new target rifle search

I have 3 of the Savage Axis Precisions (.243, .270, .30-06) and for the price point mine are great. But I got the .270 and .30-06 because they are about the only off the shelf chassis rifles in those calibers I could easily find. So far they shoot bugholes. I will be replacing the bolt handle for a bigger one, but that's about my only complaint.
For a 6.5 CR, I did not buy this model. I got the Savage 110 Precision because the chassis and action are both a big step up for not that much more.
But if you need to stay around the $800 price point and don't want the Axis Precision, look for one of the discontinued Savage 10BA Stealth chassis rifles. I just bought 3 of them at Academy for a little over $600 each around Christmas while they were discontinuing them. They are the same action as the 110 Precision in a little different chassis. I've seen a lot of them listed recently on Gunbroker since they were discontinued.
I can also recommend looking for a discontinued Bergara BMP. I think they can be found on Gunbroker around your price point and mine is a fabulous shooting rifle. Good luck with your search.

I second the Howa / Oryx option, but after adding a worthy scope & bipod you're still looking at $2K.

Mine is .223 REM:

Would love something like that in 6BR. I've got a nice 16'' 6BR Encore handgun with a bipod with a 1" diameter barrel at the muzzle but I hate breaking my rest and set up after every shot.

My mind keeps going back to " less recoil than a 243"... I got nothing else to add...

Grumpy_old_Fart said:

My mind keeps going back to " less recoil than a 243"... I got nothing else to add...

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If a guy is reloading, there exists an entire class of BEAUTIFUL little cartridges which are smaller than 243win. BR, PPC, x39, and 223 based cartridges in 6mm’s and quarter bores, or 22 cals… cartridges running 90-110grn, or 130 class bullets, over 25-32grn of powder, cruising out there around 2700-3000fps… 25-45 sharps, 6 ARC, 6.5 Grendel, 6 BR and Dasher, 6-45, 6-204… personally, I’ve found this class of cartridges to be ideally suited for whitetail deer hunting, as well as open field coyote calling.