Caliber suggestions

[Breu]

Hi guys,
The past year I've really gotten into shooting. Right now I only have .22lr firearms. I've bought and sold 7 different guns this summer, both hand guns and rifles. I shoot around 500 rounds a week. My rifle shooting consists of mostly bench.
I'm looking into getting my first centerfire rifle. I'm left handed and really like the Tikka varmit but am considering the sporter. Would the sporter be worth the extra money? Secondly I'm not sure what caliber to get. I'm sure I won't be shooting it as much as rim fire, but cost of ammo is a big concern. Are there many advantages over .223 in the .260 or 6.5. I would like to avoid big recoil if I can, and will get into reloading at some point.
I mostly shoot bench and between 100 to 600 yards. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Brent

 

[rl4930]

223 is the cheapest to shoot and will get out to 600 shooting heavier bullets. Make sure you get a 1 in 8 twist or 1 in 9 twist. Don't get to carried away with having to have a left handed rifle. I'm left handed and I have two right handed rifles and one left handed. I prefer the right handed rifle unless I'm hunting and shooting off hand (pretty much never)

 

[N0M4D]

rl4930 would be correct, .223 would be your best option. Its great for precision shooting, and small game hunting, but thats about it. Regardless of with one you get, make sure you get the one with the heaviest barrel, as it will cut the recoil down (even tho .223 has no recoil).

Personally I would go with the 6.5 cal's. Yes they are a bit more pricy, buy if you plan on being a precision shooter, your going to get into reloading eventually to perfect your home rolls and its going to cut your costs significantly. As for the recoil, heavy barrel, perhaps a muzzle brake, and it should be the same as a .223.

 

[bsand]

223 is the cheapest to shoot and will get out to 600 shooting heavier bullets. Make sure you get a 1 in 8 twist or 1 in 9 twist. Don't get to carried away with having to have a left handed rifle. I'm left handed and I have two right handed rifles and one left handed. I prefer the right handed rifle unless I'm hunting and shooting off hand (pretty much never)

x2 on left handed rifle, I shoot rifle left and use a right handed 700. I had zero issues firing a right handed rifle on the left.