The friendly contest between my friend and I...help me win!

[crash32]

So here goes......

We are allowed to spend a maximum of $1000 on the rifle and $1000 on the optic. We will shoot 5 rounds at 100 yards, 200 yards, and then 300 yards. The best of the 3 wins.

I wanted to spend more on the rifle because I really love the CZ 750 Sniper, but retailing at $1,999 it would break our agreement. So far, I think that I am leaning towards the Savage Model 12 Long Range Precision which retails for $1170. I am sure I will be able to get that for under $1,000.

I am a gigantic recoil junkie so I really wanted a minimum of a 300 win mag. I have a Browning Stalker that is chambered in the 300 Rem Ultra Mag and love it. It seems as if most of the "target" or "varmiter" rifles are chambered in the .308. I already have a rifle in the .308 and would like a different caliber. The Savage Model 12 comes in either 6.5 Creedmore, .260, or the .308. I am thinking about going with the .260. Whatcha guys think. Think that will give me enough mass and velocity to accurately carry out to 300 yards?

Also, I thought I would go with either a Nightforce or a Zeiss Scope.... something with around a 30x magnification. I have a Zeiss Conquest on my hunting rifle and love it.

So I guess I am asking you guys for feedback in 3 things.
1) Which rifle for under $1,000?
2) Which caliber?
3) Which optic?

By the way guys.... my friend will probably chime in here which is why you guys need to steer him wrong.... TOTALLY wrong!

 

[jogar80]

I am a gigantic recoil junkie...

I didn't know this existed..... but you need help, lol.

Anyway... would it be cheating to upgrade one of your existing rifles with that money?

 

[crash32]

I think that would be cheating, but even if I could.... there is not a rifle that I would want to upgrade. The bolt action rifle that I have that is the closest thing to a tack driver is my Browning A Bolt Stalker chambered in the 300 Rem Ultra Mag. It actually shoots ridiculous groups at 100 yards and 200 yards, but accuracy at 300 yards is not the best. I am not sure if there is even anything I could do to my Browning that would significantly make it more accurate. Maybe my 14x power Ziess Conquest Scope is too weak for 300 yard shots??

 

[rbernie]

A local shop has a Sako (not a TRG, but a sporter whose model number I cannot recall) in 338 Lapua, going for just over a grand. I betcha that sucker will be solidly sub-MOA to any distance that you need. Just about any chambering will do fine inside of 300 yards (and the 6.5mms will give you the best bullet selection), but if you want recoil the 338 Lapua will certainly give you that.

Other than that, you're going to struggle to get any sort of true LD rifle (TRG, AI) within your budget, and it's likely that a Savage or a converted sporter (e.g. 700 in a chassis) will be your best bet. My Tikka T3s are solidly sub-MOA to any distance that I care to shoot, so I'd probably start with a T3 Varmint.

Are handloads allowed, or factory ammo only?

 

[snakeman]

If you're only shooting to 300 yards, you don't need a big magnum round. However, if that's your preference then I have no argument with that. I would get a stevens 200 in 300 win mag or seven mag, then put these items on it:
an e.r. shaw barrel
choate or bell and carlson precision stock
timney trigger set at your preference (mine is 2.5 lbs.)
As far as optics go, I would probably get one of leupold's higher end scopes with 14x magnification and mil dot reticle.

 

[crash32]

I like the 338 Laupa idea even if it is overkill for 300 yards and less. I love overkill AS LONG as it will do wonderfully at 100 and 200 yards as well.

I feel as if my 14x Zeiss scope is difficult to make sure that the crosshairs is dead center at 300 yards. At that point it becomes very difficult for me to see exactly where my crosshairs is on the center of the target. That is why I was thinking about getting a higher powered scope such as the 25 to 30x range. That way I can tell EXACTLY where my crosshair is at the bullseye at 300 yards.

 

[jmorris]

It would be tempting for me to look for an old benchrest rifle that still has some life in it.

On the other hand I picked up a sub-moa weatherby here cheap (IIRC from someone already posting in this thread) for around $400. Get something like that and decent glass then spend the rest on reloading equipment and components.

 

[stubbicatt]

Get the CZ 550 V in a short, 308 parent based, cartridge. Mine is 308. Has a detachable box magazine, and you can buy 10 rounders for it if you wish. Then get an IOR 2.5-10x FFP, Mil/Mil scope. Mine is more accurate than I can shoot it. Get a good bipod for it. You will still have enough money to buy a set of dies and 100 count Lapua brass.

Shooting 155 grain Scenars, mine cannot miss. A fantastic rifle, really.

Here's a photo of mine.





Good luck!

 

[Robert]

AI in 260 with a Nightforce scope. But that puts you over budget by a bit.

 

[ridgerunner1965]

you mentioned the 260 as one of your choices. you mite look at a old swedish mauser in 6.5x55.with a good bore and drilled and tapped for a good scope with 140 grn bullets. it could do what yu want.them old mausers will make a fool out of yu if yu cant shoot as good as they do.yu wont git much recoil tho but ive shot them side by side with the 30 cal rifles and they drop less and are accurate.say 450$ for a swede and any amount for a scope?

 

[snakeman]

Here's another one for you. How hogue 20" heavy barrel 308.
Leupold VX3 with mildot reticle.
Caldwell swivel and panning bipod.
Spend what you save on ammo and practice, practice, practice.
You'll be able to out shoot him and with a gun that costs almost have as much!

 

[RPRNY]

Ridgerunner is giving you some excellent advice. The 6mm - 7mm range of cartridges is the way to go. A decent Swedish Mauser sporter with a little time free floating the barrel will give you superb accuracy and leave you with plenty of money for a Timney trigger and a very nice piece of glass.

Or, Tika T3 Hunter in 6.5x55: here's one on GB - these are somewhat hard to find

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=318606221

140 gr Berger VLD Match bullets. I like 35.2 grs of Varget, but YMMV....