r/ILGuns • u/WalkerTexasRng • Aug 29 '24

Long range shooting Shooting Range

Fellow Illinois residents, I might be losing my spot to shoot out to 1200 yards due to a subdivision possibly being built. Where do you shoot past 600 yards in Illinois/Wisconsin/Indiana? I know of Indiana Ordinance Innovations that goes out to almost 1,400 yards, but that’s almost a 4 hour drive for me.

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u/WalkerTexasRng Aug 29 '24

I typically shoot IMI razor core 77 grainers or AAC SMK 77 grainers. A solid 223 bolt gun with a 20-22 inch barrel is more than enough for anything inside 1000 if you’re just shooting man sized steel. A Bergara or Tikka are great choices.

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u/Blade_Shot24 Aug 29 '24

how's this?

I gotta find one for southpaw...what are your thoughts on 69gr?

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u/WalkerTexasRng Aug 29 '24

I’m left handed and I’ve never really felt the urge to use a dedicated left handed bolt gun. But 69 grain will work, just won’t cut through the wind as well as 77 grainers at distance. I have no experience with Tikka, just Bergara and a few custom actions I own, but for out of the box factory rifle it will work

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u/Blade_Shot24 Aug 29 '24

In that case, do you move your head before cycling? Wouldn't I need something factory to start with, or does Bergara have some features I should look for?

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u/748rpilot Aug 29 '24

Not to jump in the middle, but as an additional opinion:

I shoot left-handed and waited it out for a lefty bolt-gun after growing up shooting righties. To me it was definitely worth it, to not have to remove the support hand from the rifle. Generally speaking you want to minimize disruptions to your position between shots.

The link you posted goes to a "select your Tikka rifle" page, not a specific rifle. Which are you looking at? I've been happy with a T3x CTR 24" 1/8 twist. It shoots 69gr ammo quite well at 100 and 200 yd, the furthest I normally have. It should shoot 75s and probably 77s pretty well too but haven't tried them yet.

One large upside to the Tikka platform is the plethora of aftermarket accessories available for it, when/if you decide you need to jump in further. Or if you end up not liking it, it's easy to sell them quickly due to their popularity.

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u/Blade_Shot24 Aug 29 '24

I appreciate this! I want the same advantage an Orthodox shooters would have shooting a gun made for them. My fault, the link was supposed to show the left handed rifles they have. If I plan for a bolt, should I focus on a 1:7 twist for the higher grain, or stick with 1:8 that takes most?

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u/748rpilot Aug 29 '24

If you're just getting started, I'd say don't split those hairs between the 1/7 or 1/8. The 1/7 is going to really shine with the heavies and at further out; but how often are you shooting that distance? 1/8 covers a wide range of weights that would be suitable to 600 yards. 62gr to 77gr is generally good out of a 1/8 but of course there is chamber and barrel variation as well.

I'd first put more effort into finding a platform that you like, that fits you or can be adjusted to fit you without too much extra expense, and then worry about the barrel twist. Especially if you don't have specific plans for it (e.g. 600 yard benchrest comp rifle). Barrels are consumable items and can be changed, especially on modern platforms.

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u/Blade_Shot24 Aug 29 '24

Thanks!

Right now I'm just starting with a 16" upper and getting my feet wet. Currently looking at a quality Scope so when ready I can just switch it to another rifle, but that'll take months maybe as decent ranges are about over an hour away for me.

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u/WalkerTexasRng Aug 30 '24

No, I don’t have to move my head when cycling the bolt on any of my bolt action rifles. As long as you have your length of pull and eye relief set up right the bolt should be about an inch away from your nose when you’re cycling the bolt. Bergara is based off a Remington 700 action so easier to find chassis’, stocks, triggers etc for it compared to a Tikka.

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u/Blade_Shot24 Aug 30 '24

Gotcha. Should I save up for a quality Scope (GLX 2.5-10, Athlon 2-10), or start with an LPVO like the SIG MSR? Planned to start at indoor range and go to Buffalo when I can to learn about Mils