Next rifle - Something for LR

[Scrumbag]

Well folks, I have been doing some more Long Range shooting and I have been bitten by the bug. Having only shot up to 300m before, I found a LR club and I'm hooked!

So, I have a question:

I'm thinking of getting a L-R rig. My question is which rifle?

I'm mainly a hunter so what I'd like is a suitable rifle for hunting that also will be able to turn in a "respectable" performance pushing 300-1000m

So, after having read around the subject some, I'd like some advice on chambering and rifle.

My current thoughts are to fit in with my current stable:

.22lr
.223 CZ527
7x64 Brenneke - Voere, M98 clone
9.3x62 Mauser (express sighted, mainly boar in the thick stuff rifle) - FN Commercial

Proposed rifle:

M98 type action, long barrel
300WM or 338WM (I don't reload, yet, and these have a lot of factory options)

Thinking the Winchester Model 70 Alaskan (25" Barrel, Stainless, laminate stock so nice and stable).

But, that is just my initial thoughts - I'd be very willing to heed better advice from those in the know.

SO,

.300 or .338WM or something else (7mm Rem Mag springs to mind but not sure enough different from the 7x64)
Make of rifle and or modifications that wold make.

Folks, I thank you in advance for your wisdom.

KR,

Scrummy

(PS, think am sorted for optic but suggestions are welcome too!)

 

[P.B.Walsh]

From your options, I like the .300WM, it is just a solid chambering that has a plethora of information on it. I know the 6.5s and 7s are the newest and are probably better calibers, but I just prefer a .30 caliber rifle. Whatever you do, you do need to start reloading to maximize your rifle's performance.

The new Winchester 70 rifles are a fine piece of machinery, I'll be buying my second this coming summer. The laminate will suffice, but the barrel could probably be upgraded to a heavier contour.

As far as scopes go, the SWFA SS line is highly reviewed, I am actually trying to sell mine (3-9x42... hint hint).

 

[TheHappyGunner]

Ok, well, I have no experience with any of these cartridges, but I think 300 WinMag must use .308 diameter bullets (please someone correct me if I'm wrong), and I know .308 bullets are available in a very wide range of weights/types so you'll have a lot of options if/when you start handloading. Like I said, I voted 300 WinMag just on projected options for custom loads.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Yes the .300WM can use anything your .308/30-06 can use, but with greater velocities and also lets you reload heavier bullets with the same velocity of a lighter one, but with less pressure.

Use from 110 grain piss loads to 240+ grain monster mashers!

 

[Centurian22]

Unless you plan to go beyond 1000m, or do serious work at 1000m, I don't see any reason not to work with a .308 my preference being Savage rifles. Much less expensive ammo, which means more practice for the money. Less recoil, still a respectable range of bullet weights and velocities though less flexible as you get to 1000m where most likely a 175-180gr will be your best option.

If you absolutely need to push that envelope then I would say the .300wm.

 

[Onewolf]

A 6.5 caliber. 260 rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5x55, 6.5x284 will all get out to 1100-1200+ yards and are MUCH more pleasant to shoot 50-60 rounds in an afternoon than those big old magnums.

 

[HexHead]

When asked in an interview what he thought about the trend towards long range shooting and hunting, Ed Weatherby said "Use a .300 Weatherby Magnum".

 

[Robbins290]

Because you don't reload. I would suggest 300 win mag. Seems to be the most offering in different styles for loads. Have not seen much for ammo for the 338 or 7mm, nothin long range anyways. If you decide to reload later on, I would go with 308. It's cheaper per round and I can get good groups at 800-1000 yards with a Remington 700 bdl. (No added parts besides a chaote stock).

 

[strambo]

I made the mistake of getting a 300WM for LR use (as a LR entry/beginner rifle). I hardly ever shoot it, should have gotten a .308 instead...and I feel that way as a handloader.

I'd suggest a .308 or .30-06. Both are easily good to 1000, great for hunting, and you won't feel like you are wasting $ and powder at 3-400yds with them.

If you really get into LR shooting with one of the above, down the road you will know exactly what you want if you want to add something to reach out further.

