Re: First post...Info overload!!! First bolt gun!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I started out with an SPS Tactical and all that rifle NEEDS is to be fed.
When I first got mine, I threw a cheapie Weaver or Leupold mount on it and and threw a Nightforce 5.5-22X50 on top.
This is how it shot stock out of the box with the "crappy" Hogue stock and X-Mark trigger....
These result were very typical.
Since then, I've added an HS Precision stock, had the lugs lapped, Timney trigger and a Krieger barrel. Know how it shoots now? About the same as it did before.
The advantages that I gained with the upgrades benefitted my comfort more than anything. The rifle now feels better to me and as a consequence, I can shoot faster. Not better, just faster. The benefits that I saw with the Krieger barrel are that I'm getting much higher velocities, due to the tighter chamber dimensions. I can also go something around 300 rounds between cleainings before accuracy seems to start to fall off. I'm also not getting any copper fouling at all with the Krieger (this was a problem with the stock barrel. I was always de-coppering). I love all of these benefits and don't regret them at all, but I didn't NEED any of them to shoot accurately.
My advise. Put around 1000 rounds down the pipe before you start spending money on upgrades. By that time, you'll have a good idea of what you need and what you don't. Personally, I think that the trigger was more important than the stock. I'd do the trigger first.
I know the Hogue ain't great, but it is pillar bedded and not too shabby.
As far as reloading goes, I wouldn't dump too much money into buying that Federal Gold Medal Match stuff. It is great shooting ammo, but the brass sucks. Just get yourself a Lee Classic Cast press and set of dies along with all the other stuff you will need and get rolling.
A very good start load that is easy to shoot and that almost all rifles like is 42gr of either Reloader 15 or Varget with a 168gr Sierra Match King seated to 2.8" OAL. Don't worry about touching the lands or anything like that right now. You won't get to the lands anyway with the stock barrel. Not while still being able to load the rounds in the magazine or maintaining good neck tension anyway. I'm recommeding this load, because as I said, almost all rifles like this load to some degree.
Once you're hitting consistenly at 100, then 200 yards you can start to tailor some loads with more umph to reach out farther with a flatter trajectory and less wind drift. </div></div>
Great info thank you for your time and knowledge.....The reloading thing isnt gonna be for a long while. Like i said i have alot of ammo to shoot up first. If you get a chance a PM from you with the reloading equipment i would need would be very helpful. Then i can start my reading and research on that....
