned down to match the barrel OD
- MPA Competition chassis with side folder
- Nightforce ATACR with MIL-XT reticle with Spuhr mount and Seekins base
- Geissele Rem 700 Super trigger (likely going to change out soon)
- Atlas BT65 bipod

When the work was done to cerakote and install the brake was done, since the barrel and action had to be taken apart, I had the gunsmith perform some "cleaning up" of the action, chamber, and crown. 

Pause here. . . why not just go with a custom action and barrel?  Yup, I would have if it wasn't for a few things.  I wasn't expecting to go that far with the updates and I wanted to get the gun back shooting soonest.  The actions I was looking at were pretty long lead times.  Add to that the registration "situation".  Current plan is to shoot this action/barrel a lot and see how the reloading goes and then decide where to go from there. 

I got the gun back end of Dec and was able to fit in a range day to zero the gun and a "fun" range day.  Zeroing on the first range day was pretty quick.  I think I took about 3 rounds to get pretty close.  I have a useful reference point on a building next door that allowed a pretty good boresight at about 125 yards.  Wish I had done that on previous rifles.  I was able to shoot a few 5 shot groups that first range day and was pleased with the results with factory ammo.

Then on the "fun" range day, I was able to get pretty good chrono data for the FGMM.  Good to set a baseline for many things moving forward, both for shooting the gun in longer ranges and reloading.  With the chrono data and ballistic app, I was able to get decent first round hits on steel in the 300 yard to mid 400 yard range, so I was quite happy.  By decent, I mean with help from "a friend" on the wind call, first round hits on steel near the center of the plate.  The group had a laugh when I had the first round hit on the first target and I was like "I hope that wasn't a one hit wonder" 

So now that I'm somewhat comfortable with the gun setup, focus is shifting to reloading.  I have 100 rounds loaded up from my first batch of loading.  I have decided to go a different route with the load development, but it will be interesting to shoot the rounds that I have loaded up. 

It's been a fun process so far.  Learning a lot and have had a few mistakes in ordering components that weren't "quite right".  I think I've gotten past that with the gun, but will likely have more of that with the reloading components.  As I've mention in other threads, I like to try different things and see for myself.  I've gone through the growing pains with handguns and ARs, and starting down that road now with bolt action rifles.  A bit of bad timing as many of the reloading components are tougher to come by. 

Haven't been this excited about shooting in a while.  Just wish we had more diverse ranges to shoot at.  This might make me look into joining SRGC again.  Will see. . .

Nice!
One thing about SRGC though..... there is a 12 Hour volunteer requirement per year and if you can’t you either have to pay $100 plus the $40 for membership. They normally do not post any requests for volunteers on their website and when they do it’s normally the evening before or the morning of. What a joke. All last year I asked to have an area on their website that members could check to see what needs to be done and sign up. Never happened. Decided it wasn’t worth it anymore and as of 1 Jan 21 my membership expired. Nice way for them to treat vets and active duty....

Nice!
One thing about SRGC though..... there is a 12 Hour volunteer requirement per year and if you can’t you either have to pay $100 plus the $40 for membership. They normally do not post any requests for volunteers on their website and when they do it’s normally the evening before or the morning of. What a joke. All last year I asked to have an area on their website that members could check to see what needs to be done and sign up. Never happened. Decided it wasn’t worth it anymore and as of 1 Jan 21 my membership expired. Nice way for them to treat vets and active duty....

Ya. Sounds same when I stopped my membership, maybe 4-5 years ago. At that time, I was volunteering as RSO. For at least a couple of years, I had way more volunteer hours than I shot. Then they started this “rule”. Pissed me off. I used to help clean up other areas that I didn’t even utilize, like the shotgun range.

