An odd question from a beginner

[DocJekyll]

If this is in the wrong section on the site please forgive me.

I am about to acquire a GAP FBI HRT rifle with about 1100rds through it. I know there are a few hide members out there with this rifle and I am starting to gather information since I am fairly new to the bolt gun community.

My first question is regarding optics (since I won't have one upon picking mine up). I was looking at Nightforce in the 5.5-22x50 Zero-stop with the Velocity 1000 reticle. Does anyone have this optic and could you give me some pointers on positives and negatives over some others available like S&B, or Premier?

Secondly, I will be hand loading ammo for this rifle, and if any of you have any good recipes I could start with to try and dial in peak performance I would appreciate it.

Again I'm just now dipping my toes in the water of precision shooting so forgive me if I'm not 100% sure about where to post or what questions to ask.

 

[Sendero_Man]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

NF is a great scope, I personally would get the NP-R1 reticle..

the Velocity reticles are great, but you'd have to tune a load to match it. I would use the R1 and shoot accordingly.

Varget is a great powder for the 308 (assuming that is what it is)

what weight bullet you planning on using ?

 

[JCH]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

SM is correct. Go with the NP-R1 and you can use it on any rifle from now on.

 

[DocJekyll]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sendero_man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NF is a great scope, I personally would get the NP-R1 reticle..

the Velocity reticles are great, but you'd have to tune a load to match it. I would use the R1 and shoot accordingly.

Varget is a great powder for the 308 (assuming that is what it is)

what weight bullet you planning on using ?</div></div>

I've looked at a couple of different loads so far, including the Lapua 155gr Scenar, but as far as the ballistics between some of them, I'm still reading up on a lot to try to learn as much as I can.

I did find a nice little range near by that goes out to 1000yds though so I can warm up slow and work my way out as I progress.

 

[Sendero_Man]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

good load for the 155 Scenars...

45.5 of Varget
Lapua brass
Fed 210
2.810 to start (seat to your chamber)

I use the .338 bushing in my comp dies

you'll love it !

 

[DocJekyll]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sendero_man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">good load for the 155 Scenars...

45.5 of Varget
Lapua brass
Fed 210
2.810 to start (seat to your chamber)

I use the .338 bushing in my comp dies

you'll love it !</div></div>

Thank you! Any other good tips you could suggest?

 

[Kevlars]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

I agree with Sendero_man on NF scope -- however I am partial to the MLR reticle.

I also use .308 with Varget however you will need to give us more information-- what bullet, primer, Brass etc.

However ultimately you will need to get a Chronographer of some kind like CED M2 and then start building your recipes looking for accuracy, pressure signs and velocity. Each rifle is different and the loading manuals are just starting points.

as an example I use SMK175, Lapua Brass, Federal 210M, Varget 44.5 -- but I started at 41.0 and worked up until I got the accuracy that I liked and the MV that I also liked.

I used this method Incremental Load Development It works well... just be patient and take notes--at the range you will think you will remember but you won't .. take pictures and notes.

Good Luck...

-K

 

[Sendero_Man]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

just to go shoot and have fun... you got an incredible platform to start with.

 

[DocJekyll]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kevlars</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree with Sendero_man on NF scope -- however I am partial to the MLR reticle.

I also use .308 with Varget however you will need to give us more information-- what bullet, primer, Brass etc.

However ultimately you will need to get a Chronographer of some kind like CED M2 and then start building your recipes looking for accuracy, pressure signs and velocity. Each rifle is different and the loading manuals are just starting points.

as an example I use SMK175, Lapua Brass, Federal 210M, Varget 44.5 -- but I started at 41.0 and worked up until I got the accuracy that I liked and the MV that I also liked.

I used this method Incremental Load Development It works well... just be patient and take notes--at the range you will think you will remember but you won't .. take pictures and notes.

Good Luck...

-K</div></div>

That looks like a very interesting read. Thank you for the additional advice.

