Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

[REL1203]

So i Have a DPMS LRT-SASS 308 that shoots around 1MOA, its definitely heavy, over gassed, and eats ammo like crazy, that i am leaning towards selling. I like to keep my precision rifles in the bolt action variety. I also have a R700 AAC 308 with a B&C stock, that shoots Sub MOA pretty well, but still has a short barrel and I mostly shoot 168SMKs. My other precision rifle is a R700 XCR Tactical Long Range 300WM that shoots 1MOA or less, my 300WM is expensive to feed so I dont shoot it much.

I am joining a range that offers 1,000yards to guns (I already belong to a range that offers 100,200,300,400,500 and 600yards) that can shoot 5shot sub 1MOA at 100yards. I am not worried about either of my Bolts making it, but the SASS might not make it (you can only take the test 3 times i believe), but i have been leaning towards selling it anyway. I have a nice Sightron SIII glass just waiting for a rifle, but the question is what rifle. Do I replace my SASS with another nice 308 with a longer, say 26", barrel that will more easily provide the FPS to reach out to 1000 accurately? I already have a long barrel 300WM that I know can reach 1k with ease (not on the pocket book or shoulder). So I am trying to think what my best course of action should be for my next precision bolt gun. I am going to have around $1600ish after i sell my SASS, wont need glass since I already have it, just need the rifle. I reload already. As much as I would love a 338Lapua, it just cost to much on each round to really justify it.

Another option is, do I just rebarrel my AAC to a longer barrel and then use the rest of the money on something else? Or maybe go complete custom route when I get some more money saved up down the road?

What do you all think?

 

[KYS]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

Your first mistake is attempting to shoot long range with 168gr projectiles in the 308 WIN. I would pick 175's or 155's. Berger Target VLD's have always shot the best for me.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

KYS338 +1

He is right... the 175's will give you better performance to 1000 yards.

You issue with the gasser is a tough decision... I would personally use this as an excuse to get another rifle... If your not really attached tothe SASS then let it go and move to a bolt rifle... But.. that being said, the 20 inch WILL make it to 1K easily.

I have an 18 inch PSS built 308 that will make it to 1K..

The gassers are good and will make it there but WHEN I had my AR10 I was anal to the point if SINGLE feeding it..

If your NOT shooting the 300 WM... I would lean towards dumping it instead..

Either way its a decision you have to live with... but I personally have HATED and REGRETTED selling rifles in the past.

Matt.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

If you don't like your DPMS, I'd get rid of it. But like the others said, that 20" will get you there, just use the right ammo.

If it were me, I'd keep my .300 and my SPS. I'd use the funds from the SASS to buy more ammo or to upgrade glass. Perhaps you could use the cash to get you into learning to hand load.

 

[Mattrmvpd]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

Tylerw02 brings up a GOOD point. If you REALLY want the best out of the 20" start reloading.

The spare money from the SASS would definately get you rolling easily with some single stage presses.

Matt.

 

[KYS]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

The OP already mentions he reloads. He is just using the wrong bullet for the job. Sell the DPMS if you are not attached to it and use the funds to pay a smith to blueprint your action, install a good match barrel, and get a stock or chassis that will offer rigidity or the capability to have it bedded with metal pillars.


Thats just my 2 cents.

 

[gathumper]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

I would keep the SASS and sell the 300. Now you will have a mutual cartridge between both rigs. That SASS can do 1000, may need rebarreling, but not a super expensive venture. I really think you will regret getting rid of your gasser, stock bolt funs are everywhere, but .308 gassers are harder to find. Either way, good luck.

 

[REL1203]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

You all make some really good points... I do handload, have been for years, one of the few ways I can afford to shoot as much as I do (probably around 600-700 rounds total a month between matches and training)... I am not getting rid of the 300WM, its expensive, but not overly expensive like a 338LPM would be, selling my 300WM is not happening.

Why do I use 168SMKs you ask? Cause my 700-AAC can do this pretty consistently with my very untrained rifle Marksmenship
5Shots at 100yards with 168's

And at 300yards, do this (the top 2 were sighters, adjusted dope, and then had the lower 3 group).