I got a Remington 700 in 3006.  I was contemplating changing the stock and trigger and reloading rounds for it, but I don't expect to have the time to shoot it much so I kept it stock and shoot factory rounds.  I'd like to take a precision rifle class somewhere someday.   If I bring a group to the range I just shoot surplus Greek HXP out of it, though it's difficult to extract the brass after firing for some reason.  I haven't had any rusting problems on this or other blued Remingtons.  I keep them oiled up with CLP to prevent rust.

I haven't been to SRGC in a long time.  I got put off by their new requirements and other things.  There's been problems with the volunteer system when I first joined 20 years ago, it just seems so disorganized in that regards.  Posting it on the website is a good idea.

Sold my .30-06.
Getting little older and out of shape and wasn’t fun anymore like my younger days.
Down calibered to a .243 Weatherby and loving it again.
Love working the bolt deliberately.
Never stretched it but more accurate than I am at 100.

Never did shoot a .308.
Sounds like you got a nice set up Drck.

I got a Remington 700 in 3006.  I was contemplating changing the stock and trigger and reloading rounds for it, but I don't expect to have the time to shoot it much so I kept it stock and shoot factory rounds.  I'd like to take a precision rifle class somewhere someday.   If I bring a group to the range I just shoot surplus Greek HXP out of it, though it's difficult to extract the brass after firing for some reason.  I haven't had any rusting problems on this or other blued Remingtons.  I keep them oiled up with CLP to prevent rust.

I haven't been to SRGC in a long time.  I got put off by their new requirements and other things.  There's been problems with the volunteer system when I first joined 20 years ago, it just seems so disorganized in that regards.  Posting it on the website is a good idea.

Is your Rem 700 in the trigger recall?  Mine was.  I changed out to the Geissele, but now I'm thinking of going with Triggertech.  The Geissele is much better than the stock Rem trigger, but there are some things I have noticed about it that I don't care for. 

I had planned on taking a precision rifle class with my LPVO, but then COVID hit.  Now, I'm thinking of a class with the same instructor for the bolt action.  He does a lot of long(er) range courses.  Of course, open to others as well. 

Sold my .30-06.
Getting little older and out of shape and wasn’t fun anymore like my younger days.
Down calibered to a .243 Weatherby and loving it again.
Love working the bolt deliberately.
Never stretched it but more accurate than I am at 100.

Never did shoot a .308.
Sounds like you got a nice set up Drck.

Thanks.  .308 is good in that it's very common and lots of experience folks can share on setups as well as reloading.  I was a bit impatient and should have waited until my scope came in and gun came back to decide on the optic mount and base.  But with the extensive info online, I was pretty sure on what I ordered and it worked out to be perfect fits. 

Shot my first batch of reloads.  Will share more of that in the reloading section.  Was a great day and pretty excited about further load development, as well as refining the loading process.  Both for myself and my buddy who while has been reloading longer than I have, he's getting more into the precision aspect of reloading, than more "good enough". 

Shot some factory ammo to confirm chrono was setup properly ahead of the load testing.  Also took some time to confirm zero, scope level, etc.  The 5 shot group with FGMM 168 gr was pretty good, so at least I had a good baseline to how I was shooting prior to the load tests.

Some highlights:
1) Magnetospeed chrono was awesome.  Super easy to use once it's setup.  The Labradar is probably easier overall to setup and use, but the Magnetospeed was a good alternative, particularly for the setup "limitations" of Koko Head (and not needing a tripod).  I have a mount for the Magnetospeed that attaches to the chassis/stock than the barrel. It's easy to setup, but have to be sure the bayonet location is just right.  That's where I think the Labradar is easier to use. The chrono data for the FGMM 168 gr from the Magnetospeed was consistent with the Labradar data from last weekend, so that was good confirmation.

2) My chassis has a rail on the bottom that can adjust the position of the bipod along the rail.  That is really helpful.  It allows more options for shooting in varying positions, not just prone. 

