Want to get into long range shooting

[Engineerjet]

Hello everyone, glad I found this place!

So I'm new to the concept of long range shooting. I'm normally a pistol/AR shooter and wanted to expand my "skill set". I have been lurking around trying to get as much info as I could but there is just so much info here and not sure where to begin searching.

I have a remington 700, 24" 1/10 twist in 308 win and I have recently ordered a leupold mark 4 10x. This will be my first, likely not my last, rifle for long range. I have a couple of basic questions that I would really appreciate any help, and if it has been covered at length before, a possible a link in the right direction? Again, I am new so most of the terminology I am not even familiar with enough to do a search.

First, twist rates. What is a good bullet weight I would want to stick around for the 1/10 twist?I am a reloader as well and I just purchased the dies for 308 so I'm just trying to absorb as much info as I can right now. What are the factors I should really focus on with finding the right bullet? I am currently doing research and I am looking at heavier bullets with high BC. The hornady AMAX 208 gr caught my eye but I am not sure If that is recommended for my particular rifle.

Second, I have heard that competition/target shooting is different from hunting shooting? Aside from the type of bullets, how is this so? I would think hitting a point out in space would be hitting a point out in space regardless of purpose, then again I am still new.

Third, the workings of a bolt action. What goes into changing the caliber of a rifle? I have heard that if the action is the same (short vs long) and the bolt face is the same, then a simple barrel swap will do. Is this correct?

Thank you in advance for any guidance.

Edit: I forgot to list my purpose, I'm sure that might help. I want to get into target shooting out to 200 yards(that is the farthest my range offers and can't find a better one). I also would like to start hunting as well. My long term goal is to shoot 600-800 yards with the ultimate goal of 1000

 

[Sherman]

Re: Want to get into long range shooting

Welcome aboard! There's a lot to be learned here, and MANY knowledgeable members. Don't be afraid to use the search function HERE to find answers to any questions you may have, chances are its been asked before. Good luck!

 

[bward]

Re: Want to get into long range shooting

Looks like you've done your homework, and you have a nice setup to learn with. A 10 twist barrel is fast enough to stabilize anything you would shoot through a 308. While the 208 AMAX is a great bullet, I would direct you towards the 155 class of bullets. They will cause a lot less recoil and should be easier to learn with. If you find a good load with the 155's, it should work to 1000 yards easily.

 

[Engineerjet]

Re: Want to get into long range shooting

Thanks for the advice. I am also curious as I have heard you can get a trajectory table made for your own rounds. But I have not been able to find out more on it. Do you actually shoot your rounds at incremental distances then jot down the information and punch it into a program to calculate a trajectory table?

 

[Lowe Left]

Re: Want to get into long range shooting

I got into this sport little over a year ago. No expert, but I have been there.

1. Get a databook and write down everything when you shoot.

2. This site is a great resource and as you can imagine every question has been asked. This web address will serve you well. http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=010955838166721108978:qcbx5qqy10o&hl=en

3. Go out and shoot, if you're thinking about competing, just pony up and do it. You'll find that the shooters are very helpful and can give you great advice.

4. Welcome to the hide and good shooting!

5. JBM - search in google for JBM ballistic charts - another great resource.

 

[5RWill]

Re: Want to get into long range shooting

I had a pretty accurate load with 155gr scenars in my 24" 5R with a 11.25" twist rate. Make sure you get a wind-meter. Trying to shoot without one is a pain IMO. From what i've learned your spot on if the bolt face is the same yes you can get another barrel put on the rifle and let a gunsmith do all the work. You could even run a long action on a short action cartridge such as the m24 does, just has to have the same bolt face.

If you wanna try this 155gr scenar load here it is.
46gr varget
nosler custom .308 brass
WLRM primers
OAL 2.800.