xxero, I don't check this forum very often, and I just found your post.
I am competing in our club's very relaxed benchrest rifle matches (2 of 'em so far). We have two classes for rifles, 1 for sho-'nuff benchrest rifles, and one for the rest of us. I have shot my 700VS in the "rest of us" class twice. I assume the basic rules are the same. 5 shots for record in 7 minutes, 5 times. Lowest average (aggregate) wins. I shot a .669 the first time and a .746 the second time. I am trying to get my 788 in .223 tuned up to see if it might be competitive. I really, really need (want) a new bench rest, as I'm using a plastic Midway "sight-in" rest.
In the 700, I shoot 168gr Sierra MatchKing over H380 and a Federal primer. I'm still poking around for a load for the 788, but I think it'll be a Sierra 52gr MK over H335. I have some issues with the 788, primarily the trigger. I hope to get them worked out soon. The 700VS has a 8.5x25 Leupold Long Range scope, and the 788 has a Leupold VX III 6.5x20. If I can't get the 788 dialed in, I expect to try and scratch up the dough for a 700VS in .223. I have no real interest in a real bench-rest rifle, but I'm intrigued by "tactical" rifles. I'd like to see my club try some longer range matches shot for score rather than for group size.
How about you?