3) Load testing went well.  I was mostly interested in validating that my reloads were "ok".  But that I mean functioned properly, no unusual things, etc.  I was pleased that all rounds functioned properly and got some promising results on paper as well as chrono data.  Gave me some good info for further refinement with the two powders I tested (4064 and Varget).  I'll likely try at least one more powder before I decide which powder to isolate testing. 

4) Shooting bolt action seemed very relaxing.  I took half day off from work Friday afternoon, so left the office stuff behind.  The range wasn't that crowded and overall nice day on the range.  I now have a better idea of how many rounds of test loads to budget in terms of time on range.  I had planned on shooting from 12 to 4 pm, but I was done at 230 pm. 

Overall, encouraging start to my reloading process.  Still a ways to go with the load development and "upping" our reloading process, including with upgrades on reloading equipment.

heads

Shot my first batch of reloads.  Will share more of that in the reloading section.  Was a great day and pretty excited about further load development, as well as refining the loading process.  Both for myself and my buddy who while has been reloading longer than I have, he's getting more into the precision aspect of reloading, than more "good enough". 

Shot some factory ammo to confirm chrono was setup properly ahead of the load testing.  Also took some time to confirm zero, scope level, etc.  The 5 shot group with FGMM 168 gr was pretty good, so at least I had a good baseline to how I was shooting prior to the load tests.

Some highlights:
1) Magnetospeed chrono was awesome.  Super easy to use once it's setup.  The Labradar is probably easier overall to setup and use, but the Magnetospeed was a good alternative, particularly for the setup "limitations" of Koko Head (and not needing a tripod).  I have a mount for the Magnetospeed that attaches to the chassis/stock than the barrel. It's easy to setup, but have to be sure the bayonet location is just right.  That's where I think the Labradar is easier to use. The chrono data for the FGMM 168 gr from the Magnetospeed was consistent with the Labradar data from last weekend, so that was good confirmation.

2) My chassis has a rail on the bottom that can adjust the position of the bipod along the rail.  That is really helpful.  It allows more options for shooting in varying positions, not just prone. 

3) Load testing went well.  I was mostly interested in validating that my reloads were "ok".  But that I mean functioned properly, no unusual things, etc.  I was pleased that all rounds functioned properly and got some promising results on paper as well as chrono data.  Gave me some good info for further refinement with the two powders I tested (4064 and Varget).  I'll likely try at least one more powder before I decide which powder to isolate testing. 

4) Shooting bolt action seemed very relaxing.  I took half day off from work Friday afternoon, so left the office stuff behind.  The range wasn't that crowded and overall nice day on the range.  I now have a better idea of how many rounds of test loads to budget in terms of time on range.  I had planned on shooting from 12 to 4 pm, but I was done at 230 pm. 

Overall, encouraging start to my reloading process.  Still a ways to go with the load development and "upping" our reloading process, including with upgrades on reloading equipment.

Was able to load up and shoot the next round of test loads last week, which included 8208 and Shooters World (just as good as Varget).  I'll start a thread in the Reloading section for my test loads and results.  Initial read is 8208 showed decent promise with Shooters World being mostly disappointing.  However, still being new to reloading there are a few things I want to follow up on, particularly with equipment setup. 

Nothing new for the bolt gun itself.  Finally have all the correct components and attachments, so getting used to the setup that I envisioned.  That as opposed to having to figure out a way to make things work with what I ordered.  The current setup is quite flexible in many aspects, which is what I wanted.  I think I'm mostly getting used to how I set things up at home, like LoP, comb height, etc.  Or at least I haven't felt the need to adjust. My previous bolt gun was fixed everything and I'm pretty sure I didn't set it up properly as I found that I was occasionally having to adjust for proper eye relief.  With the current setup, I am able to get into a comfortable/natural position for shooting assuming somewhat usual shooting "space", so no muscle use or tension. 

