A few questions

z71aggie · #1 02-05-2010, 05:16 PM

I am wanting to get into long range shooting and hunting but have some questions.

I'm not looking to shoot competitions or hunt at 1000 yards, mainly I just want to be able to shoot targets and maybe take a deer at long but not extreme range. I am a beginniner so I'm not going to try anything close to 1000.

I dont have the knowledge or money to buy a full custom rifle and I don't reload yet. With that said I am looking at the calibers of .308, .300 wsm, .300 wm, and .300 rum in savage and remington rifles.

Since I don't reload and will be buying a factory rifle what performance is attainable in long range shooting?

Any comments or tips regarding caliber or gun choices or any other tips is appreciated.

Thanks, Dustin

winmagman · #2 02-05-2010, 06:06 PM

Dustin,

Hands down......get the .308

There is a boatload of factory ammo out there and even the match stuff is no more expensive than the WM, WSM, and RUM. This will allow more practice for the buck.

It will cleanly take deer size game to 500-600 yds with proper bullet choice.

Recoil is marginally to drastically less than the other choices listed enabling you to practice more.

As far as rifles go, I prefer the Savages because you can upgrade yourself at a later date, but any of the big three would do just fine.

Chris

trebark · #3 02-05-2010, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmagman

Dustin,

Hands down......get the .308

There is a boatload of factory ammo out there and even the match stuff is no more expensive than the WM, WSM, and RUM. This will allow more practice for the buck.

It will cleanly take deer size game to 500-600 yds with proper bullet choice.

Recoil is marginally to drastically less than the other choices listed enabling you to practice more.

As far as rifles go, I prefer the Savages because you can upgrade yourself at a later date, but any of the big three would do just fine.

Chris

+1....

roninflag · #4 02-05-2010, 09:23 PM

the .308 in a heavy barrel remington, tikka, or savage

Chas1 · #5 02-05-2010, 09:36 PM

Minmagman is right on point. The 308 is a great all around cartridge, light on the recoil, readily available ammo by many manufacturers, good selection of rifles by a number of manufacturers. If you ever do plan on reloading which if you hang around long enough the bug will eventually bite you...the 308 is economical, easy to reload and many bullet selections to reload for. I've heard some good reviews on the Remington model 700 SPS and Varmint version...both available in 308 and should probaly be able to pick one up for less than $600. Savage is also another good choice. Although you mentioned that your not going to shoot competition I thought I'd mention it anyways, many folks who shoot competitively shoot 308. Enjoy.

z71aggie · #6 02-05-2010, 10:15 PM

Thanks for the help. I think I will look at getting a .308

Also as far as twist rates go. Savage offers a 12" and a 10" twist rate while Remington has a 10", 12" and 14". If I was to shoot a 150-170 grain load, which would be the best twist rate.

I do know if I put as much time into studying for school here at Texas A&M as I have into trying to decide which gun I want, I would be doing pretty good in class lol.

trebark · #7 02-05-2010, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z71aggie

Thanks for the help. I think I will look at getting a .308

Also as far as twist rates go. Savage offers a 12" and a 10" twist rate while Remington has a 10", 12" and 14". If I was to shoot a 150-170 grain load, which would be the best twist rate.

I do know if I put as much time into studying for school here at Texas A&M as I have into trying to decide which gun I want, I would be doing pretty good in class lol.

My 308 has 1:12 twist and shoots the 175VLD just great......

My 308 1k Rifle - The Evolution Continues!