I really love the way this rifle shoots, and with all my 175smk testing, i have never been able to achieve this same amount of accuracy, although I do have 400 155g Sceners on their way to me now to try out.

The gasser is a blast to shoot, just trying to decide if I would rather have my money on a real quality bolt gun instead.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

Try the 175s at longer range. I have a GAP 6.5x47 that doesn't do well with my 130 VLD load at 100, 200, and 300 yards, but really shines with it beyond that. Sometimes things do crazy things. The 168 is the only thing that will hold you back at 1k with your current rifle.

 

[WadeP]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

Unless you think that it would be cool to have three .30 bolt guns lined up on the 1k range, I'd keep the SASS and work on getting it sub-moa at 100yds to "qualify" for the big-boys club. Then I'd take it to the 1k just to annoy the Fudds.

Never, ever sell guns...

 

[REL1203]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

I think i am going to try to load up the 168's i have (i have like 600 of them still left) for the SASS, and call it a 600yard gun, and continue to try to find a load with 175's with my AAC (I have like 500 of those) and then try to work with that load out to 1k, i know the 175s will stay stable out to 1000, just need to get the speed up i guess.

Thank you all for the good advice, i too hate selling guns that are already paid for, thanks for that reminder.

 

[Ouch!!]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

Try the amax line up

 

[REL1203]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ouch!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try the amax line up </div></div>

Already do that as well, I have about 200 loaded up with the 168Amax, it likes those just as much, but I dont have any more of those while I have a huge surplus of 168's

 

[REL1203]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

Thought I should update this since you guys were very helpful.
I loaded up some 175g SMK into my AAC, and went to town on a bunch of RL15 test, these were my best two, both at 100yards
43.1g RL15 175SMK

42.4 RL15 175SMK

And i loaded up some of the many 168SMK's I have into the SASS, and got it to shoot really well

43.1g RL15 168SMK (5shot group, one of them was actually 42.7)

42.7g RL15 168SMK (3shot group only because i messed up and shot the 4th with 43.1)

Didnt bring the Chronograph out since i was just doing some initial testing, but results look good.

 

[Sapper524]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

I shoot 175 SMKs over 44.0 RL15 to 1000 and it works ... though doing the same with a 300 grain SMK in the Edge is easier ... the 175 SMK will get it done and you will improve your wind game a lot doing it. Good luck with the Load development. I had a 26 inch barrel on one of my 308s for a while and when I switched to the SAS (TOMB) brake I cut it back to 24 inches. The performance loss was VERY minimal... Used the same dope at 1100 not long ago and elevation was spot on.

 

[mrhog]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

I was thinking along the same lines as the OP. Sell my AR-10 and buy a nice bolt gun. Then after finding the right load and 175SMK's that has all changed.
My 20" SASS now shoots just as good as my buddies 24" 5R bolt rifle; just not as fast.

 

[REL1203]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

So, I did some more load testing, this time with my Chronograph (Which i hate, i need to ditch my Shooting CHrony and buy a CED or ProDigital). Anyway, I found a couple good loads with the 175, nothing amazing like I found with 168, but should be easily able to get me SubMOA for the test, but I was getting some interesting FPS.

Remember, these are all being shot from the 20" AAC
44.5g RL15 175SMK 2.813" = 2571
43.1g RL15 175SMK 2.813" = 2524
45.0g Varget 175SMK 2.813" = 2657 (This speeds seems high, but also was having issues with Chronograph at this point)

Is just barely over 2500FPS with a 175 enough to maintain accuracy out to 1k?

I know the 168SMK isnt a 1k bullet, but how is the 168AMAX? Is that capable of 1k accurately? I have a load my AAC loves, 44g RL15, gets me only 2505fps, but it shot a 10shot 3/4" group for me, is this a load capable of 1k?

With a shorter 20" barrel, am I going to be able to drive the Scenar 155g's fast enough with RL15 or Varget to make it worth my while/time/Money to explore a load with them? Same question, but with the 18" SASS barrel?

