Take a look at my new SPR/Varmint

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Take a look at my new SPR/Varmint

Posted: 6/25/2003 4:00:18 PM EDT

I finally got everything put together for my groundhog killing machine. The lower is a RRA with a RRA two stage trigger. The barrel is a RRA Varmint 20" SS 1/8 twist. PRI Gen III FF tube with an ARMS #38 SPR MOD rail. ARMS #32, Harris bi-pod S model and KAC Forward Grip. Burris Black Diamond 6-24X50 and ARMS #22M rings. It makes me smile just to look at!

C4

Posted: 6/25/2003 4:04:49 PM EDT

[#1]

I like it, though I confess that I can't see a need for the foward grip.

Posted: 6/25/2003 4:08:35 PM EDT

[#2]

DUDE You think just like me. I am going to set up my new 300 whisper barrel similar to this... That's if the 300 barrel ever comes.

Posted: 6/25/2003 4:10:34 PM EDT

[#3]

Well I kind of thought the same thing. I had it sitting around and put it on for fun. When I went to the range and shot it off a bench, it was very comfortable to put my left hand on it while I shot.

C4

Posted: 6/25/2003 11:37:12 PM EDT

[#4]

C4, great set up! How's the accuracy for the RRA Varmint?

Posted: 6/26/2003 3:39:52 AM EDT

[#5]

Thanks ChiefG! I have only run SA 55gr surplus ammo through it and was able to shoot well under half inch groups @ 50yds. So once I get some Black Hills 75/77 gr match kings I will see what it can really do...

C4

Posted: 6/26/2003 6:10:44 AM EDT

[#6]

More pics added...

C4

Posted: 6/26/2003 6:31:36 AM EDT

[#7]

Death to ground hogs! [sniper]

Sadly, my German Wirehair Pointer manages to kill most of my garden-raiding 'chucks before I can shoot 'em. I can still envision her snagging a small one 2 years ago, whipping it back and forth about 3 times, severing the spine below the head and forepaws. Not a pretty sight, but saves on ammo [:D] She won't leave a tooth mark in a pheasant, thankfully, unless it is still running and sqeaking.

Nice looking set-up, C4! Probably a good choice with the heavier bullets. My friend's RRA varminter seems to prefer them.

Posted: 6/26/2003 6:35:09 AM EDT

[#8]

I shot that gun!!!!!!!!

It's sweet, I put 5 shots in a line that was maybe 5/8" my first time shooting it. It was at 50 yds, but it was with surplus ammo and it was my first 5 shots with the weapon.

I like it.

Posted: 6/26/2003 6:52:17 AM EDT

[#9]

Thanks for the comments...

C4

Posted: 6/26/2003 10:47:59 AM EDT

[#10]

Nice piece of work! I've been waiting for my RRA TASC for 9 weeks now. Nothing special on it, they're killing me.

Posted: 6/28/2003 7:18:23 PM EDT

[#11]

NICE RIFLE!!! Not a marmot east of the Mississippi is safe while that thing exists hehe.

Have you worked out a good handload for it yet? I've got an RRA 16" varmint upper...all 've shot through it are 55gr Nosler BTs...it does around an inch, but not much better. I haven't tried anything heavier yet, but I'll bet the 69gr Sierras work good. What have you tried so far?

Posted: 6/29/2003 9:05:17 AM EDT

[#12]

Hey Fenian, I plan on taking it out to Montana this Summer and shoot some Gopher's with it. I would love to get into hand loading, but I just don't have the time. I am going to run some Black Hill's 77gr boat tails through it and see what I get. I have tried 62gr Winchester power points with not luck at all. I think anything above 75gr should work very well the 1/8 twist.

C4

Posted: 6/29/2003 3:48:10 PM EDT

[#13]

Grant, Sweet set up! I might have to give you my recipe for reloads if you are set up for that. I sent an email on that stuff I ordered.

