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Just getting started - here is my setup

Q

quantumkid

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
May 10, 2012
16
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44
Glen Burnie, Maryland
I decided to start getting more into precision shooting since general recreational target shooting is fast becoming my hobby (I have a NEF handi-rifle 223 that shoots surprisingly well that I have shot paper with over the past 5 years). I did a lot of reading here and other places before I bought and though I know it is somewhat anathema, I decided to keep my budget around $1000 to start. First off I decided to go with 300 winmag vs 308; since I know this is going to be the most questioned choice I will say that I made this choice because I like the round (used a friends a few times). I know that 308 is cheaper, easier to find, wears parts less, and can go further that I will be able to shoot for years to come; but I like 300 win more. All that said here is what I bought.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Rifle - Weatherby Vanguard S2 sub-moa</span> - I spent months going back and forth about which rifle to get, in the end it came down to just over $750 for a savage or an Icon (which would leave me little to nothing for optics) or for just over $500 a Rem 700 sps or the Vanguard. I tried to get the new 700 sps long range for a while, but couldn't find one. I considered a regular 700 sps, but after reading a lot of reviews I decided on the Weatherby since it seems to be a decent starting place, has some aftermarket if I want, and wasn't so expensive that I would feel bad if I loose interest or go full tilt and leave it to do a custom build. Price $500.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Mount - DNZ LA-30MM-Low-Black-RH</span> - I've heard nothing but good things about these. Hope it works well for me. Price $45.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Scope - SWFA SS 20x42 Tactical Riflescope(Mil)</span> - Once again I've heard a lot of good things about these scopes. Price $299. I also picked up flip caps and a sun shade.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Bipod - Harris 1A2BRM</span> - 6-9" with notches. Price $65.

I'm curious to hear the opinions of others here. Please try not to be too harsh on me. I know that most here would say to save another 1000-2000 and do it right, but I just cannot see investing that kind of money when getting started. I may kick myself later, but it's what I feel I can afford to put into this for now.
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

That'll get you out shooting but you'll probably find you'll be upgrading as you go as all of us have found when we started. One of the first things you'll want to do is add a brake to that thing. Not only will it help you see your hits or misses but you'll appreciate it after a day at the range or a match. Some buy the bigger rounds because they really like them, others get them for the macho effect. If you want to eventually compete remember the score at the end of the day is what most are after not telling tales about the bruised shoulder or cuts above their eyes. Something to keep in mind.

The bi-pod, notched is nice and you could use lil wooden wedges under a leg if needed to level up but a swivel is much handier but can be updated later.

Scope, ya did good with that one to start with. Decent power for seeing even smaller targets out to and beyond 1000 yards.

Gun, probably the Savage would have been nicer since you can update them easily and work on it on your kitchen table and even change calibers easily. You didn't spend a whole lot to get started and you have a setup that you can go learn and play with others at the long range targets and matches.

I've got a Weatherby Fibermark in 300 Weatherby with a sporter barrel and that things beats me with the heavy bullets but it is very accurate and wasn't purchased to be a match gun so a few rounds to play with are still enjoyable. It's much more pleasant to shoot our Savage 260 rifles at matches. After you get a few outings and around others you'll see more things you might change or update to that'll more fit what you're wanting to do pertaining to long range shooting.

Good luck, have fun and remember long range precision shooting isn't something most are good at right off. There is a learning curve and it'll be a bit harder starting off with the heavier caliber you are using unless you already have very disciplined shooting skills and are used to heavier kickers.

Topstrap
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

Technique is going to be your tallest hurdle at this stage. Now you may not be hitting playing cards at 250 yards with that rifle (who knows how it will shoot... only one way to find that out), but you can burn it out learning the fundamentals. A R700 platform would be far more appreciated (especially here) due to the ability to customize heavily.

As light as the Vanguard S2 is, that 300WM is going to be a bit on the heavy recoil side for someone starting out and shooting paper/steel I think. You can of course bench it, but that's no fun. As you stated though, you like the 300WM cartridge, so who am I to argue that. It is a nice cartridge after all. Overcome the recoil flinch and you've made appreciable headway.

Check out this thread too (http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=237232&page=1). It has about as much information as a newcomer could absorb in one spot.

Welcome by the way. See, no butthurt there
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Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: quantumkid</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just getting started - here is my setup</div></div>
Just getting started and you're jumping up to a .300 Winchester Magnum?

Please build this rifle as best as you can afford. Why? Because I think you're going to get a rude awakening trying to learn using a 300 Win Mag.

The chances of you realizing you started with the wrong caliber, even if you have been shooting a .223 Rem, I believe are greater than you expect. Thus there is the high probability of you selling the rifle earlier than you anticipated. And seeing how fast the wear and tear on a 300 Win Mag barrel begins, I don't believe that you will get nearly the return for the rifle what you put into it.

Also, the market is not kind to used Weatherby's, even if they are the SUB-MOA model. So the second buyer is going to get a pretty good deal. In my opinion that is.

Of course, I've been known at times to be completely off the mark and totally full of shit regarding my opinions. It will be interesting to see how well this scenario plays out.
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

Thanks for all the comments so far. I'll look into getting a muzzle break for long sessions (or perhaps just to want to fire it at all if the kick is as bad with this rifle as people are warning me)..thanks for the suggestion.

