Budget 500 yd Rifle caliber?

[ColoradoShooter77]

As far as ammo cost goes, I can hand-load Nosler 168 grain HPBT's for 40 cents/round.

I shoot about 500 rounds of 308/year.

I have a heavy barrel Remmy 700 SPS, weighs close to 10 lbs with bi-pod and scope. This rifle recoils like a 30-30 and I can shoot a 30 round string, no problem.

 

[2ndtimer]

Here is your solution, provided you are close to a Cabelas:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/shoo..._SEQ_105523380?WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNU
After rebate it is just $319. It is available in .308 Win with a 1 in 10" twist 26" heavy barrel. Also offered in .223 Rem with a 1 in 9" twist 26" heavy barrel. If you still wish to ignore the most recommended chamberings (even though they are the best option for what you say you plan to do, both with available target ammo, economical ammo and barrel life, not to mention proven accuracy) they also are offered in 22-250 which might be my last option to suggest. (barrel life, lack of affordable long range target ammo, others.) My son has one in .308 Win. and it is a tack driver, as is my Savage 10T in .308 Win. But if you want to go for a 22-250, it is still the best option, IMO of available budget rifles for long range duty.

 

[webrx]

I have 223, 243, and 270

the 270 has enough recoil (similar to a 308) that you dont want to put 100s of rounds downrange if you are shooting a hunting weight rifle. 243 has similar ballistics and less recoil to the 270. both of these will easily do 500 yards and with the 270 I can hit 18 x 18 steel at 700 no problem.

the 223 is the fun varmint/range gun, no recoil problem with putting a 100 rounds down range, no problem with popping steel at 300/400/500 but you have to be able to read the wind a bit better with this round than you do with the larger calibers.

My son is actually using the 223 varmint as his learning rifle for shooting at longer ranges, it is relatively inexpensive to shoot, accurate and fun.

It is your money and your call, I dont own a 308 so cant comment on that caliber. I can only say that if you are planning on shooting a lot of rounds in a session, recoil will become a factor. my 270 does not get near the range time of the 243 or 223, and the 223 gets a lot more rounds shot downrange due to cost and recoil.

Dave

 

[badkarmamib]

My only concern is that you already have your heart set on some decent rifles, down the road. How much longer will it take you to save for the nice guns if you are buying something cheap now, and the glass and ammo to go with it, while you are supposed to be saving for what you really want? I would pour my energy into saving for what I truly want, than buying something cheap that won't be so cheap over the long run. Just my opinion, worth exactly what you paid for it...

 

[Pete D.]

. 223

Using a rifle with a twist rate of 1-8" or faster, the .223 Rem will work just fine with heavier bullets. You may have to load your own ammo.

 

[GAF]

Any caliber you are looking for can be had in a Howa 1500 .

My vote goes to .308 or 30 06.

 

[grubbylabs]

Only a couple suggestions for a 6.5 creedmore and no one suggested a .243.

What is your budget? I seem to have missed that along the way.

 

[Rancher5]

I would go with the .308 Winchester and here is why. Any of several medium calibers will easily get you out to 500 yards including those already mentioned. I have a 7mm-08 which I enjoy. I like the .308 Winchester because the caliber is so common and available. The caliber is also lower in cost with a wide range of available bullets. I have 3 rifles chambered in the .308 Winchester to include my M1A, AR-10(T) and a Remington 700 VSSF and the only scoped gun is the Remington 700. Anyone of the three at 500 yards in the prone position is a pleasure to shoot. The 6.5 Creedmoor a spawn of the .30 TC is another good choice but for available brass and bullets I will take the .308 Winchester.

Ron

,I'm in the process of converting TRG 308 into a 6.5-284
Short actions with a bolt face .Dia of .470 +/-
225 Winchester, 22/250 Remingtion, 6mm Norma BR, 243 Win, 250 Savage, 260 Rem,
6.5/284 Norma, 7/08 Rem, 284 win, 300 Savage, 308 Win, 338 Federal, 35 Rem, and
the 358 Winchester.

 

[Scooter22]

Split the difference and get a plain old .243 Win. Very accurate, flat shooting and tons of great, cheap components. Great asst of factory loads also. Makes it easier to shoot instead of searching for components.