Best precision rifle for a new-bee?

[PilotPhill]

Hello All,
I grew up with a decent pellet rifle and Remington 22LR my grandfather gave me, both of which I shot quite a bit and became (what I thought) a relatively good shot. However, upon recently going shooting with some family and friends, I am feeling the need to get back into it with something a bit larger than my 22LR. I'd like to be able to shoot as accurately as possible at distances probably in the 100-500 meter range.

I'd like to keep it below $1000 and preferably around $700 if possible (is it realistic to, assuming I am a decent shot with a little practice, be seeing 3" or less groups from 300 meters?)
I suppose I am really asking two questions:
1) What caliber ammunition is both extremely accurate and yet something that won't break the bank (I am capable of hand loading my own rounds). I've read 6.5 x 284 NORMA is very good for this sort of thing?
2) What model rifles will both last a relatively very long time and provide the highest degree of precision and accuracy? I've read Savage arms makes high quality products at attainable prices?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Phillip

 

[Sniper338]

Savage makes a 6.5x284, dont know of any others... Savages have come a long way from what they used to be. They are an ok starter rifle if thats what you want.

Any caliber can shoot 3 inch groups at 300 yards with a decent barrel and decent load, that doesnt help narrow anything.

I'd start by watching the classified here and watching for some kind of nice rig for 1000 or under, they come up here fairly often. Read the caliber articles on the main page and narrow down the caliber you want for what you want to do.

Other than that your left pretty open ended, I'd research more and learn a bit before you run out and spend money.

 

[jdh47]

I would get a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor or .243. For an entry level rifle capable of moa with factory ammo it is making a big entry. They have a 19 page discussion on the sniper's hide about it.

Joe

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I would get a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor or .243. For an entry level rifle capable of moa with factory ammo it is making a big entry. They have a 19 page discussion on the sniper's hide about it.

Joe

If I were looking to get into the precision rifle game at entry level, I'd take a hard look at that rifle.

 

[dkhunt14]

I would not get a 6.5-284.They are real finicky to get to shoot and barrel life is not very good. I have seen throats gone in 500 rounds. They disappeared in 1000 yard Br about 5 years ago. The Dasher and 300 WSM just plain outshoot them and are a lot easier to tune. A 6 BR, 6.5x47 or the Creedmore would be a better choice. A 6BR Savage should shoot way better then 3 inches at 300 Meters and the barrel should last close to 2000 rounds. Matt

 

[PilotPhill]

While that looks like a great rifle, I don't think I want to spend quite that much money yet. Furthermore, I'm not a huge fan of that tactical kind of style. I've heard a lot of good things about the 308 win, 6.5 Ceedmore and 6mm BR for long range accuracy. Yes, one thing I forgot to mention was durability. I don't want to have to be replacing barrels every thousand or two shots. The Savage 12 Long Rang Precision in 6.5 Creedmore seems to be a well respected rifle. I've also heard some good things about Savages model 12 F Class 308 (and its on sale now at Cabela's). Any thoughts?
thank you very much, Phillip

 

[CharlieNC]

If the Savage F-class rifle fits your style and budget, it offers great performance for the price. Easy to tweak, and you can easily change the barrel yourself to a different caliber if you choose; check savageshooters.com for all the tech tips.

 

[GSRswapandslow]

308 is pretty much the last round i'd look at for a newbie just getting into it. if you were an old school guy that thinks the 308 is some magical do-all caliber...then i'd just let you remain ignorant, but you don't seem to be. A 6, 6.5, or 7mm is where you should look.

a 6.5 creedmoor is a damn fine round with some great factory ammo. you could get a howa 1500 barrled action in 6.5creedmoor...then just get a boyds stock that fits your likings. cheap, accurate, and a fantastic starter rifle for midrange shooting

 

[JBO]

I would not get a 6.5-284.They are real finicky to get to shoot and barrel life is not very good. I have seen throats gone in 500 rounds. They disappeared in 1000 yard Br about 5 years ago. The Dasher and 300 WSM just plain outshoot them and are a lot easier to tune. A 6 BR, 6.5x47 or the Creedmore would be a better choice. A 6BR Savage should shoot way better then 3 inches at 300 Meters and the barrel should last close to 2000 rounds. Matt

I agree, I put a Criterion on my first Savage years ago and it shot lights out! Great rifle for starting out and they have a history of out standing performance. I scored for Mike Jones at 2014 Harris Minnasota State 1000 yard match he shot a national recorded with a Savage Dasher, he kicked everyones tail.... windy too! My money would go with the Savage with a few minor up grades, barrel, trigger and your good to go. Call Jim Briggs, he'll get you headed in the right direction.