 

[Scrumbag]

Thanks for the advice Strambo.

I'm not unfamiliar with rifle shooting and my 7x64 does a lot of what I need but I was wondering about specific L-R tool.

I suppose the .308 would be cheaper to learn on. I'm just weary of changing up later and taking the hit on the rifle. Going to try and get the right optic first and that is easier to buy right first time (and as they say, put your money in your glass).

Keep the ideas coming folks!

ATB,

Scrummy

 

[Centurian22]

It's not "taking a hit" it's "an investment in your skill development". As long as you don't pour buckets of money into mods/upgrades that you won't get your money back on it should be no problem to recoup 50-75% of your investment in the .308 IF you choose to trade up to something bigger. Personally I wouldn't make the trade but would keep the .308 for less expensive training, work inside of 600yards, make it a designated hunting rig, use it for teaching other shooters (young adults or friends). In my mind the .308 is just entirely too universally useful to be concerned with trying to get back $250-$400 from a $350-600 rifle. And this comes from someone on a tight budget. I'm just getting some reloads tuned for my savage axis in .308 that cost me $329 with scope from cabelas. My best group thus far is .8" at 100yards. I'm interested to see how it does as I stretch to 200 and 300yards or maybe more. There's just no place I have yet to get any further than that up in Maine.

 

[jason41987]

if i had to choose any magnum cartridge id go with 300WM just because its availability, and relatively low cost of reloading components and wide selection of bullets.. for a non magnum cartridge id probably go 8mm mauser.. but if someone said .30-06 i wouldnt disagree with that either, tons more bullets available for anything in a 30

 

[B!ngo]

If you don't want to take a hit on the sale of a rifle, take the opportunity to make use of someone else taking a hit on one. That is, buy a used/pre-owned rifle. It will already have depreciated to the point that, if you choose to sell it (perish the thought) you won't come up short. Most rifles take a bit of a hit after being purchased new but, as long as they are reasonably current, level off after that. As long as you take good care of the finish, keep it clean and don't shoot it out, you'll get virtually all of your money out of it.
I always try to buy 'used' when buying firearms. Preferably 'nearly new'. As a left-hander that's not always possible but its where I turn first.
B

 

[primalmu]

I just don't see a how a .308 could be a bad decision. It will easily reach out to 1000 yards, and will be much more cost effective to shoot (whether reloading or buying commercial ammo). If I were dead set against a .308 for some reason I'd look at the 6.5 Creedmoor. It is capable of duplicating the 300 WM trajectory all the while reducing recoil (meaning easier to learn to shoot well).

 

[cactus02]

Checking the Sierra manual a 7x64 should launch a 175 spitzer bt at 2600 and a 300 win mag a sierra 190 mk at 3000 fps. Residual at 1000 yds is1451 fps and 818 fp energy for the 7mm. Residual for the 300mag is 1550 fps and 1025 foot lbs. The bullets for the 7mm stabilize out to 1500 yards and the 300 mag out to 1200 yards. You may already have what you want in tour gun safe. Checking the Sierra manual a 7x64 should launch a 175 spitzer bt at 2600 and a 300 win mag a sierra 190 mk at 3000 fps. Residual at 1000 yds is1451 fps and 818 fp energy for the 7mm. Residual for the 300mag is 1550 fps and 1025 foot lbs. The bullets for the 7mm stabilize out to 1500 yards and the 300 mag out to 1200 yards. You may already have what you want in tour gun safe. If the 7x64 shoots into an inch at 100 yards and you hand load for it you have what you need.Checking the Sierra manual a 7x64 should launch a 175 spitzer bt at 2600 and a 300 win mag a sierra 190 mk at 3000 fps. Residual at 1000 yds is1451 fps and 818 fp energy for the 7mm. Residual for the 300mag is 1550 fps and 1025 foot lbs. The bullets for the 7mm stabilize out to 1500 yards and the 300 mag out to 1200 yards. You may already have what you want in tour gun safe. YMMV Just my 2 cents.

