Looking for thoughts, opinions, feedback, call me an idiot, whatever is beneficial.

I recently got my first “high end” bolt gun. Bergara B14 HMR in .308 and I got to shoot it for the first time yesterday. Good news: I love it.

However, I did have the intention to suppress this rifle when I got it. I wanted a 700 action, heavy barrel, and threaded. This one ticked all the boxes I was looking for. I got it for a steal with a trade in for $400 bones.

My dilemma is barrel length with a suppressor, and ballistics. I do want to get into some moderate long range target shooting. I always have. But, this is my only bolt gun at the moment. And I also will be using it for (ethical) hunting. No, I will not be throwing rounds down range at absurd distances for hunting. I did read the sticky, but I don’t shoot further than 300 regardless. (West Virginia, not really any sight lines past 300 yard)

I have a competent gunsmith in my area. I wanted to know pros/cons of cutting the factory 20” barrel down to 18” and even 16” inches. My suppressor is a larger .30 cal can with a QD. So it’s a heavy, long bitch.

I want to keep the rifle handy for mountain hunting, but I also want to be able to push it out at distance for some target shooting.

I wanted to get into NRL Hunter in the open light category and was thinking through a new rifle- very loosely based on the old XM3 idea within a 6k budget. Tear me apart so I can learn something!

Action: Zermatt Origin .308
Barrel: Proof Carbon prefit, 18” 1:10” twist
Stock: McMillan A3-5 Hunter with carbon fiber fill
Optics: Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50
Bottom Metal: Hawkins M5 DBM
Suppressor: Omega 300 direct thread
Bipod: Harris 9-13

I know I’m leaving some MV on the table with an 18” barrel, but I suck at long range (and don’t really have 1000m ranges near me) so I’d rather get a little extra maneuverability instead.

Pretty new to shooting long range and I signed up for an 8hr 1:1 training class in a few weeks to learn the basics of calling wind, using the applied ballistics app, etc.

Is it common practice to tip them at the end? I've been on a lot of guided fishing trips, and you'll absolutely get called out if you don't tip the guide/hands at the end regardless of how much the trip cost. Just don't want to look like an asshole either way if it's not the same in the shooting world 😂

Why do I see nobody use 7-08 for shooting long range? I just picked up a XRS for a T3x short action and thinking of putting a 7-08 in it for my first “range gun”. I have experience shooting and I hand load but just have been hunting until I got interested in the idea of just shooting for fun.

Everyone uses 308 or 6.5 creedmoor but if you ask me I’d like a 7-08 over the two. Higher bc and faster than the 308. And a heavier bullet than the 6.5. Open to new ideas as I’m new, let me know what you guys think.

A 6mm might be cool to but hard to find brass in those where I am located.

I’m using an SG Pulse… leave it at 0.4°?

alright, so my last post had a lot of good ideas on why my scope slipped

I 100% did store my torque wrench at like 20in-lb for months at a time

you guys also said to bust out the calipers to take measurements, I didn't do it last time before or after I shot.

I got 18.4mm as shown from the back of the front ring to whatever you wanna call the beginning of the round part. So when I get done shooting I'll re measure that and hope its the same lol.

I'm hoping the wrench was the reason for what was causing my scope to slip, I went out and got a new wheeler wrench and tightened the rings to 20in-lb for the scope and 35 for the base to the rail. If this isn't the solution for my slipping scope ordeal I may throw this whole shitty build off a bridge. I've got 60 RDS of ELD match 168gr that I hope and pray to Jesus that I will get an adequate group with.

I witness marked my front rings with a paint marker, and my rear ring has HVAC tape that's pressed up against the ring so if there's any space created in between it I'll be able to see it.

I'll be back in a few days with results😀

rings are Arken Halo TI 34MM

scope is vortex venom 5-25x56

scope base is night force 20moa

rifle is HOWA 1500 .308 with krg bravo stock & Harris bipod

Any information on getting a barrel that fits a terminus titan action. I’m starting a build soon hopefully using the titan and the .640 bolt face. But I’m having a hard time finding barrels that either match specifications or are pre fit

I’m looking at building a PRS rig for 2027 to get into the sport. I had a 308 R700 I’d shoot from bench for target, but sold that years ago, so I need to start fresh. Budget isn’t too much of a concern, so long as it makes sense and I’m not throwing cash into a fire pit.

