First long-distance rifle

[liveround]

After a few years of shooting at 100-200 yd distances, I'd like to start stretching that out and eventually work up to the 1000 yard mark. I am about to make a purchase on a new or used rifle.....still debating caliber but leaning towards 6.5CM (also looking at 6.5 SAUM, 7mm Rem Mag, and .260 Rem). The LGS has a nice stock Savage 6.5CM for about $800, and then there is a 6.5CM from a guy online....is a blueprinted action, Kreiger 26" 8-Twist, Night Force picatinny mounts and QR Rings, McRee Folding Chasis w/ detachable magazine, Harris Swivel Bipod for about $1800. It also has a Vortex 4X16X50 scope (brings price to $2000), but I may look at a different scope with a little more magnification.

Which would be a better purchase? Or something entirely different?

I don't currently reload but would like to start.....

Thanks!

 

[dedogs]

Field rifle or bench-gun, or both?

 

[liveround]

This would be a paper-puncher only.......

 

[ryanjay11]

Figure out what discipline you would like to compete in and look at what the specifications are for rifles. Do this and you will save money in the long run.

You might already own a rifle that would shoot fine to the 1000 yard mark if you put a decent optic and load in it.

 

[noload]

THINGS TO CONSIDER... ROUND COUNT ON BOTH GUNS ? NO MATTER WHAT YOU PAY, THERE IS NO GARANTEE 1 WILL BE BETTER THAN THE OTHER. (sorry about the caps) To me the Savage would have to have a target action. Then a barrel switch is easy. Blue printed rem 700 ? 800 vs 1800. For $1000 savings you can buy some nice goodies. My Savages will shoot with any b-printed 700. Its up to you.

 

[liveround]

ryanjay11 - not really sure yet about competition, just starting out right now, more for my own enjoyment.....but I will do some research into the different competitions just in case it progresses that route. Right now I don't have ANY rifle to do 1000 yds......an AR-15 is all I'm using right now.

noload - round count on the blueprinted 700 is about 80 rounds. The Savage is brand new.

 

[ryanjay11]

I would suggest going to a nearby F-Class match to observe. Then, you might consider putting a decent optic on your AR and shooting it out to 600 yards at a match or two. If the AR doesn't get you where you want to be, move the optic to your next rifle. No need to go crazy buying stuff before you know what you want.

I know 1000 yards is your magic number, but there are several steps between 200 yards and 1000.

 

[liveround]

I have a Nikon 3X9 on my AR right now....

I don't think 1000 yds is in my future for a while.......not trying to say I'm going to ring the gong at that distance right off the bat....just a goal in the future. What I want to avoid is what I usually do in other hobbies.....buy something less expensive, use it awhile, sell it and buy something more expensive.....rinse/repeat.

 

[Cakes]

I'll second the comment about attending a F-class match or league shoot. You'll see many different types of equipment from $ to $$$$$$. Several different disciplines within, F-Open, FTR (bi-pod), and maybe some sling shooters. I guarantee all will be more than willing to answer any and all of your questions. Hopefully you're in a part of the country where its easy to locate a match or league shoot. Just attended a wind clinic in Elk River, MN and it was awesome to see all the new & interested shooters come out and see what it's all about! Good Luck! Eric in DL

 

[CharlieNC]

Either rifle should do well at 1000 yards with a decent optic (nothing special required for hitting the gong). I own and like Savages, but they do not maintain value like the custom you mentioned. If the custom has "low" rounds, it will probably satisfy your needs longer and if not be easier to sell. If you can find a supervised long range near you, or someone else to spot, it's not difficult to get dialed in for 1000 yards after you get a decent load. I don't own a 6.5CM but the reports are the Hornady ammo is quite accurate and affordable vs other calibers.

 

[ryanjay11]

What I want to avoid is what I usually do in other hobbies.....buy something less expensive, use it awhile, sell it and buy something more expensive.....rinse/repeat.

