New to bolt guns, just did 1st build

[Teddy_Brewski]

Hey guys I'm new to bolt guns and precision shooting and after looking around for the last 3 months i finally finished my rifle.

Just got a 20'' heavy barrel howa hogue tactical 308, xtr rings and a millet trs-1. I'm looking forward to taking it out to the range as soon as I can get my hands on some ammo.

Any tips or advice for my first time out with my rifle? Help on zeroing my scope, stuff to work on, or ammo recommendations?

Thanks for any help, Beau

 

[derrekmorehead]

Pick up some quality match ammo FGMM, Hornady, Black Hils , take your pick. All depends on the distances your looking to shoot and twist of your barrel among other things....Adjust the Eye Relief so that you are comfortable at the power settings you are most likely to use. Cheek pad for proper height may help also. For zeroing I like a rear bag to take myself out of the equation as much as possible. I could go on and on as most guys here could. Remember to educate yourself by researching sites like this on techniques of basic marksmanship. There is a wealth of knowledge to be had!....Try not to rush things and be thorough in your basics. An equation I learned in my begginings of this lifestyle is as follows: ACCURACY = CONCENTRATION = BREATHING, HEART RATE, MUSCLE CONTROL AND THOUGHT. Hope this points you somewhat in the right direction. Good Luck and welcome!

 

[jwp6114]

Welcome to the hide and the most expensive hobby I have ever had... Just be prepaired to throw fists full of Ben franklin's down range... Expeierane costs about $1.20/bang but every mile stone along the way is grand. Practice often and challenge your gear and abilities every chance u get.

 

[JB02]

Hey guys I'm new to bolt guns and precision shooting and after looking around for the last 3 months i finally finished my rifle.

Just got a 20'' heavy barrel howa hogue tactical 308, xtr rings and a millet trs-1. I'm looking forward to taking it out to the range as soon as I can get my hands on some ammo.

Any tips or advice for my first time out with my rifle? Help on zeroing my scope, stuff to work on, or ammo recommendations?

Thanks for any help, Beau

My assumption is that you have your scope properly mounted with correct eye relief. If not, here is a decent video by LoneWolfUSMC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7uX6fJYnRw

Following videos explain how to sight-in.

 

[Teddy_Brewski]

Thanks for the tips guys, I followed that video and got my scope installed properly now.

All i can find locally is American Eagle 150gr & fiocchi 168gr match hpbt, the fiocchi is $35 a box compared to AE at $17. Would the heavier match bullet be needed to sight in my rifle at 100yds effectively? I have a 1 in 10 twist barrel BTW

I'm just trying to get it zeroed at the 100yd range before i head to the 300yd in 3 weeks with some friends where I'll really try to get it dialed in. Got some federal gold match 175g coming in 2 weeks for the 300yd range!

 

[whycanti]

Just remember, different brands, weights etc will effect your zero. One brand of ammo may shoot 3" groups at 100 yd and another brand may shoot 3" groups at 300 yd or more. every time some part of the equation is changed, your zero will change. Buy as many boxes of ammo as possible. Find the one that shoots the best and then stay with that brand. weight and line of ammo.

 

[medium rare]

Find which ammo shoots the best and practice. When you get to the range dry fire while looking through the scope and ensure the crosshairs don't move. Practicing that before I shoot really helps me. Good luck.

 

[JB02]

Ammo prices are sky high retarded now (or its just unobtanium); the bubble probably won't bust until late this year. Match grade ammo is nice, but too expensive if your just going out to get yourself sighted in and have fun with your new rifle. Buy more boxes of the cheaper stuff. When you're a little more comfortable with your rifle and setup, then consider getting some match grade ammo. Black Hills and Federal Gold Metal Match generally shoot well in any rifle. If your rifle has a 1/10 twist, then try out BH 175s, but anything with a lighter weight will perform just fine. And yes, when you shoot new ammo, your point of impact (POI) will change and you'll need to reset your zero.

 

[Flying Goose]

I'm sure I'm going to get some hits on this one but I wouldn't worry too much about those first rounds out of the gun. I usually get decent ($25-$30) a box ammo to break in the barrel 60 rounds or so then I start mixing it up between match ammo. You'll find that the gun will 'like' one round over another. As for right now good luck buying .308 get what you can. The American eagle stuff should work find to get those first few rounds out of the way. Then move to the Fiocchi, I just picked up few boxes of Federal Premium from Cabelas today (no I didn't buy them out). I would jump on some of that stuff. One last tip for ammo find a decent local shop and make friends with them, if you can have them give you a call when they get good ammo in. Right now I would say thats going to be your biggest obstacle.

One piece of advice I'll give you that a lot of beginners forget about is make sure your reticle is what your focusing on the target should be blurry.

Good luck and welcome to your addiction!

 

[Flying Goose]

http://www.gunbot.net/ammo/308-762nato/

Someone just posted this in another thread, looks good, check it out!