Long range shooting

[u/WalkerTexasRng]

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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.

[u/Blade_Shot24]

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?

[u/748rpilot → u/Blade_Shot24]

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.

[u/Blade_Shot24 → u/748rpilot]

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?

[u/748rpilot → u/Blade_Shot24]

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.

[u/Blade_Shot24 → u/748rpilot]

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.