Re: Weight, twist & length questions
There are some that can (and do) load/shoot a .223 to 1000 yd very well...but not many can do it with the same consistency as a .308, particularly under challenging wind conditions. Even with projectiles in the low 80 gr range, you're still giving up a lot of wind resistance compared to a good .308 load.
Go to JBM Ballistics (
http://www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmtraj_simp-5.1.cgi) and do analyses using estimated muzzle velocities for the Berger .224 82 gr match projectile versus the 175 gr Tactical projectile at 2900 and 2750 fps, respectively, all other conditions being the same. What you'll find is that the .224 projectile is giving up a lot more wind deflection past 500 yd. Even with a far more generous estimated (2900 fps) muzzle velocity. That is because the lighter projectile slows much faster than the heavier. That is also why the trend recently has been toward heavier projectiles in F-T/R competitions (200 gr, or even higher). They start out slower, but shed their velocity much more slowly, and thus retain much more velocity than the lighter pills do at long range, which translates to less wind deflection. This is also the reason for the longer barrel; more muzzle velocity for a given projectile usually means better resistance to wind deflection. Even though you may do reasonably well with a shorter barrel (24"-26"), you will be giving up something in F-T/R terms of speed and wind resistance. <span style="font-weight: bold">BTW</span>, stay away from SMK168s for F-T/R. They don't fly well past about 700 yd or so and definitely do not work at 1000 yd. Midrange matches (600 yd) are ok for 168s, but I would recommend getting one projectile that works well at all ranges you'll be shooting to start, and work on your shooting/consistency with that one load.
Bottom line is that you need to consider several factors to make an informed decision. First, realistically, how often will you use it in competitions to 1000 yd? Often/rarely/almost never? A .223 can be a great midrange (600 yd) F-T/R gun, in fact I'm currently having one built myself as a trainer and for midrange matches. But it is not intended for 1000 yd comps. Second, do you reload or have someone that will do it for you? Or do you plan to use commercially loaded ammo? I've had pretty good success in local F-T/R matches using Bryan Litz' Applied Ballistics 175 gr Tactical Bullet load (
http://www.appliedballisticsllc.com/Munitions/ABMProducts.html). You won't find a better commercial ammunition, period. He also sells a 155.5 Fullbore load that I recently tried and it was also outstanding. They're obviously going to cost you significantly more than other commonly available match loads (FGMM, Black Hills, etc.), so you have to factor ammo expense into the equation.
Finally, for a .308, if you plan only to run the lighter projectiles (155s), a 12-, or even 13-twist barrel will do the job. If you want to use 175s, 11.25 is probably a better twist choice, and will still allow you to use the lighter projectiles very effectively. If you want to go with some of the new longer and heavier loads, such as 185 Hybrids, 200 hybrids, etc., an 11-twist <span style="font-style: italic">might</span> barely get you by out of a 30" barrel, but 10-twist would probably be the better choice. Remeber, these figures are only a guideline. Every rifle is different and you will need to find what works best in your rifle once you have it in hand.
Of the two choices you listed above, I'd go with the F-T/R in .308 hands down. Lots of people shoot stock Savage F-T/Rs with great success. It will also probably give you a wider range of projectile options with its 30" 12-twist barrel than will the 26" 10-twist barrel on the VLP. JMO. In any event, good luck with you decision and get ready to have a lot of fun!