Mostly focusing in improving loading equipment (since I use a friend's shop and his reloading "base" equipment).  I added a RCBS Chargemaster, which helped speed things up and allow more multi-tasking of loading operations.  Next on the list are different case trimmer and annealer.  Picked up dies that will allow me to set things up for my own gun and use the existing press.  I will likely invest in my own press somewhere along the line as current bench space with presses will only allow one person to do the main loading operations at a time. 

Some highlights:
1) The Magnetospeed continues to impress. Getting faster in setting things up and use of the equipment is super easy.  Even downloading the data to my home laptop, which will be super helpful when the more serious load development starts. 

2) I'll have to watch my consistency in loading operations.  Not sure if it was me technique or the seating die had shifted.  But I had loaded up some Varget for a range day coming up in the near future and I noticed that the initial rounds were at my planned seating depth and then later rounds were slightly longer.  It was still well within safe parameters, but something I'll have to keep and eye on. Will check the seating die in my next loading session and be sure to concentrate on being more consistent. With this batch, with the powder thrower in full swing, the operation was much faster than I had been in the earlier loading sessions. 

3) Load testing went ok.  I got decent results from 8208, but was quite disappointed with the Shooters World.  The SW did show some promise, so might still work with it some.  Overall, all good data for the overall process. 

4) It's interesting listening to different folks' theories and gun "knowledge" that they drop.  My electronic hearing pro picks up a lot, and I mean a LOT.  For example, I could clearly overhear a group was maybe 3-4 benches over.  The initial group was a family, which were all nice (they came by to ask about my gun and we chatted), but then a couple guys joined them, one of them was quite "self knowledgeable".  Anyways, the Magnetospeed is apparently for stabilization, like how compound bows have the arm in the front.  He was also shooting .308, which was throwing the boolits at over 3100 fps . . . super impressive, eh. . . On the positive side, I was able to help a nice guy who was next to me sort out his hunting bolt gun after having POI shifts due to a recent change in muzzle device.  Super cool guy and was good to talk bolt guns, even from different perspectives.  It's that kinds of interactions at the range make it more fun. 

5) The RSOs were asking all of the folks setting up if they were going to save their brass.  They even brought out their own brass nets for those shooting semi-autos who said they weren't going to save the brass and that the RSOs could have them.  I guess a sign of the times. 

Anyways, more fun experiences with the bolt gun.  Looking forward to more. 

Was able to load up and shoot the next round of test loads last week, which included 8208 and Shooters World (just as good as Varget).  I'll start a thread in the Reloading section for my test loads and results.  Initial read is 8208 showed decent promise with Shooters World being mostly disappointing.  However, still being new to reloading there are a few things I want to follow up on, particularly with equipment setup. 

Nothing new for the bolt gun itself.  Finally have all the correct components and attachments, so getting used to the setup that I envisioned.  That as opposed to having to figure out a way to make things work with what I ordered.  The current setup is quite flexible in many aspects, which is what I wanted.  I think I'm mostly getting used to how I set things up at home, like LoP, comb height, etc.  Or at least I haven't felt the need to adjust. My previous bolt gun was fixed everything and I'm pretty sure I didn't set it up properly as I found that I was occasionally having to adjust for proper eye relief.  With the current setup, I am able to get into a comfortable/natural position for shooting assuming somewhat usual shooting "space", so no muscle use or tension. 

Mostly focusing in improving loading equipment (since I use a friend's shop and his reloading "base" equipment).  I added a RCBS Chargemaster, which helped speed things up and allow more multi-tasking of loading operations.  Next on the list are different case trimmer and annealer.  Picked up dies that will allow me to set things up for my own gun and use the existing press.  I will likely invest in my own press somewhere along the line as current bench space with presses will only allow one person to do the main loading operations at a time. 

Some highlights:
1) The Magnetospeed continues to impress. Getting faster in setting things up and use of the equipment is super easy.  Even downloading the data to my home laptop, which will be super helpful when the more serious load development starts. 