Mark

Posted: 6/29/2003 4:41:10 PM EDT

[#14]

Thanks Mark. I am not setup for reloading, but if you want to make some up for me, I will gladly shoot them! [;D]

C4

Posted: 6/29/2003 7:44:23 PM EDT

[#15]

Whats up with all the SPR's lately?....Seriously guys stop it before i have to build one too![LOL]...Sweet rifle C4...If ya wanna upgrade to a Leupold i got a contact at Premeire Recticles...............UNDERDOG

Posted: 6/30/2003 2:46:09 AM EDT

[#16]

Grant, It took me quite some time to test three powders, two bullets and different powder charges to see what worked best in the rifle I had. I also shot various factory loads that I had available. It all depends on how much time you have to reload, and money. Not using this for competition,I realized that the money saved and time spent may not be worth it to me.-This is why: all group averages were eight five shot groups at 100yards on the ground using a Harris bipod. conditions were 90-95 with bright sun and 10-20 mph full value cross wind.
reloads-.6"
PMC 69gr .6"(this is the load that uses SMK's)
PMC 55gr ball---.8"!
Q3131A 1"
federal UMC 2"
M855-2.5"

I didn't test any other loads to see what they would do, based on what I did try, I'm sure many others would be under 1" And for $4. verses $10. they ball PMC would be well worth it. I tried W748, R15 and IMR 4320 powders. The fifle was an Olympic Ultra Match, 20: SUM barrel 1n10" Weaver V24. Loads were 25gr IMR 4320, standard federal primers, once fired FederalMatch brass, Sierra 69gr MK's, seated to 2.260" oal. It was alot of work to prepare the cases and load them. So they difference between .6 and .8" wasn't worth it to me when I'm not shooting a match.

I would keep that Burris, I have 5 Leupold's, when I looked through Slacker's Black Diamond, I was amazed with the clarity and brightness. I do have a Burris spotting scope and it is great also.

Mark

Posted: 6/30/2003 3:48:37 AM EDT

[#17]

Underdog, you need to build an SPR/Varmint so we can start a club! [;D] Don't you mean [b]DOWNGRADE[/b] to a Leupold! I have used many a Leupold and don't think they are as good as my Burris BD and the BD is cheaper! And if you want a good price on a Leupold, contact ME! I am a dealer for them...

Mark, thanks for the info. It is interesting to see that the PMC did so well. I wish I had more time to work on handloads. I find it interesting to say the least!

Thanks,

C4

Posted: 6/30/2003 4:12:41 AM EDT

[#18]

Grant, For curiousity, I tried the PMC .308 silver line(white/red box) in my bolt gun(rem 700 w/M24 barrel) It was grouping under an inch also. I didn't average them all, but all were under an inch, most were .75"

Mark

Posted: 6/30/2003 4:20:50 AM EDT

[#19]

Thanks Mark, I will have to pass that info onto my friend that has a PSS...

C4

Posted: 7/1/2003 3:40:50 AM EDT

[#20]

I have the exact same set up as you do basically. I had my barrel turned down at the front for the PRI sight.
I got my RRA NM Upper and US Property marked Lower from Pete-in-NH. He made me a great deal on a tight fitting matched upper and lower with the 2-stage trigger.
My rifle loves the Black Hills 75gr. bullets.
My best groups have been about 1/2-3/4 inch at 100yds.

I don't shoot it near enough.
mainly becauce I don't like spending the premium for the ammo. I need to buy some dies and load my own on the Dillon.

[img]http://davkenrem.net/tsprcan2.jpg[/img]

Posted: 7/1/2003 3:53:51 AM EDT

[#21]

Sweet looking rifle davkenrem! 1/2 groups is awesome! I am excited to put some BH 75/77 grain ammo through it. Which PRI flip up front sight do you have?

C4

Posted: 7/1/2003 5:43:18 AM EDT

[#22]

[>(] [>(] [>(]--I want mine, I want mine!!!

