I want to get a rifle for target shooting. Ranges will typically be under 200 yards, though occasionally out to 400 or 600 yards (though very rarely at 600). I want to spend ~$1000 for rifle and scope, and want it to be a caliber that is cheap (and preferably easy) to reload for. I'd also like to get as long a barrel life as I can (keeps the cost of shooting low, and lets me shoot more).
I think I've narrowed my caliber choice down to either .223 or 22-250. Bullets are cheap and plentiful for either caliber, and people shoot either up to 600 yards successfully. Cases are a bit more for the 22-250, but I should be able to reuse them so that cost doesn't worry me too much. I also like that the 22-250 is accurate at a variety of velocities and loadings. I don't mean for this to be a caliber war, but given my criteria above, can you recommend one caliber over the other? Probably my biggest concern is barrel life. Will a .223 barrel last longer than a 22-250?
For rifles, I think I've narrowed it down to the Savage 12BVSS the CZ 550, though I'm leaning towards the Savage
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/78338
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/63/products_id/22998
I like the Savage stock and the Accutrigger. Anyone have any other recommendations in or around that price range?
Also, regarding twist rates, the Savage comes with a 1 in 9 in 223, and a 1 in 12 in 22-250. Does this effectively limit me to 55 to 62 grain bullets in the 22-250? Would be able to shoot heavier bullets in the 223 make it better at longer distances?
I think I've narrowed my caliber choice down to either .223 or 22-250. Bullets are cheap and plentiful for either caliber, and people shoot either up to 600 yards successfully. Cases are a bit more for the 22-250, but I should be able to reuse them so that cost doesn't worry me too much. I also like that the 22-250 is accurate at a variety of velocities and loadings. I don't mean for this to be a caliber war, but given my criteria above, can you recommend one caliber over the other? Probably my biggest concern is barrel life. Will a .223 barrel last longer than a 22-250?
For rifles, I think I've narrowed it down to the Savage 12BVSS the CZ 550, though I'm leaning towards the Savage
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/78338
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/63/products_id/22998
I like the Savage stock and the Accutrigger. Anyone have any other recommendations in or around that price range?
Also, regarding twist rates, the Savage comes with a 1 in 9 in 223, and a 1 in 12 in 22-250. Does this effectively limit me to 55 to 62 grain bullets in the 22-250? Would be able to shoot heavier bullets in the 223 make it better at longer distances?