F T/R Competition Opinions?

[avidflyer]

Building a dedicated F-Class T/R Rifle…308 of course, wanting to get some input on a stock, and what people are using for a current barrel. (Thinking of 175 SMK or 178 Amax) Thinking 30 inches for the barrel, and I’ve heard great things about the Bartlein Gain Twist. Current record holder is using that barrel in 1 in 12. What about flutes on an F T/R rifle? I know it will help with the 18 lbs… Who has experience with the McMillan F Class stock? Is that setup more for Open Class? Anyone using an A-5 for FTR? I currently use a Manners T-2A for my bolt gun. For optics I’ll just go with a Nightforce BR 8x32. (Input?) Thanks for the input, and yes I know how to use the search function just wanting some current opinions.


Hobbs

 

[XTR]

Re: Opinions?

I am using a McM A5 but my new stock is going to be from Precision Rifle and Tool and NC. I think that you are right on the McM F class stock it is more of an F-Open stock.

The 175s are a standard, but if you go up I'd look at the Berger 185 before I'd bother with the Amax.

Thirty inched is great, 32 is probably good too if you can make weight. I'm running a 30 but I'm planning to order a 32 for the build I'm working on. Krieger, Brux, Rock Creek, Bartline, pick a barrel, it will work.

I use a NF 8-32 with an NP-2DD and love it. Lots of guys are runnning the 12-42 NXS too. If you get on any of the above be aware that they have limited elevation and you may have to get a rail that works with the scope to get on 100 and at 1000 (I needed a 30MOA rail for my BR32. )

 

[ryanjay11]

Re: Opinions?

avidflyer,
I hope to see you at Stl Benchrest club this year.

I shoot with a couple of guys that use A5's for F-T/R. There are probably better options for stock designs that will do a better job of riding the rear bag. What action are you using for the build? If it is a Savage, look at Stockade stocks. He has resonable pricing and I think his Prarie dog tactical stock is a great design for F-T/R.

Skip the flutes. You should be able to make weight even if you use a 32" bull barrel.

 

[avidflyer]

Re: Opinions?

thanks, wanted to make it out next Thursday for the first match but have to fly...If the trip
changes I'm there. I had a 6.5x47 built on a stiller tac 30 thats very nice, and with the group buy going on I ordered a predator single shot for the 308 f t/r build.

 

[Frank Green]

Re: Opinions?

Save your money on the fluting. Instead of running a straight taper barrel (which will drive up weight) go with like a Heavy Palma or the #18 Whitley Palma contour. The 32" won't hurt ya and you can always cut the extra 2" off if you feel you don't need it etc...look at the contour page of our website and you can get an idea of what the barrel will weigh.

I would consider the 185's first. If you can push them hard enough (most guys can) they have an edge over the 170 class of bullets.

5R rifling of course.

For a straight twist I would go 1-11 or 1-11.25.

For gain twist I would go like a 12 to 11.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels

 

[crewchef]

Re: Opinions?

I'll throw you a curve on the stock, have you considered the Eliseo tube stock? Just got mine about a month ago along with his new bi-pod. Very happy with it, rock solid set up. If configured right it can be multi-purpose too. I had my barrel turned for front sight and the front tube has rail slot cut for a hand stop. I could put on the irons, jacket and sling and shift from F-T/R to Palma with it if I wanted to. Some good information on these stocks at German Salazars blog and of course at www.competitionshootingstuff.com

I've worked up a Sierra 175 and Berger 185 (LRBTHP) load. Really like the 185's but for price differece I'll probably shoot the 175's most of the time. Actually may have stumbled up on some Sierra 168's at a very (very!) good price. If I end up getting those I'll probably be doing most of my practice and mid-range matches with 168's.

I won't offer opinion on barrel other than saying we are lucky to have so many good barrel makers to chose from. I went Krieger because someone local had one on hand he was willing to part with. Mine is 1 in 12, 30", heavy palma.

 

[ranger1183]

Re: Opinions?

The tubegun chassis systems are the only stocks that I would try to use in both F class and field/tactical competitions. The Eliseo is so well engineered that it can be adjusted to ride front rests and sand bags for F class and also be just as good with a bipod and monopod for tactical field shooting. Currently, Eliseo makes a great chassis system that's hard to beat.

 

[matchking]

Re: Opinions?

McMillan Prone stock is the way to go, IMHO. I prefer a 27-30", 11.25 or 12 twist, Rock Creek or Bartlein barrel (med. palma). I am partial to the 155 Scenars, but if for some reason you are opposed to them, I would go past the 175 class bullets and try heavier.

The 155 Scenars and XBR 8208 work great for me.

 

[Blue Streak]

Re: Opinions?

I've read all kinds of things about the 185 Bergers,..but damn they are expensive. I've tried the 155 scenars and my rifle just refuses to shoot them,..tried Varget, N140, RL-15,..no go. My rifle has a 1:11 Kreiger and I guess it just won't stabilize. It shots 175 SMKs lights out.

As an alternative to the 185 Bergers, has anyone worked with the 185 Scenar,..are they anywhere near the 185 Bergers as far as performance goes?

 

[XTR]

Re: Opinions?

I worked up a load for my 185Berger and 175 SMKs. Shoot the Sierras fior practice and the Bergers in matches