2) I'll have to watch my consistency in loading operations.  Not sure if it was me technique or the seating die had shifted.  But I had loaded up some Varget for a range day coming up in the near future and I noticed that the initial rounds were at my planned seating depth and then later rounds were slightly longer.  It was still well within safe parameters, but something I'll have to keep and eye on. Will check the seating die in my next loading session and be sure to concentrate on being more consistent. With this batch, with the powder thrower in full swing, the operation was much faster than I had been in the earlier loading sessions. 

3) Load testing went ok.  I got decent results from 8208, but was quite disappointed with the Shooters World.  The SW did show some promise, so might still work with it some.  Overall, all good data for the overall process. 

4) It's interesting listening to different folks' theories and gun "knowledge" that they drop.  My electronic hearing pro picks up a lot, and I mean a LOT.  For example, I could clearly overhear a group was maybe 3-4 benches over.  The initial group was a family, which were all nice (they came by to ask about my gun and we chatted), but then a couple guys joined them, one of them was quite "self knowledgeable".  Anyways, the Magnetospeed is apparently for stabilization, like how compound bows have the arm in the front.  He was also shooting .308, which was throwing the boolits at over 3100 fps . . . super impressive, eh. . . On the positive side, I was able to help a nice guy who was next to me sort out his hunting bolt gun after having POI shifts due to a recent change in muzzle device.  Super cool guy and was good to talk bolt guns, even from different perspectives.  It's that kinds of interactions at the range make it more fun. 

5) The RSOs were asking all of the folks setting up if they were going to save their brass.  They even brought out their own brass nets for those shooting semi-autos who said they weren't going to save the brass and that the RSOs could have them.  I guess a sign of the times. 

Anyways, more fun experiences with the bolt gun.  Looking forward to more.

Cool update.
I think the RSOs should be focusing on more important matters such as watching shooters instead of picking up brass. That's why there are many "Stay behind the yellow line!" scoldings during a cease fire.

Cool update.
I think the RSOs should be focusing on more important matters such as watching shooters instead of picking up brass. That's why there are many "Stay behind the yellow line!" scoldings during a cease fire.

Yup. I mean I generally believe most of them mean well and want to make sure folks enjoy shooting.  But even during ceasefires, there are times when they don't pick up on things.  When I go by myself, I want to be sure they are keeping an eye on the benches when I am either downrange or have to take a piss.  In any case, I usually keep an eye on when shooters jump on the benches near me.  Some just don't seem to understand "keep the muzzle down range at ALL times" means when you uncase it as well. . . 

I like to assess the people shooting around me as well.  you never know if its some rookie that fans the line, or what.  I've seen some stooped people shooting on some occasions

this past Saturday scooped up some 9mm brass from the silly side. noticed a couple shooters throwing their brass in the bin so I asked if I could have their brass and they said ok.  so i'm more of a polite vulture 

Have been watching a lot of YT videos lately from F-Class (both open and TR) and Benchrest folks, mostly for load development.  Not particularly interested in shooting F-Class or Benchrest or going to that extent in rifles, but the stuff that they pay attention to is amazing. The load development, their equipment, how they prep for matches, etc.  Many of them shoot other disciplines as well, like PRS matches, so good get perspective on experiences for those who are multi-discipline.  I don't plan on shooting any PRS matches, but that's closer to the context of my shooting interests. 

Shot some long(er) range last week.  This was the same location that I shot with my bolt gun prior to the upgrades/updates, go good before/after comparisons.

This location has opportunity for shooting in the 200 to just over 1000 yard distances.  The wind is particularly challenging because of the terrain and lack of indicators along the way.  The wind is usually vastly different from the shooting positions to the target.

Some highlights:
1) Having a gun setup just right for you is key.  Before the update, my bolt gun wasn't setup very well for me.  The eye relief was setup based on things when I first got my bolt gun and I didn't adjust it as I shot and as well as improved, or refined my shooting.  I recall the initial session at this location, I found myself fighting the gun and to get a clear sight picture.  I think that was mostly due to poor comb height, but also eye relief.  With the gun setup properly to me and current shooting style/habits/whatever, it was easy to get into a comfortable and no/low tension shooting position. 

