best rifles in .308?

true...but I asked about bench rest, for bench rest shooting, LOL. to develop a round for accuracy and shoot for fun. :)

the hunting rifle is entirely different and will be used for hunting! :)

Mr. Friendly said:
"for hunting and for bench rest"
clearly reads as one rifle to do both. It's a real stretch to expect someone to read that any other way.
 
OK cuz your question sounds like one rifle to do both.....

Tikka ctr will do both as will any accurate hunting rifle , I have an old smith and Wesson that shoots just as well as most " bench guns " out to 1000 yards . I think there's more difference in the glass you want for each purpose though

Most = bottom 75 percent
 
Tikka ctr will do both as will any accurate hunting rifle , I have an old smith and Wesson that shoots just as well as most " bench guns " out to 1000 yards . I think there's more difference in the glass you want for each purpose though

Um...no. No it won't.
This is what you have to compete with at 1000 yards. You are not getting that off the shelf.
ballardtargetx350.jpg
 
A Tikka T-3 seems to be everyone's favorite these days, though not mine. The Howa Alpine and now the Howa Scout look appealing for a light weight hunting rig. If you prefer a CRF action the M-70 Winchester or a Kimber should please. When it comes to a target rifle, I consider the 700 Remington the obvious choice, then build it up as your budget allows. With a bedding job, and the installation of a match barrel, you'll be shooting quarter minute groups in no time, then with a bit of load tweaking it will really start to perform. If you consider that option a long term money pit, it brings us back to the Tikka.
 
CTR is an easy 3/4 MOA. Easy 1/2 MOA for keyboard warriors. In real life most shooters can't do 1/2 MOA or else the 1/2 MOA challenge list wouldn't be so short.
 
Asking for a BR rifle, can I assume you want a casual target rifle, or are you looking for a true BR rifle? Your budget suggest my assumption is safe...

I'm a Rem700 fan, love my 5r's. Also love my plain old SPS tactical in .308

Hunting, bah, I carry heavy rifles.
 
For the benchrest rifle (I assume we are not talking about benchrest competition style, just sitting to shoot) look at a used Savage target rifle (benchrest, F TR or F Class). A friend of mine bought a Savage FTR 308 used for $800 and the first time I shot it I was able to do .5 MOA with store bought Federal Gold Match. With reloaded ammunition you could do better. Great trigger on that. For a target scope I like Sightron 10-50x with custom 1/8 turrets, or a Nightforce 12-42x benchrest scope, either with ATRS rings. Good resale on these scopes.
 
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