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Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: xXLojackXx on June 19, 2015, 03:02:08 PM


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Title: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -VIDEOs UPDATE-
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 19, 2015, 03:02:08 PM
I just got my build back from Benchmark Barrels, a 7mm Dakota. Figured I'd post some pics of their work and update this thread with range results and some long range data/footage. Here are the specs:

-Defiance Deviant Hunter action, Sniper Grey cerakote, Devcon Ti bedded
-Shillen trigger @ 2lbs
-HS Precision DBM
-McMillan A3 GAP stock
-Benchmark Barrels #6 Kreiger contour 1:9, 6 flutes @ 26" plus brake
-Mini Muscle Brake
-American Rifle 34mm rings
-Steiner T5Xi 5-25x56 MRAD scope
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: h20hunter on June 19, 2015, 03:03:25 PM
Looks like a shooter for sure! What do you expect your reach is? On a target? On game?
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 19, 2015, 03:07:45 PM
Looks like a shooter for sure! What do you expect your reach is? On a target? On game?

On steel it'll reach as far as I can shoot, sub one mile. On game, I plan to keep it under 1k but that depends on the species  :chuckle: 4 legged canine predators have a maximum range allowance  :bfg:

I'll be shooting 190gr Matrix VLDs between 3000-3100 fps
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: X-Force on June 19, 2015, 03:19:09 PM
Sweet Setup! Looking forward to seeing the results on both steel and game.
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: Wingin it on June 20, 2015, 06:11:03 AM
Looks sweet!
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: Craig on June 20, 2015, 08:22:13 AM
Nice rifle how long is your barrel? Benchmark is working on a barrel for me right now. Can't wait to build mine.
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: jackelope on June 20, 2015, 08:31:06 AM
Very nice rig, LoJack.  Hope to see it in action in a couple months.
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: The scout on June 20, 2015, 08:33:40 AM
sweet setup! I did the re-barrel deal they had a while back, and should have mine any time as well. can't wait to get my hands on it
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: Wingin it on June 20, 2015, 08:54:14 AM
I am waiting on one from Benchmark as well. I can't wait to get it back and send some rounds down the tube! Should have it back in the next couple weeks.
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 21, 2015, 06:19:32 PM
The 190gr Matrix is a IMPRESSIVE bullet. I run it in a 7mm WSM with a 30" Hart 9 twist barrel.
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: safehunter on June 21, 2015, 06:46:41 PM
 I'm thinking you need a bigger back yard to use that thing to it's potential!! Nice looking rig!
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 22, 2015, 05:30:11 AM
The 190gr Matrix is a IMPRESSIVE bullet. I run it in a 7mm WSM with a 30" Hart 9 twist barrel.

Going to head to the range on Saturday. Group it at 100, 200, and 600 to see how the load works. The 190's will be a hammer  :tup:
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: Duckhunter14 on June 22, 2015, 08:15:51 AM
That's some gun porn right there. Beautiful set-up! Thanks for posting pics.  :tup:
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: Nature Boy on June 24, 2015, 05:51:29 PM
What barrel contour did you go with?  Is that the benchmark #6?
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: D-Rock425 on June 24, 2015, 06:52:44 PM
Do I care ask what sometime like this cost?
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 24, 2015, 08:03:06 PM
Do I care ask what sometime like this cost?

You know what they say Darren. I will say MSRP on the rifle is about $3600, scope MSRP is $1850
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 24, 2015, 08:04:03 PM
What barrel contour did you go with?  Is that the benchmark #6?

It's a Benchmark barrel, contour is a Kreiger #6
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: WoodlandShooter on June 25, 2015, 08:20:38 AM
VERY NICE!!

Benchmark is working me up a nice 9.3 twist 3 groove 338 tube for my SAKO build!!
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 25, 2015, 09:03:11 AM
VERY NICE!!

Benchmark is working me up a nice 9.3 twist 3 groove 338 tube for my SAKO build!!

They make a magical .338 barrel. My Edge shot bugholes at 100 and 4" groups at 1000
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: WoodlandShooter on June 25, 2015, 01:01:44 PM
well,  I hope so , cuz I need all the help i CAN GET!!
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: Craig on June 25, 2015, 01:28:01 PM
Are you using handloads of factory ammo.
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 25, 2015, 01:54:24 PM
Are you using handloads of factory ammo.

Hand loads..
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: Huntboy on June 25, 2015, 02:11:52 PM
Really nice setup. :tup: :drool:
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 25, 2015, 10:06:38 PM
VERY NICE!!

Benchmark is working me up a nice 9.3 twist 3 groove 338 tube for my SAKO build!!

