What Caliber for a heavy barrel range gun

[ccw007]

In 2006 I want to get a heavy barrel bolt action rifle.
What Caliber would you want for a heavy barrel range gun and why? I am thinking a 223, 22-250, or a 308.
I had a 223 and sold it because I did not have anywhere to shoot it, but that has changed now. When I sold it everyone wanted a 308 or a 22-250. I have wanted a 308 for some time, but several people like the 22-250. What would be your choice? Feel free to offer something else as an option.

 

[Legionnaire]

What distance do you plan to shoot? I like .30 calibers, so I'd go with the .308 out to 800 yards, .300 WinMag out beyond that (even though I've shot my .308 out to 900 with 175gr match ammo). If exclusively inside 200 yards, I might opt for the .223.

 

[ccw007]

Currently 200 yards is it. There is a possibility of 300 yards though.

 

[Langenator]

Wasn't the 6.5 Grendel originally designed for bench shooting?

I don't know if anyone makes bolt guns in 6.5G, and for ammo you mostly have to roll your own, but I hear that for paper punching pinpoint accuracy it's the shizzle.

 

[ccw007]

I have thought about getting a K31 and putting one of these on it http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=1666&s=6109

 

[Q-Lock]

I am also interested in an answer to this. I'd love a .308 but I feel that it might be overkill and a .223 or .22-250 would be better suited for the job.

Quinten

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

If you're concerned about cost, go with the .223. If you want a small bore gun that can do it all, go with the 22-250. If you want a larger bore gun that uses moderate amounts of powder, go with the .308. .223 is not cost effective to reload unless you are loading thousands of rounds. The other to are cost effective because factory loaded ammo is more expensive for them.

 

[thereisnospoon]

If I was making a long range rifle for target/bench shooting it would be a wildcat 6.5-06

 

[Cueball]

I would go with a .223. I have a Savage Model 12FV in .223 and it works out great for me. At the ranges you are talking about it would be a good fit. Also the ammo can be had for cheap.

 

[duckslayer]

25.06 shoots really flat, and would work well at those ranges.

 

[Q-Lock]

what about .243?

Quinten

 

[P0832177]

For paper punching and economy, a 223 is the right answer! Savage produces good gun, BVSS that begs to be shot from the bench. A decent scope, and some hand loads ought to prove just the right combo for fun and amusement. With the 1 - 9 twist barrel you ought to be good to go up 80 gr bullets depending on the barrel of course, I can shoot 80gr out of 700P with 1-9 twist. Varget hand loads ought make you happy!

 

[Steve F]

Another vote for the 25-06

 

[redneck2]

do you handload?? If not, .223 or .308 (or the K-31).

if so, you're prety much wide open

depends on how deep your pockets are and how accurate you wanna be

Even something mid-range (recoil-wise) like a .308 starts to get old after a while. The .223 has almost no recoil

I know you said bolt gun, but another thought is an AR with a fast twist match barrel. No recoil, cheap, extremely accurate out to 600 yards, and all components are widely available

I've got some friends that use the 6.5-06 wildcat for 1,000 yards on prarie dogs, so it's obviously up to the job. Custom barrels, stocks and all handloads though

 

[Thin Black Line]

Any of those cals are fine for <300 yds, but avoid the 223 if you plan
on shooting 300 yds on windy days.

The 243 should be a consideration for handloads if you are recoil (and cost)
sensitive to 308 match. You will also end up with a load that is ballistically
superior to the 223 or 308 and will buck the wind better than the 22-250.

.308 shooters: compare your charts to the 243 before reflexive denial
is activated....

 

[realmswalker]

Consider also a .270 Winchester.

 

[deadly50bmg]

Some of the most accurate calibers:

6mm P.P.C.
6mm B.R. Rem
6.8mm Rem SPC - This is a new round...check out the ballistics! Amazing new round
6.5mmX284 - Awesome long range round excellent out to a mile!

The above calibers, with the proper equipment and skills can produce one hole groups all day long at the distances your talking about. If this is truly just a range gun like you said earlier, then I would suggest one of the above. You do not need a "hunting caliber" for punching holes. Also, stick with a bolt gun as they are much more accurate. You 'can' get a semi-auto to shoot fairly well as stated above, however, be prepared to spend some money in accurizing it.

Here's a good starting out gun.

Try a Rem 700 Stainless with heavy barrel and H-S Precision PSS stock chambered in 6.8 Rem SPC. This is Remingtons 1st prod run on this caliber and it is getting awesome reviews. You can find this gun for around $800.

Mostly get what you personally want...What looks 'cool' to you. And what is very comfortable in your hands.

My couple of pennies!

 

[trueblue1776]

.30-06, a nice heavy bullet for long range, not too pricey generally

 

[ocabj]

6.5x55 or 6mm BR

 

[teCh0010]

6.5x55, .260, or .243