Ruger Precision Rifle for Intermediate Range

[Olympus]

I just ordered a Howa 1500 with the HS Precision stock in 6.5CM for my new hunting rifle. It hasn't even came in yet and I'm already thinking I want a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5CM also. The problem is I have zero experience with long range shooting. I also don't live in an area where there are any long ranges to shoot and learn. The closest range that goes out to 800 yards is a little over 4 hours away. The farthest that I could reasonably shoot would be 400 to 500 yards. Is it kind of dumb to buy an RPR when I can't really stretch the legs out and use it to the full potential?

 

[troy fairweather]

Just shoot the howa, I don't think the rpr offers anything over the howa.

 

[Varminterror]

If you’re so inclined and have money burning a hole in your wallet, then a Ruger Precision Rifle in 223rem would be a fine solution for a 400-500 yard problem. Or better still, the RPR Rimfire in 22LR - get a LOT of practice reading wind when shooting a 22LR to 400yrds.

 

[LoonWulf]

Full disclosure, pretty much all my gun purchases could be described as kinda dumb.....

I think VTs suggestion of the .22 or .223 if you want a "real" rpr is an excellent one, and troys suggestion of just shooting the howa is the sensible one.....

buuuut, If it were me and i really WANTED to try an RPR, Id go with the 6 or 6.5 CM. I dont really think you need range to enjoy, or find out if you enjoy, a rifle like the RPR.

 

[rayatphonix]

I just got a chassis rifle a couple of weeks ago. So far I’ve shot it to 300 yards and will take it out to 400 yards this afternoon. The chassis is a different setup, and I am enjoying it way more than I expected. Why not buy a chassis stock for your Howa and see how you like it? Brownells usually has them to fit your rifle. Then you have both styles without the cost of 2 rifles.

 

[jmr40]

I like the 6.5 CM as a dual purpose hunting/target shooting round and the Howa will fill that role. But out to 500- 600 yards 223 does just as well for punching paper and is a lot cheaper to shoot.

If you haven't gone long with a 22LR you should try it. I haven't shot past 250 yards yet, but with the right gear and a little practice it is both fun and challenging. And can be done at most ranges. 300 with a 22 is way out there.

I started a thread about my most recent range trip a few days ago.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/fun-at-the-range.870266/

 

[Olympus]

If you’re so inclined and have money burning a hole in your wallet, then a Ruger Precision Rifle in 223rem would be a fine solution for a 400-500 yard problem. Or better still, the RPR Rimfire in 22LR - get a LOT of practice reading wind when shooting a 22LR to 400yrds.

I haven't been able to find a RPR in 223. They don't show that caliber on the Ruger website. Maybe it's been discontinued?

 

[Olympus]

I just got a chassis rifle a couple of weeks ago. So far I’ve shot it to 300 yards and will take it out to 400 yards this afternoon. The chassis is a different setup, and I am enjoying it way more than I expected. Why not buy a chassis stock for your Howa and see how you like it? Brownells usually has them to fit your rifle. Then you have both styles without the cost of 2 rifles.

I don't want to swap a barreled action back and forth between two stocks.

 

[WisBorn]

I had a Savage model 12 in 300WSM my closes range went out to 300 yards. It was great fun shooting groups at 300 yards most guys would be proud of at 100 yards.

If you want a long range rig go for it and have fun. 6.5 creedmoor would be great. I had a hunting rifle in 300WSM at the same time as the model 12.

Safe shooting

 

[horsemen61]

I agree with the above and I would get a .223

 

[Varminterror]

I haven't been able to find a RPR in 223. They don't show that caliber on the Ruger website. Maybe it's been discontinued?

It must be discontinued - odd for sure. I recall hearing rumors of that last year, but had forgotten.

Guess you’d better just grab a 22LR version and some Burris XTR rings and start plinking at 400.

 

[Olympus]

I agree with the above and I would get a .223

These are no longer offered. None for sale on GB either.

 

[Chuck R.]

These are no longer offered. None for sale on GB either.

Here's one, but it's going to cost:

https://www.guns.com/firearms/rifle...AvantLink&utm_campaign=35987&utm_medium=df_NA

When they were 1st discontinued I saw them at under $1K, but they seemed to have dried up.

 

[Varminterror]

^ that’s an insane price for the 223 RPR.

A 6.5 creed is not “bad” for 400-500 yard shooting, but it’s much like driving 55mph on the interstate - it’s simply being under utilized. You’re burning ~30% more powder and tolerating about twice the recoil of a 223rem, which is really in its sweet spot at 400-500yrds plinking.

Lots of other pretty girls to dance with, in lieu of the 223 RPR. The 6.5 creed RPR is an option, or something like a CZ 527 MTR in 6.5 Grendel would be something which really piques my interest for the task.

 

[Olympus]

I’m not opposed to a 223 either, I just see a lot of dedicated target rifles in 223. Everything seems to have moved to the 6 and 6.5CM.

 

[Varminterror]

I’d also challenge, that 223 rem rifles have built most target shooters who have found any successes with the 6 or 6.5 creed. It’s cheap and features a “zoomed in” trajectory management feel, so it’s a hugely valuable training tool.

 

[Bartojc]

I’d also challenge, that 223 rem rifles have built most target shooters who have found any successes with the 6 or 6.5 creed. It’s cheap and features a “zoomed in” trajectory management feel, so it’s a hugely valuable training tool.

Exactly the reasons I want a good .223 bolt rifle. I have a fried that has two 6.5's, one in an AR and one RPR. We discuss this all the time and he can't see a reason for a .223. For me better practice, and cheaper all around to shoot, plus I have no where to shoot over 500 yards anyhow. He doesn't either. To each their own.

-Jeff

 

[Ks5shooter]

Got a RPR in .243 before they stopped making them. I love it in .243.