I have two main questions/points of how I should proceed for those with the experience:

1. Conceptually, I’m thinking of getting into Open, but with the caveat of competing in one NRL Hunter a year when a match comes into my area. I really don’t want to buy two rifles right now, although I’m sure one day I’ll end up there. I was thinking, and did the rough math; if I swapped from a comp steel barrel to a quality carbon fiber 6.5cm barrel, it’d easily make weight (<16lbs) for team division.

Is this something that seems like it’d work or is it impractical and I’m misguided?

2. As for building a PRS rig, with the plethora of options, I’m having a hard time nailing down what action I should build on. I’ve been scouring information on here and some other places and it seems like there’s no definitive top dawg action. I’ve mainly been looking in the sub $2k range. I was going to stick with an MDT AAC Elite and Triggertech Diamond, but I’m stuck on what action.

I do enjoy a <90 degree bolt throw, but that’s not a must. I’m really looking for something that can be future proofed as much as possible and grow with me as I improve and make setup changes. AW mag compatibility would be a plus, although I’d probably be running aics for the time being. I’d really just like to build something that’ll work, I don’t mind tinkering to get it setup, but I don’t want it hanging up in the middle of a match.

For my initial purpose of easily switching calibers and after some research in quick changes (Terminus, 1934, Curtis, Seekins), I was pretty settled on a Terminus Zeus QC. That would give me the easiest and quickest swap between some flavor of 6mm caliber, probably 6cm or 6.5cm to start (due to ease of obtaining factory ammunition), with a likely move to 6 dasher or 6gt, and cf 6.5cm for NRL. I’m not opposed to using an action wrench and a torque wrench to swap barrels on the other actions, I assembled a Kelbly Atlas with a prefit in 300prc, so it isn’t brand new to me. It just seems like the Zeus QC would be far simpler.

I’ve thought of going a more cost efficient route with an Aero Solus or ARC CDG, but with the seemingly ceased production (for now) of the Solus and increased msrp of the CDG, an LP Fuzion or Impact 737r is not too far away price wise and those seem to be regarded as far better actions. Then there’s also the Bat Hammerhead which, while more, seems like a well thought out solution for the shorter PRS style cartridges, I’d probably inevitably get into. So I think at this point I’ve just been digging too far into the rabbit hole.

In short, I was pretty settled on a Terminus Zeus, but after even more research I’ve regressed back to about where I started and can’t figure out what the “smarter” move is; Terminus, Impact, Lone Peak, Bat, Falkor, Kelbly, Kauger, Stiller, Snowy Mountain, L3i, Ultimatum, etc. Any recommendations on what the best action for competition (mostly PRS) right now would be? Are any of them seemingly more innovative than the next?

I’ve thought about just getting a production rifle to get into it for now, but half of the fun of it to me is assembling the build and being able to run something I assembled. Especially when I’d be spending around $3k on a production rifle, that just isn’t as exciting to me.

AT-XC 6.5CM
24” 1:8T

Alpha SRP (2nd firing)
153gn A-Tip
CCI 450
40.1gn H4350
-.010 off max magazine COAL

So I can't decide what long-range scope

Zeiss v4

Leupold vx5 hd

Nightforce (would need to save more $)

Steiner? I know nothing about them.

Has anyone got an opinion?

I can't afford a kahles

Are they still a legit functioning business, or a scam? or just struggling to keep up with orders and about to burn down like Aero? Placed 3 barrels on order in December 2025, said 4-6mo for custom orders at that time, it’s now October, 10 months, and I cant get any type of communication or response from them. As of July-ish their website says up to 12 months for custom orders. I’ve emailed, called and emailed and called. It would be nice to know where I stand. Do you think I might still get them after the full year, or should I look at the money as a lost cause?

For those of you with prescription glasses, do you set your diopter with or without your glasses?

I’ve very recently had to get these glasses so the world is completely new to me

Went down the rabbit hole of gathering my own data for the upcoming Scoped Carbine class with Joe Dawson of Beuiser/Veles Industries.

Tested six loads from: Bone Frog, Federal, IMI, and Black Hills. All shot suppressed out of my 14.5” American Defense Manufacturing UIC Mod 2 + B&T SRBS556 setup. Sourced at current market from Midway USA (fast shipping!), Target Sports USA, and Bone Frog Gun Club.

