New (used) benchrest rifle

[257 Ackley]

Finally have all the components together and some of the load work done on this 6BR that will be used for F-class matches and maybe a little p-dog shooting. The guy I bought it from used it for "groundhog matches" in Pennsylvania. It was built by Jim Borden who has won many awards as a benchrest shooter and really pays attention to the little details. I have done some of the early prep work and shot it for the first time last weekend. Lets just say it will take some time before I will be shooting this as well as it is capable of shooting.
Specs are:
XP100 single shot action honed and blue printed
.272 neck
30" Bartlein barrel, 8 twist in heavy varmint contour
McMillian benchrest stock
2 oz Jewell trigger...yikes :shock:

There is a Nightforce 5.5-22X50 NP-R2 on it right now that will be changed to a 12-42X56 NF shortly. Brass is Lapua and the load this guy used was 30 grains of Varget behind 107 SMk's. I shot various loads on Sunday with that bullet, and it did like that load. This is my first time using bushing dies, so there was a learning curve to go through. I am lucky to have Nodak7mm to call and shorten the learning curve. Turning necks is something new as well, and creates another reason to spend endless hours in the reloading room. Here are a couple pics...will post some targets once things are figured out.

 

[DrMike]

Joel,

That is a sweet looking rig. It looks accurate just sitting there.

 

[nvbroncrider]

Looks like the Budwiser Chevy on race day all shined up ready to run!!

 

[Woodycreek]

That thing is gonna look cool in deer camp this year :lol: I can see my paws on that in the near future!

 

[6mm Remington]

Wow, just wow! :wink:

 

[257 Ackley]

The guy I bought it from said there was only 150 rounds down the barrel. It did clean up really quick and there was no copper fouling at all. I use Butch's, and that will tell you pretty quick if there is any fouling.

Brian - it will come with me if we get a chance to shoot this summer. By than I should have a load figured out. I want to check out that 600 yard range you have.

 

[257 Ackley]

Wow, just wow! :wink:

David - I'm not much of a flash kinda guy, so the red is too much for me. I shouldn't have to worry about losing this one at the firing line (or in the woods for that matter). :roll:

 

[russ808]

Joel,
Don't matter how it shoots. Just sitting there it looks good. High speed-low drag.
Russ

 

[Woodycreek]

Brian - it will come with me if we get a chance to shoot this summer. By than I should have a load figured out. I want to check out that 600 yard range you have.

Keep the middle of June in mind. Gonna need an excuse for a kitchen pass :mrgreen:

 

[BK]

Dig the candy apple red!

 

[wildgene]

...ooooh, a Corvette!!!

 

[JD338]

Joel,

Nice looking rig!
It matches my truck. :mrgreen:

JD338

 

[cloverleaf]

OH MY, OH MY, OH MY...... Holy precision hole puncher Batman! That thing looks Stunning. I would normally agree, being a bluing and wood sorta guy myself...but that thing is SHARP. Corvette indeed. CL

 

[Guy Miner]

If you like shooting itty-bitty groups at long ranges - you're going to love that rifle!

Congrats. Nice choice. I think buying a used match rifle is one of the best "bargain" opportunities going - it's usually a LOT less expensive than having one built.

Guy

 

[usmc 89]

joel you need to mow your lawn! good looking 6br hopefully you can bring it over and whip up on me in the f class matches. lots of guys doing well with the 6br and dasher over here at 600. started new days off so the bismarck matches should be a go providing you get your lawn mowed. oh yeah glad to see you didnt cheat yourself and opted for the nighforce, tough to beat the nightforce.

 

[SJB358]

Very sharp rifle! That is a very awesome looking rig!

I am with Jeff, get that lawn maintenance squared away! HA!

 

[257 Ackley]

Alright guys...the lawn was just mowed on Saturday :evil: . I'm not one of those "anal lawn guys". Once a week is all it gets!! I do have to get it done tonight when I get home from work. I fertilized it 3 weeks ago and we have had a lot of rain, so it is growing like crazy.

Jeff - we will have to figure out what matches will work to meet at once I get a load figured out with the bullet that shoots best in this beast.

Jim - we can mount it on a turret in the back of your truck and have total camaflage. We will have to drag out all the old Filson wool red hunting coats and hats to make the look complete though :lol: .

 

[JD338]

Jim - we can mount it on a turret in the back of your truck and have total camaflage. We will have to drag out all the old Filson wool red hunting coats and hats to make the look complete though :lol: .

Great idea Joel! I like it. :mrgreen:

JD338

 

[buckfever]

Congrats on your 6br about the easyest cartridge to load for. The 105 noslers are worth a look they shoot very good that's what I use in 600 yard bench rest and f class and you might want to try some 80 gr Berger fb for extreme accuracy.

 

[DrMike]

Joel,

Your lawn doesn't look bad to me. I just dethatched my lawn a week ago. It was -3C last evening, so we are still weeks away from the twice a week mowing chore. I've recommended to my wife that we put a sign in the front yard, "Ecological experiment in progress," telling neighbours we are attempting to determine if we can attract elk back to this region. She won't go for it, however.