Well, it was a rainy weekend, so I only got out for a few hours on Sunday. Spent most of my time cleaning the barrel between shots as part of the barrel break in process, but I did manage to get in 3 3-shot groups. The first group I shot was the middle target and this is the tightest group I've ever...

I agree, different bullet types will have different overall lengths as measured to the tip of each bullet. However, I use the freebore tool included with my RCBS precision mic to determine where the curve of almost any bullet design will touch the lands of my rifle. I then use the mic provided in th...

I use the bore tech patch hog. Looks to be the same thing (probably more pricey with the bore tech name).

Here is where I got mine:

http://lockstock.com/prodinfo.asp?number=BTPH1000

Birddog

This is a great thread. Let me give some clarification to my original post and why I'm doing what I'm doing. There are many variables that impact accuracy. Usually, when I work up a load, I start by varying the powder weights. However, for the next few months, I won't have much time to go out to the...

Hmmm, I wonder if they've changed things. According to my measurements, an OAL of 2.325 is right at the lands. I loaded up at this length and shorter lengths out to 2.285 (which is .040 off the lands). Didn't even think about going farther. 2.235 would be would be .090 off the lands for my rifle. Is...

I ordered this back in April and it finally arrived. It's a Cooper Varmint Extreme with a fluted barrel. The wood on it is out of this world (first gun I ever bought with "upgraded" wood). I mounted the scope this weekend (lapped the rings) and bore sighted it. The scope is a Zeiss Conques...

Here's my 204. Ordered it back in April, just got it in October. It's a Cooper Varmint Extreme with fluted barrel and a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20 x 50 with Rapid Z varmint reticle. I just reloaded my first set of .204 rounds and plan to take it to the range next weekend. http://i62.photobucket.com/album...

I'm working on getting the same setup (cooper with Zeiss 6.5-20 x 50). I was told to go with the high rings due to the 50mm objective. I don't have the gun or the scope yet, but I've ordered Leupold standard high rings (as my cooper is coming with Leopold bases as well).

Birddog

I use Bore Tech Bore Sticks (they come in size .20cal). I think I found the best price on them from LockStock.com. They are wonderful instruments. Combined with a Lukas bore guide, a very good combo.

Birddog

One little tid bit I learned today. The Optic Zone recently had to move to minimum advertised pricing on some of their scopes (Zeiss for sure). So, when you check their web site, their pricing will look like everyone elses for certain manufacturers. However, if you email them or call them and ask fo...

Thanks guys. Great advice as always. I've ordered the sun shade and will add butler creek flip up caps to my order.

thanks again,

birddog

SKB is right, high jack away. Any pointers I can get from him on places to hunt would be well received!

Actually, I enjoyed reading the responses!

birddog

Folks- I'm getting a new scope soon (Zeiss conquest 6.5-20 x 50 w/ Rapid Z varmint reticle). I'm wondering if I should spend an extra $30 to get the sunshade? I've never had a sunshade before, so not sure what they actually help with? I do plan to hunt p-dogs with this rig. Do you leave your sun sha...

Thanks for the good suggestions. I live in the Northern Denver suburbs. The plains of Eastern Colorado would work well. Sounds like I need to make some phone calls (as with the price of gas these days, driving around looking for dog towns sounds expensive and hit or miss).

Birddog

Folks- I've been enjoying reading the posts of all the people heading out on their first pd hunts. I may not have my gear ready until Sept or so, but was wondering what is the best methods to actually find places to hunt? I live in CO, but don't really have a clue as to how to go about finding pd hu...