Onto the SASS. As I have said, i need to use the rest of my 168SMK i have (621 to be exact), so the SASS is going to be a 600yard gun. I found a load it loved, 43.1g RL15 168SMK 2.81", but FPS is low, which is to be expected withonly 18", but I got an average of 2451. The other good load I found was a somewhat hot 44.5g VARGET at 2562 with the 168, accuracy was just slightly lower, but still below Sub MOA (both of the above shot about 1" groups with 10shot groups, Sub MOA with 4shot group) so I am pretty happy accuracy wise, but i know that speed with the 168SMK isnt a 1k yard load. How do those speeds sound to you guys?

Tons a questions above I know, sorry, trying to get to 1k and be ready for it is my new obsession it seems so I am learning as I go, thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[JoshcBoucher]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

My thoughts. Rule 1. Never sell a gun, or tool. You'll always regret it. I'd get some reloading stuff, instead of a new gun, and bring the costs down, on the 300 win Mag.I just moved up to 300 Win Mag, but I'm keeping my 308's.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mm128</div><div class="ubbcode-body">KYS338 +1
Never mind. I didn't read through all the posts.
He is right... the 175's will give you better performance to 1000 yards.

You issue with the gasser is a tough decision... I would personally use this as an excuse to get another rifle... If your not really attached tothe SASS then let it go and move to a bolt rifle... But.. that being said, the 20 inch WILL make it to 1K easily.

I have an 18 inch PSS built 308 that will make it to 1K..

The gassers are good and will make it there but WHEN I had my AR10 I was anal to the point if SINGLE feeding it..

If your NOT shooting the 300 WM... I would lean towards dumping it instead..

Either way its a decision you have to live with... but I personally have HATED and REGRETTED selling rifles in the past.

Matt.
</div></div>

 

[REL1203]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: joshboucher</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> My thoughts. Rule 1. Never sell a gun, or tool. You'll always regret it. I'd get some reloading stuff, instead of a new gun, and bring the costs down, on the 300 win Mag.I just moved up to 300 Win Mag, but I'm keeping my 308's.</div></div>

As I said in my OP, I already reload and i had already said i was keeping them all, just updated the ammo i was using. My latest post was just asking about the velocities.

 

[samnev]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathumper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would keep the SASS and sell the 300. Now you will have a mutual cartridge between both rigs. That SASS can do 1000, may need rebarreling, but not a super expensive venture. I really think you will regret getting rid of your gasser, stock bolt funs are everywhere, but .308 gassers are harder to find. Either way, good luck. </div></div>

I went the other way. I started with a TRG 22. Then migrated to an LMT MWS. I would never sell either. Each has it's own role in my shooting scheme.

 

[REL1203]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: REL1203</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So, I did some more load testing, this time with my Chronograph (Which i hate, i need to ditch my Shooting CHrony and buy a CED or ProDigital). Anyway, I found a couple good loads with the 175, nothing amazing like I found with 168, but should be easily able to get me SubMOA for the test, but I was getting some interesting FPS.

Remember, these are all being shot from the 20" AAC
44.5g RL15 175SMK 2.813" = 2571
43.1g RL15 175SMK 2.813" = 2524
45.0g Varget 175SMK 2.813" = 2657 (This speeds seems high, but also was having issues with Chronograph at this point)

Is just barely over 2500FPS with a 175 enough to maintain accuracy out to 1k?

I know the 168SMK isnt a 1k bullet, but how is the 168AMAX? Is that capable of 1k accurately? I have a load my AAC loves, 44g RL15, gets me only 2505fps, but it shot a 10shot 3/4" group for me, is this a load capable of 1k?

With a shorter 20" barrel, am I going to be able to drive the Scenar 155g's fast enough with RL15 or Varget to make it worth my while/time/Money to explore a load with them? Same question, but with the 18" SASS barrel?

Onto the SASS. As I have said, i need to use the rest of my 168SMK i have (621 to be exact), so the SASS is going to be a 600yard gun. I found a load it loved, 43.1g RL15 168SMK 2.81", but FPS is low, which is to be expected withonly 18", but I got an average of 2451. The other good load I found was a somewhat hot 44.5g VARGET at 2562 with the 168, accuracy was just slightly lower, but still below Sub MOA (both of the above shot about 1" groups with 10shot groups, Sub MOA with 4shot group) so I am pretty happy accuracy wise, but i know that speed with the 168SMK isnt a 1k yard load. How do those speeds sound to you guys?

