Decisions, Decisions....which factory rifle?

[Dryridge2]

I am putting together a long range whitetail rig with a $2k all in price tag. I am dead set on a Sig Sierra BDX 6.5-20 scope as I already have the rangefinder. The caliber is 6.5 PRC.
The rifle is still open but I have narrowed it down to the Ruger 77 LR-T, Browning xbolt Max long range, or Begara HMR.
Not a huge fan of the Ruger action but I like the way they shoot.
I really like the Browning xbolts and mine shoot great....but I have reservations about the stock being rigid enough.
Finally, the Bergara will need a brake.
So do you have any experience/thoughts on which of these you would choose and why?
Any help is appreciated.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Out of those listed the bergara is the only serious one but you failed to mention the tikka which is a notch above

 

[Walt Krafft]

If you are not in a hurry, take a look at the new Sig bolt gun. The one I handled was really sweet.

 

[jonbearman]

Why not buy a cheap 700 and change the barrel to a kreiger, criterion remage, bartlein, shilen or whatever you like. and a used timney or whatever , get it bedded or find a used Hs precision then you know what you have. Then if something breaks or gets injured the parts are a dime a dozen. If you go to Buds Guns you can pick up a complete rifle or just a receiver and build a real custom..

 

[Dryridge2]

I have a 700 SA barreled action but is the SA long enough for the PRC?

 

[Steve Ladino]

I am putting together a long range whitetail rig with a $2k all in price tag. I am dead set on a Sig Sierra BDX 6.5-20 scope as I already have the rangefinder. The caliber is 6.5 PRC.
The rifle is still open but I have narrowed it down to the Ruger 77 LR-T, Browning xbolt Max long range, or Begara HMR.
Not a huge fan of the Ruger action but I like the way they shoot.
I really like the Browning xbolts and mine shoot great....but I have reservations about the stock being rigid enough.
Finally, the Bergara will need a brake.
So do you have any experience/thoughts on which of these you would choose and why?
Any help is appreciated.

My 77 LRT 300 win mag shoots absolutely great and my Tikka T3 lite 30-06 shoots three shots great and then starts to wander a little.

 

[K22]

I have two Browning X bolts 223 Rem, 243 Win. - the hunter models with wooded stocks. Mine are extremely accurate in the 1/2 moa range with tailored reloads. The two problems I've had with them are the triggers are not good on mine, couldn't get them below 4 lbs. Fortunately my rifle smith was able to rework them down to 2.5 lbs. The other problem I had was the polymer magazine in the 223 Rem wore out in one season of heavy varmint hunting. Browning replaced it for free. Personally, I feel the "X" Bolts are over priced for the value but they are accurate and reliable rifles. The extractor system is also very reliable. For the kind of money their asking for these rifles the trigger should be Timmey level quality and the magazines should be metal.

If I were you I'd take a look at the Tikka's. I have four of the T3X lite models, 223 Rem (2), 243 Win and 308 Win. Very accurate, good triggers, reliable extraction system, smooth action, stock stiff enough. My only negative comment is the recoil with my 308 is a bear - so much so that I've had to go to reduced loadings. They make some nice models that are heavier with laminated stocks - I'd look at one of those of you're considering typical deer cartridges, i.e. 270, 30 06, 308, etc. unless recoil doesn't bother you.

You might want to examine the Series II Weatherby Vanguard rifles. I have one in 223 Rem and it's a fine full weight rifle at 7 1/2 lbs. Three position safety, very reliable extraction system, good trigger even though it's two stage, stock is stiff enough and mine was fitted perfectly. Accuracy on mine with tailored reloads is about sub 1 moa. Good value in my opinion for under $600. Mine isn't a tack driver but handles nicely in the field and is reliable but you don't need a tack driver for big game hunting.

Never owned a Ruger or Bergara rifle so I can't comment on these.

 

[Dryridge2]

Tikka isn't making a 6.5 PRC and I debated calibers long and hard. I have others. I just want a heavy barrel adjustable stock PRC

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I have a 700 SA barreled action but is the SA long enough for the PRC?

https://www.hillcountryrifles.com/cartridge-talk-the-new-6-5-prc-from-hornady-ammunition/

 

[YEW PLUCKER]

Why not buy a cheap 700 and change the barrel to a kreiger, criterion remage, bartlein, shilen or whatever you like. and a used timney or whatever , get it bedded or find a used Hs precision then you know what you have. Then if something breaks or gets injured the parts are a dime a dozen. If you go to Buds Guns you can pick up a complete rifle or just a receiver and build a real custom..

Maybe because a person can buy a Bergara, or a Tikka for less money than your suggestion would cost, and, get a rifle which shoots just as well.

 

[DCRYDER]

Christensen Arms LR Mesa

 

[Dryridge2]

https://www.hillcountryrifles.com/cartridge-talk-the-new-6-5-prc-from-hornady-ammunition/

Thanks, That's what I assumed after playing with my calipers... just didn't know for sure.

 

[argrendel]

Have you checked out Savage’s new long range rifle? Proof Research carbon fiber barrel...

three of my fellow workers and shooters have new 6.5 PRCs. Two are Christensen Arms and one is a Savage. Ringing steel at 1000 and 1200 was impressive, but man! Muzzle blast was slamming me in the face. Two person bench...