getting into long distance shooting... What to buy?

bsand

bsand

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I am starting to get pretty interested in long range shooting. The outdoor I'd probably join has 100-300 yard ranges, but then the BC precision rifle events (which I would like to do, eventually) are up to 600 meters I think (maybe 500?).

I was thinking of something in 7.62x51 or 5.56x45

I have a useless right-eye (not useless, but poor fine vision), so left handed would be preferred. but I think right handed bolt action rifle would work fine for prone or bench shooting? (in semiauto right handed rifles I always would get brass bitten shooting left)

optics, I was thinking something in range of x16 to x24, nothing too crazy high end.

Now onto budget, I am willing to spend 3-4K on everything including the scope.

Your suggestions are greatly appreciated
 
I shoot left, and off a bipod or bag the right rifles are great because you don't have to get out of position. Definitely want at least 16x if not 24. My buy a few months back was a Remington 700 SPS in 308, lefty for prone full bore, start with that. I am up-barreling because 800-1000 is common on the prairies, but the factory on will be lots at shorter distance until you get good enough to know the difference in yourself and your loads.
 
Right handed works better from prone for me (I'm a lefty) the only concern is if you have a case rupture the gas relief is on the right side you should ware glasses any way .the right handed gun would be easier to sell in the future buy a savage or Remington in a varmint type in 308 for your first outfit with a decent scope
 
I suggest going out to a match and seeing what people are shooting. 3-4K, leaning more towards 4K can get you a full custom rifle. .308 would probably be your best choice as some competition are .308 only.
 
qtip said:
Take a look at a Remington 700 5r in 308 and sightron S III scope. Should fit your budget.
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haha I was leaning towards a remington 700 in 308 from the getgo, I also named my dog remington as well.
I've been eyeing up the Cadex field tactical chassis, so probably go with the cheapest remington 700 w/ stainless action/barrel in .308 and throw in a timney trigger as well.. I can see this becoming another money pit!
 
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Ruger's come out with its own precision rifle. You can spend splurge a bit on glass with your budget and still have more available for ammo.
 
Don't waist your money on a remmy. They are ok but cannot ever become what others can be. Take a good look at how little steel is left in the mag and ej port. That is a major flex point and the primary weakness of the 700.

You'd be far better off with the Savage F class rifle. Quite frankly I'm tired of explaining the benefits of that rig over a 700.

Best advice I can give you is don't cheap out. For 3K you can get something that can be very competitive.

That Ruger rifle looks cool, but that don't mean it'll shoot. Hopes are high but its not proven.

I've seen lots of gold medals handed out to Savage F class rifle shooters.
 
Most rifles are getting quite accurate. Pretty hard not to achieve moa or better anymore out of the box, often with factory ammo...Find a rifle you like, go used mid-higher end (5r Remington, semi customs on EE, lots of trued Remington actions with match. Barrels out there for a reasonable price...etc...there is an excellent deal on a Savage in a Mcmillan stock via miscou kid on EE, I do not even like savages and am tempted by this one, probably around the better deals on a factory rifle right now...just sayin) buy excellent optics, do not cheep out here, look to your nightforce, used SChmidt and Bender, higher side of sightron, you will regret a poor glass purchase. You can always upgrade your rifle with parts and barrels down the road, but will need to re-purchase glass if your not satisfied. Spend the rest on reloading and supplies. You can find an excellent combo deal on EE if you can be patient for a month or two, maybe a semi custom in .308 with a great optic already attached for under 3000.00 is easy to find, often more like 2500.00. In a caliber that doesn't wear out barrels quickly, I wouldn't worry either... 308, 223, 300 win.

Hope this helps.
 
A 223 will give you more trigger time per dollar than a 308, and what you learn on reading the wind and adjusting for it will be transferable if you ever decide to change calibers and reach out further. Although, Jerry of Mystic Precision took his 223 out to a mile, so don't think that it's no good past 600 yards.

For out of the box rifles, there are plenty of great options.
Savages are known for being great out of the box with little to no tweaking.
Remington's have a large aftermarket following for customization.
Tikka's have an MOA guarantee.
Howa 1500's are a weatherby vanguard barrelled action in a different stock for usually $100 less.

Plenty of options at every price point, the biggest factor is your wallet.
 
bsand said:
I am starting to get pretty interested in long range shooting. The outdoor I'd probably join has 100-300 yard ranges, but then the BC precision rifle events (which I would like to do, eventually) are up to 600 meters I think (maybe 500?).

I was thinking of something in 7.62x51 or 5.56x45

I have a useless right-eye (not useless, but poor fine vision), so left handed would be preferred. but I think right handed bolt action rifle would work fine for prone or bench shooting? (in semiauto right handed rifles I always would get brass bitten shooting left)

optics, I was thinking something in range of x16 to x24, nothing too crazy high end.

Now onto budget, I am willing to spend 3-4K on everything including the scope.

Your suggestions are greatly appreciated
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If the interest is for tactical style matches, you should have a look at the upcoming Ruger precision rifle. All the bling you could want in a very well priced unit.

the Savage, Rem and Tikka tactical rifles are plenty good too.

Add a SIII or STAC scope and no issues to 600m and beyond.

If you want to play in some competition, check the rules first just in case what you want is not allowed.

What is a good choice really depends on where you are shooting as in shooting positions? Distances? and rules of any game you want to join.

For cartridges, most any mid size case from 22 cal to 30cal will do anything you could possibly want... the options are massive. Consider in your budget reloading gear and start... best way to get the most from any factory rifle.

A few tweaks as needed depending on the rifle you choose and away you go.

Jerry
 
bsand said:
I am starting to get pretty interested in long range shooting. The outdoor I'd probably join has 100-300 yard ranges, but then the BC precision rifle events (which I would like to do, eventually) are up to 600 meters I think (maybe 500?).
Click to expand...

Check out the BCRA Precision Rifle website: http://www.bcprecisionrifle.com/Home.html

Read through the courses of fire and equipment list to see the classes and what is, and what isn't allowed.


 
Skullboy said:

Check out the BCRA Precision Rifle website: http://www.bcprecisionrifle.com/Home.html

Read through the courses of fire and equipment list to see the classes and what is, and what isn't allowed.
Click to expand...

A Remington 700, is it considered a military or police service weapon?

What about an ar-10? I'm assuming that the bolt gun would have greater accuracy?
I really wish I knew more events that occur in the lower mainland. Really would help to see what others are shooting
 
If it is not owned and issued by the crown or a police department it is a civilian firearm.

AR-10s and AR-15s can be very accurate, with the big advantage of not having to run a bolt.
 
If I were to do it again, I'd just buy the parts to have a rifle assembled.

In the long run you will spend as much or more on factory rifles.

Buy a s/a or l/a action, barrel, trigger, stock, mounts, and scope. Get it assembled, and use your remaining money to buy reloading equipment.

Save up for the biggest cost of all, feeding it.

Enjoy.
 
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