Newbe needing some help

[roninflag]

diesel- you do not say if you reload. for coyotes, ground hogs and targets - a savage lrpv in 22-250.

[Diesel40]

Originally Posted by Nimrodmar10

Why pick a whitetail deer caliber when you can't deer hunt with it in southern Illinois. There are lots of better choices than the 308. If you're going to shoot varmints, pick a .223, 22-250 or 243. If you're going to shoot long range, pick a 7 Mag, 300 Mag, or 338. If you want to do both, buy a 260, 6.5 creed more, 6.5-284 or 7 Dakota. Do some more research. There are a lot of better calibers out there.

I already have a 243 for coyotes. Also, I have done a ton of research for over a year and for my first target/tactical rifle I have decided on 308. I know there are better calibers out there for reaching out to 1000 yards or beyond, but I feel for me that the 308 will be a good caliber to start with and learn on. I will purchase a different caliber on my next rifle.

Out of the calibers you recommend you are recommending, what do you prefer and why?

[Diesel40]

Originally Posted by roninflag

diesel- you do not say if you reload. for coyotes, ground hogs and targets - a savage lrpv in 22-250.

I do reload. I have a 243 right now that i use for coyotes. A 22-250 is on my list of guns to purchase.

[Nimrodmar10]

Originally Posted by Diesel40

Out of the calibers you recommend you are recommending, what do you prefer and why?

If you're concentrating on the tactical end of the equation, and you already have a 243, your choice of a 308 would be a good one. Plenty of tactical rifles out there in that caliber. Probably more then any other caliber. A good factory rifle, with the Federal Gold Medal Match factory bullets will shoot one hole groups at 100 yards.

Of the ones I reccomended, I'd pick the 260 Remington. Same case as the 308, just necked down. But the ballistics of the .264 bullets are much better than the .308. take a look at them. Most of the Class F (1000 yds.) shooters I know have gone to the 260 Rem. for 1000 yard competition after getting tired of replacing burnt out 6.5-284 barrels. Shooting the Berger 140 grain VLD or the Sierra 142 grain Match King, they have been winning a majority of the matches. Low recoil, great ballistics and great bullets available.

Hope this helps.

[roninflag]

Diesel- i compete in f-class (target) 500 to 1000 yards. 60 shots. i use a 6.5-284 . i have used a 300 wm too and a 7 rm mag. i have not shot a 308 . i have shot against them. i have shot over 250 coyotes (hunting). some at long range . 496 yards. their target area is similar to a 12 ounce water bottle. i understand the term target/hunting. i do not understand the term target/tactical. i know what Chris Kyle ( tactical) used to set his record . it was not a 308. it was a 19 pound 300 wm, schn ieder barrel , mcmillian stock with a 12-42 nightforce scope. if you have target in the term,,..... you are at a great advantage with more weight and a custom barrel like krieger, hart , no matter what caliber you chose.