LRH&S Caliber and rifle selection help.

[WyoHanz]

I am new to the whole long range hunting scene. However I have messed around with my .223 and .308 at 1000 yards. I am looking into getting a new rifle for hunting and general shooting out to 1000-1200 yards. I will use it mainly for elk, antelope, and deer hunting and if the selection allows, load down for coyotes and such. I do reload but being a college student I don't have the funds that some others may have. I like the idea of a short mag but am still up for suggestions as far as the caliber goes.

As far as brand selection goes I have a Savage 223 and a Howa 308 that I have no issues with. I was looking into the Tikka T3 series and wouldn't mind having one of those. I am not partial to any specific brand and would gladly buy anything that shoots well out of the box. That being said I do have a limited budget and was looking at spending no more than $1200 when it is all said and done with rifle, optics, and accessories. There is a gunsmith here that makes brakes that he guarantees 80% recoil reduction and was looking at getting one of those installed.

With the Vortex scope and muzzle brake I am looking at $700 for the rifle. Thanks in advance and any help would be appreciated!

 

[waspocrew]

I'm fairly new to long range shooting as well, but I have been shooting for a while and reloading for about 2.5 years now...

As a college student, I definitely understand having to do things on a bit more of a limited budget than others who may have a career. However, I do think you can get a great set-up for your price.

I bought a Remington Sendero in 7mm Rem. Mag about a year ago and it has been a pleasure to shoot. It took me a bit to find the right load, but once I did, putting bullets into the same hole at 100 yards is no problem. I shopped around and found my Sendero online for $1050 which was about $150 less than most local stores BEFORE tax.

As far as rifles, I have a Tikka T3 270 WSM and it's a great rifle. I wouldn't say it's the best long range rig though. It's a pencil thin barrel and also the magazine limits how far you can seat a bullet out of the case. No prob for most, but your heavier long range bullets may have problems with such a short magazine.

Typically, medium to heavy barreled rifles will do a bit better. My Sendero is a little on the heavy side (26" heavy barrel) but it is very accurate. I topped it with a Vortex Viper HS LR 4-16x44 (Bought the Demo model from cameraland.com)

I'd check out the Savage Long Range Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm Rem Mag. A 300 WSM would be great as well, but a little on the spendy side for factory ammo.

Good luck in the search! It's always fun to pick up a new rifle. Check out gun broker.com to see if you can find a better deal on the firearm. Chances are you may pay a bit for shipping and 20-30 for a transfer fee, but it'll come out cheaper in the end.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

I'm fairly new to long range shooting as well, but I have been shooting for a while and reloading for about 2.5 years now...

As a college student, I definitely understand having to do things on a bit more of a limited budget than others who may have a career. However, I do think you can get a great set-up for your price.

I bought a Remington Sendero in 7mm Rem. Mag about a year ago and it has been a pleasure to shoot. It took me a bit to find the right load, but once I did, putting bullets into the same hole at 100 yards is no problem. I shopped around and found my Sendero online for $1050 which was about $150 less than most local stores BEFORE tax.

As far as rifles, I have a Tikka T3 270 WSM and it's a great rifle. I wouldn't say it's the best long range rig though. It's a pencil thin barrel and also the magazine limits how far you can seat a bullet out of the case. No prob for most, but your heavier long range bullets may have problems with such a short magazine.

Typically, medium to heavy barreled rifles will do a bit better. My Sendero is a little on the heavy side (26" heavy barrel) but it is very accurate. I topped it with a Vortex Viper HS LR 4-16x44 (Bought the Demo model from cameraland.com)

I'd check out the Savage Long Range Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm Rem Mag. A 300 WSM would be great as well, but a little on the spendy side for factory ammo.

Good luck in the search! It's always fun to pick up a new rifle. Check out gun broker.com to see if you can find a better deal on the firearm. Chances are you may pay a bit for shipping and 20-30 for a transfer fee, but it'll come out cheaper in the end.

+1 on that. I hear thats a terrific rifle and you cant go wrong with either caliber. I shoot a ruger predator 6.5 Creedmoor and i love it! I have it topped of with a Vortex viper ps-t 4-16X50 and im getting one hole 5 shot groups. If your thinking Creedmoor then definitely give the ruger predator a look.

 

[WyoHanz]

Thanks waspocrew. I was actually looking at the Tikka T3 in 270 WSM because I was able to pick up reloading dies for a steal. However, if the 7mm Rem Mag or even WSM carries a little heavier at the range I will look into that.

I was looking at either the Rem 700 Long range or even the Savage Long Range hunter as they both have a little heavier longer barrels.

Also I was going to top whatever I get with a Vortex Viper HST 4-16x44 with the MOA/MOA reticle.

Thanks again waspocrew for your response I'll take it all into consideration.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I'd go with the Rem 700 Long Range in 7mm RemMag.

I don't like Savages. But everybody knows that by now.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

I'd go with the Rem 700 Long Range in 7mm RemMag.

I don't like Savages. But everybody knows that by now.

Yep and that you love AI rounds I think the op should go with the 7mmRM. Its a great all around cartridge with plenty of knock down powergun) Load it up with some Berger 168 hunting vlds and watch things tumble.

 

[WyoHanz]

Thanks Creedmoor and MudRunner I'll more than likely be going with the 7mmRM. Rifle is up for decision now. Have to go to the local store and see what I can't order with employee discount.

 

[Rick Richard]

I would go with the Savage over the Tikka based on my experiences with both.