Target shooting

[glock17_1986]

Hey guys can you use a non bull barrel for target shooting? Or is it best to have a bull barrel? I do not understand why it would matter. I am a noob to bolt action rifles though.

[SFCRangerDoc]

Hey guys can you use a non bull barrel for target shooting? Or is it best to have a bull barrel? I do not understand why it would matter. I am a noob to bolt action rifles though.

It doesn't *really* matter. Bull barrels are usually a tad heavier and thicker which can help with accuracy a bit, but usually any innacuracy comes from the shooter, not the gun. Very few people can actually shoot a rifle to its full ability and when they do, then that heavier barrel would be helpful. For you, I wouldn't worry too much.

Doc

[glock17_1986]

It doesn't *really* matter. Bull barrels are usually a tad heavier and thicker which can help with accuracy a bit, but usually any innacuracy comes from the shooter, not the gun. Very few people can actually shoot a rifle to its full ability and when they do, then that heavier barrel would be helpful. For you, I wouldn't worry too much.

Doc

Thank you very much Doc. I posted on California precision rifles club about the rifle my wife got me as a gift and some one stated that if its a thinner hunting type barrel then the rifle most likely isn't suitable for target shooting. So I thought I would ask my fellow calgunners.

[6mmintl]

Depends on the rifle caliber and precision required, some remington and savage .243 rifles are adequate for silhouette and tactical rifle shooting with proper handloads and rifle rework (bedding/freefloating/trigger work/ bolt/mag tuning) and maybe adding weight. Good optics help also.

You wont be in the winners circle but you will have gained enough knowledge for a years shooting to upgrade barrel and optics.

[dub762]

As the barrel heats up from repeated shots, the gun becomes less accurate. Thats why clubs and target shooters use the heavy barrels. You can use your hunting barrel, just let it cool in between shots.

[glock17_1986]

Thanks guys. I planned on only shooting a few shots and letting it cool. The rifle my wife got me is a 7mm rem mag so I know that the barrel can heat up pretty fast from what I have heard. what is a good amount of time to let the barrel cool enough?

[Divernhunter]

If you cannot hold your hand on the barrel then it is time to stop shooting. If the barrel is cool to the touch it is time to start shooting. With a 7mag this will only be a coupe of shots. The more shooting you do with the barrel hot the more wear, especially in the throat, that will happen. It does not take long to wash out a 7mag barrel.
Down loading the ammo will help quite a bit for a handloader.
The 7mag is not the best round for"target shooting" especially for a novice. You will surely start flinching with full power loads. It is also pretty costly to shoot.

As seems to be the case with the newbies you do not show a location so someone with expierence could offer to help you.

[glock17_1986]

Thank you I appreciate your help. Now I feel like I am up the river without a paddle. I guess I will just have to shoot a little at a time. To bad cause I am out of cash for a different rifle. Also I am located in the inland empire. What is a cheap 308 one could save up for? I say cheap because I just don't have the cash to buy another rem 700 or pay 600. I wish rifles were like pistols were I could shoot a lot of ammo.

[hermosabeach]

Target shooting...

Are you just going to the range to shoot groups from a bench?

One of the definitions I heard years back of a rifleman is one who can shoot to the limitations of the rifle.

So if the rifle can group 1 1/2" group at 100 yards from a sand bag rest, can the shooter do the same from: standing, kneeling, squatting, prone, etc...

The M1 Garand is not the most accurate rifle and folks shoot that in service competitions out to 300 at my range with the original iron sights....

If you want an itty bitty group, I have seen those from normal profile barrels.

If you want to shoot a lot and keep the same group size, the heavier barrel will deal with heat better....

But for itty bitty groups, there are a lot of variables in addition to a quality stiff barrel

I hope this helps.....

[glock17_1986]

Target shooting...

Are you just going to the range to shoot groups from a bench?

One of the definitions I heard years back of a rifleman is one who can shoot to the limitations of the rifle.

So if the rifle can group 1 1/2" group at 100 yards from a sand bag rest, can the shooter do the same from: standing, kneeling, squatting, prone, etc...

The M1 Garand is not the most accurate rifle and folks shoot that in service competitions out to 300 at my range with the original iron sights....

If you want an itty bitty group, I have seen those from normal profile barrels.

If you want to shoot a lot and keep the same group size, the heavier barrel will deal with heat better....

But for itty bitty groups, there are a lot of variables in addition to a quality stiff barrel

I hope this helps.....

Thank you. I plan on just shooting from a bench and having fun. I want to make it to 1k eventually, but I know that will take me a while. Yes I do want to be able to shot the same from all the positions you mentioned. I do not want to compete because man that is a lot of cash that I cant justify spending. My wife would kill me for spending upwards of 5k for a custom setup. I guess I should have just stuck to pistols and skeet shooting.

[hermosabeach]

Bull, Long, Short and other variations

[glock17_1986]

For some reason I cant see what you posted ^^^^

[Twystd1]

As the barrel heats up from repeated shots, the gun becomes less accurate. Thats why clubs and target shooters use the heavy barrels. You can use your hunting barrel, just let it cool in between shots.

The man knows of what he speaks. T

[glock17_1986]

The man knows of what he speaks. T

Thanks for the reassurance. I think most of you guys know what your talking about.

[russ69]

Thank you. I plan on just shooting from a bench and having fun. I want to make it to 1k eventually, but I know that will take me a while. Yes I do want to be able to shot the same from all the positions you mentioned. I do not want to compete because man that is a lot of cash that I cant justify spending. My wife would kill me for spending upwards of 5k for a custom setup. I guess I should have just stuck to pistols and skeet shooting.

Get a nice 22 bolt rifle and shoot all you want.