Can't go wrong with a Benchmark .338 barrel. They flat shoot!
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: WoodlandShooter on June 26, 2015, 08:09:50 AM
I hope so!! the 270 barrel they put on my 270 is a hammer!! I just wish I had better skils!!
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 26, 2015, 08:18:31 AM

[/quote]

They make a magical .338 barrel. My Edge shot bugholes at 100 and 4" groups at 1000
[/quote]

Why did you want to change from that? With muzzy brake couldnt of kicked too much. ??? 
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 26, 2015, 10:14:09 AM


They make a magical .338 barrel. My Edge shot bugholes at 100 and 4" groups at 1000
[/quote]

Why did you want to change from that? With muzzy brake couldnt of kicked too much. ???
[/quote]

The rifle was 14lbs. It was fun to shoot, just not to pack. I'm thinking I'll have them build me a .338 Lapua Improved in the future
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: sirmissalot on June 26, 2015, 10:31:51 AM
Whats this one weigh? Its got to be a heavy bugger too
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 26, 2015, 01:11:12 PM
Whats this one weigh? Its got to be a heavy bugger too

10.5 lbs Just right if you ask me
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: CAMPMEAT on June 26, 2015, 01:16:56 PM
I know very little about the hardcore specs of rifles. But some of the rifles on here make me have a wet spot in the morning. Very, very impressive on what kind of toys a guy can have, build or buy.  :tup: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: VarmintVentilator on June 26, 2015, 03:21:53 PM
A very nice looking rifle.  Well done on picking your specific products.   :tup: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 27, 2015, 12:25:30 AM
Whats this one weigh? Its got to be a heavy bugger too

10.5 lbs Just right if you ask me

Yep... :tup:
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 28, 2015, 07:05:34 AM
I got my first trip to the range in with the 7 Dakota yesterday. The pics are in order of the first groups through the virgin barrel. They closed up a bit, I need to knock the rust off my trigger finger too. That group is at 77.6gr of Retumbo behind the 190's and .020" off the lands. Thinking I'll bump it it down to 77.3 gr and it should help tighten it up.

Pics are sideways for some reason. That square is top of target
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -RANGE UPDATE-
Post by: Biggerhammer on June 28, 2015, 08:03:08 AM
Off to a good start. Did you get your Matrix bullets from Benchmark or did you order direct out of Canada? I'm still a little on the fence for my next rifle from Bencbmark. I talked to Chris and more Deviant actions are coming in. I just am at a toss up between the 7mm Dakota or a 10 twist .300 Win Mag throated for the Berger 230 OTM's. As of now I may mess with the Dakota later. 
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -RANGE UPDATE-
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 28, 2015, 11:55:47 AM
I ordered mine direct. Great customer service. I think i ordered them at like 9pm and they shipped out the next morning with tracking info. Going through customs takes a couple days more, but I buy enough to last me all year.
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -RANGE UPDATE-
Post by: safehunter on June 29, 2015, 01:46:56 PM
 Starting to drool like Campmeat! What is the Chronograph saying?
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -RANGE UPDATE-
Post by: xXLojackXx on June 29, 2015, 03:25:09 PM
Starting to drool like Campmeat! What is the Chronograph saying?

Haven't bothered chrono'ing the load yet until I'm satisfied with the grouping. My next step is to increase the jump between .020" and .040". Should help those long VLDs tighten up. I'm after one ragged hole on paper. Once achieved I'll run it through a chrono.
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -RANGE UPDATE-
Post by: CAMPMEAT on June 29, 2015, 04:43:02 PM
Starting to drool like Campmeat! What is the Chronograph saying?

Haven't bothered chrono'ing the load yet until I'm satisfied with the grouping. My next step is to increase the jump between .020" and .040". Should help those long VLDs tighten up. I'm after one ragged hole on paper. Once achieved I'll run it through a chrono.




Very hard to control myself...... :tup:
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -RANGE UPDATE-
Post by: WoodlandShooter on June 30, 2015, 08:23:41 AM
good shootin!!
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -VIDEOs UPDATE-
Post by: xXLojackXx on July 13, 2015, 08:43:13 AM
The final load development I settled on is 77.6gr Retumbo behind the 190gr Matrix VLD sitting .030" off the lands with a BR2 primer. I ran it through a chrono which gave me an average of 3063 fps with an SD of 8. I finally got a chance to get up to 5000' to see how it does downrange. I shot at 3 distances, appox. 680, 1180, and 1405 which needed 3.4 mils @ 680, 7.5 mils @ 1180, and 10.1 mils @ 1405. 6 mph steady crosswind with 10 mph gusts. The video is a bit shaky but you can make out vapor trails and impacts. The camera died right as I was setting it up for 1405 yards. Next time  :sry:
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -VIDEOs UPDATE-
Post by: xXLojackXx on July 13, 2015, 09:39:37 AM
feature=youtu.be

feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -VIDEOs UPDATE-
Post by: Caseknife on July 21, 2015, 08:34:11 PM
Logan,
Sweet rifle and sweeter shooting, I thought you were a sharp stick slinger!
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -VIDEOs UPDATE-
Post by: xXLojackXx on July 21, 2015, 08:48:14 PM
Logan,
Sweet rifle and sweeter shooting, I thought you were a sharp stick slinger!

I'm a man of many things Tom  :bfg: :archery_smiley:
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -VIDEOs UPDATE-
Post by: Caseknife on July 21, 2015, 09:19:52 PM
Are you a muzzlestuffer also?  Seems that the only people that benefit from the multi-season permits are the local sporting goods stores.
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -VIDEOs UPDATE-
Post by: xXLojackXx on July 22, 2015, 07:10:15 AM
Are you a muzzlestuffer also? 

Never have stuffed a barrel. Only really bear hunt with a rifle.
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -VIDEOs UPDATE-
Post by: Wingin it on July 22, 2015, 06:21:19 PM
What was the turn around time on your build?
Title: Re: 7mm Dakota Benchmark Build -VIDEOs UPDATE-
Post by: xXLojackXx on July 23, 2015, 08:05:18 AM
What was the turn around time on your build?

4 months. Pretty standard with all the bigger name outfits.
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