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another 'factory' rifle question

I recently posted here about 'factory' 6mm rifles. I jumped in a little too deep with that one, let me step back from that and ask more general questions.

I've been getting more and more interested in target shooting recently and I'd like to purchase a rifle better suited to target use than my existing Rem 700 CDL in .30-06. Its a remarkably accurate rifle, considering it's very lightweight barrel and the fact that it was designed to kill large animals, not shoot at paper targets.

But even though I'd like to buy a new rifle, primarily for target shooting; I'm not ready for a custom 'target' or 'benchrest' rifle. I'm leaning toward your basic "heavy varmint" or "tactical" type 'factory' rifle; something with a synthetic stock, mid-length heavy barrel,24", maybe 26", no longer) and chambered for something smaller than my current .30-06 and larger than the ubiquitous .223.

A few questions:

1. while I know that the Rem 700 action is a remarkably combination of accuracy and low cost, I've already got one of them and I've been really impressed with Mauser or old Winchester "controllled feed" actions with their ultra reliable extract/eject mechanisms. ,yeah, my 700 has failed to eject a few rounds....). Short of spending over $1,000 for a Nesika or other high end controlled feed action, is it possible to get Rem 700 quality accuracy from a factory rifle with Mauser / old Winchester type action? Any suggested models?

2. I've become a huge fan of the .30-06 round and if I had to pick one cartridge for all purposes, there is nothing else I'd even consider. But I really don't need that kind of "stopping power" to shoot at paper targets, and I'd like to be able to take the occasional family member / friend to the range and offer them a gun that won't knock them on their butt. That means no .308,which in my opinion offers zero advantage over my .30-06). On the other hand, I have no need to carry several hundred rounds wherever I go, and that seems to have been the sole justification for the .223 round. I'm keeping my .30-06, and I'd like the new rifle to use a more "moderate" cartridge, something like a .243win or 6mm. What would you suggest as a great round for target shooting that does not require a custom built rifle or hand loading?

3. to make it really challenging, if not impossible, now lets require left handed configuration and a $1,000 or $1,200 max price for the complete rifle, minus scope.

That's my situation and I just don't seem to be making much progress.....
 
A few months ago I was wandering through a Cabela's store. In their "gun library" I found a unfired, pre 63 Winchester target rifle in 30:06. Its similar to Remington's 40x. I bought it at what I considered a more than fair price.
Bottom line, Try and acquire a rifle like this. The positive feed and claw extraction your looking for is there and you could well spend less than the $1000 your thinking.
 
Seems like you're back to your "Does it exist" post but left out the synthetic stock part. Same question, answer's gonna' be the same........


Uh....I did mention the synthetic stock,3rd paragraph, 2nd sentence) and the main difference this time around is that I'm no longer tied to the .243 cartridge; I'm asking for suggestions with regard to a good choice somewhere between .30-06 / .308 on the large end and .223 on the small end.

I'm hoping that not being locked into .243win might open up some more possibilities.
 
I like your questions, not certain that I'm communicating the answer you need.

Some years ago I got into target shooting by way of a Rem 700 VS in .308 Win. It worked well, and got me started just fine. Actually won some minor competitions with that factory rifle.

The .308 has a few small advantages over the .30-06, and yes, I've got both.

1) factory loaded match ammo
2) real easy to handload match grade ammo
3) generally superior accuracy,or all the match guys would be shooting .30-06's, not .308's)
4) slightly less recoil
5) bordering on incredible accurate barrel life,I'm at 5540 rounds through my latest Krieger and it's just starting to drop X's on me in matches)

So... To me the .308 does have some match-shooting advantages over the .30-06. I'll take the '06 any day though for slinging 180 grain bullets at bear or elk!

Okay - If I haven't sold you on the .308 :) give some serious consideration to the .260 Rem,aka 6.5-308) it only comes in hunting ammo from the factory, but handloaded, it takes care of all the shortcomings of the .308 and keeps the short action. It's just the .308 squeezed down to .264" and is a whiz-bang target cartridge. Handloaded, with high BC bullets like Sierra's 140 grainer.

The other sweet one is the 7mm-08, another necked down .308. Very mild, very accurate. It too takes care of the problems with the .308 by providing a flatter trajectory and greater ability to slice through the wind via better BC bullets.

The .243 is just the .308,again) necked down to 6mm! Low recoil, high velocity. Very good target cartridge. Only drawback is relatively short barrel life due to burning quite a bit of powder down a small bore. Barrel life? Say 2000 rounds as an estimate. Eventually accuracy degrades with any cartridge/barrel.

Black Hills produces a 95 grain load at 2950 fps. That Nosler Ballistic Tip is one heck of an accurate bullet for paper punching, also does the trick fine on varmints, coyotes and deer if the urge strikes! :thumb:

If you don't want another Rem 700... Yes, the Winchester 70 action can deliver excellent accuracy. That's what my match/Palma rifle is built on. Many, many highpower match rifles are based on the Model 70. At the Palma trials last fall a Model 70 was top gun, over all the fancier custom actions. You can read about it on this web site. The Model 70 is a fine action to build on, and most of the factory rifles do well too.

FWIW, Guy
 
The left handed requirement really limits your factory produced rifle selection, trust me I know because I'm left handed as well. As far as I know, Remington VS model in 308, 22-250, .223 and Savage in 204, 223, 22-250, and 308 are about your only options with out going the Cooper route. If you can shoot a right handed rifle, and use a laminated stock, your choies would include Remington VLS models in the mentioned above calibers, plus 243 and 6mm. Winchester Stealths are excellent also right handed with synthetic stock and available in 223 WSSM, 243wssm and 308. If you go the Savage route, you can get a synthetic stock and barrel from Sharp Shooter Supply in a caliber of your choice to install on your Savage, Pac-Nor also sells pre-chambered barrels in many calibers. Good luck in your quest :)


Jeff
 
Subway,

I am also a lefty and I purchase the LH VSF remington and get them re-barreled. I have a 6mm Remington that I had the action trued, trigger done and bedded. Had a stainless match barrel installed and it shoots in the .3-.4 range when I do my part. The nice thing going this route is the stock is the H.S. precision, not the tupperware that comes on the savage. I am currently having another Remington VSF re-worked and getting ot re-barreled in 6br. For the kind of shooting I do,Varmint, predator and some paper punching) this is the way to go. The gun currently getting re done started life as a 22-250. This will be my first 6br, but looks the way to go for a varmint/predator rifle shooting bullets form 50-75 grains.I am going with a 12 twist barrel.
 
some quick responses to recent posts:

Guy - thanks for all of the great info; lots to think about

Andy + Jeff - unfortunately, I've already got a Rem700 and I have no interest in obtaining another right now.

As things stand right now, I'm bypassing local dealers and talking to FNH, Steyr and Sako/Tikka reps to determine what, if anything, is available from those companies in left handed configuration. ,I've learned the hard way that dealers will tell you anything to get a deposit in hand, with the hope of swapping it towards whatever lefty rifle they can get their hands on later. I want to hear it straight from Steyr/FNH/Sako about what is/is not available.

Thanks
 

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