Posted: 7/1/2003 7:56:04 AM EDT

[#23]

Whats your 20 C4?.......A friend works at Premier so i get REAL good deals....When i say real good i mean "dont tell the thomas guys good"....LOL

Posted: 7/1/2003 8:11:59 AM EDT

[#24]

LOL, I get you now Underdog..

C4

Posted: 7/1/2003 8:32:19 AM EDT

[#25]

What a couple of beautiful SPRs! Outstanding work. Here is mine. I've been shooting 68gr. Black hills Re-man OTM. Next order, I think I'll try some of the 75/77.
Ed

[img]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/65524/UXWNM-mk12-l4.JPG[/img]

Posted: 7/1/2003 8:52:20 AM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
Whats your 20 C4?.......A friend works at Premier so i get REAL good deals....When i say real good i mean "dont tell the thomas guys good"....LOL

View Quote

Didnt mean to infer that i,we,or he is stealing them....Just that when you do as many scopes as those guys you find that you have alot of spare stuff laying around,Usally all i have to pay cost for is the tubes...All the other stuff has allready been payed for once by the guy who sent is scope in for custom work,,,and didnt want his Bell or whatever back...so i pay a little for it,,,,They still make money (twice) and it cleans up the shop somewhat..........UNDERDOG

Posted: 7/1/2003 9:03:18 AM EDT

[#27]

Hey UnderDog75, I didn't think they fell off the back of a truck or anything. All companies have personal friends that they give huge discounts to, I know I do...

C4

Posted: 7/1/2003 9:04:29 AM EDT

[#28]

Good lookin gun ducati650! We should be able to start our own SPR VA militia! [:D]

C4

Posted: 7/1/2003 9:25:42 AM EDT

[#29]

Thanks C4. I think you are right.
Ed
Sterling, VA

Posted: 7/1/2003 5:36:53 PM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:
Sweet looking rifle davkenrem! 1/2 groups is awesome! I am excited to put some BH 75/77 grain ammo through it. Which PRI flip up front sight do you have?

C4

View Quote

I have the version with the bolts all the way through, the newer one was'nt out when I bought mine.

Posted: 7/1/2003 5:39:04 PM EDT

[#31]

Sweet looking setup Ducati, very nice.

Posted: 7/1/2003 8:12:24 PM EDT

[#32]

I called RRA today about something different, but I did remember to ask what they suggest in the Varmint uppers. I was surprised when he said 62, 63 grain. I was expecting him to say at least 69 grain. I'll have to order a batch of bullets and see what I can come up with.

I read a post here somewhere about load work up that I liked...basically it said to use the same basic load, but change the seating depth by x, do a load of say ten, then increase the seating depth on successive batches of ten. That way, you're only tweaking the seating die each load, and nothing else. Of course, with ARs we're limited as to the amount of seating depth we can get away with.

But, I can see the value in doing this...so you're not going crazy changing powder charges, bullet weight, AND seating depth all at the same time.

Of course, the next session is when you change the powder charge or bullet, but then you work it up the same way.

Hope that makes sense; I don't know whether I articulated it very well.

As for taking the time to reload, well, once you get the load you like, you can get CRANKING with the Dillon. I rolled 1000 rounds of plinking ammo a week or so ago. I don't think it took more than 3 hours, spread out over 2 days. Of coure, I had processed brass, and I had already primed 'em a couple of days before that.

Posted: 7/2/2003 3:51:24 AM EDT

[#33]

I have shot some 62gr Winchester power points through it with no success. I am not saying that 62/63gr bullets aren't the way to go, but that particular one didn't work for me...

C4

Posted: 7/2/2003 9:54:29 AM EDT

[#34]

Well, if Grant would get me that PRI front sight, I could show off mine too! [;)]

Nice setups gentlemen! Makes me think I want to head in a different direction now. Want something great, but want something different.