Calibre Recommendation

[UKgunner]

I'm looking into getting into some long range shooting and I'm pretty keen on the Remington 700 as my starting gun but I'm torn between .243 Winchester .308 and .30-06. What do people recommend.

It should be noted that the range I shoot at goes up to 1200 yards and when I get good enough I'd like to shoot at that distance without having to buy a whole new gun.

This rifle will be for target shooting only no hunting at all.

At the moment I'm torn:
.30-06 has the longest range
.243 has the best ballistics and stability
.308 is the most available

Also I am concerned about .243 barrel erosion. I don't want to be replacing the barrel often and I'm wandering what sort of life I should get out of a barrel using factory loads and only expecting 1 MOA accuracy.

Thanks Everyone

Someone trying to keep UK shooting alive

 

[watercam]

Frankly a .260 Rem. would be a really good choice in a factory chambering.The .308 will get you there without beating you up too badly. Your countrymen have been shooting out to 1200 yds. very well with it indeed. The '06 with heavy bullets is an outstanding choice as well but repetitive recoil over an 80 shot match would tire me out. I had a .243 and loved it but one needs an 8" twist barrel and the factory options are usually 10" limiting you to 100 grain bullets or less. That plus the fact that it burns barrels quickly is not in it's favor. Another round that is very popular in factory loadings these days is the 6.5 Creedmoor. The 6.5x55 is yet another. Both are neck and neck with the 260.

 

[JRS]

Depends on the action length you have in mind. The 6.5x55 has a capacity of 5 grains more than the 260. In fact, the 6.5x55 will eat the 260 alive. By moving up to the improved 6.5x55, you gain yet another 5+ grains.

 

[Scott Harris]

30-06 would be a great choice AND German Salazar would approve!

 

[CharlieNC]

I second the 6.5 recommendations by MTM. In addition I have a 6.5x47 Lapua; it uses a little less powder but gets comparable velocities. I've been shooting to 1100 yd with excellent results. The OAL are short by design so you can get virtually anything in a magazine if that is a need. Also you can shoot it all day with noticeably less recoil than the candidates you mentioned. Going back to the 1100 yard range again next week to push it again ;D

 

[Steve3]

308

 

[MrMajestic]

I realize you didn't list it but I think the .284, straight or Shehane, would deliver for you.

 

[slm9s]

Do you reload?
Do you intend to shoot 100 rounds in a: week, month, or year?

My newest rifle is a 280 and I love it.

 

[Cort]

For long range in the 1000 yard category, I would recommend the 30-06 over the other two calibers listed. The extra powder capacity of the 30-06 will give you a slight edge in velocity. If you expect to shoot many rounds at a time and 1000 yards is your goal, then I would probably look at a 6.5 caliber. Contact Laurie on this site and see what he recommends there in the UK.

Availability of factory ammunition, reloading components and barrels all drive your decision. There is no perfect solution, only trade-offs. The longer distance requires more power; the more power delivers more recoil; the more recoil creates more fatigue in a match/range session; the more power wears out barrels faster... The list goes on.

For ranges in the 300-600 category, I like the 6 BR. For 600-1000, I like the 6X47 Lapua. For game shooting, I like the 7mm Remington Magnum at most any range. One can go on with recommendations. There is no one cartridge that fits every requirement.

Good luck with your decision,

Cort

 

[Nubster]

Just wondering how the reload costs compare among these calibers.

 

[bsumoba]

If you do not reload, then 6.5 creedmoor is high on my recommendation. Better longevity than the 243.

30-06 is good, but will require a long action. 308 is also a good choice, but will be pushing its limits when you start going beyond 1K as it will start to go into its transonic flight. The 6.5 creedmoor has relatively good barrel life (2-3K depending on how you run it) and there is good factory ammo for it. You can also do 300 Win Mag. Decent factory for that as well.

If you reload, then you have a LOT more options. Literally, take your pick: 6.5x55, 284 Win, 284 Shehane, 280AI, 7 SAUM, 6.5 SAUM, 300WSM, 7 WSM, 6.5x284.....and more

 

[CaptainMal]

You are getting good advice.

For a fun start, expecially if you do not reload, the 243 is the ticket compared to the other two. Both those 30's will kick more and be a bit less fun to shoot. Shoot is what you do for target.

The 243 will give you factory ammo normally a bit cheaper than the other two. My guess is after buying boxes and boxes of shells you will want to reload or lose interest in shooting a lot.

If those three calibers were not listed or not firm in your mind, I would pick the 6 BR. You can buy ammo for it although it's more expensive than your listed ones. It would give you the 243 results and more along with barrel life closer to those 30's.

 

[mikegaiz]

To shoot 1200 yds. go with a 300 WSM or 6.5/284. The 300 barrel will last longer and fight wind better.

 

[Ringostar]

The way that I read the post. Your looking at buying a factory rifle, and shooting it as is? If this is the case, then you should be looking at models with longer heavy barrels than standard hunting contours. The extra length will increase velocity for distance, while the thickness will help maintain straightness for longer shot strings. A factory varmint barrel would be the minimum, but then you have to check the twist rate. It may not shoot heavy bullets as well.

 

[Danattherock]

I'm in a similar boat, but across the pond of course. I can buy anything I want. Not sure what your situation is like in that regard. I'm wanting to buy a Savage model 12 long range precision in 260 Rem. The 6.5 class is quite popular. Many ways to skin a cat of course and folks with more insights have posted before me. There is a great site for you to read on, lots of info you would appreciate.


Good article comparing 260, 6.5 creedmoor, etc...

http://demigodllc.com/articles/6.5-shootout-260-6.5x47-6.5-creedmoor/

Lots of great articles here...

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2013/03/07/best-long-range-scopes-buyers-guide-and-features-to-look-for/



Dan

 

[UKgunner]

Thanks guys that's all great advice. I don't want to be changing barrels often as it's very difficult to get new ones here so I'm going to rule out the .243 so thanks. I'm not too bothered by the recoil so I still like the .30-06 but I'm going to throw the 6.5x55 into the ring as I've found a supplier near me and that round sounds excellent. Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[Danattherock]

Of the calibers listed so far, the main one that jumps out as having a short barrel life is 6.5 x 284. The 260 among others listed, are known to have much longer barrel life. Perhaps someone else could add some insights about this.


Dan

 

[UKgunner]

Having looked at what's available to me I'm now thinking a tikka varmint in 6.5x55 swede. Don't know what everyone's opinion on that is.

Also using factory ammo in a factory barrel how much life do you think I'll get. Compared to a .243 say.

 

[JRS]

Good choice for gun and cartridge The factory chambering, when used with good judgement during reloading, will yield very good barrel life. The Tikka is a very well made rifle. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Ringostar]

I agree that the Tikka in 6.5x55 is a good choice. You should have good barrel life also.