Just ordered a 12 F/TR 308

[jager247]

Hello,
I ordered this rifle the other day to shoot in my local gun club's varmint shoot. I my looking to find a good starting point for bullets and powder form the guys that own this rifle. Also while shooting we are allowed to use a front rest. I have been using a BR front rest but was wondering if I would do better using a bipod?

[maddogg316]

Lapua brass
175 smk
varget
cant got wrong with that combo

[Ernest]

Using a BR front rest would put you into F-Open, depending on how stickler your gun club is on the rules. You can use a Harris bipod if you have one. Dedicated F/TR bipods are a little more expensive, but are better suited for F Class shooting. It boils down to how much you want to sink into this game.

Berger 185 grain hybrids seem to be all the rage. IIRC, your barrel is a 1:10 twist, so it should shoot them just fine as well.

[jager247]

Unless savage's website is wrong. It's a 12 twist not 10.

[Shooter2112]

Jager,

It's a 1:12. Did you see me reply to you on accurate shooter RE these loads?
Let me know if you need more info or pics of the targets or need me to repost the loads here.
I would hate to see you spend the time and $ I did making this FTR shoot under .500. I will though - it just takes a little tuning.
Mine is/was extremely picky. Seat depth, powder type/charge and projectiles have had me back a forth to the range and burning up gas for awhile.
The heaviest bullet my FTR would group was a 175SMK - but only under 300 yards and at velocities under 2700. I tried the Berger 185's and I had a pattern...........not a group. IMO that 185's are too heavy for a 1:12.