I am thinking of getting into some long range shooting but I need some more info before making the right choice on buying a good long range gun! I visited a good shop that I trust and he gave me some good questions to ask like, do i need a long or short barrel? bi-pod or bag? I am looking at a rem 700 VTR. I believe the range is no longer than 500 yrds. I believe that we might be advancing as we go.
Depends on what you want to do.
I shoot in Fclass and this year will campaign the 223 (was in open with a 6.5 before). I also do a ton of LR shooting at rocks, clays, gongs, etc.
For my F TR rig, Savage, Shilen prefit barrel 28" long. 7 twist so I can push the 90gr Bergers as hard as possible. Specialized bipod, rear bag, and stock all optimised to do one thing - let me put that bullet into the V bull.
A very specific rig designed to meet a set of rules and shooting tasks. HERE, longer barrel is better.
My LR plinker is a Savage 223 tactical rifle. It wears a 22" Shilen and 8 twist happily launching 80gr Amax out beyond 1400yds. I have no issue keeping up with 338 LM. It has a Harris, rear bag but going to try and get some time to build a rear monopod.
You can see pics of this rifle and the build up on my website in the Tech section.
There is no one right answer but a variety of ways to reach YOUR specific goal.
Best thing is to get a rifle and go have some fun. As long as you handload properly and have the rifle tuned solidly (bedding, trigger, scope set up), distance is the least of your worries.
Accuracy is relative to the barrel quality, your ability to load and shoot but sub MOA at 1000yds is way too much fun. AND there are precious few factory rifles that can't shoot that well today.
Let us know how you make out.
Jerry