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Official (DTA) SRS, HTI, Covert, Hunter Thread

Dave Becker,

How many deer have you killed beyond 600yds?

Dropped a 173" muley with 338LM at 823 yards a few years back, one shot kill it was awesome, of course it was down in a nasty hole and it took all day to pack out but it was worth it. :)
 
ney1,

That is exactly the shot I am expecting on next years hunt. That was the whole purpose for the 300 WM. You can directly thank Ron White and the DR Long Range Concepts guys for turning me on to the DTA SRS. I have shot this platform in .308, and 338 LM and fell in love. It was almost cheating in my eyes. Using decent fundamentals and glass the consistency is almost stupid. There will be at least 4 of us on the hunt next year in Wyoming using the DTA. 3 of us being prior military.
 
Dropped a 173" muley with 338LM at 823 yards a few years back, one shot kill it was awesome, of course it was down in a nasty hole and it took all day to pack out but it was worth it. :)
945yds is my farthest to date. :) Also with 338LM. Also took all morning to retrieve. ;)

P1010456.JPG
 
Did some checking today. I got one of my 308 mags and took it all apart. If I grind down the 4 welds and pull out the spacer then install a 300win follower. I can run 30-06, 280AI, 280, 284, 6.5x55 sweed. If the mag is too long I can re install the mag spacer, and cut the 300win follower down to install. I MIGHT give this a try soon.
 
I've got a really early model Gen 1 (serial number 66). Ive read somewhere that the early srs's came out with tight chambers, almost match like. Can anyone confirm this, particulary Nick?
Cheers.
 
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Did some checking today. I got one of my 308 mags and took it all apart. If I grind down the 4 welds and pull out the spacer then install a 300win follower. I can run 30-06, 280AI, 280, 284, 6.5x55 sweed. If the mag is too long I can re install the mag spacer, and cut the 300win follower down to install. I MIGHT give this a try soon.

I did the same with a 308 mag, but i can fit in my 375 Sledgehammer loads now. They wouldn't work in a 338 mag due to the new shoulder profile.
 
I have a first gen SRS and my .338LM
chamber is pretty tight, though I haven't measured specific dimensions. I started out neck sizing
like all of my other rifles but found that
I needed to bump the shoulder back
every single time. At the time the first
batch of rifles went out (early 2009) I
think Nick had stated they used a
match chamber.

This is what i was talking about earlier. Any one care to elaborate on this?
 
Early SRS had a very tight chamber with a pretty long throat, they also used Krieger barrels.


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Yep, I have an SRS from the first batch and the chamber seemed tight to me. For example, with my previous .338LM I'd neck size every couple loads before FL sizing. With the SRS I shot a batch, neck sized, then found that it was very tough to lock, so I immediately switched to FL sizing after every firing. Does this mean it's a "match" chamber? I don't know, but it's a comparatively tight chamber. However, it's still a damned accurate barrel all these years later.

ETA: I too seem to remember Nick saying they used a match reamer spec early on. Perhaps after they switched to a more tolerant reamer spec because of military sales to allied nations?
 
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Early SRS had a very tight chamber with a pretty
long throat, they also used Krieger barrels.


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The reason im asking, is im debating wether or not to neck turn my Norma brass. Its already quite thin though. Ill turn it down to .0135 if i go ahead with it, but if my chamber is 'sloppy' i dont wanna create too much space between the chamber and case neck. Im reasonably new to handloading, so to all those in the know, please share your thoughts.
 
Dropped a 173" muley with 338LM at 823 yards a few years back, one shot kill it was awesome, of course it was down in a nasty hole and it took all day to pack out but it was worth it. :)

ney1,
Your post was an eye opener for me, I want to go on record and apologize to BuhLockay for riding his ass about the 338LM & match loads for his upcoming Texas whitetail hunt.

