Just starting

[Jeckyll]

I am new to this forum and getting ready to begin long range shooting. I will be firing a Rem. 700 HBar 308. I havent begun reloading yet but will in the future. Is 110gr Hornady TAP a decent manufactured cartridge to start with??

Thanks in advance.

 

[shawscar17]

Re: Just starting

Welcome to the forums, I think the first question folks around here are going to want to ask is what are you trying to do, ex. punching paper or steel targets, or hunting. I have a Remington 700 SPS .308 used mostly for target and a 168 works best with my rifle and a 1:12 twist. Happy shooting bro.

 

[Rinky]

Re: Just starting

110gr. .30 Cal bullets are very light ugly bullets for the caliber, most people will tell you go with 147gr+

The 308 definitely benefits early down range from a lil heavier pill.

 

[Jeckyll]

Re: Just starting

Thanks greatly for the info. I am mostly looking into pulling off 600 yd shots for target practice. I would like to try to shoot as close as possible to the same hole on consecutive shots. Although right now I would be happy to hit a target at 600 and learn to hone my skills progressively.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Just starting

Go to the ballistics section and read every .30 cal thread. Then go to JBM Ballistics site (http://www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmtraj_drift-5.1.cgi) and start plugging in numbers from proven loads in the "Reloading" section of the forum.

Lots of proven .308 loads out there. Find out if you have a 1:10 or 1:12 twist barrel as the 1:10 will shoot heavier bullets than the 1:12. Heavier usually has better ballistics at longer ranges so are better the further you go. Stick to 155gr on the low end to 208s on the high. Most shoot 168s or 175s at 600yds to 1000yds. Stick with hollow point boat tails (HPBTs) or something with a ballistic tip like a Hornady AMax for target. These are not a substitute for a good hunting bullet.

Also, if just starting.. get Frank's (Lowlight's) new SnipersHide Training video or subscribe to the online training. Jacob at Rifles Only also has a great video to teach you from the start how to properly setup and execute. Fundamentals and repeat ability are paramount in precision shooting. Start off on the right foot and learn the fundamentals, it will save you lots of time and money. TRUST ME!

 

[seanh]

Re: Just starting

110's TAP's are fine for short range stuff, under 200 yards but is more of a tactical round than a target round. You can use them if you like but there are better bullets available.

Most likely you have the 1:12 twist barrel and typically the 168's to 175's are used...though plenty use the 155's. You can go with a 147 but the 1:13 is more suited for that bullet. Keep in mind that bullet weight has nothing to do with twist...it's length that determines twist rate.

Regarding twist- you'll have to do some research on that. Different bullet designs work better in certain twist rates. For example, Berger makes a 185grn VLD that will stabilize in a 1:12 twist. Typically a 1:10 is used for that bullet weight.

Personally I suggest a 168grn...works well in 1:12 and will get you 100-600 easily.

There is a tremendous amount of information available regarding form (NPA- natural point of aim; how to properly mount the rifle- how you sit behind it/hold it, breathing, trigger control, heart rate)...and all that is before you get to reloading science.

get your hands on all the information you can, talk to everyone you can and soon you'll be on your way to busting 10's

Oh, don't get caught up in the "I need this to be better". Your standard 700 heavy bbl will shoot extremely well with out all the hype parts.