First long range rifle

[Sudden Thunder]

Thinking about getting into long range precision type shooting, what rifle to get? My first thought is a Remington 700, been around forever, lots of upgrade 'stuff' available. I would probably go with a .308 caliber, common round, relatively inexpensive, makes LOTS of practice doable. I know there other options, Ruger American, Savage are some that I know of. Looking for opinions for both the gun and scope.

I highly recommend the Remington 700 PSS .308 if you can find one.

 

[P89DCSS]

6.5cm is better than 308 but the price per round is 3x. Plenty of 308 on ammoseek around $1 per round, 6.5cm is running $3 per round. Expensive for a beginner to learn when 5 shot groups are $15.

 

[webrx]

I shoot a BA stealth in 6.5 they run about 1k. I have been very happy with mine and they do make it in .308 and 6.5 not sure about availability of either right now though. Not bashing .308 but also not seeing very many available since 6.0 and 6.5 become the wonder children for distance shooters

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[Varminterror]

6.5cm is better than 308 but the price per round is 3x. Plenty of 308 on ammoseek around $1 per round, 6.5cm is running $3 per round. Expensive for a beginner to learn when 5 shot groups are $15.

The only thing which can be told to make this true is comparing the worst of the 7.62x51 surplus ammo to high grade 6.5 creed factory ammo. Comparing the same quality of ammo, and only considering grades of ammunition worth shooting at long range, there is no difference in price for 6.5 creed and 308win. And alternatively, 6.5 creed is (slightly) cheaper to reload, using less powder and lighter bullets than 308win.

 

[rkittine]

In the military classes the .308 like is Palma is now the most common choices for long range. 6mm, 6.5 and .30 caliber all are dominant on the 1,000 yard benchrest circuit.

Bob

 

[Varminterror]

In the military classes the .308 like is Palma is now the most common choices for long range.

The implication here sounds backwards from reality.

“Military classes” in competition are typically handicapped classes, only existing because the rifles and cartridges cannot compete with purpose designed firearms and cartridges. Yes, Palma competition (loosely F-class) ONLY allows 308win. Yes, PRS Tac Class only allows 308win and 223 - and scores fall dramatically behind open class. Heavy Metal drives 308 gas guns, and split times in 3 Gun are typically distinctly slower than unlimited classes.

The existence of these handicap classes indicate how far behind other options the 308win really falls.

 

[MarshallDodge]

The only thing which can be told to make this true is comparing the worst of the 7.62x51 surplus ammo to high grade 6.5 creed factory ammo. Comparing the same quality of ammo, and only considering grades of ammunition worth shooting at long range, there is no difference in price for 6.5 creed and 308win. And alternatively, 6.5 creed is (slightly) cheaper to reload, using less powder and lighter bullets than 308win.

Thank you for clarifying this.

The only downside to 6.5CM compared to 308 is barrel life, and by the time you factor in ammo costs, it is probably a wash. Especially if you reload.

Everyone that talks about ammo cost must have deeper pockets than me. I reload, and most of the time I shoot a 6BR or 223. They put holes in paper just as well as a 308 does but with less fatigue and cost.

 

[rkittine]

I did specify Military Class and Palma. My Palma Rifle will hold under 4" at 1,000 yards if I do everything right. So not as accurate as my 6.5x47 Lapua, but I did not see what yardages and what type of long range shooting the original poster was looking to do. If not a reloader, lots of match ammo out there for the .308 and if long range hunting, I find .308 to be a staple (when available) at out of the way small gun shops.

On the bench at Wiliamsport



Bob

https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/308win/