When I read your post the first thing that came to mind is some of my most memorable kills and the enjoyment I get everytime someone sees a mount or a photo and asks about it; allowing me the opportunity to reminisce about the hunt . Whether it was an impossible shot, a miserable trek trying to get a shot on the animal or even something bizarre or stupid that happened on the hunt. After I was finished reading your post, I went back and looked at my posts to BuhLockay and realized what a hypocrite I was being. I'll admit that I'm possibly a bit overly passionate about whitetail hunting, somewhat of a purist if you will. When it comes to whitetail bucks, I choose to only shoot wall hangers or cull bucks. But I know plenty of guys that couldn't care less if it has horns, their theory is there's no good way to cook horns and you can't eat bone so what's the difference. Michigan monster bucks aren't as plentiful as some states like IL, IA, KS & TX; so most years my only kills are culling the herd on our land. Our doe to buck ratio is obscenely out of wack in Michigan, last survey around us was about 25:1; so in an average gun season I may kill 40+ doe on crop damage block permits. I have to admit I enjoy stretching the legs on my 260 mountain rifle when the opportunity arises, just to make things more entertaining. The past couple years I've been primarily using my JP Enterprises AR with Nosler 64gr Accubond or 60gr Partition pills taking strictly head shots; focusing on ear shots under the justification that it prevents meat damage. Similar to how I called BuhLockay out on his 338/Many would consider a 223 to be far undersized for whitetail sized game. But I know my rifles capabilities and my abilities driving it.I consider it to be far more humane than your average opening day warrior; whose rifle hasn't seen the light of day since he left deer camp the previous year. When that pill meets the brain, that deer dies instantly without any suffering, and if you do miss on a head shot; you miss clean unlike a blown heart or lung shot that usually results in a gut shot.

So here it is BuhLockay, I was wrong to criticize you; hunting is meant to bring pleasure and entertainment; how you choose to go about it is a matter of personal preference. Besides, what is more exciting than the anticipation of getting a kill with your badass new rifle on it's first fielding. I apologize for my soapbox rantings and wish you the best of luck on your upcoming hunt, please post pics when you get back.

ney1,
Please post some pics of your muley too, sounds like a great buck with an even better story behind it.


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The reason im asking, is im debating wether or not to neck turn my Norma brass. Its already quite thin though. Ill turn it down to .0135 if i go ahead with it, but if my chamber is 'sloppy' i dont wanna create too much space between the chamber and case neck. Im reasonably new to handloading, so to all those in the know, please share your thoughts.

I don't think it's necessary, even with this tighter chamber. Maybe if you're after more neck uniformity and tension, but I don't think it's a requirement for this tighter chamber spec.
 
Hey Dogtown, im using redding bushing neck dies and im thinking that these cant really work properly with uneven necks? Sure the OD will be true, but im still seating the bullet into an uneven neck. So in the quest for even neck tension and concentricity, is it worth it in your opinion? Will i be at a disadvantage not neck turning, while using these dies?
 
I've been using Redding S dies on my .338LM loads in that first Gen .338LM barrel for years. I think my bushing is .365" and I haven't neck turned, so no problems on that end.
 
I've got a really early model Gen 1 (serial number 66). Ive read somewhere that the early srs's came out with tight chambers, almost match like. Can anyone confirm this, particulary Nick?
Cheers.

Yes the first chamberings were very tight, we initially used PTG reamers, they are factory spec but reloads are very sticky unless you full body size every time.
 
Thanks Nick for your reply, i appreciate your time. Do you happen to know if this early model would be the Kreiger as a previous poster suggested? Either way its awesome.
And thanks Dogtown too. I might just sort my brass by neck thickness variance. My 308 is already shooting lights out so ill keep it simple.
 
Picked up my Gen1 SRS yesterday. Thought I'd be able to source a scope mount locally, but that failed. Just ordered a GG&G bipod and a Nightforce 20MOA mount. Now I've got to shoot it, and then figure out what conversion to get next. Having a hard time between 338LM and 300WM
 
Welcome to the club! Getting conversions can be kind of addicting. I'm currently at 5 and I think that's only slightly above the average. Within a year or so it seems most SRS owners have a .308WIN, a 6.5mm and a magnum of some sort. On the .300WM vs the .338LM, it really depends on how far you plan to shoot and how much you can budget. .300WM is more economical and is good to just short of a mile. Beyond that .338LM crushes it in every arena, but at a significant cost.
 
