Hi All,
New to forum and newly interested in BR shooting. I am a dabbler of sorts when it comes to shooting. That is, I like all aspects, from pistol / revolver, BP, clay and now, benchrest.
Since I stated handloading several months ago, my eyes have been opened to this thing call ACCURACY!
You just wait until you see REAL Benchrest accuracy, like rifles more accurate than a laser transit...... rifles capable of 1/10inch @100yds!
I have a newly acquired Savage 110 in 243. The motive was primarily two fold, one for my Daughter to use for hunting, the other for squirrel abatement (we have a lead ban in our area). I am finding this rifle to be fairly accurate with the 62gr VG bullets from Barnes. I am able to group 5 shots at 100yrds within 1.5"...as is with no modification off my shoulder and a sand bag.
This sounds reasonable.
I have two questions.
First, If I wanted to play around with the 243AI to improve case usage and accracy, would it make scene to mod / purchase a new barrel and stock for the Savage 110? If so, recommendations?
I've spent quite a bit of time and money with the .243AI and while it's a wicked COOL round IMO it offers no real gain over a good .243. The 110 action is a fine choice for tweaking.
Second, what would be a good introductory (inexpensive / used) setup to look for to get into BR shooting (for fun, not competitively)? Is it worth tweaking the Savage? or Start with something completely different?
It is my opinion (based on spending tens of thousands of dollars doing it both ways 
) that you will be best served by buying a solid used setup already done up.
I'm sure this isn't the first time someone has asked these question. I didn't have much luck searching...so, if there are other threads already addressing my questions, please point me there!
Thanks
Note that I've also answered some of your specific queries in the above quote box.
There are actually quite a few threads on this very subject currently up on these boards, first page. I've found though that like you it's hard to find one's way around a new forum. Many of us are willing to answer the same questions over and over. Don't worry about it even if someone says "Use The Search Button," there will be others willing to help you. In my case I hope to be helpful simply in the interest of introducing MORE SHOOTERS to the world of Extreme Accuracy.
My first advice is to experience first hand what "EXTREME Accuracy" means..... go to a benchrest match as a spectator. We've all seen "fast cars" and tricked out bikes and boats and talented athletes on tv but blessed FEW have taken the time to expose themselves to real Extreme Accuracy.
It's an eye opener.
BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR WALLET you need more info, more perspective. First of all, where are you? Reason is, someone can advise you about the availability of true BR matches in your area. You simply cannot appreciate ACCURACY until you've seen and even fired these rifles first hand. It's wonderfully addictive. This truly is a sport where YOU can own a Formula One or Top Fueler equivalent, a rifle that will shoot competitively anywhere on the planet. Be advised though, NOTHING produced by any factory anywhere for ANY PRICE will be competitive in this field and furthermore building a rifle from your 110, while
possible, is not really cost effective. There are always gently used and even brand new rifles available for less money than starting from scratch. The big conundrum is that at this point you don't even know where or how to start looking or asking the proper questions........ luckily for you you've stumbled onto one of the Great Resources of the web, this site IS where the true Big Dawgs hang out. If you're a golfer then you can be assured that if this were a golfing forum you would be able to access Tiger Woods one-on-one.
In other words, you're at the right place. Almost the ONLY place, although 6MMBR.com is also a great site for learning about these unique rifles. In fact, let me be more specific, 6MMBR.com is an
excellent resource for your research, perhaps even better than here for a guy just learning the ropes. Go check out the Guns of the Week and the articles.....
Be a little patient....... bide your time, ask lots of questions and above all actually watch, fondle, inspect, shoot some of this stuff before buying. Just for perspective's sake let me explain that I came into the BR world as a schooled gunsmith, one who considered himself an adept rebuilder of factory rifles and a serious reloader. I even considered myself to be quite the shooter, quite the all-round rifleman....Until I actually SAW true BR accuracy...... I had no freakin' IDEA.
Some places with Good Stuff for sale include the For Sale area of this site, also go over to the home page and click on the left side to find complete rifles for sale but PLEASE, above all, familiarize yourself a little with the parameters involved. Absolutely THE CHEAPEST way to really experience this thang first hand is to buy a proven used setup INCLUDING RELOADING DIES from a Benchrest Gunsmith or Supplier. There's a lot more to it than just "The Rifle," it's all about "The System."
BTW, I didn't miss the fact that you don't want to compete, yet. You may NEVER be interested in the competition, but the difference between REAL accuracy and mediocre accuracy is only a small percentage of your dollars spent. Take the time to research REAL accuracy before spending any money at all on "accuracy."
Welcome to A Whole New World!
Enjoy the ride....
al