2) Higher magnification helped, at least in this case.  My previous scope was 4-16 and my current scope is 7-35.  While the quality and price ranges of the scopes are vastly different, I still think the 4-16 is OK for the ranges we were shooting at.  However, the added mag available helped a lot.  First was better able to spot my misses.  I typically was shooting at 25x and I could see the near misses WAY better than with my 16x.  I didn't shoot at anything more than 30x for even the longest distances.  Mirage is not an issue at this location.  The added magnification also helped in combination with the grid style reticle and making quick adjustments, particularly on the wind calls.  The added magnification allowed more defined measurement of the miss and allowed for quicker adjustment.

3) Quick follow up shots in the challenging wind conditions at this location is key. That was something I picked up from a couple of friends with experience shooting longer ranges as well as videos.  In the past, we would shoot, confirm with the spotters and and then make adjustments.  The confirm with spotters for me often was because I couldn't pick up the near misses through my optic.  With both upgraded optic and better spotting scope, we were able to quickly confirm the near miss and make a quick adjustment, with less time for the wind to change.  The best string I had was a near miss and then two successive hits at the 1000ish yard target.

4) Rangefinder with the ability to measure the incline/decline is key.  One shooting buddy has one, but was not able to make it to this session last minute.  The folks who usually shoot at this location had ranged the targets previously, but didn't have info on if they measured "close enough" and if it accounted for the angle.  They typically walk shots in if they miss, so accurate ranging is less of a premium to them.  We are striving for first shot hits. 

5) I need to practice reading winds and making adjustments.  This is particularly for shooting with headwinds or tailwinds.  I "think" I have gotten better at wind calls laterally, as I've been spending more time on that recently.  But I found that at this particular location, the head/tail winds were leading to many of the near misses.  At least I think.  I was hoping to true the data on my ballistic app, but wasn't able to for a few reasons.  Even then, I ended up being 0.8 mils off the elevation at 1000ish (we were thinking the true range was in the 1050-1080 yard range).  The ammo I was shooting was some hand loads that I had good velocity data on and at least decent grouping (not based on completed load development), but was confident it would be "workable".  I was surprised at the difference since the ballistic app had previously proven to be pretty spot on in the 200-700 yard range.  However, the true range may end up being the key.  Of course as well as my shooting capabilities. 

Overall, a very fun session with the bolt gun. Some good results for the bolt gun as well as my handloading.  Looking forward to seeing if I can be more consistent as I refine the load development for this rifle. 

tfti

Shot some long(er) range last week.  This was the same location that I shot with my bolt gun prior to the upgrades/updates, go good before/after comparisons.

This location has opportunity for shooting in the 200 to just over 1000 yard distances.  The wind is particularly challenging because of the terrain and lack of indicators along the way.  The wind is usually vastly different from the shooting positions to the target.

Some highlights:
1) Having a gun setup just right for you is key.  Before the update, my bolt gun wasn't setup very well for me.  The eye relief was setup based on things when I first got my bolt gun and I didn't adjust it as I shot and as well as improved, or refined my shooting.  I recall the initial session at this location, I found myself fighting the gun and to get a clear sight picture.  I think that was mostly due to poor comb height, but also eye relief.  With the gun setup properly to me and current shooting style/habits/whatever, it was easy to get into a comfortable and no/low tension shooting position. 

2) Higher magnification helped, at least in this case.  My previous scope was 4-16 and my current scope is 7-35.  While the quality and price ranges of the scopes are vastly different, I still think the 4-16 is OK for the ranges we were shooting at.  However, the added mag available helped a lot.  First was better able to spot my misses.  I typically was shooting at 25x and I could see the near misses WAY better than with my 16x.  I didn't shoot at anything more than 30x for even the longest distances.  Mirage is not an issue at this location.  The added magnification also helped in combination with the grid style reticle and making quick adjustments, particularly on the wind calls.  The added magnification allowed more defined measurement of the miss and allowed for quicker adjustment.