I went through the same dilemma and decided on .300. You need to be honest with yourself in terms of range access and shooting abilities. I only have access to 1000 yards so to me a .300 does everything the .338 would have done while costing wayyyy less. Not to mention I can use the same bullets for my .308. I have some 240 grain smk and 208 bthp that also work well for subsonic .308 loads


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Yeah, leaning towards the 300WM simply due to where I can shoot. A mile is probably about as far as I'll be able to pull off. Probably 6.5CM after that. Trigger time first though with the .308.

Rifle seems really well put together, can't wait to shoot it. I like that the trigger is relatively flat vs. what I've been shooting in my 700 and AR based stuff
 
Any of you fellas running the HTI scope mounts in conjunction with a rail mounted ACI (angle cosine indicator) and ACD (anti cant device) ?
Looking at running a Sniper tools ACI on a badger mount and also using a us optics folding spirit level. With the use of the HTI mounts there's obviously a portion of the rail that cannot be used (Between the two rings). I want to run both these devices without the optics area looking too cluttered.
Below is a pic I've saved from a forum member that had posted it up on here
2655560E-orig.jpg
It appears to be running a Badger GEN II picatinny mount.
I really don't want scope mounted devices as i prefer to have them all rail mounted and true to the action
I am a right handed shooter
Your thoughts?
 
Any recommendations for a good break for the 308 barrel for the SRS A1? I was looking into the surefire but not sure what works. What fits best on those barrels.

Thanks

If you are using the surefire brake that reflexes back over the barrel you will need to get the barrel turned down and rethreaded. You will also need the 26" barrel from DTA.

Remember that DTA barrels use a 3/4 X 24 thread pitch. I do not know if surefire makes a brake in that thread pitch.

My customers have had good success with DTA and Thunder Beast brakes. I run a Thunder Beast Brake on my DTA and it works well and does even better when the suppressor is mounted.
 
If you are using the surefire brake that reflexes back over the barrel you will need to get the barrel turned down and rethreaded. You will also need the 26" barrel from DTA.

Remember that DTA barrels use a 3/4 X 24 thread pitch. I do not know if surefire makes a brake in that thread pitch.

My customers have had good success with DTA and Thunder Beast brakes. I run a Thunder Beast Brake on my DTA and it works well and does even better when the suppressor is mounted.

I was just throwing the surefire option out there, but yeah I think you need a thread adapter to run that break as they are not 3/4-24. I just want what works and sounds like DTA is backordered on muzzle breaks (rumor), so hence looking for other options.

Thanks
 
Call them. I got an extra set of brakes not too long ago for new barrels I was having spun up.
 
I was just throwing the surefire option out there, but yeah I think you need a thread adapter to run that break as they are not 3/4-24. I just want what works and sounds like DTA is backordered on muzzle breaks (rumor), so hence looking for other options.

Thanks

The Thunder Beast Brakes are very similar to the DTA Brakes and are a little less expensive. I have a few in stock. Send me a PM if you are interested.
 
Went through every page on here looking at DTA porn

DTA.jpg

Why no love for the ODG?

I guess i'll have to post plenty pics of mine when it turns up
 
You have already gotten good information. Here is my take.

All 3 6.5's are ballistically superior to a 308. They drop subsonic around 1500 yards depending on environmental conditions. We have actually shot our 6.5's out to a mile (1760 yards), but of course there are way better tools for this (like for example your 300 Win Mag).

In a DTA, any of them would require a 308 bolt, magazine, and a short action bolt stop (some guys, like Russ for example, don't use the bolt stop).