 

[coolluke01]

I bought a Rem 700P this last year in .308. I've been shooting 4-5" groups at 500 and have taken a few pokes out to 1000 yards with a 10X scope. Now that I have a better scope 6-24, I'll be trying 1000 again.

It's really easy to get hooked!

Reloading is a must! Check out snipers hide under the reloading section. There is a sticky there on reloading for long range.

 

[HexHead]

I'd probably go with 7mm-08 or 7 Mag. 7-08 is flatter shooting than .308 and 7 Mag will reach out further. 7mm bullets have better BC than .308 bullets.

 

[holdover]

start with what you have and see what your 7mm will do. If I were you I would get into handloading right now if you are serious with LR, you will have more options. You seem to want your hunting rifle to also be your LR rifle, this may be doable to some extent, but if you want to shoot great groups at 1K you might have to change your equipment. If you look at what the winners at distance are shooting you might be hard pressed to find a sporter weight barrel. My LR rifles are not sporter weight, I have two model 700s in 308 varmint weight barrel, both are great rifles that shoot less than MOA. A bit of wind changes many things at LR, been thinking of doing one of the following, a 300WM, a 338 Lapua or a 338 Edge. Here are my reasons for each, the USMC is using the 300WM out to 1500 yds, the 338 Edge case dia will work good in a Rem M700 build, and the 338 speaks for itself. best of luck LR is a hoot

 

[Centurian22]

Something that may help you narrow your search is the you tube channel tiborasaurusrex specifically the "Sniper 101" series. I you're serious about LR, take the time to watch the vids starting at the beginning. The vids are 20-40min long and there are now somewhere around 80 of them I think. The first 8-10 will cover what will help you choose your rifle and caliber efficiently. Hope it helps. Another favorite is the 8541tactical channel with "Mail Call Mondays" series.

 

[Water-Man]

6.5x284 in a Savage or, if you've got the money, a Cooper.

Good to about 1400yds.

 

[Uncle Mike]

You have to do a lot of work to get a 308 to 1000y consistently. I don't care, done it for quite a few years, and brother the 308 just is grunting to get out there if anything is working aginst it!

The 6.5-284 is nice and will make 1000y easy on youb ut you'll swap a barrel or two.
The 6.5 Creedmore is a good 600y round, and under certain conditions will do 1000y with little appreciable trouble.
I would go with the 300 Winchester mag. to do both your long ranger stuff and hunting duties, there is a plethora of data, excellent factory loaded ammo, and projectiles for the .30 cal, and the larger fuel tank of the 300 win.mag. will allow you to get there easier, and when you start reloading, you can always turn the 300 down. You cant turn the 308, 30-06 up.

 

[LeonCarr]

Another vote for the 6.5-284.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[B!ngo]

So I voted 'something else' because I am drooling heavily lately for a Desert Tactical bull pup style LR rifle chambered in 338 Lapua. Just a magnificent piece of kit that, with the bull pup configuration makes it just a bit more portable (and very very cool IMHO).
Bull pups are supposed to have cruddy triggers (I'll know more when my left-handed Tavor arrives) but the DT rifles are supposed to be most excellent.
Anyway, sorry to impose my personal preference on you but since it's so pricey, I'll have to live vicariously through some other owner/buyer.
GL,
B

 

[mnhntr]

You do not need a big magnum to shoot 1k yds. Go .308 or 6.5CM if you do not reload and .260 if you do reload.

 

[dubbleA]

If I were in your shoes I would probably opt for 308 Win heavy contour barrel in a Rem or a Savage. I would then work up a load using Sierra 155 SMKs and shoot the crap out of it, enough to learn it's trajectory inside and out at all ranges, learn the wind at the same time. Shoot enough till the barrel is toast like 3000rds+. The 308 is easy to load for, brass is plentiful as are bullets. Muzzle brakes and suppressors are your friends, they will let you enjoy extended shooting sessions with out getting beat up.

When this is done re-barrel to 6.5x47, 260 Rem, 6.5CM. At this point you will have learned a lot and have save some money. Believe it or not the 6.5's are not the end all magical cartridges........experience and wind calls still make you or break you regardless of what you are shooting.