Scope bases for Savage target long range shooting

[jsteag]

I am putting together a long range Savage bench rest rifle, what should I look for in selecting bases and rings and what are my choices?

[82boy]

Well what do you consider long range? What caliber are you using? What scope are you using? It depends on how much travel your scope has if you will need at MOA angled base. It also depends on the drop of the bullet used. If your only shooting 600 yards, you will not need as much travel as if you was shotting 1000 yards.

My rig I am shooting the 6x47 Lapua, and using a Vortex 8-32 scope, and I have plenty of travel out past 1000 yards.

[tammons]

Depends as mentioned above. Depends on the drop at 1000 if that is where you are shooting.

A 284, 6.5x284, 7mm WSM etc etc is going to drop a lot less than a 308.

With a 308 zeroed at 100, you would need to dial in over 30 moa additional to get to 1000...
If your scope has a lot of travel total like a super sniper with 140 you dont need an elevated scope base.

If your scope has 70 total you will be be close to the bottom of adjustment with a zero base if you make it at all.
WIth 40 or 50 total like a nikon, nightforce etc scope you probably should get a 20 moa base

A weaver 36x target scope has 70.

Here are most of the good target scopes with internal adj.

http://www.6mmbr.com/optics.html

In general you will find most scope have about 40-70 moa of internal travel.

My choice would be a farrel 20 moa steel base.

I prefer Burris extreme rings myself, but a lot of people like the signature rings with the inserts. You can change the inserts and change the elevation with those too.

[jsteag]

I am building a 6.5 x 47 Lapua and I would like to shoot 300, 600, and 1000 yards

[82boy]

I am building a 6.5 x 47 Lapua and I would like to shoot 300, 600, and 1000 yards


With that round you should be fine with a standard base, and a set of rings. If you get a scope with enough travel. 70 or more minutes. My Vortex crossfire has 75 minutes and I have plenty of travel. I had a Weaver T36 and it also had plenty of travel.

[tammons]

Just be sure to check out the scope stats, IE a Nightforce benchrest 12-42x only has 40 moa of internal adjustment, so in that case you would need an angled base.

Zeroed at 100 that round should be about 270-280 low at 1000. Figure about 4moa to get to zero, then another 27 plus a few extra to get to 1000 so 70 should get you there with a zero base.

[tammons]

Oops, not right. I thought I read 6.5x284.

6.5x47 lapua. Still pretty close though.

That would drop about 28-29 moa depending.

[acasto]

I really like these bases http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=665735

With these rings http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=416175

And you can put in these inserts if you need to make up some MOA http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=712472

Also, the inserts will protect the scope from ring marks.

You may need a different height of rings, depending on your scope.

This is what I have on 4 Savage actions.

Good luck.

Tony

[pdog06]

The rings you linked to DO NOT use the inserts. The ones that use the inserts are the "Signature Zee" rings.

Get the Sig Zees, they are well worth it for the little increase in price compared to the ones you mentioned. I'm sure that is what you wanted, and just linked the wrong rings. Just makin sure though.

Those bases are really nice. The only downfall is the 2pc bases limit your eye relief adjustment if you have a scope with a short tube, because there's only 1 slot for the rings to mount. With a 1pc base like a Farrell or EGW you have more adjustment. Not usually a problem though, unless you are using a long action where the rings are spaced farther apart.

Either style will work just fine along with using the inserts, as long as your scope has the adjustment like mentioned above.

[Toyoda]

what is the difference between the Ferrel and egw (and egw heavy duty)?

[jc]

The EGW is aluminum and most of the Ferrals are steel. I think the Farral is a bit taller, at least mine is. If you have a singleshot target action check out the EGW fclass base I love mine.

[acasto]

pdog

Your right on the rings, I did link the wrong ones, but that has been corrected.
On the bases however, there are actually 3 slots on each base to position the rings. And , if you had to, they can be turned around to extend the mounting area. Although, I don't like the way that looks.
I have 3 different types of scopes mounted without any spacing problems.
What I like about the inserts, if you change your mind about long range shooting, or change your scope and don't need the extra MOA, you don't have to buy a new base. Just change the inserts.

[MikeCTX]

acasto, would agree on the bases you linked to from Burris. I have some mounted on my 12 VLP 223 and they are a nice match for the Burris Sig rings (30mm). Over 800 rounds in the past 4 months and no movement at all.

[jsteag]

I have read pros and cons about one piece and two piece bases. any body have any coments about which is better?

[dj111]

If you are using the Target Action I would get the Farrel base for it and put on the Burris Sig Rings. A one piece base will help keep everything lined up and also read the instructions on bedding the base when you put it on. Just use some shoe polish on the action and screws for release agent and mix up some 5 min epoxy and put it on and snug the middle screws up first then the ends. It will make sure that you have full contact under the base and prevents it from being warped if it does not fit perfect, we are talking thousandths here.

HTH,
Dallas