Getting started?

S

sami1971

Guest
I recently acquired a Stiller built 6PPC and I'm doing the battle in my mind whether to try benchrest shooting or just sell the gun. First thing is ammo. I do reload so I do have the equipment, including neck turner and basic annealing stuff. Should I start with 220 Russian, 7.62x39 or try to find 6PPC? The only bullets I have in 6mm are 55gr Nosler BT Varmint bullets so an order of 65gr'ish match bullets would be another purchase. What are the typical (non-custom) 6mm bullets used? I already have plenty of VV N133 so I am set on powder.

I am located in the Dallas-FW metroplex. Any info on local clubs or F-class competitions for beginners would be appreciated! Part of me wants to give BR a try but the other part is worried whether I have enough time as life is very busy as it is.

Gun specs: Stiller Viper action, Shilen 0.262" neck barrel, Jewell BR trigger, EG&Y stock, March 40x52BR scope. Round count is unknown and while the bore seems quite good I can't really tell whether it is barely shot or worn out. I have previously only dealt with hunting and military rifles.
 
Try it and see if you like it. Nobody can tell you if you will like it, its not for everyone. You must have a passion for shooting, and an interest in competing. Seek someone that shoots competitively. You are in the heart of benchrest heaven > Texas. Read a book, Mike Ratigan's or Tony Boyer's. There is more to it then having a gun > but you have a good one to start. Have fun! and good luck.
 
I am fairly sure I would like it. I shoot my factory guns regularly and can get some of them to group to 6-8mm 5 shot groups constantly. Loading and preparing for benchrest would be completely different I would assume, in regards to time consumption. I guess it only takes as much time as you're willing to or can give.

Any advise on getting brass for 6PPC? Only thing I can find is Midway USA for Norma brass. I'm biased to Lapua but is there a big disadvantage (other than fireforming wear on the barrel) of going with 7.62x39 brass? I would assume initial neck turning would be a PITA.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1311432351/norma-reloading-brass-6mm-ppc
http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/sid=75255/pid=39029/Product/Lapua-Brass-7-62x39-100-ct-?utm_medium
 
I say jump in. BR is a lot of fun, even while you are learning the ropes. Just go in to it with the attitude that you will learn something and have some fun, and you will. Sounds like you have a very good gun for it.

Benchrest almost always uses custom made bullets. I wouldn’t bother with factory bullets for BR with a few possible exceptions like Berger match bullets. There are many good guys making and selling excellent BR bullets.

I like Lapua .220 russian brass. It’s pretty hard to beat. There is some good info here http://www.benchrest.com/FAQ on how to prepare your brass. It’s easier than it sounds especially after you have done it a time or two. 7.62x39 brass has a large rifle primer rather than the small rifle that the PPC normally uses. I have seen some guys do ok with it but I would stick with the Lapua for BR. There have been some good reviews of the new Norma PPC brass but I have not used it so can’t comment there. You can also buy brass already prepped from Ron Hoehn and others and then all you have to do is just fire form it and go.

Hopefully someone will jump in with info on BR shooting in Texas. I know there is a lot going on down there and some good people to help a guy get started.

Rick Graham
 
As most, I shoot Lapua brass but hear the full formed Norma brass is capable.
Try a Norma 20 count box to get started... If you don't have 6mm under and over mandrel for your turner, you'll need those.
.262nk chamber.... Two passes (cuts).0030 / .0025 (depends on the brass)... .0086 is generally normal thickness on final cut.. For a bushing die, .257 / .258 / .259 bushings will get you going... .24300 - .24350 @ pressure ring (bullet base), seated bullet will measure right at .2600 (probably .2598 - .2610 range)... Good safe clearance which will DELIVER the Accuracy.

The Ratigan and Boyer books are a great read... Get ya started right.... Then shoot with competitive Benchrest shooter(s) for some good mentoring....

Search around here on BR Central... Lotta good links and info (to these books and such)....

Too bad it's Winter, no shoots going on BUT plenty of guys try to get out on the better days at NTSA Club up in Denton...
Jerry Stiller runs the matches at the NTSA club...

Welcome to the sport and hope ya get bit HARD by the accuracy bug.... If so, you'll find the time.... Addictive..!
cale
 
Most shoot Lapua brass, Russian 220, you will need to turn the neck with a .262 neck chamber. You could get a reamer for noturn neck and have your barrel reamed by a gunsmith to avoid the neck turning. Find a local shooter for help, go to some local matches and ask questions, most people are very friendly and helpful. It's fun and can be a little frustrating to learn without someone to guide you. The advice on reading books is good, but personal help is great. Don
 
I might have to do that, if they aren't too busy to have visitors. I placed an order for 100ct of Lapua 220 Russian instead of Norma's 6PPC. Dies and couple hundred match 6mm bullets. I figured I'll give Berger's and Hornady's a try before moving into Scenar's and then possibly into custom bullets. I guess I will need to get off the keyboard now to give my wrists some rest as I see some neck turning in my future...
 
Sami there are also matches in Denton once a month during the season.
Stiller, Glen and some of the others he named were shooting there when I was but that was some years ago.
Glen is a good guy and a great competitor. His advice is solid.
I also own a Stiller and it shoots great. Better than I do.
 
I noticed your post, if you want us to look over the gun and make sure everything is up to snuff, feel free to come on by. We tend to replace the firing pin spring and give a few others things a check on older actions. We can also check out the neck diameter to make sure you know what brass to use. As a newbie, we can help you out and make sure nothing is out of whack. We are here every day. Let us know.
 
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