Numerious Questions From A Greenhorn.

[Crackers]

Hi all.
Let me begin by saying that I am a complete beginner to the world of firearms and shooting. I have only recently taken ownership of a Sako Quad in 22LR for my first rifle.

My question is more geared towards a future project,12 months or so)

I would like to compete in 1000 yard bench rest competitions and would like some recommendations on which calibers would best suit this particular discipline. Like most thing in todays current climate, cost is a factor, so barrel life would be a consideration as well.

Also the project would not only be used for shooting paper, but the odd bit of hunting. , Kangaroo etc..) 90% paper 10 % hunting.

Being new to it all I am going to take my time to research as much as I can while this project is undertaken. But the first piece of advice I am after is a caliber that would suit my requirements.

I would really appreciate any advice anyone would care to offer as I have a lot to learn.

Many Thanks

Craig
aka Crackers

 

[bigred]

I would recommend the .300 wsm. I mean i don't know how tough a kangaroo is but the .300 wsm packs a punch. They have better barrel life than some and a wide varity of bullets capable of slaying oversized rats.

 

[Preacher]

I'll bet the 7mm SAUM would knock the socks off a roo, and wouldn't do to shabby on paper either.......

 

[Cheechako]

Craig

It's a big leap from your first rifle in 22 RF to 1000 yard shooting, not one that can be taken all at once. Let me suggest a more modest approach.

A good bolt action rifle chambered for one of the world-wide cartridges will see you thru the learning stages. By world-wide I mean that you will be able to buy ammunition virtually anywhere in the world, even the land of Oz. Cartridges that come to mind are 243 Winchester, 308 Winchester, and the venerable 30-06. All three of these can serve as a plinking, hunting, and long range target rifle. By the time you reach the stage where you would have been ready to move on to something more exotic, you'll find that any of them will still be hard to beat.

If pressed to pick one, I'd go with the 308 Winchester,aka 7.65 x 51 NATO).

JMHO

Ray

 

[billmo]

+ 1 on what Ray said. Bill

 

[Crackers]

Hi all,

Many thanks for your replies. I do agree it is a big jump from a 22. I am going to take my time to get the basics right on the 22 before moving to any other caliber.

I do like your idea Ray of the world-wide cartridges, perhaps in a 308. Perhaps a solid off the shelf to begin with.

Again many thanks for your replies. At the moment it is all about learning as much as I can.

Cheers

Craig.

aka - Crackers