Between the 3, the 260, and 6.5 Creedmoor are about ballistic twins. The 6.5 x 47 is slightly slower. Here are the pluses and minuses for all 3 that I see:

260
plus
Lapua brass is available
DTA makes factory barrels
Brass can be easily made from a ton of different resourses

minus
Lapua brass is expensive
Remington brass sucks

6.5 Creed
plus
Excellent factory ammo available at about $25 per 20
Bullets can be seated further out (not much of a plus in a DTA as the mags are so generous)
Hornaday brass is fairly cheap and good (some don't share this opinion)

minus
Only one source for brass (Nosler brass is coming)
Difficult to make brass
DTA does not currently make factory barrels

6.5x47
plus
Lapua brass
small rifle primer
DTA factory barrels available

minus
brass is expensive
I'm not aware of any other source of brass
slower than the other 2


My pick of the 3 is the Creedmoor. Mainly because every barrel we have put out (50ish) all shoot the same load extremely well. I shoot a lot, and don't have time to load develop after every new barrel. We spin a barrel, and it shoots as good as I am able to pull the trigger with the same load every time.

Other folks have excellent results with the other 2 flavors.

Just my opinion,
Ty

Just a slight correction on Ty's post…… DTA does stock 6.5 Creedmoor barrels now. We got a bunch in, they may have already been sold. This is on top of the bunch that were custom ordered. They are a regular barrel option now. Watch for updates on new stock soon. Lots of big changes happening guys.

I hope to dramatically increase the offerings through DTM in the very near future. More calibers, multiple bullet options, etc.etc….
 
Russ,
Any plans for a 260 covert barrel, and what about 300 Norma Mag?

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I honestly don't know if the 260 covert is on the docket man. I can almost guarantee that the 300 Norma is not. It really doesn't make sense to sink the money into it when the 300 Norma is far from the top of the popularity list.

I will say, if DTA doesn't offer what you are looking for, Talk to Ty. That dude and his crew make some insanely great barrels. He and SAC are IMO the top of the heap for the DTA aftermarket barrels.

Russ @ DTM
 
I honestly don't know if the 260 covert is on the docket man. I can almost guarantee that the 300 Norma is not. It really doesn't make sense to sink the money into it when the 300 Norma is far from the top of the popularity list.

I will say, if DTA doesn't offer what you are looking for, Talk to Ty. That dude and his crew make some insanely great barrels. He and SAC are IMO the top of the heap for the DTA aftermarket barrels.

Russ @ DTM

I'm having Mark spin me up a short 260 "Covert" barrel. I've been talking
with Ty a bit, I was happy to see you guys are sponsoring him. He's good
for the sport and a damn fine representative for your company. The kind of guy that's always happy to help people out any way he can.

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Shot my DTA 26" 300WM yesterday and the recoil wasn't bad, the A-1 Butt pad worked really well.. Was shooting OCW on 208 A-Max with H1000 and Black Hills Match Brass. Still processing data but so far it looks pretty good, I found two accuracy nodes; one at 75.8grs @ 2825fps and the other 79.7grs @ 2955fps.

The DTA shoots better than I do for sure. Loaded eight 3-shot groups in increments 0.7grs and 3 of the groups had 2-of-3 shots one-holing.
 
Just a slight correction on Ty's post…… DTA does stock 6.5 Creedmoor barrels now. We got a bunch in, they may have already been sold. This is on top of the bunch that were custom ordered. They are a regular barrel option now. Watch for updates on new stock soon. Lots of big changes happening guys.

I hope to dramatically increase the offerings through DTM in the very near future. More calibers, multiple bullet options, etc.etc….

Hey Russ,

I really appreciate all you bring to the table here and am looking forward to all you will offer with DTM.

When you mentioned updates on a new stock are you speaking of the A1 skins/monopod becoming available? I have one on order thru Euro for quite sometime for my covert with zero eta.
 
Hey Russ,

I really appreciate all you bring to the table here and am looking forward to all you will offer with DTM.

When you mentioned updates on a new stock are you speaking of the A1 skins/monopod becoming available? I have one on order thru Euro for quite sometime for my covert with zero eta.

Well damn, it made sense to me when I typed it. I didn't mean new stock as in the rifle. I meant new stock like inventory. My bad. I was just meaning that we are catching up and will have more things on hand. Barrels, ammo, gear. I'm hoping to be adding a couple new nylon accessories to the lineup soon too. It will be posted up as they hit.

