Get the platform that works for you game (type of shooting , match, contest, training) and your budget (factor in the optics, bases, rings) and also the upgrade-ability down the road when your game progresses further.
You might find yourself outshooting the optics at whatever distance and then you have to swap or upgrade optics down the road. You might have 1" diam rings and then when you upgrade to another scope, you discover
that you really need 30mm diameter rings. No worries. Build that all into your decision right now.
Also consider your budget for ammo, practice ammo, and lots of it otherwise that platform becomes a paperweight... (read: .50 cal rifles are uber cool if you can afford the $10 per shot downrange).
Consider what ranges you will be shooting at this year and the next and then next. Sometimes a Varmint rifle is ideal (.223 Varmint Specials came with 12" twist barrels) for short ranges up to 300 m/yds that use the 50 to 55 gr bullets. Once you get out to 400, 500, and 600, the bullet had better have some legs (ballistic capability) to buck the wind and resist the bullet drops. Some of the Savage versions come with 9" twist barrels as does the Rem M700 SPS Tactical .223, or the M700P, and the M700 R5 (I believe). This 9" twist barrel will allow you to launch longer, more aerodynamic boolits like the Hornady 75 gr Amax version to 800 meters and beyond, and still buck the wind better than a 55 grain pill. Lots to learn.
Hope this helps the addiction!
Cheers mates!
Barney
