Ask Benchmark Barrels

[deadlift]

Hey Guys,
 We get a ton of questions from new and experienced shooters that have build questions, so I figured this would give me a chance to help you guys out that are left wondering. Obviously I'm not claiming to know everything and I will advise everyone as best I can and if I don't have a answer I will say so. Also this is a good chance to introduce everyone to me, I'm the voice (phone monkey) on the other end of the line at Benchmark most the time. My Back ground is hunting and shooting since 12 years old, I got the long range bug shortly after and started shooting any steel I could weld a base on once I hit about 17. The tech side of the accurate rifle has always been the holy grail for me and I continue to try to expand my knowledge as much as possible by shooting everything I can from steel to critters.
Any thing I can help with I will do my best. When it comes to caliber/rifle advise I will advise you with what I have found to work best in either the same situation or something close, so that being said some guys may disagree with what I have to say. And thats just fine, again I will only advise on what I've had experiance with. It's good to here with everyone and hopefully I will see you out shooting!
Chris
Benchmark Barrels
Sales mgr

[jackelope]

Awesome. Great addition to the forum.

Thanks!

[jay.sharkbait]

How would you define "tack driver" 

[jackelope]

How would you define "tack driver" 

Literally laughed out loud.

[Biggerhammer]

           

[ghosthunter]

ok I will bite. I am a complete novice to long range hunting. I know there is a lot going on besides the rifle and caliber.
But first steps.
I want to extend my range to 500-600 yards. But would like a rifle that would be capable to go further.

I am 63 and want to shoot further because I am tired of trying to out run the young guys to the animals.
I do not like prone position shooting. I want to sit or stand. 

I have my heart set on a Remington 700 LR.
My hang up is caliber. I prefer 30.06. Not into the heavy recoil rifles. . And I do not reload.

I am also a left handed shooter. Ya I know they do not make the 700 LR in Left hand. That is not a deal breaker for me. I own a right hand Rem. 700 VTR in .223.
I am not looking for fast 2nd shots. I am looking for 1 shot kills.
I do not own a left handed rifle. And I own several rifles. MY deer gun now is a Remington pump 30.06.

Game animals, Black Bears, Moose, Caribou, Mule Deer,

So given this info. What caliber???

I plan to top the rifle with a Leupold, something with dial up turrets maybe.

Would like the rifle alone to be $1000.00 or less plus scope.

Do not care about looks. I hunt and own no safe queens.

[BULLBLASTER]

What would the expected barrel life be for a moderately loaded 300 rum (215 bergers at 2950)? Can you answer for a remington sendero factpry barrel and also a benchmark?

[deadlift]

How would you define "tack driver" 

A 6 oz hammer or brad nailer... 
On a serious note anything you can shoot well
Chris
Benchmark

[grundy53]

Welcome! It's great to have you aboard. Thank you for taking the time to help others!

[deadlift]

ok I will bite. I am a complete novice to long range hunting. I know there is a lot going on besides the rifle and caliber.
But first steps.
I want to extend my range to 500-600 yards. But would like a rifle that would be capable to go further.

I am 63 and want to shoot further because I am tired of trying to out run the young guys to the animals.
I do not like prone position shooting. I want to sit or stand. 

I have my heart set on a Remington 700 LR.
My hang up is caliber. I prefer 30.06. Not into the heavy recoil rifles. . And I do not reload.

I am also a left handed shooter. Ya I know they do not make the 700 LR in Left hand. That is not a deal breaker for me. I own a right hand Rem. 700 VTR in .223.
I am not looking for fast 2nd shots. I am looking for 1 shot kills.
I do not own a left handed rifle. And I own several rifles. MY deer gun now is a Remington pump 30.06.

Game animals, Black Bears, Moose, Caribou, Mule Deer,

So given this info. What caliber???

I plan to top the rifle with a Leupold, something with dial up turrets maybe.

Would like the rifle alone to be $1000.00 or less plus scope.

Do not care about looks. I hunt and own no safe queens.

I would look at any of the 7mm'ers up to the Dakota, recoil will be a factor on accuracy when shooting seated, kneeling or standing you want a rifle you can steer easily but has the knock down for big game at moderate distances. My first choice would be the 280 Ackley or a heavier 7mm dakota (+12lbs).
My next choice would be the 6.5 on a larger round like the saum or wsm, but feeding can be an issue if not done correcly. IMO stay away from anything larger than 30 cal. Too much recoil for you situation and look long and hard at a side discharge good break. I would rebarrel an existing remmy 700 or savage to hit that $$ range. Just re-reading your post all these will be ok, but the 7mm rem mag may be your best choice. One caliber that would be usable would be the 6.5 creedmoor, very good round but on the smaller side. The good news is the loaded ammo is extremely accurate and cheapish.
Chris
Benchmark

[deadlift]

What would the expected barrel life be for a moderately loaded 300 rum (215 bergers at 2950)? Can you answer for a remington sendero factpry barrel and also a benchmark?

Honestly we havent had anyone burn one out, not sure if its cause thats a thumper or cause its expensive to shoot. Our 300 winnys are running 2000-2500 rnds depending on what your level of expected sustained accuracy is. I can't comment on remmy barrels.
Chris
Benchmark

[deadlift]

Thanks guys for the welcome!
Chris
Benchmark

[WoodlandShooter]

You could juat have Benchmark Build you up a 270 Winny

[jay.sharkbait]

Benchmark barreled .243

1/7.75 twist

[kbrowne14]

What would benchmark charge to cut my remington 700 LR 26 inch barrel down to 24 inches, re-crown, and thread on a brake?  I need to get this done this spring.