good "starter" long range target rifle

[mainecoon]

I'm interested to get into long-range shooting at distances that require calculating windage, etc, out to 1000 yards. Don't want to break the bank but was wondering what would be a good "starter" rifle for this distance. For $800 or less, what rifle would be a good choice?

 

[mberoose]

Maybe a used Tikka? I dunno...just a guess. Please don't berate me, THR.

 

[Ditchtiger]

Starter would a Mosin to get used to range estimating.
What is the price estimate?

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

Savages are gonna be hard to beat straight out of the box

 

[browningguy]

I agree on the Savage, I started with a 12 FV in .243, and when I finally figured I was able to shoot as good as the gun I started upgrading bits. It now has a SSS LVT stock and a Lothar Walther stainless barrel. What I really liked is that they are so simple to work on even a mechanically inept person like me can change barrels themselves.

 

[gennro]

Yeah, go with Savage

 

[Naybor]

I had a bunch of fun with a NEF .223 with a bull barrel. I know, I know ~ not a good long range rifle, but I got to where I could bust a ground hog (woodchuck) at 4 or 5 hundred yards. It was really hard and took a lot of concentration to hit something at even that distance. What I'm trying to say is you can learn a lot of the basics from even a .22. My experience is when you do go to an actual "long distance" rifle it will seem so much easier to you cause you already have learned the basics on a cheaper rifle with cheaper ammo.

Reality is the bigger the projectile, the better for wind resistance, temperature, and other concerns.

There is a lot of rifles that you can learn with, just make sure you get one with a good trigger.

 

[TonyAngel]

If distance shooting is all together new to you and you want to learn to read the wind and its effects on bullet trajectory, the cheapest way to do it is to get yourself a good accurate .22 rifle and about 200 yards of range to play with.

The main reason that I recommend a .22 is ammunition cost. Even if you go with .308, the ammunition will cost you about $1 a round for quality target ammunition and maybe half that if you load your own. That's a pretty high price to pay to learn the basics of distance shooting.

Most of my distance shooting has been limited to about 600 yards, but I've found that the real challenge is trying to consistently hit a 2 MOA target at 200 yards with a .22. A .22 will start to show the effects of environmental conditions at distances of as little as 25 yards.

If you just have your heart set on jumping in with both feet, I'd recommend a .308. You'll get a long barrel life, good brass life and a wide range of bullets and powders to choose from.

For the rifle, I'd suggest either a Remington 700 or a Savage bolt action. Either will serve as a good base for upgrades as your skills increase.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

I picked up a Rem 700 SPS-Varmint in .308 Win a while ago. It was a sub-1 MOA shooter out of the box with Federal Gold Medal Match and one of my 3-9x40 Zeiss Conquest hunting scopes. So far, I have replaced the factory stock with a Bell & Carlsom Medalist A5 that I glass bedded. It is a 0.25-0.75 MOA shooter now with recent results using my hand loads staying nearer to the 0.25-0.5 MOA. I'm still working on optimal loads for it and will be getting a different optic for longer ranges beyond 300 yards.

I also have a Savage 116 with accutrigger and accustock in .30-06 that routinely delivers 0.5 MOA or better with my match hand loads (WW brass, CCI BR2 primers, 47.0gr of IMR 4895 and a 168gr Sierra MatchKing bullet. It's a sub-1 MOA shooter with my 168gr Barnes TTSX hunting bullets out to 300 yards.

I would recommend either brand, but for long-range target work, I'd consider the Savage 12 Long Range Precision in either .308 if you don't reload or .260 Rem if you do.

FH

 

[meanmrmustard]

Under $800, Savage. Leaves enough for glass.
6.5mm of some design if possible.

 

[BCRider]

It's not about the caliber. It's about the principles. As already wisely mentioned you can learn a lot about long range shooting on a 200 to 300 yard range simply by shooting .22LR. Lessons that will easily put you in a good position if/when you do decide to go for a longer distance sort of round.

The question quickly becomes one of machismo. A lot of folks feel that a .22LR gun is somehow less worthy. But if you're not one that panders to this idea you WILL learn a lot more a lot more quickly by shooting a nice .22 and dealing with the environment at moderate distances. Even if it is simply because you get to shoot at a lot more opportunities and without needing to travel to far corners of the area to find a good long distance range.

 

[MrDig]

Are you looking for Brand or Caliber information?
Brand like others have said Savage, my second Choice would be a Savage and so would my third.
As far as Caliber I can't make a recommendation I'm a .243, 30.06 guy and I'm not certain either would be consistent at 1000 yards, but of the two 30.06 would be a better choice. My information is only anecdotal, back in WWI the 30.06 took some long accurate shots with iron sights. I am still a 200 to 300 yard shooter so I can't confirm the ranges on the 30.06.

 

[7.62x51NATO]

Savage .260 or .308.

 

[Robtattoo]

I would hazard a guess that just about any 'brand' .308 or .03-06 would get you going. Ruger, Remington, Savage...... all of them will shoot to 1000yds. If your budget is around $800, I would suggest you spend around $300 on the rifle, the rest on the scope. You can always upgrade the rifle, after all, an action is an action. Re-barreling, new stocks etc can come later.
A good scope on a cheap rifle will get you on target. A cheap scope on the finest rifle made will leave you frustrated. There is a lot more of difference in shooting 300yds & shooting 600+ than the space in between.

 

[Naybor]

No, it was the rifle I was talking about. I know the .223 round is up to it. Most people don't consider a single shot NEF a long range rifle, but this one was the exception.

I have a Marlin .22 and .22 Magnum that are also good at 100 and 200 yards. I've taken a 'yote at 200 yards with the .22 magnum, with a heart shot.

As mentioned, one of the secrets of "long range" shooting is a good scope. Usually more important than the rifle (any rifle).

I was lucky enough to get a NEF with a good trigger ~ just right.

 

[kcshooter]

Savage, Tikka, or Remington 700, in that order, in 260rem, 308win, or even a 300wssm would be my choice.

 

[Maverick223]

I would look for a Savage Model 12 in 6.5mmCM or .260Rem. and invest in good optics (buy good quality glass at lower/fixed magnification if necessary).

 

[unwise11]

Remington 700 SPS Varmint or Tactical, .308.