Getting into long range target shooting- What do you recommend?

[savageboy]

I am just getting into long range,600-1000yd) matches and would like to get some input from the team. I am already set up to reload .308, .30-06, .223, 7-08, 6.5x55, .300 Win mag. My first choice would be to stay with one of these calibers. I have been looking at a variety of guns. I do really like the 6.5 mm round, but there doesn't seem to be an inexpensive, off the shelf or easy switch barrel solution like a Savage, etc.

If you were me and were just getting started into this and wanted to get in as inexpensive as possible, which would you recommend:

1. Savage BVSS in .308 or .300 Win Mag- I can shoot either. .300 has way less drop and drift at 1000yds.
2. Savage 10FP .308 with better stock
3. 6.5X55 in some cool inexpensive heavy barreled rifle.
4. I really like the .260AI. I am not set up for it and It looks expensive to get set up for.

What do you recommend for a 1st timer??

 

[Hipshot]

This one can elicite a lot of responses.

Based upon your setup, I would recommend staying with the .308. It's an efficient cartridge and won't burn out a barrel as fast as the .300 mags. In target shooting you need a lot of practice. I shoot one match a month but still go through 2,000 rounds a year, which is considered low for high power match competition. My Savage .243 barrel lasted ~1,500 rounds and then went quickly south. I rebarreled it to 6BR and have about 1,300 through it and no signs of falloff.

I like the Savage action. Very easy to replace barrels. The Accutriger can be from good to excellent. The one in my 12BVSS was only good so I replaced it with the high end Rifle Basix which I like a LOT. Another shooter in our club has a Savage with the ability to dial the weight of pull down to ounces. If I had it, I would not replace it.

Get the rifle with the thickest barrel. If necessary you can either get a new tactical or target stock,Chote has them, as well as other but more expensive stock makers) that is a drop in fit.

You can always move up or sideways with the Savage pretty easily by replacing the barrel and, if necessary, the bolt head. Their system is really slick in that regard.

For a first timer, I'd recommend going with the least expensive but upgradable system which is the Savage in .308; the 12BVSS.

 

[USAPatriot]

If I had the opportunity to build a 6.5x55 I would, only I'd definitely lengthen the throat out so half the slug isn't sitting inside the case. No doubt that's been done and done successfully. The 6.5 was the first round I reloaded for some 25-30 years ago and I have fond memories of it. I'd really like to do it again. -Rod-

 

[memilanuk]

When you say '600-1000yd matches'... do you know what kind of matches they hold in your area? If they have 600-1000 *benchrest* matches I probably wouldn't consider a .308 Win due to being behind the curve ballistically. If they shoot 600-800-900-1000yd *F-Class*, with an active TR class,.223/.308 only), then I might say the .308 would be the way to go to get your feet wet.

As with most things... 'it depends'

 

[Exercion]

All the advice given is good. It does matter what kind of competition you plan to do. That said, I shoot a 6.5x55 in F-Open and highly recommend it. Mine shoots the 142 Matchkings well, and the velocities are excellent from the 3 groove PacNor supermatch barrel. With a modern action,I use a Remington 700, but no reason the Savage wouldn't work as well)and good brass,read: Lapua)that 110 year old cartridge does very well. My current match load is giving me 2860 from a 30" bbl, and I have run into the low-to-mid 2900's without issues.

Eric

 

[BountyHunter]

Explain what type 600-1000 match first

If Fclass, then a 308 or new savage LRPV in 223 with 1-7 twist would work in the FTR class, both easy to reload and will teach reading the wind.

If the LR BR then, forget the 308 or 223 except maybe a local factory class. The 6BR improved or 6-47 would be easy to reload and very good with good barrel life. The magnums give about 800-1400 round barrel life normally. However we are having the 300 WSMs go way over that and some with 3000 rounds are still competitive, so go figure.

In the F class open, the 6.5-284 is the hot round, but a barrel killer so I would not start with one. 6-47 should be good along with the 6x55 straight or improved.

BH

 

[RTex]

Hi, Savageboy -

There is an easy switch-barrel solution like a Savage!

If you like Savages and the 6.5 caliber, you might want to just pick up a 6.5 X 55 barrel from someone like Pac-Nor. I put one of their barrels on a Savage long action, added a Boyds thumbhole varminter stock, a SSS recoil lug & trigger, and am tickled pink.

Just a thought...

 

[savageboy]

Hi, Savageboy -

There is an easy switch-barrel solution like a Savage!

If you like Savages and the 6.5 caliber, you might want to just pick up a 6.5 X 55 barrel from someone like Pac-Nor. I put one of their barrels on a Savage long action, added a Boyds thumbhole varminter stock, a SSS recoil lug & trigger, and am tickled pink.

Just a thought...

Thanks to all for your input. I am not sure what type of matches they are "F" or whatever. I just dig shooting things at long distances.
Just a question to the team regarding the 6.5X55- someone mentioned the "straight of tapered" round. It there a way to make an "easy" wildcat- easy to load for, make with standard brass etc? Where can I read about this and what kind of increase does it get you?

 

[NeilNE]

.308, .30-06, .223, 7-08, 6.5x55, .300 Win mag. Of the above, any are probably go to 600. After 600 the 30-06, 7-08,6.5x55 and 300 Win mag. Depending on how much the gun weighs the 300 Win. would start to hurt me.

I think you are talking about 'straight taper' is a 6.5x55 improve. This would make a great gun to 1K or F-class. The 6.5x55 improve is a case that the body taper is blown out and usually with a 40 degree shoulder. To make this all you have to do is fire form cases and buy dies. I know some 1K BR shooters that do very well with it. I do not shoot this cartridge. All the above is FWIW.