long range decision Tikka T3 vs Savage Savage 10,11 or 12 308

Mudduck

Mudduck

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I have decided to get into some long range shooting. My passion is hunting #1, shooting #2 ... but without further developing my shooting skills ... hunting could become frustrating.

I want to stay in the $500 - $800 for the gun because my goal for this gun is to help me improve my long range ability - 300 - 1000 yards

I do have a good tactical scope for the gun
Im waiting for a sale or a good used gun to become available
I plan to stay in the 308 caliber .... I think

One option I do have is that I have a Vanguard in a regular 270 which I could use for this. I would need to purchase a BiPod for it etc

Any thoughts or input would be greatly welcomed
 
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That price range may have made most of the decision up for you. In the Tikka T3 Varmints (assuming you want a heavy barrel), used seem to go for around 900.00 plus or minus a few.

I have seen many a Savage in that range but not so many of the T3's.
 
Pick up a rifle suitable for your hunting needs. Have it bedded properly, load up some quality ammo (yes, reloading will become important), go practise.

The best way to know if your hunting rig is ready for LR anything is to shoot it.

You don't need 2 rifles. If the hunting rig you have now is not up to the task for practise, it will not get any better during a hunt. Take 2 shots and let the barrel cool. Afterall, how many shots do you intend to use during a hunt?

And if you have spent all year practising, you will be far more comfy when the longer shot presents itself during hunting season.

Jerry
 
If it's just for punching paper .223 will cost less and allow you to focus on your skills a little better. It has no recoil to speak of, you can shoot it all day if you have the time and ammo. Other than the cost and recoil .308 or .223 is good for the range with the added bounus of tons of cheap ammo.

You can get a Savage model 10/12/25 with a 20" to 26" heavy/mid barrel with a 1 in 9 twist. You can also get a Remington SPS Varmint/tactical with a 20" to 26" 1 in 9 barrel. There are at least 5 different models you can have under $700 before tax.
 
Mystic Precision said:
Pick up a rifle suitable for your hunting needs. Have it bedded properly, load up some quality ammo (yes, reloading will become important), go practise.

The best way to know if your hunting rig is ready for LR anything is to shoot it.

You don't need 2 rifles. If the hunting rig you have now is not up to the task for practise, it will not get any better during a hunt. Take 2 shots and let the barrel cool. Afterall, how many shots do you intend to use during a hunt?

And if you have spent all year practising, you will be far more comfy when the longer shot presents itself during hunting season.

Jerry
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Amen. It doesn't take a special, 15lbs rifle to make long shots on game. Most hunting rifles have the accuracy potential needed for LR hunting use. Bedding, floating, trigger adjustment, stock adjustment for proper fit, using a good scope with the proper features, and loading good ammo will usually get any quality sporting rifle where it needs to be. Then it's a matter of practise and confidence.
 
Thanks Mystic Precision (Jerry), Red Shooter and Jordan Smith for all the advice. Im joining the ORA and attending some of their courses so I can really learn more about things like proper stock fit etc. Its one thing to read about it on forums (for which Im grateful) but there is nothing like learning from people face to face.

I will probably start with what I have and keep my eyes open for a Savage 10/12/25 with a 20" to 26" heavy/mid barrel with a 1 in 9 twist in 223 or 308 at a reasonable price ... if for no other reason than to have another gun :eek:) AS for reloading ... I picked up a book on it to read .... Im just not certain I have that much time or patience considering that I also like fishing, hunting and riding motorcycles... unless I can quit my job and just become a full time hobbyist ... so to speak
 
Stay away from the Savage Model 25.....junk, waste of money, POS....need I go on?

Model 10's and 12's are completely upgradeable in the future.
 
Pay attention to riffling twist rates; my Savage 12 VLP is one of the only factory guns with a fast 1:7" twist barrel. If you want to shoot the heaviest of heavies, you'll need a fast twist rate.
 
Why?

Mudduck said:
I do have a good tactical scope for the gun
Im waiting for a sale or a good used gun to become available
I plan to stay in the 308 caliber .... I think

... and I really dont want to use my 257 or 300 Wby mag, or my 270 WSM due to ammo costs. :eek:(
One option I do have is that I have a Vanguard in a regular 270 which I could use for this. I would need to purchase BiPods for it etc

Any thoughts or input would be greatly welcomed
Click to expand...

Why is a "tactical" scope required for long range shooting?

Why wouldn't you use any of the three you already have?

Why aren't you loading your own ammo? The true accuracy potential of any rifle will never be realized shooting factory (garbage) ammo. Load development trumps exotic "tactical" equipment.
 
