Wyoming Coyote Hunter: I dare say that they are many who have shot at camp perry, who are indeed very good marksmen! Some better than others no doubt and a ton of knowledge walking around during the tournament too. A person can pick up a lot of pointers on how to shoot etc during that time, many their are eager to help anyone with questions on shooting.
I choose the model 70 action for a couple of reasons WCH, and the first was that I wanted a long range hunting rifle, that would in fact deliver a larger bullet weight than my very accurate 7mm Remington magnum, that I had used in the past with 160 grain bullets. It was great on mule deer but I always felt it was a little on the light side for shooting elk at ranges passed 350 yards. I have seen video's on TV where others have done this but I still believe that 160 grn bullet to light for my liking on a mature bull elk.
Now when I set out to do this project rifle, all I was not concerned about building a benchrest rifle, to shoot 1/2 groups at 200 yards! I was loooking to get a solid 1-MOA out of my project gun or better perhaps. Also I wanted to keep everything on that rifle, the same as all my other hunting rifles. Meaning the 3 position safety, control round feed magazine and that big claw extractor.
I had already been introduced to the accuracy of the model 70 Winchester some years back by a couple of Sgt's. who could really shoot the eyes out of a crow at 500 yards. Oh yeah, their choice of weapon was a model 70 Winchester in the 30-06 caliber, just in case you might have been wondering some. I can tell you that this rifle does kick a heck of a lot more than my 7mm magnum but it also hits a whale of a lot harder down range. Not long after I finished the rifle, my eyes went bad on me and I had to give up on my wants to shoot big game like elk over 300 yards down range. Now I am just satisfied as can be, just to be able to see them in my rifle scope and that will be 200 yards or less no doubt.!!!;D