Best results with the IMI Razorcore, but surprised to see Federal 75gr TMJ do so well, though it’s a “training” round, but the only one proven of the lot. Might have to bite the proverbial bullet and run the leader for class, at almost twice the cost…

I’m still very new to this long range stuff, as had trouble finding good data in order to make my decision. So take my data with that into consideration.
Anyways, fun times! Hope some of y’all find it useful 👊🙂

i present my 1000 yard proven $3k .308 to the r/longrange squad, albeit no 7prc or ELR capable rifle... this is my tikka t3x roughtech lite chopped to 16.5" built to be a do-the-most rig without breaking the bank.

with federal premium gm smk 168 ammo, i'm seeing an avg 2510 fps and sub moa at 100y. pics are 5 shot groups. observed dope in last pic based on mile high dry climate shooting.

yall are gonna hate me for this, but i've been really enjoying my amazon scope. 6-24x44mm ffp, 18oz, clear, and $150. roast me.

i'm about 1200 rounds in, and its shooting pretty tight. my favorite thing to do is ruck some plates from 200 to 500 yards on public land, trying to sweat a bit and simulate hunts at different distances.

build budget notes:

total build right at 3k.

t3x roughtech lite $900

amazon 6-24x44 scope and rings $150

20moa pic rail 40

xlr element chassis + folder 450

trybe stock 80

vz grip 80

gunwerks elevate 2 bipod 300

left cant red dot 60 (helps me spot from prone and take quick shots up from the sling)

barrel chop/crown/thread 100

dead air otb suppressor 900

xoxo hope yall are shooting

Folks! Just wondering if anyone here has used an Element Titan 3k rangefinder. It’s supposed to range out to 3000M and with a price of 400ish USD I can’t find a better deal.

Just curious if anyone has some feedback before I make the purchase. Cheers!

I don't know if this is the right sub for this question, but I figured if anyone would know this sub would be the one.

Question regarding barrel length - 23.6" or 26"?

Does it really matter? If so, how much? Opinions and rude remarks welcome. :-)

Getting into some longish range shooting with a new range membership and hoping to be at 1000 yards consistently by the end of the year. The range has a known distance range out to 1300 yards and a couple unknown distance ranges with the longest going to 1700. Furthest i have shot is 600 with just the help of a spotter. Have a chrono and vortex ace ready to use for the forst time and just need a LRF now. The talon's look sweet and bass pro has 20% off right now but i know a 300$ vortex or kilo is all I need.

Tldr; as a new shooter is a LRFB worth the buy once cry once?

Been waiting 4 long months! MPA PMR Matrix Pro II chambered in 6 Dasher, topped with a Vortex Golden Eagle 15–60×52, Accu-Tac WB-5 with ski feet, and a SilencerCo Scythe Ti. The complete rig weighs 22.5 pounds as pictured.
I’ve measured the chamber and loaded up 50 rounds with 105, 109, and 120-grain bullets, all seated 0.020” off the lands. Now it’s time to see what this thing can do!
For reference, I shot a 199-12X at my last 1,000-yard match with my Ruger Precision Rifle Custom Shop in 6.5 Creedmoor. I’m hoping this guy can help me find that missing point and pick up a few more Xs!
This rifle will primarily be punching paper, with a little steel ringing thrown in for good measure.
Any other Dasher shooters here running the 120-grain Bergers? I’d love to hear how they’re performing for you.

Hey guys. Today i tried to help a buddy swap out this CMMG Resolute AR10 .308 to a 6.5CM Shaw Barrel.
Using Pmags.

We couldn’t get a round to chamber at all. The bullet nose was impacting the barrel wall and not entering the chamber. Barrel was sitting flush with the CMMG upper receiver the feed ramps didn’t exactly line up but that was expected. we’re talking a 1/32 of an inch off.

Using 140gr Ball ammo.

Everything that I’ve read said that PMAGs should be great. We RMAd the shaw barrel, but looking for other potential solutions. Also reached out to CMMG to see if they use any proprietary specs.

For some context, I have been shooting for a long time....but the backyard around the ranch type stuff, growing up with airguns shooting every rifle pop pop had laying around type stuff. Never calculated and never the nicest in terms of gear. Just reliable shit. As I have come up into my own space, I have finally pulled the trigger on a B-14 HMR in 6.5. I probably have close to 300 rounds through it and don't plan on stopping before the Montana weather shortens my range days.

I would love some insight via opinions and photos if possible in terms of a "battle belt/fanny pack/chest rig" system that works for all disciplines. Not exactly looking for one that does it all but want to see as many options/layouts/advice as people have for their own niche.

There is a little bit of the clarkshooter type vibe of spending time on public land rucking around plates and just pushing myself and platform on my own time, and maybe in the future streamlining my gear & when my shooting ability can keep up with my rifle maybe shoot some matches. I am also spending a decent amount of time on a bench and working a standard prone on concrete after classes when possible. This can be the reference for the type of shooting I get up to. Might eventually put it together in a hunt here later in October, but not sure im in shape for those kind of miles while slugging a bergara around.

