help deciding on a new long range "tack driver"

[Clark]

BunnMan
help deciding on a new long range "tack driver"
I've been thinking I need another new rifle. I want a bolt gun I can build some tight grouping loads for. I love the browning A and X bolts. I was thinking maybe getting another .308, I have a Winchester model 100 semi but no bolt in that caliber. I dig the 308 because of the extreme versatility, variety of proven loads, and moderate powder volume so I can afford to play alot. But then again I keep getting drawn to the more exotic stuff like .338 Lapua. It would be more of a thumper and more expensive to build for but I like the energy and range, though I really don't have much opportunity to shoot long. It would also be simply rude on whitetail deer which is the only local target I have for game with any size. Browning doesn't chamber in .338 as far as I can find so far either. I want at least .30 cal. Any help on a platform and caliber? What's working for you?

I have a Leica 1600CRF rangefinder. I use Harris "S" or Atlas bipod. I have a Dog-gone-good rear bag hanging on my sling. I have a us peacekeeper shooting mat, I use Quick target to make a chart of range vs elevation adjustment and range vs windage adjustment. I have a Kestrel wind meter. I use boat tailed hunting bullets. I use temperature stable gun powder. I have 13 scopes with turrets syndrome. I have a Precision Matthews 1236 lathe. I have a Rockwell 21-100 mill. I have a Lincoln precision TIG 185. I have reamers in 223, 243, 6mmBR, 257RAI, 7mmRM, 308, 300WM, and 338WM.

Some of the rifles I have barreled for myself can shoot long range.
(1) 223
(2) 6mmBR
(3) 243
(1) 25/35
(1) 257RAI
(1) 260
(1) 270
(1) 7x57
(3) 7mmRM
(1) 30-30
(6) 308
(1) 300WM
(2) 7.62x54R

I arrive days ahead of hunting season for scouting and practicing at long range. I just bought a book, "The wind book for rifle shooters".

I feel like the guy with great clubs, but is still lousy at golf.
I can only shoot at deer in no wind at 500 yards and have a high probability of a clean kill. I can only shoot in 13 mph wind at 400 yards and have a high probability of a clean kill.

Being so unskilled and untalented, I need all the help I can get. For a rifle that I can carry some distance, I feel that the 7mmRemMag is my best chance. Some other guy may hit things at a mile with a 45/70, 308, or 338LM, but I need more of an advantage to stretch my range in 2012 to 600 yards.

 

[11b20]

CZ 550 6.5x55 You will all thank me later.

 

[vernosr1]

I read and researched quite a lot and got convinced I had to spen 3-5000 bucks...just for a rifle....no glass....then my nephew who won a shooting scholarship at NC State gave me his Remington 700 for a weekend...no accurizing...just an out of the box...with a new stock, Leupold glass...etc....I fell in love and bought a 700 SPS Varmint...in 308, steel (not stainless) heavy barrel from Bass pro for 545 bucks....less than 1 MOA group I am now consistently getting at 100 yards..I think the gun is still better than I....You decide...I'm happy...and building on the foundation....adding a bi-pod and new stock now.....