Russ
 
Very nice indeed.
that barrell......froth worthy
nice kill btw

Thanks to Mark @ SAC for the barrel. I have twins with the deep spiral flutes 338L/6.5x47L @ 22.5". The 308 barrel is an early 4 groove Kreiger 16.25 1:10 from Mark's DTA buyout inventory. They all shoot much better than I do!
 
Well damn, it made sense to me when I typed it. I didn't mean new stock as in the rifle. I meant new stock like inventory. My bad. I was just meaning that we are catching up and will have more things on hand. Barrels, ammo, gear. I'm hoping to be adding a couple new nylon accessories to the lineup soon too. It will be posted up as they hit.

Russ


Naw, Russ...your post was right on, my wishful thinking that DTA would be offering new skins/monopod for the A1 soon. I am most likely the the only one who interpreted it that way.
 
This might be a silly question but I see the two sling studs on the back on my A-1 Covert but none on the rail. Am I suppose to just use the two on the rear?
 
Quick question for Nick, Russ, or anybody else from DTA, is the AMR reticle for the k624i the same price as the mil4 and mil6 reticle? I was supposed to have gotten the AMR as per talks with your sales people supposedly noting it on the order since there was no AMR option on the order sheet but received the MIL4 still and now am told that there is a difference in price. Please let me know so I know if I should return this back in for the AMR or not. And do you have them in stock?

By the way, thanks for the rifle. I was not expecting it this early at all.
 
This might be a silly question but I see the two sling studs on the back on my A-1 Covert but none on the rail. Am I suppose to just use the two on the rear?
Hey Mike, I can't speak for sure on the covert, but my SRS has the flush cups towards the front of the rail. I think they were underneath the movable rail sections. Maybe the covert's are underneath there as well.

I did see that Russ got some flush cups from the rear of the skins and screwed them into the rail threads where ever he wanted them. I think I am going to do the same as I prefer my sling closer for positional shooting.

Take care,
Ty

P.S. Sorry about the bad info on the 6.5 Creedmoor factory barrels Russ and the rest of you. I didn't realize DTA released those yet.
 
Finally got an opportunity to shoot my 30" TS Customs 338LM yesterday. It's a straight 1.250" fluted 9.5 twist Benchmark barrel with DTA brake and DTSS suppressor.

I fired two rounds to zero at 100yds. Here are shots 3-8.

IMG_1144.JPG


I have no doubt that high one was me, as it was the last shot. Excitement got the better of me. I'm running 285 HPBT's at 2875fps which is 75FPS faster than I was seeing with my factory DTA 338 barrel. Appreciable difference with another 4" of barrel. The ammo was the same as I was shooting in the other barrel, with 93gr of Retumbo and .010" off the lands for the old barrel. On this chamber, that ammo was .040" off the lands. Didn't seem to matter! It appears to be a very forgiving barrel.

After zeroing at 100yds and getting velocity, it was time to stretch out. Got setup on the high corner of a cut bean field.

IMG_1145.JPG


The other end of the field was about 4,000yds away. :)

IMG_1146.JPG


Some friends joined me. In total, we had 5 DTA SRS's and one HTI in 375CT out to play with. We had targets scattered from 450yds to 3048yds.

IMG_1147.JPG


We spent the afternoon smacking away at steel. With my TS Customs 338 barrel at 968yds, it was boring, even in the 15-25mph crosswind we were shooting in. At 1585yds, it was a bit more sporting, but I was still consistently bashing it. Shooter had my dope direct to the tenth mil all the way out to 1866yds, which was the farthest target I engaged. I still went 30% on that target. Were the wind to have calmed down a bit, I think I could have rocked that far target a lot easier. 5.4mils is a LOT of wind when you are running a 338LM. ;)

The next target was at 2707yds, and for that we whipped out the 375CT and took turns knocking paint off that target. The sun was down on the horizon by this time, and we couldn't even locate the 3048yd target.

After the shooting was over... it was time to go cruise around a bit in a friends chopper. It was a great day. :)

IMG_1156.JPG