Chinbullco said:
Why is a "tactical" scope required for long range shooting?

Why wouldn't you use any of the three you already have?

Why aren't you loading your own ammo? The true accuracy potential of any rifle will never be realized shooting factory (garbage) ammo. Load development trumps exotic "tactical" equipment.
Click to expand...

All good questions. 308 ammo is better priced ( much better than weatherby magnum cartridges) and it seems most common for fclass shooters . Reloading is a time issue for me, and the level of accuracy I'm looking for. I want to learn the technical aspects to help me with my hunting - ethical longer range shots. Again tactical scope allows me to develope a better understanding of ballistics etc
 
I have had two Savages in .308 both were wicked accurate out of the box with no mods., still have 10 FCP now with mods. Glass is very important so dont cheap on it. To get the accuracy I think your looking for, hand loading is the only way to go, it doesnt take as much time as you think to reload 50 - 100 rounds and they are sooooo much better than anything from factory. Cheap set up from Lee will do what your looking for. Also think about what Jerry said, he has a point and will likely save you cash in the long run but still consider reloading.
 
savage.3006 said:
To get the accuracy I think your looking for, hand loading is the only way to go, it doesnt take as much time as you think to reload 50 - 100 rounds and they are sooooo much better than anything from factory. Cheap set up from Lee will do what your looking for. Also think about what Jerry said, he has a point and will likely save you cash in the long run but still consider reloading.
Click to expand...
I suspect once my skills improve it will be something I will consider it but at the moment I want to focus on shooting skill and technical aspects .. Besides if I have a poor shot I can blame the ammo
 
savage.3006 said:
I have had two Savages in .308 both were wicked accurate out of the box with no mods., still have 10 FCP now with mods. Glass is very important so dont cheap on it. To get the accuracy I think your looking for, hand loading is the only way to go, it doesnt take as much time as you think to reload 50 - 100 rounds and they are sooooo much better than anything from factory. Cheap set up from Lee will do what your looking for. Also think about what Jerry said, he has a point and will likely save you cash in the long run but still consider reloading.
Click to expand...

^

I agree
 
Mudduck said:
I suspect once my skills improve it will be something I will consider it but at the moment I want to focus on shooting skill and technical aspects .. Besides if I have a poor shot I can blame the ammo
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I think getting into reloading is possibly more important than getting a new rifle.

But then again nothing is more important than getting a new rifle.


And as for blaming the ammo, just do the same as everyone else and say your working up a load.
 
I was looking at the Savage 10fcp-hs but noticed it doesnt have an accustock/ Does the accustock make much for a difference and if so would I be better with something like the Savage 10 FCP which has the Accustock?
 
Reloading? For f class maybe. There is plenty of match ammo that will hold sub moa, and is plenty good enough for the ops intended purposes.
 
Mudduck said:
I was looking at the Savage 10fcp-hs but noticed it doesnt have an accustock/ Does the accustock make much for a difference and if so would I be better with something like the Savage 10 FCP which has the Accustock?
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Unfortunately, the Accustock is a great idea dumb down in production.

It holds no benefit over any othe quality stock properly bedded.

and the accustock benefits from bedding too.

Jerry
 
Mystic Precision said:
Unfortunately, the Accustock is a great idea dumb down in production. It holds no benefit over any other quality stock properly bedded and the accustock benefits from bedding too.
Jerry
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Jerry - Can you explain what you mean by "dumb down in production" means? I cant seem to find a great deal of how an accustock is different then a regular stock other than it seems to infer that is it a bedded stock.

I have noticed some of the Savages dont have a accustock but seem to be in their precision rifle lineup. Secondly - Does anyone notice Savage rilfes go on sale at certain times. If so how much do the heavy barreled 308's usually go for when on sale
 
Mudduck said:
Jerry - Can you explain what you mean by "dumb down in production" means? I cant seem to find a great deal of how an accustock is different then a regular stock other than it seems to infer that is it a bedded stock.

I have noticed some of the Savages dont have a accustock but seem to be in their precision rifle lineup. Secondly - Does anyone notice Savage rilfes go on sale at certain times. If so how much do the heavy barreled 308's usually go for when on sale
Click to expand...

I'm sure Jerry will explain what he means but I think practically speaking any quality stock that is bedded will serve you at least as well as an accustock.

As far as rifles going on sale, if you want it at a sale price I'm sure if you offer a dealer something in the range of a sale price I'll be willing to bet you can get it for that.
 
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