3) Quick follow up shots in the challenging wind conditions at this location is key. That was something I picked up from a couple of friends with experience shooting longer ranges as well as videos.  In the past, we would shoot, confirm with the spotters and and then make adjustments.  The confirm with spotters for me often was because I couldn't pick up the near misses through my optic.  With both upgraded optic and better spotting scope, we were able to quickly confirm the near miss and make a quick adjustment, with less time for the wind to change.  The best string I had was a near miss and then two successive hits at the 1000ish yard target.

4) Rangefinder with the ability to measure the incline/decline is key.  One shooting buddy has one, but was not able to make it to this session last minute.  The folks who usually shoot at this location had ranged the targets previously, but didn't have info on if they measured "close enough" and if it accounted for the angle.  They typically walk shots in if they miss, so accurate ranging is less of a premium to them.  We are striving for first shot hits. 

5) I need to practice reading winds and making adjustments.  This is particularly for shooting with headwinds or tailwinds.  I "think" I have gotten better at wind calls laterally, as I've been spending more time on that recently.  But I found that at this particular location, the head/tail winds were leading to many of the near misses.  At least I think.  I was hoping to true the data on my ballistic app, but wasn't able to for a few reasons.  Even then, I ended up being 0.8 mils off the elevation at 1000ish (we were thinking the true range was in the 1050-1080 yard range).  The ammo I was shooting was some hand loads that I had good velocity data on and at least decent grouping (not based on completed load development), but was confident it would be "workable".  I was surprised at the difference since the ballistic app had previously proven to be pretty spot on in the 200-700 yard range.  However, the true range may end up being the key.  Of course as well as my shooting capabilities. 

Overall, a very fun session with the bolt gun. Some good results for the bolt gun as well as my handloading.  Looking forward to seeing if I can be more consistent as I refine the load development for this rifle.

tfti

Ditto

tfti

poof poof no can reach

Ditto

poof poof no can reach

heads

Going to be ordering a custom action for my bolt gun soon.  For those who have gone the custom action route, any specific considerations for your choices?

I'm deciding between a few finalists, with Defiance and Curtis the top two. 

Then when you were chambering your barrel, any specific considerations?  For me. I want to maintain the range of being able to shoot from the magazine (so 2.800" to 2.810"), but also not "jumping a country mile" when I shoot the 168 gr hybrids.  I think I will stay in the 168 to 175 gr range, maybe into the 180s or so, but don't envision going to the 200+ range, at least not yet.  I'll be keeping my current Rem 700, which I am able to shoot the longer cartridges. 

So many choices. . .

Going to be ordering a custom action for my bolt gun soon.  For those who have gone the custom action route, any specific considerations for your choices?

I'm deciding between a few finalists, with Defiance and Curtis the top two. 

Then when you were chambering your barrel, any specific considerations?  For me. I want to maintain the range of being able to shoot from the magazine (so 2.800" to 2.810"), but also not "jumping a country mile" when I shoot the 168 gr hybrids.  I think I will stay in the 168 to 175 gr range, maybe into the 180s or so, but don't envision going to the 200+ range, at least not yet.  I'll be keeping my current Rem 700, which I am able to shoot the longer cartridges. 
So many choices. . .

A good gunsmith, that will chamber your rifle, should have an appropriate reamer for the bullet weights you want.  Discuss with the smith at the time of the build.  Heavier bullets in .308win is difficult, not enough case capacity to drive them.  Anything over 175 is diminishing returns IMHO.  Unless you plan on pushing the pressure envelope.  Also, 200 grn + is so long, forget about mag feed.  You'll need to take up too much case capacity to fit into a magazine.