Hey guys, been reading SH regularly for a long time but this is my first post.
I picked up a R700 SPS Tac, threw a SS 10X scope on it, and dropped the whole thing into an AICS with a Harris bipod and Accushot monopod.
Handloaded 168gr and 175gr SMKs in M118LR cases. Worked loads up using R15 and Varget. At 100 yds using 168gr SMKs the rifle would put 5 rds just under 1" if I kept the velocity down. Pushing them faster opened the groups up significantly. I got nowhere near the top of the pressure scale before I broke off testing due to poor accuracy. Though it's been a few months and my memory is pretty bad these days, I think the sweet spot was around 40 grains of R15?
175gr SMKs didn't shoot as well as the 168s and higher velocities resulted in patterns (2" at 100 yds) vice groups.
So now that I'm deployed, I've decided to upgrade my rifle and absorb the long component leadtimes now rather than wait until I return. Ultimate goal is to shoot 175gr SMKs to 1000 yds (longest range in my area) from a rifle that I could hump all day without problems.
Below is what I'm thinking:
1. Krieger stainless steel 1:11.25" #17 contour barrel cut down to 22". If I recall, stainless can be cerakoted?
2. Surefire MB762-211C muzzle brake. Suppressor is a distinct possibility in the future.
3. Badger 20 MOA base, bolt knob, and recoil lug.
4. Hose the whole thing in black cerakote.
5. 5-25x56 illuminated S&B PMII with MSR reticle.
My plan is to purchase all the components and then send the rifle/parts off to the gunsmith to be assembled. I want to have the action trued and am open to buying a PTG bolt and bedding the action if the gunsmith thinks that that is necessary. I sent an e-mail to the gunsmith (member here). No response yet, but I'm sure he's very busy so no big deal. I do want to get the barrel on order though, so I thought that maybe you all could give me some suggestions.
Am I off-base on any aspect of the barrel (length, material, twist, contour)?
Thanks in advance for your opinions/suggestions.
Danan
I picked up a R700 SPS Tac, threw a SS 10X scope on it, and dropped the whole thing into an AICS with a Harris bipod and Accushot monopod.
Handloaded 168gr and 175gr SMKs in M118LR cases. Worked loads up using R15 and Varget. At 100 yds using 168gr SMKs the rifle would put 5 rds just under 1" if I kept the velocity down. Pushing them faster opened the groups up significantly. I got nowhere near the top of the pressure scale before I broke off testing due to poor accuracy. Though it's been a few months and my memory is pretty bad these days, I think the sweet spot was around 40 grains of R15?
175gr SMKs didn't shoot as well as the 168s and higher velocities resulted in patterns (2" at 100 yds) vice groups.
So now that I'm deployed, I've decided to upgrade my rifle and absorb the long component leadtimes now rather than wait until I return. Ultimate goal is to shoot 175gr SMKs to 1000 yds (longest range in my area) from a rifle that I could hump all day without problems.
Below is what I'm thinking:
1. Krieger stainless steel 1:11.25" #17 contour barrel cut down to 22". If I recall, stainless can be cerakoted?
2. Surefire MB762-211C muzzle brake. Suppressor is a distinct possibility in the future.
3. Badger 20 MOA base, bolt knob, and recoil lug.
4. Hose the whole thing in black cerakote.
5. 5-25x56 illuminated S&B PMII with MSR reticle.
My plan is to purchase all the components and then send the rifle/parts off to the gunsmith to be assembled. I want to have the action trued and am open to buying a PTG bolt and bedding the action if the gunsmith thinks that that is necessary. I sent an e-mail to the gunsmith (member here). No response yet, but I'm sure he's very busy so no big deal. I do want to get the barrel on order though, so I thought that maybe you all could give me some suggestions.
Am I off-base on any aspect of the barrel (length, material, twist, contour)?
Thanks in advance for your opinions/suggestions.
Danan