Tons a questions above I know, sorry, trying to get to 1k and be ready for it is my new obsession it seems so I am learning as I go, thanks in advance for all your help.
</div></div>

So what do you guys think about my above post?

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

Rel, it seems to me that you have that rig working for you; but your velocity seems mighty low for the charges that you are using.

I'd just invest in getting the AAC rebarreled. Something along the lines of a Krieger heavy varmint barrel at 22" or so. Mine gets just shy of 2700 fps with a 43gr charge of RL15 with a 175gr SMK. I had my chamber cut for 175 SMKs. Loading to 2.8 puts me on the lands and the chamber is tight. When I resize, I get almost no resistance on the die. All I'm doing is bumping the shoulder back a bit.

 

[JoshcBoucher]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

Got it! I tend to scroll fast. My bad.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: REL1203</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: joshboucher</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> My thoughts. Rule 1. Never sell a gun, or tool. You'll always regret it. I'd get some reloading stuff, instead of a new gun, and bring the costs down, on the 300 win Mag.I just moved up to 300 Win Mag, but I'm keeping my 308's.</div></div>

As I said in my OP, I already reload and i had already said i was keeping them all, just updated the ammo i was using. My latest post was just asking about the velocities. </div></div>

 

[REL1203]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: joshboucher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Got it! I tend to scroll fast. My bad.</div></div>

No worries, your advice was true though if I didnt handload already.

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

REL1203,

My Advise is to re-barrel the SASS...i'd pick up one of the 24" Rainer Ultramatch barrels (Shilen blanks chambered by WOA) or Lilja 24" barrels.

Both of these barrels, with their 24" barrels and smoother internal finish will deliver 200+fps increase in velocity over your posted muzzle velocities....they will get you to 1,000yards and beyond reliably.

As far as projectiles, you are shooting the wrong pills for long range. The 168SMK bullets are suitable for midrange (300-600yard) applications only. If you want to shoot long range distances accurately, you should shoot heavier, more modern bullets (Hornady 178HPBT .530 G1 BC, Hornady 208 AMAX (.649 G1 BC), Berger 168 Hybrid .519 G1 BC).

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

My recommendation is sell the Gasser get a benchmark installed in either 260, 6.5CM, or 7-08 and be done with it. 7-08 would be the easiest as it's simple to neck down the brass you already have. Then spend the rest of the money you have left over for bullets and upgrade to a USO and be done with it. Once you leave 30 cal you'll never go back. I love 7mm projectiles.

Good luck,
Merritt

 

[Eric.D.Actor]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

6.5 is much better than 7 in my opinion. Better VLD bullet options. Be done with it. I'd go NF or Razor over USO be done with it. You can read other MWRoseberry posts and find he is a huge USO homer, prior to that he was all SS. Be done with it.

Good Luck

EDA

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eric.D.Actor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">6.5 is much better than 7 in my opinion. Better VLD bullet options. Be done with it. I'd go NF or Razor over USO be done with it. You can read other MWRoseberry posts and find he is a huge USO homer, prior to that he was all SS. Be done with it.

Good Luck

EDA </div></div>

SS is the best option for that price point. And if you're on a budget it is the only option. However if you have the money USO is better. Nice first post BTW

You research well for someone who never helps anyone else.

Good luck,
Merritt

 

[Eric.D.Actor]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

Thanks on the first post compliment. There are many great options out there in the "budget scope" world but your such the expert with 941 posts, I will take your word for it. Sal and Richard agree with me though sell the SASS and be done with it!

Good Luck

EDA

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: Selling my SASS to buy a Bolt Action, but....

I'm sorry Jesus of firearms. Experts like you are the reason I don't post here much anymore. If you want to talk smack by all means come do it after you come take first place at TVP or Rayners.

Do whatever floats your boat.

Good luck,
Merritt