I probably should have mentioned that though I am just getting started with the larger cal rifle I have been shooting shotgun for years. I know from firing my friends 300 win that the kick from a rifle is much faster and thus harder (I have no idea what his rifle weighed or how it was setup, so I can't compare it to the vanguard), but I am not unfamiliar with recoil. Of course for all I know the first time I fire this Weatherby I may be in for a rude awaking. I'll post up after I get a chance to get to the range.
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

since you asked for opinions...

I think 20X fixed is a bit too much magnification. When you are transitioning quickly from target to target I think you'll find it tough to find your second target. Especially in a situation like a comp where they like to hide those things. If you are focusing on one target at at time without time pressure the 20X will work fine.

That caliber is a lot to handle without a muzzle brake. I've shot with some senior professionals whose lives depend on that .300WM cartridge but they are professionals. It is a devastating round and has a great reputation. I'm not a professional... I went smaller after two years with a .308. 6mm is my ticket to fun, scoring in the wind, and no recoil.

Liking your gun and caliber are key to developing confidence and proficiency and so I think it is positive that you are following your gut. If you don't like it then just know there are other solutions out there for you to discover. Welcome to the addiction
smile.gif
Have fun!
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

That looks like a great start. My first upgrade was to an Atlas BT10 bipod and then to a Bell and Carlson Medalist varmint stock for my 700 SPS. Enjoy your new disease and let us know when you add to the collection....
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

Put the 300wm in the closet and do as suggested... Start with a smaller rifle. Pretty soon you will have a thread on here that your 300wm sucks and won't shoot. When it turns out you suck and cant shoot because your flinching and anticipating the shot.

I have a few very nice 300wm's in the safe and love the round but its not a starter round.

The SS line of scopes are good but mostly the 10x ones only. The 16's and 20's are not quite as good as the 10's.

For close to the same money you could do the following

Rem 700 SPS tactical
Same mount
SS 10x scope
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

For someone that seems to be on a tight budget, you picked an awfully expensive round to shoot. Not sure what type of precision shooting you will be doing but, match 300wm ammo is around 50.00 for 20 rounds. And even with a "shoulder of steel", a 9.5-10 lb 300wm is going to suck ass for long days of banging steel and punching paper. Ditch the 20x and go with the 10x or maybe 16x. 20x is too much up close and when its hot out mirage will be terrible.
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

I'll look more into the scope magnification, the one I ordered is on back order anyways so maybe I'll change it. I bought a muzzle brake so I won't be able to go to the range for a few weeks now.

I know 300 win is more expensive, my issue with cost is more along the lines of what I am willing to make for an initial investment in a hobby I may or may not really get into; not the ongoing cost of the hobby...at least not for now anyway. The extra $40 a month I may potentially spend on 300 win over 308 (and that is going twice a month with 40 rounds of Federal GM300WM each time) doesn't bother me as much as dropping another $1000 on start up. That extra $1000 is just over 2 years worth of the cost difference between the 308 ammo and the 300, and a straight 6 months worth of shooting 80 rounds of GM300WM. Of course if I get really into the hobby I may look back and regret my decision, but if I get that into this I will be reloading and dropping more money in anyway which means I'll probably build something nice.

Thanks again everyone for all the help.

 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

Considering everyone's advice, thinking realistically how far I will be able to effectively shoot for the next few years (I imagine it will take a good while to become proficient), and after reading a few more articles; I decided to changed my scope to the SWFA SS 12x42 Tactical scope (Mil).
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

Good choice on the 12x. If you get into handloading, you could always load it down a little to reduce some of the recoil. Just a thought.

Regards, Paul.
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

Well I finally got everything in and together(a few things were on back order). I also got a stock bag, kick eez recoil pad, and once again changed the scope. I got a bit more cash so I ended up getting a Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24x50 G2DMR reticle. Here is a pic....not the best, but since it is night I can't get a good one outside. I'm planning on hitting the range this weekend or next; i'll post up with results. Thanks again for all the help.

1Nf6W.jpg
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

nice looking set up man i can appreciate the choice of the 300wm.

as for the people bashing you over your choice of caliber, forget it. go shoot your rifle the best you know how and draw your own conclusion.

i started with a 300 considering my rifle is much heavier than yours it shoots and shoots well, that break you installed will help and i doubt you will regret your decision on the .300wm

good luck and good shooting, looking forward to seeing your results.
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

Definitely like the setup and you can't go wrong with the 300WM, my first "Precision Rifle" was a 7mm Weatherby Mag. when I was thirteen. Then again the first rifle I ever shot was my Dad's 25-06 mountain rifle that he built when he was a gunsmith, the rifle weighed about 7 lbs and I had just turned 7 years old and have always been a skinny guy. When I was 14 I got my first 300WM barrel and no more 7mm. It's a fuckin' awesome round and you will learn to appreciate the power. I would have gone with a different scope personally but you can always upgrade down the line. truthfully I would upgrade the stock next and then start reloading for it. Have fun and lets see some groups!
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

Finally got to the range and dialed in. Here is my best 5 of the day. Still need some work, but it is a start.

ctrCB.jpg
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

good start quantum.

now my question is, do you regret going with the .300wm or are you happy with your choice?

i must say for the first time out id be very pleased with the results.

remember rome wasnt built in a day, those groups will improve.

good shooting and i am sure you have forgotten the naysayers.
 
Re: Just getting started - here is my setup

As for your rifle and caliber....I think you've SCREWED THE POOCH!!
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