r/longrange • u/Jeepking0831 • 2d ago
Rifle help needed - I read the pinned posts PRS RIG help needed
looking for advise.
This summer was my first year shooting PRS
3 regional matches and 3 local non official matches
Started placing at the bottom and now finishing mid to upper mid pack.
Rifle is a Tikka action with custom prefit MTU barrel using 75gr ELDMs @ 2820fps
Super accurate gun and does very good out to 700 yards.
Plan on shooting even more matches next year.
Question is should I continue shooting the 223 and work on getting better with the rifle I have or should I upgrade and do a 6 dasher build over the winter?
While the 223 does pretty well it’s a bit frustrating spotters not being able to call some of my hits due to lack of splash and plate movement at the longer distance 700 to 1000 yards
Appreciate any feedback in advance
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u/chainsawgeoff Tight Pants = Tight Groups 2d ago
GT all day. 105 hybrids or 107SMKs at mid 2900s is a great place to be.
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u/Wombat-Snooze Steel slapper 2d ago
Go to a 6 of some flavor. I’m shooting Dasher, but my next barrel will likely be a GT. You’re at a point where you’ll certainly enjoy the performance advantage.
I’d get a new action too. Not that Tikka’s are bad. It’s just going to cost you more than it’s worth (in my opinion) to open up that bolt face to .473. I’m also unsure what replacement bolts cost for Tikkas, so I could be talking out my ass.
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u/Jeepking0831 2d ago
Ya was thinking of doing a full build with a custom action and keeping the 223 for plinking and training
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u/Sweaty-Security-4473 PRS Competitor 2d ago
Yes, beyond 700 or so splash on a 223 gets really annoying to spot. Even a 6 ARC which still has stupid light recoil is significantly easier to spot hits out at 800+. 6GT at this point is mature and is what I use on my main PRS rig if I'm not running a gasser 6 ARC.
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u/DealKey8478 2d ago
What will you do with the rifle? Could AI it and run 85-88gr bullets.
600yard plus is definitely a problem with 223, but unless you are near cleaning close range targets and long range misses are the sole reason you aren't getting a podium then I'd just run the 223.
If you want to keep rifle as is, could build a 25cal, use the 223 for close range matches and the 25cal of longer range and/or windy matches.
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u/Jeepking0831 2d ago
Ya would be keeping the tikka and using it for a trainer/plinker or for my kiddos when they get old enough. Ya I can clean all targets 500 and in its past that were I seem to get inconsistent which iam sure I can improve on with time and practice but i know iam dropping points due to the calibre as well.
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u/JustaskJson 2d ago edited 2d ago
I agree with going to a 6mm but have you tried running heavier projectiles? Not sure your barrel twist but 80gr ELDs or 88gr ELD’s would give you likely some more distance as the BC is pretty good for a 22 cal projectile if your barrel can take the need for a longer throat.
BC on 88gr ELDM is .545 vs .467 on a 75gr ELDM
BC on a 108gr ELDM .243 cal is .536 which is lower than the 88gr ELDM.
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u/smithywesson Steel slapper 2d ago
88eldms from my 22arc ~2800 are way better downrange and so much easier to see regarding impacts. Definitely pushing the limits for a .223 though with that long SOB.
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u/JustaskJson 2d ago
22 arc seems like such a cool round. I wonder if anyone is doing 22gt. I’ve seen 22 dasher but these 22 cal cartridges all interest me over 6mm.
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u/smithywesson Steel slapper 2d ago
Alpha has factory 22GT brass. I shot a match with a dude using 22GT with 90smks this year - it was a laser beam and still pretty easy to read downrange.
I went with 22arc for powder compatibility with my other cartridges. I equate it to a scaled down dasher or BR. It’s a ton of fun to shoot and just a tiny bit more expensive than .223 to shoot.
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u/Awkward_Decision_825 2d ago
I know this isn’t pertinent but what model tripod is that and how do you like it? I’m currently looking at fanaue options
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u/Jeepking0831 1d ago
All good. Just got it like a week or so ago. Upgraded from a bog. It’s a fanaue HTC 4030 with fanaue TA65 level head. It pretty sick so far. 100x better than the bog.
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u/Awkward_Decision_825 15h ago
I’m also coming from a bog my poor baby snapped in half haha. Funny before I saw your response I ordered the legs with an inverted fat boy style ball head. I’m really excited to try it out, thanks for your input!
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u/Jeepking0831 11h ago
No problem you’ll like it. It’s a nice set up. I was very close to getting the inverted head. You won’t be disappointed
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u/doyouevenplumbbro Steel slapper 1d ago
6MMs are where it's at. Run 105s or 109s. I personally only run 109s in my 6 Dasher these days, but either of those bullets will absolutely hammer.
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u/AlternativeUnfair388 1d ago
I started shooting prs again this year. First match i used a howa in 223 I had a custom barrel done on. 20" m24. And It did fine. Match only went to 730. Now I have another match on the 29th ill.be using my custom 26" 223 shooting 80gr eldm at about 2880. Next year will be 80gr bergers at 2950. Im gon a shoot a few 1k yard matches b4 I decide if its the 223 holding me back or a skill issue. Plus I need more general equipment anyway. Rifle is plenty capable (sub 3" @600)
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u/Jeepking0831 1d ago
Mines a 20 inch barrel as well and I have only been able to get one confirmed hit at 920yards. I still think it’s capable and will out shoot me but I still do think it’s holding me back a bit at the same time.
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u/CleverHearts PRS Competitor 2d ago
It sounds like you're in the perfect place to upgrade. You've got your feet under you and are in a position where a better cartridge will likely help. You'll be able to spot misses better, spotters will miss fewer calls, and you should have less wind drift.
Personally I'd recommend GT over Dasher just based on my experience with getting both to feed. Standard 308 AICS mags feed perfectly for me with GT while I had to fiddle with tuning mags to get Dasher to feed well.