What would be the affect of using a 175gr over the 155 when it comes to long range accuracy?

 

[Kevlars]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

Oh here we go ... lol ok let me preface this with saying IMHO. Over longer ranges lighter bullets are more subject to velocity drops and cross winds. (long range is a very subjective value -- after 500 yards you will start to see the differences). Same principal applies to every mass of an object. A lot of people say that you get greater MV from a lighter bullet -- however a heavier bullet will carry its speed longer and stay supersonic longer. However with heavier bullets you will need the twist rate that will stabilize your bullet properly.

For instance what I have found that with my rifle with a 1/12 twist 168 and 155 work great ... Now of course it could be me and that I need more time behind the rifle (who doesn't ? lol) With my other rifle I have a 1/10 twist and loves the Sierra 175MK-- you can check out the stability Calculator here JBM Stablity calculator I like to see it around 2.0 but that is a personal preference. And of course there are several programs that can help you.

Again don't get bogged down with the math or science ... just go and shoot-- build your load and just have fun and learn to shoot.

Cheers !

-K

 

[YAOG]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DocJekyll</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If this is in the wrong section on the site please forgive me.

I am about to acquire a GAP FBI HRT rifle with about 1100rds through it. I know there are a few hide members out there with this rifle and I am starting to gather information since I am fairly new to the bolt gun community.

My first question is regarding optics (since I won't have one upon picking mine up). I was looking at Nightforce in the 5.5-22x50 Zero-stop with the Velocity 1000 reticle. Does anyone have this optic and could you give me some pointers on positives and negatives over some others available like S&B, or Premier?

Secondly, I will be hand loading ammo for this rifle, and if any of you have any good recipes I could start with to try and dial in peak performance I would appreciate it.

Again I'm just now dipping my toes in the water of precision shooting so forgive me if I'm not 100% sure about where to post or what questions to ask. </div></div>


Welcome! AFAIK you are in the right place.

What will you be doing with your new bolt gun? Making holes in paper? Tactical competitions? Varmint hunting? Ringing steel? What ranges will you be shooting? Are there short or long range shooting areas a reasonable distance from your home or office?

Do your homework on scopes, there are all compromises just like choice of caliber. Some are better than others for different uses and nothing can really do it all very well. This is particularly true for reticule choice and the choice between FFP or SFP options for your optics.

Whatever you do, do not rush out and buy the first thing you come across unless you are made of money and don't care about buying the wrong tool for the job once or twice. If possible go to your local shooting range talk to folks who have the optics you might have an interest in and ask to look and use them. Most folks are happy to let you fondle their stuff. I all of my shooting buddies are more than happy to share with any and all at the range and I am happy to help people with one of my favorite pastimes.

Hope this helps!

 

[Smith44699]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

I just got a 5.5x22-50 with high speed turrets and zero stop. It has the NP R1 rectical. Awesome scope for the money. I think you will be really happy with it.

 

[kheuertz]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

I have two different Nightforce's - one with the NP-R2 reticle and one with the MLR...like them both for different reasons. Some of the others here who are a lot smarter than me have chimed in and I always find lots of good advice from those who have practical knowledge with the scopes.

I would say get lots of feedback and don't be in a rush to buy until you have a chance to digest all the good info here....JaxOps

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

Re: An odd question from a beginner

Looks like you are getting yourself into a GREAT rifle. My advise would be to go with either the NP-R1 if you are wanting to work in MOA, or the MLR if you are wanting to work in mil.

The velocity reticles are just as it sounds. they are based off a certain velocity. Not knowing the real word value of what that velocity is going to be since you have not worked up the load for your new rifle yet then you can not correctly match the reticle to the rifle.

Even going off reloading manual book velocities or what the back of a box of ammo says the velocities are is a no go. You need real world data which means sending rounds through a crony.

Please don't hesitate to call myself or Jay if you ever have any questions.