Best choice for starting out

nwcook · #1 12-26-2005, 10:00 PM

Have been doing varmint/target shooting for many years. Currently own two Howa Varmint supreme's in .223. Want to get started in some long range bench as well as deer, antelope and elk out west. Looking for input on the best rifle for price in .308. I read many articles about CZ, Howa, Ruger to name a few that fall in the under $600 category for heavy barrel versions. Looking for personal input based on real ownership and shooting results. Thanks.
Wayne

Derek M. · #2 12-26-2005, 10:07 PM

I can only comment on the Ruger. Owned and shot several. Bought them b/c I could afford them. Never happy with overall accuracy until I began reloading. Then I was able to achieve acceptable hunting groups for mid range: 1" at 100.

Long story short, bbl was ruined in flood, got a new Hart bbl put on, action trued, glass bed, float bbl. Now this Ruger/Hart combo will punch several different bullets less than 1/2" with several different powders.

I've owned a Ruger 308 which defied any reputation of Ruger's inaccuracy problems. Shot as good or better than an out of the box Savage.

My current Hart bbl Ruger is a 270 and out of my 9 custom rifles it goes to a lot of places b/c it's so accurate.

bailey1474 · #3 12-26-2005, 10:20 PM

Did you forget about Savage?

coupalr · #4 12-27-2005, 08:36 AM

Best bang for your buck is a Savage 10 FL2B.(I think that is the right letters, maybe not)But it is the heavy barrelled 308 model with the McMillan stock.

screech · #5 12-27-2005, 03:07 PM

I've personally Only dealt with one ruger and It shoots awesome factory It was chambered in a 243. If you do your part it will shoot .25 in groups. Savage is also a good shooting rifle along with remington. Or at least I've never had a problem with these rifles.

Have a nice day

nwcook · #6 12-28-2005, 08:47 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Did you forget about Savage?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes I did and thanks for the reminder. I'll check them too.

BountyHunter · #7 12-28-2005, 08:53 AM

for out of the box, the savages are head and shoulders above the Ruger. Bedding and trigger are biggest points.

Now rugers can be made to shoot, but not without lot of work and luck in getting a decent barrel while all savages will shoot!

Lot of aftermarket items for savages versus none for ruger.

Go with the Savage LE model or the BVSS.

BH