What would make this a better package?

[bombadillo]

So I've been dabbling in cheaper bolt guns, and wanted to try my hand at longer range, more precision shooting, and picked up a handful of things. I've been shooting AR's, LOTS of .223 guns from bolt, semi, and single shot setups. My range will be 100-600 or maybe 700 on a REALLY good day. I'm sticking to .308 because over and over I'm told that it is pretty much the go-to round for folks learning. I'm also not reloading currently and with my allotted time, kids, budget, and more it really is just cheaper to buy FGMM or other Hornady A-Max rounds. I'm kind of a trigger junkie, and really like a trigger sub 2lbs, but I'm going to first give the factory trigger a shot and see what I like or don't like about it. I'm used to a 2 stage trigger, or an accutrigger, so the R700 will be a new feel for me. Anyway, here is what I've bought so far;

Remington 700 5R 24" stainless
Both a Murphy Precision stainless 10moa base/Leupold MKIV 20MOA steel base
American Rifle Co M10 Medium rings
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 30mm scope
Harris 1A2 6-9" bipod
(rear bags I already have)

So far that is about it. I have cases, accessories, LOTS of various ammo from 168gr AMAX to FGMM, and other stuff

First thing I may buy after getting it out a few times would be a trigger, but was just kicking around some ideas for what I MUST HAVE. Let me know what you think of it thus far as for my choices, and where you would take it from here.

 

[mwroseberry]

I would go with a different stock with DBM. I have found that shooting fast can save you in windy situations. If you wait between shots you are asking for a miss because the wind can change on you quickly. Partially this is due to my experience at TVP where winds change CONSTANTLY. Therefor mag fed is a preference of mine. With your rifle being a 308 a lightweight stock like a manners would be ideal (i run it on my 7mm-08) and makes the rifle a good weight (13lbs fully loaded) to be able to move quickly if need be. My 7rem mag I went with a B&C M40 which is heavier but not overly heavy to soak up some recoil. I would also put a break on your 308. Not for recoil issues but to be able to be your own spotter. If you can watch your impact and use your mildots/subtence then you are much better off. Which leads me to optic. I would spend the extra money and go with a PST over a standard viper just because of having a FFP scope. This will let you dial corrections and only use hold over for wind which I have learned is a much better method considering constant changes in wind direction and velocity.

Now caliber: please give serious consideration to the 6.5 creedmore, 260 or 7-08 all three are by far ballistically superior since you reload.

Good luck and feel free to PM me with any questions you might have.
(please forgive my spelling)

Good Luck,
Merritt

 

[JGorski]

So I've been dabbling in cheaper bolt guns, and wanted to try my hand at longer range, more precision shooting, and picked up a handful of things. I've been shooting AR's, LOTS of .223 guns from bolt, semi, and single shot setups. My range will be 100-600 or maybe 700 on a REALLY good day. I'm sticking to .308 because over and over I'm told that it is pretty much the go-to round for folks learning. I'm also not reloading currently and with my allotted time, kids, budget, and more it really is just cheaper to buy FGMM or other Hornady A-Max rounds. I'm kind of a trigger junkie, and really like a trigger sub 2lbs, but I'm going to first give the factory trigger a shot and see what I like or don't like about it. I'm used to a 2 stage trigger, or an accutrigger, so the R700 will be a new feel for me. Anyway, here is what I've bought so far;

Remington 700 5R 24" stainless
Both a Murphy Precision stainless 10moa base/Leupold MKIV 20MOA steel base
American Rifle Co M10 Medium rings
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 30mm scope
Harris 1A2 6-9" bipod
(rear bags I already have)

So far that is about it. I have cases, accessories, LOTS of various ammo from 168gr AMAX to FGMM, and other stuff

First thing I may buy after getting it out a few times would be a trigger, but was just kicking around some ideas for what I MUST HAVE. Let me know what you think of it thus far as for my choices, and where you would take it from here.

If you like your trigger to be lighter than 2lbs you arent going to like the X mark trigger, if you like 2 stage Ive got Tom's CG X-treme 2 stage on my 6 Creed, had Tom set it at 11oz, it come from him with a 1.5lb pull, you're talking about $330 with a safety, 30 less w/o a safety. It's a very nice trigger.

 

[Tonmarchelli]

Definitely a trigger. But really range time is going to make you a better shooter

 

[Onoko]

It's really a preference thing for making your rifle package better than it already is. From reading your post, your main concern right now is the trigger. You should consider getting your trigger worked over or purchase an aftermarket one. It is said that a tuned factory trigger is more reliable then an aftermarket one, than again this may not be a huge concern if you are just shooting at the range. If it were me I would think about how I could get a good hold on the rifle, this means having something to allow you to set the comb height so that you can always consistently place your face at the right spot for your scope.

 

[Bear24]

I would second the upgrade to the Vortex Viper PST FFP. I love mine and all my friends that run NF are very impressed with it too. Aslo second a stock upgrade or at least a bottom metal to allow mag feeding. Check out some of the chassis systems if you are planning on changing out stocks and bottom metal, after buying , and bedding a good stock the chassis systems are about the same price and already accept magazines.

 

[roggom]

OP, not sure if you will be shooting from the bench or prone. If you are getting down in the dirt you are going to want the Harris S-BR (swivel) or the canted retical will drive you crazy. They are on sale at Midway this month. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/652827/harris-s-br-bipod-sling-swivel-stud-mount-6-to-9-black.

As for glass, the Viper will work, PST is a step up but if you really need illumination. They offer a similar FFP scope in the HS series as well.

 

[bombadillo]

My next scope setup will be a Vortex PST in MOA/MOA, but I am waiting till at least october so I get my bonus. I will take a look at the Harris in swivel form at some point because I do plan on shooting from uneven ground. I have a decent portable bench setup though, so its not a huge concern yet. Seeing the sale, I may grab the bipod now. No real neex for illumination quite yet, but the Vortex will come with it later. The current viper I have now will go on my MVP, and the scope on that will end up on my .17hmr. The new stock/chassis setup will be at least a year out I think. I just dont foresee being able to grab one that soon. One of the members of the hide also has the same rifle in a chassis I may get to check out and try sometime.