 

[ShootDots]

Several years ago I built a "cheap" "trigger-time" rifle. I searched HI and LOW but I found a completely beat up OLD Remington rifle in a pawn shop. I paid $150.00 for the rifle. I took it to my 'smith and he squared and trued up the action for $175.00,and tossed the rest of the "rifle" away! My "rifle" is now at $325.00. I ordered a Bell and Carlson "Medalist- Varmint / Tactical" stock at, I believe, just under $300.00. I put a Krieger 1-8 tw chambered in 6.5 x 47 Lapua on it, and installed a Jewell trigger. My 'smith "skim bedded" it for $100.00 bucks. My "total" without scope was just about $1300.00.. It shot exceedingly well. As a matter of fact, it became my first F-Open rifle. Within a short period of time, I became "High Master" at mid-range with that rifle. Now I did "piece" it together and I did search for a beat up Remington>>but I found it and to me it was well worth it! If you are not in too much of a hurry, my suggestion is to do something very similar. Then chamber it in either 6mmBR, 6 Dasher or 6.5 x 47 Lapua. You can NOT go wrong!

 

[PilotPhill]

Thanks very much, I appreciate the advice. I think I'd like to stick with a 6mm BR or 6.5 CM rifle. I've read they are both extremely accurate rounds based on BC and have good selection in VLD bullets. While the 308 is inarguable a very capable rifle, I feel as if in the ballistics, is has been surpassed. I could be wrong but I've also read that due to the 308s larger bullet and things it both kicks more and consumes more powder. If I may, what are the pros and cons of the 6mm BR and 6.5 CM rounds?
With my experience level, I'm not sure building my own rifle would be the wisest choose. I think I'd rather purchase a. new one Right now I feel like the Savage Long Range Precision 6.5 CM might be the best fit for me but then I wonder if it might be better to go with a Model 12 F Class in 6mm BR? I will be doing my own reloading, is either of those calibers better to reload with in regards to cost?
Thanks, Phillip

 

[cjmill87]

Phillip,

I'd say go with the 6BR. In terms of cost both the Lapua 6BR and Hornady 6.5CM brass are roughly the same if you buy the Hornady brand new. The 6.5CM will use more powder so that's a cost difference, primers should be about the same between Small Rifle and Large Rifle and depending on your bullet of choice either one could be cheaper or about the same. So all things equal the 6.5CM will cost more in terms of powder and will also have (slightly) more recoil than the 6BR. For straight up accuracy and easy of load development in your intending range of 100-500m I think the 6BR is your winner. YMMV

 

[Dgd6mm]

6BR

 

[PilotPhill]

Thank you guys all very much. I was able to learn a lot from all that great info you gave me. I think I'm going to shoot for the Savage Long Range Precision 6.5mm Creedmoore. I believe I'd like the 6 BR better but those rifles are a bit out of my price range (unless the Model 12 F-Class could be found on sale for around $1000?). The LRP rifles I can afford and I think it is a decent compromise.
Thanks, Phillip

 

[Dgd6mm]

Phillip, that is a good choice. A 6br is only a barrel change away for you, easily done on a Savage with a nut. Later on down the road you could also look for an F Class stock to put that action in if you thought the need.


On another note , if It was me I'd have a .223 barrel in a 7-8 twist and a bolthead to go on that thing. They usually are great shooters out to the distance you are going to shoot, not to mention less expensive to operate.

 

[lh leggtowner]

The Long Range Precision is absolutely the best pick for what your parameters are. And I by no means mean to throw a fly in the ointment but, if 6.5 is the way you are leaning I would go .260 Win instead of 6.5 Creed. The main reason is brass. You can get Lapua and Winchester. Also everything the Creed does the Winchester can do also. I am not trying to talk you out of the Creed, it is just a observation. So, if you find a .260 Win you would not be disappointed with it either. Oh, not to say Lapua is not going to make Creed brass but, we are all holding our breath.

 

[rvn1968]

One thing not getting mentioned is glass. You are trying to save money on a rifle and that is a good thing but,you have to be careful when saving money on optics. You will never know how good your rifle is if your scope is a piece of crap. Just something else to think about.FWIW,Tom.

 

[noload]

What rvn said about glass..... and you should be able to buy a mod 12 Savage in 6br on this site reasonable. You will love a 6BR Norma.

 

[farmer44]

A+ on the 6BR great round

 

[hogpatrol]

For my first high accuracy rifle, I bought a used 6BR and it ruined me. Now everything I own, I try and get them to shoot the same. :'( Go with the Creedmore. ;D

Seriously, either one would be a fine choice but I'd lean toward the 6BR. Ditto on the glass AND rings/mounts. A trigger will make or break the accuracy chain also. Good Luck!