New To Forum - Need Long Range Rifle Advice

[TORCHRIDER]

Hello everyone, I am Dave from Texas and am new to this forum. I have been shooting, hunting and reloading for about 30 years, but have recently decided to dip my foot into the long range hunting/shooting pool.

I would like to build a decent long range rifle, primarily for targets but also the occasional long range hunt. By long range I mean 600-1000 yards. I am fortunate to have a new range that goes out to 1000 yards within 30 minutes of my home.

As most folks nowadays I am on a pretty tight budget so am hoping to build the rifle on a less expensive platform. I am thinking Savage at this time due to the great things I have heard about it, but not sure. Also thinking about the .300WSM, but again, not sure.

I would love to get your recommendations on action mfg./model, barrel, optics, etc., as well as calibers. Even wildcats are a consideration because I handload.

Thanks in advance for your help. I look forward to learning alot from you guys.

Dave

 

[NomadPilot]

Welcome. Maybe a good start for your reading: Long Range Hunting Rifle On A Budget

 

[TORCHRIDER]

Thanks, I read that post. Lots of good info in there. That is one of the places I read about Savage as a consideration.

However, I am not sure which Savage action to look for as there seem to be a bunch of different models. I dont see any that exactly match what is in that article. Can someone explain which Savage action would be best to start with? Are they all basically the same?

 

[Trickymissfit]

Thanks, I read that post. Lots of good info in there. That is one of the places I read about Savage as a consideration.

However, I am not sure which Savage action to look for as there seem to be a bunch of different models. I dont see any that exactly match what is in that article. Can someone explain which Savage action would be best to start with? Are they all basically the same?

I'd go with the LRPV action as a start. The solid top makes for a much more ridgid action. Make sure you get the one with the Accustock. Secondly, I'd send the gun to Sharp Shooter and have them install the best trigger assembly. Right after that your way ahead of the game. But you could also get the long range hunter and do the samething, but with an even more powerfull cartridge. What caliber interests you the most?
gary

 

[mkg]

Thanks, I read that post. Lots of good info in there. That is one of the places I read about Savage as a consideration.

However, I am not sure which Savage action to look for as there seem to be a bunch of different models. I dont see any that exactly match what is in that article. Can someone explain which Savage action would be best to start with? Are they all basically the same?

The Savage Model 12 would be a good start, the LPV ( Low Profile Varmint ) or as mentioned the LRPV ( Long Range Precision Vartminter ) both are going to be in 12-13 pound range all up ready to shoot.
I shoot a LPV 300WSM that has been transplanted in to a BVSS stock . Very nice gun ,easy on the shoulder due to the weight , easy to reload for , accurate, and long barrel life. The down side is you don't want to have to pack it for very long . The weather warrior series is a lighter version available with on/off break I believe.

Mike

 

[TORCHRIDER]

What caliber interests you the most?
gary

Thanks Mike,

Thanks Gary,

I am leaning towards a 6.5 (Maybe 6.5x284) or one of the .30's (Maybe .300WSM). Anything else I should consider? Recommendations?

 

[trebark]

Welcome to the Forum!

There's lots and lots of discussion about caliber choices on this forum. The start of the conversation is usually - what do you plan to hunt/shoot? In general, 300wsm is a great choice. But you would be undergunned for shooting elk at 1k. For that, you need to consider the ultra-magnums.

One other thing to consider is configuration. Do you want a carry-rifle? or a dedicated long range rig?

I have both...

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-260-mcr-59628/

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-280-updated-32771/

I am also working on a 300RUM that will be very similar to the 260.

 

[mkg]

Here's a couple of others ...

6.5 X 55 swede ( modern action )
7mmWSM

What will you be hunting Whitetail, Elk, Brown Bear ?

I like my 300WSM , heavy high BC bullets , short action and efficient, 7mmWSM bullet of the same weight would have a higher BC but shorter barrel life.

Mike

 

[TORCHRIDER]

Trebark,
WOW.
Not sure I can afford that kind of precision.

Mike,
Honestly 90% of my shooting will be from a bench. the other 10% (wishfully thinking) will be at nothing larger than Elk.

I currently have a Rem. 700 Police in .308 with a SuperSniper 10X and a Tikka T3 Stainless Lite in .270WSM with a Weaver 2-10 Grand Slam. I know that one of those could be used/built into a long range gun, but I want a new toy/caliber to play with. I am sure you understand. lightbulbgun)

 

[trebark]

Trebark,
WOW.
Not sure I can afford that kind of precision.

Those are just examples of things you can do. You can accomplish the same thing less expensively.

My 260 started life as a Rem700 SPS in 308....

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-308-1k-rifle-evolution-continues-43510/

Mike,
Honestly 90% of my shooting will be from a bench. the other 10% (wishfully thinking) will be at nothing larger than Elk.

I currently have a Rem. 700 Police in .308 with a SuperSniper 10X and a Tikka T3 Stainless Lite in .270WSM with a Weaver 2-10 Grand Slam. I know that one of those could be used/built into a long range gun, but I want a new toy/caliber to play with. I am sure you understand. lightbulbgun)

Taking the rifles you already have into consideration, I think you need to build something BIG in the ultra-magnum class like a 338Edge

 

[TORCHRIDER]

Taking the rifles you already have into consideration, I think you need to build something BIG in the ultra-magnum class like a 338Edge

338Edge, huh? What case is that built on? Sounds expensive when you start talking about custom chambers/barrels/dies, etc.

 

[mkg]

Mike,
Honestly 90% of my shooting will be from a bench. the other 10% (wishfully thinking) will be at nothing larger than Elk.

I currently have a Rem. 700 Police in .308 with a SuperSniper 10X and a Tikka T3 Stainless Lite in .270WSM with a Weaver 2-10 Grand Slam. I know that one of those could be used/built into a long range gun, but I want a new toy/caliber to play with. I am sure you understand. lightbulbgun)

Sounds like a 300WSM would be a good fit, it would carry enough energy ( shooting 185gr VLD ) for Elk to 6-700 yards and not kill you doing it.
If you like to tinker Savage is great platform to work on .

Mike

 

[trebark]

338Edge, huh? What case is that built on? Sounds expensive when you start talking about custom chambers/barrels/dies, etc.

338Edge is a 300RUM necked up to 338. Sends the 300grain SMK at 2800+fps. That's a TON of energy waaaaaaaaaay down range.

You're right, a 338 is rather expensive because you need a custom barrel and custom dies. If you want to stay in the 'factory' cartridges, look at the 300RUM. Sends 210grain bullets at 3000+fps.

I think I said it before, that my next build (in the works right now) is a 300RUM.

By building a BIG magnum, your arsenal would be 'complete'...

308...for targets, varmints as far as you can see. Can also be used on deer.

270wsm....great for deer sized game at long range and elk to 500-600 yards (maybe farther??).

BIG magnum.....everything including elk at long range.

 

[TORCHRIDER]

Sounds like a 300WSM would be a good fit, it would carry enough energy ( shooting 185gr VLD ) for Elk to 6-700 yards and not kill you doing it.
If you like to tinker Savage is great platform to work on .

Mike

Mike, which Savage action would you recommend based on the choice of .300WSM caliber?