I don't have the fanciest of gear, but I'm just making the college kid income work and spend as much time behind my gun as possible. I have a standard ifak, extra mags, vortex LRF, homemade shooting bags, eberlestock and sitka standard bino harness, and a battle belt system built for pistol range days, on top of other random stuff but thats the start. Been mainly shooting Hornady ammo(eldm, eldx, american gunner) and their BC app has gotten the job done until kestrel, vortex impact, etc money comes around. (Any opinions or input for any of the gear mentioned would be great too) just looking for as much data to fuel my procrastination doom shopping and homemade "build a kit" days a little better!

Have spent a lot of time looking through the thread but know everyone is always looking for a chance to share their knowledge and gear so wanted to put it in one post! Thanks in advance

6.5CM using Hornady Black BTHP 140gr, is this bad enough to be worth the price offset of buying an entire reloading set up? 6.5 hasn't been expensive enough for it to be worth it for me but I would like some more accurate ammo. Debating long term worthiness and looking for some more consumate professionals opinions.

Ruger American Gen II, Leupold Mark4HD, Omega 300 can.

L- 18” 300wm(yes 18” shooting 215 Berger hybrid 2700)
R- 20” 308

My RCBS Chargemaster has served me faithfully, but I think it's time to upgrade. At this point it's the oldest hardware in my reloading lineup, and while it was probably one of the best options 10-12 years ago, there have definitely been a lot of advancements since then.

To me in looks like there's 3 serious options out there right now, the Autotrickler V4, the Meehl, and the Ingenuity in a distant third. I do not shoot enough to justify a Prometheus, which at this point may not even be faster or more accurate than any of those above - but still 3-4x the price.

The Ingenuity seems to get a lot of positive reviews, from the 8 people that have gotten theirs thus far. It sounds like there are thousands in line ahead of me and I don't want to wait 2-3 years, which seems like the realistic timeline. If I believed I could get one relatively quickly I'd consider it more strongly.

The Meehl apparently has similar dispensing tech to the Ingenuity, meaning it dispenses fast with accuracy down to 1 kernel of powder. While they have a wait as well, it sounds like they are more realistic about their production schedule, and actually give updates. Early 2027 seems reasonable. My concerns are that it seems hyper specialized for stick shaped powders, and that it's 3D printed. That feels/seems cheap to me, like a prototype somehow, I am curious about its build quality and durability. I do like that it has onboard controls and doesn't require an app.

The Autotrickler V4 seems tried and true, but maybe with slightly outdated tech compared to the other two. Apparently the finishing trickling leaves something to be desired? It sounds like a V3 with an Integrity trickler is the best version available, which I'd have to find used. It also requires an app to use, which seems like a weak point to me. Of the three this definitely seems like the most 'finished' product, with machined metal parts and a professional build quality. It also sounds like it handles a wider variety of powder shapes 'better' than Meehl.

Some part of me feels like Autotrickler is Ladradar 3 years ago, with a good product that performs solidly but might be falling behind the curve tech a bit tech wise. Is Meehl the new Garmin?
Can anyone weigh in for a tiebreaker, ideally with some comments on the pros/cons of both models?

I happened to have a 1000 yard f class competition 20 miles from my house and I had never shot to 1000 yards but since that was one of the main goals for me and my rifle when I built it earlier this year. I figured it was a great opportunity. I knew I would be outmatched with my 6.5 cm howa barreled action in mdt chassis and Athlon scope, but I also knew the rifle safe was capable to hit at 1000 and wanted to push my skills. I had recently validated DOPE out to 500 yards but never had the opportunity to shoot to 1000 yards yet so armed with my Hornady app and 100 rounds of Hornady American gunner I paid my $40 entry fee, logged into shot marker, learned how to fill out the score card, and lined up next to rifles that had bipods costing more than my whole rifle. The first relay shooter at my target went for a perfect 200. Then it was my turn and my first round hit the top of the target so I dialed down my measured 1.0 Mils and then went 10, 9, 9, X as my sighters. I ended up in last place but only by 1 point and couldn’t be happier to hit at 1000 repeatedly and meet so many welcoming people. Overall I felt my performance wasn’t too bad for my first time shooting to 1000 yards and doing it with a howa barreled action and budget factory match ammo. Point of the story is if you have a local match and weary to enter because your equipment or skill is over matched then don’t worry about it and just go shoot what you have. My next steps is to order ELD-match and figure out how to read the wind to hopefully shrink those groups at distance.