What should be next for my 308?

[Xtracrispy]

Up front, I'm pretty much a noob to precision shooting. Thought I'm usually a decent shooter for never having any training, for what that's worth.

I've been trying to figure out what to do to my rifle next, and can't decide. I'm on a pretty tight budget to be able to get everything I want, so I'm trying to make my money count and could use some more experienced advise.

Here is my setup now:

Remington 700 SPS AAC, 308
Miculek brake
Bushnell Elite Tactical 3200 10x40
Bell & Carlson Medalist A2, not bedded.
Caldwell swivel-6-9" Harris-clone bipod.

With the factory stock(all other parts the same) I got under 1" @ 100yds. I have only shot once with the B&C stock and my groups were bad, but it was off a plastic table and not prone like I usually do. I don't think it was the stock (other than a 4" POI shift) but more so sitting in a camp chair shooting on a wiggly table.

Anyway, I imagine that I should bed the B&C stock, even though they say you don't have to?

Is there something that should obviously be added/done/replaced other than more trigger time(which I know will help the most)? I personally feel like the scope is limiting me the most(Not that I'm right). I could maybe swing a scope along the lines of a Viper HS-T 4-16, and definitely a 16x41 SWFA. Or I could get a trigger and/or a better bipod(or shoot off bags?).

So what do you guys think, what would make the biggest difference in the overall capability of the rifle? I know trigger time is the best, and working on my loads. Just want to make sure I have a good setup to learn on, too.

Thanks!

[Roach_Infinity]

Personally, If I was in your position I would be saving up for formal training sessions instead of gear. I think there was a thread in the "San Diego" area forum offering free assistance, you might want to check that out as well, If I had a decent rifle I sure would be.

-Eric

[Divernhunter]

It matters little what you do with the rifle if you cannot shoot it well.
Most rifles will outshoot the shooter to start with.
Develop your skills then customize the rifle to suit YOU.
A good trigger is probably the best upgrade you can make to any rifle that does not have a stock problem.

[Merc1138]

Up front, I'm pretty much a noob to precision shooting. Thought I'm usually a decent shooter for never having any training, for what that's worth.

I've been trying to figure out what to do to my rifle next, and can't decide. I'm on a pretty tight budget to be able to get everything I want, so I'm trying to make my money count and could use some more experienced advise.

Here is my setup now:

Remington 700 SPS AAC, 308
Miculek brake
Bushnell Elite Tactical 3200 10x40
Bell & Carlson Medalist A2, not bedded.
Caldwell swivel-6-9" Harris-clone bipod.

With the factory stock(all other parts the same) I got under 1" @ 100yds. I have only shot once with the B&C stock and my groups were bad, but it was off a plastic table and not prone like I usually do. I don't think it was the stock (other than a 4" POI shift) but more so sitting in a camp chair shooting on a wiggly table.

Anyway, I imagine that I should bed the B&C stock, even though they say you don't have to?

Is there something that should obviously be added/done/replaced other than more trigger time(which I know will help the most)? I personally feel like the scope is limiting me the most(Not that I'm right). I could maybe swing a scope along the lines of a Viper HS-T 4-16, and definitely a 16x41 SWFA. Or I could get a trigger and/or a better bipod(or shoot off bags?).

So what do you guys think, what would make the biggest difference in the overall capability of the rifle? I know trigger time is the best, and working on my loads. Just want to make sure I have a good setup to learn on, too.

Thanks!

You could worry about buying more gear, or get in more trigger time and make sure your existing gear works(and is put together correctly).

[E92335i]

I'd upgrade the trigger and get a better bipod. 10x is plenty for now. Post pics with your setup.

[Xtracrispy]

Well, so far it sounds like I should stick with getting some range time and maybe some training.

I like new stuff but if there isn't anything that sticks out as being particularly inferior, maybe I'll save my cash for now.

Roach Infinity, I think I remember seeing that thread, thanks for reminding me! I will try to find it and see if he is still doing that.

[Merc1138]

Well, so far it sounds like I should stick with getting some range time and maybe some training.

I like new stuff but if there isn't anything that sticks out as being particularly inferior, maybe I'll save my cash for now.

Roach Infinity, I think I remember seeing that thread, thanks for reminding me! I will try to find it and see if he is still doing that.

There are things that you could spend cash on. You could buy a better trigger, a better scope, better stock, better bipod, get the stock bedded, better barrel, etc.

But if you do all of that, odds are by the time you get more trigger time in, you'll probably realize you wanted a different trigger, different bipod, different stock, different scope, etc.

Use what you have, shoot more, then figure out exactly what you want later.

[desertjosh]

Well what are you shooting now with it? MOA?

[Xtracrispy]

Well what are you shooting now with it? MOA?

Should be right around that, yeah.

[MongooseV8]

I would bed the recoil lug into the bedding block and invest in a wheeler fat wrench to stick with a consistent action screw torque. That will give you a reliable baseline to practice with.

Next would be a scope and trigger. Finally start reloading.

[Xtracrispy]

I would bed the recoil lug into the bedding block and invest in a wheeler fat wrench to stick with a consistent action screw torque. That will give you a reliable baseline to practice with.

Next would be a scope and trigger.

Noted, thanks!

Finally start reloading.

Already reload

[ElvenSoul]

Ummm reloading equipment

[dskit]

Trigger and start experimenting with loads.

No reason that set up shouldn't shoot sub MOA.

Buy a box of FGM and see how it shoots - it will be a good benchmark to compare to your loads.

[MongooseV8]

You would be shocked to see the difference in group size by simply changing the action screw torque. Most of the 700's like more than others. I torque my 700 at 45 INCH lbs into an HS Precision stock similar to yours and it shoots great. Every rifle and stock combo will be different so play around with it. Shoot a group and increase the torque by 5 inch lbs till you find the sweetspot. Then once you find it start fine tuning your hand loads all the while working on your shooting technique.

[MongooseV8]

Worry about everything else later. You have a great base build to start honing your skills with.