Pass on both the "custom" 700 and the Savage rifle. I have a friend who recently started shooting F-T/R with an 18" AR, 3-9 Nikon(sounds just like yours) and a Harris bipod. He isn't winning matches yet, but he is learning a lot and now has a much better idea of what he is going to buy next. I think you would save a lot of money by going this same route. BTW, he is shooting high 180s out of a possible 200 with this setup. The rifle isn't holding him back yet.

If you want to stay on cheap side, get a Savage Target Action and a prefit custom barrel. If you want something nicer, get an actual custom. Blueprinted, or trued 700s are false economy.

 

[M14AMU]

Get one like this:

Beanland06 by Sharps45 2 7/8, on Flickr

in this:

The Ole Warhorse by Sharps45 2 7/8, on Flickr

And you can give all the proponents of the 'loudenmagnumboomers' the willies when you post how well it performs!! ;D ;D

 

[ryanjay11]

What velocity are you getting with the 185s in your '06?

 

[M14AMU]

What velocity are you getting with the 185s in your '06?

Can't tell you as my chrony is on the blink but it shoots them where I want them to go! I'm using 54 grs. H4350 and barrel is 30" length. Don't have my data book handy but seems as if my MOA change as denoted by using 2825 fps was right on!

 

[joshb]

There's a nice 6xc on the sale board. Start and stop with that one.

 

[Grimstod]

The 06 is so ineficiant though. I get that speed using the same bullet out of a 26in barrel with just 50gr of iMR4350

In the end though its all about how well it shoots.

 

[M14AMU]

The 06 is so ineficiant though. I get that speed using the same bullet out of a 26in barrel with just 50gr of iMR4350

In the end though its all about how well it shoots.

My best answer should have been I DON'T KNOW!!

If you're getting that out of a 26" barrel I can dang sure tell you this one is moving along better than what I initially posted! And inefficient.....it ain't!

 

[slm9s]

My advice:

1. buy used. let someone else pay for the depreciation from new, to slightly used. If you don't know enough to pic out a good used rig, ask for help. PM people.
2. buy a 24, 26, or 28 cal rifle. For LR, 30 cal is just uninspiring. They can work, but a 26 or 28 cal is just so better ballistically vs recoil that they make much more sense.
3. For optics, IMO Sightron SIII is VERY tough to beat. 6-24 or 8-32 w/ the MOA2 or mil-hash reticle; moa/moa or mil/mil. Unless you're really strapped for cash, then get a super sniper 10x, 12x, or 16x until you can afford a SIII.
4. Get a reloading setup. You'll shoot more, which means you'll be a better shot.

 

[liveround]

Thanks for all the advice.....that custom 6.5CM in my original post has been sold, so that particular rifle is out.

I've always wanted a .338 Lapua.....and the ballistics are good.....but it doesn't make as much sense as a CM or .260. For one thing, I'm having big trouble finding anywhere to shoot 1000 yds, much less 1500-2000. The cost of ammo for the Lapua is high......the recoil can be bad, etc. I think I'll stick to the 26-28's.

Here are the scopes I'm currently looking at:
Sightron S-III 6-24 MOA
Sightron S-III 10-50X60 MOA
Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24X50 MOA (VORVHS4325)
Vortex Viper PST 6-24X50 MOA (PST824S1A)
Vortex Viper PST 6-24X50 MOA (VORPST43127)
Vortex Viper PST 6-24X50 MOA (PST624F1A)
Burris XTR II 5-25X50 MOA (BUR2010520)
Burris XTR II 8-40X50 F-Class MOA (BUR201080)

Reloading is going to happen.......

 

[dmoran]

I suggest to find a "mentor" or two in your area who compete(s) in Long Range competition of some realm.
Good mentor's can take you to higher levels and do it more cost effectively to you, then reading gazillion forum posts with a gazillion opinions of what you all need for equipment and reloading tools.
By having a mentor(s) who competes, will take you to a higher level of accuracy then most non-competitive "target punchers", simple because "competition breeds excellence" and covers more area's of the whole broad spectrum to all the aspects (rifle, optics, ballistics, equipment, components, reloading tools, reloading procedures, etc.).

Good Luck....
Donovan