Good First All-Purpose Rifle (Rem 700?)

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Good day all.

I'm trying to figure out which rifle to get as my first non-semi-auto rifle. Right now I only have a Robinson XCR and my trusty P226. I've been looking at the Remington 700, but not quite sure. Lots of good reviews and articles about it. Thoughts? Also, what cal? Looking for a cartridge that's available, easy to find, and maybe doesn't break the bank (one day I'll get a 408... but not now).

:HR:
 
Good ol'fashinied 308 man. It will do everything on paper out to 1000 and well beyond. It will kill game any game you will find here at a responsible range with ease as well. Pick up one off the EE thats bedded and has a trigger mod of some kind and start shooting. You won't be disappointed.
 
Learn to reload for what you have, then later get a Tikka T3 stainless, .223 w/ 1/8 twist..
You'll learn more from a .223 than any other cartridge because the are fun and cheap to shoot and with heavier bullets they will hang with the .308 to at least 500m..

BTW I have nothing against the Remington 700 but they don't have a 1/8" twist required for heavier bullets IIRC..

If you plan on using the rifle for plinking and hunting, check out the Ruger American Compact..
I have one in .223 SS and it is my favorite rifle..
It is also twisted 1/8" and I shoot mostly Hornady 75gr. A-max and BTHP..
 
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Aftermarket support and availability for the R700 is great, for the others, it's really hit or miss. It depends on what you want to do - is this a first and last rifle? For hunting or target shooting?

As a general purpose rifle in 308 the R700 will do it all fairly well. It's a good foundation for a rifle you want to build into something better.

If you're not interested in modifying the rifle, or you are limited on funds, you might want to step up to something slightly better for a little more money like a Ruger or Tikka or even a Sako. If you're going to be hunting with it, get a cheap W70 or maybe a Browning.
 
Starting out... a 700 in .308 Winchester is better than many and as good as any. Shoot it, wear it out, use it for a superb rebuild. Ton's of options.
 
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I went with a 700 5r in 308, best choice. I have been able to print 0.380" 5 round group at 100m with hand loads. I'm really happy overall.
 
I love my 30-06 rem 700 xcr2 bedded in a b and c stock. It's one I will probably never sell. 30-06 is a much better choice than 308 in my opinion if hunting larger game. Tikka t-3 is very nice as well.
 
Hello everyone, I am looking at getting into long range shooting also. I have a Howa 1500 in 30-06 with a regular 22" barrel and a Hogue stock. What ranges should I be able to reach accurately with this rifle given the proper scope? I remember reading somewhere that Hogue stocks are not rigid enough for accurate shooting. Any truth to that? As a long term goal I would aspire to 1000 yard shots. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
 
Hello everyone, I am looking at getting into long range shooting also. I have a Howa 1500 in 30-06 with a regular 22" barrel and a Hogue stock. What ranges should I be able to reach accurately with this rifle given the proper scope? I remember reading somewhere that Hogue stocks are not rigid enough for accurate shooting. Any truth to that? As a long term goal I would aspire to 1000 yard shots. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

The 30-06 will not have a problem punching paper or ringing steel to 1000+
 
Hello everyone, I am looking at getting into long range shooting also. I have a Howa 1500 in 30-06 with a regular 22" barrel and a Hogue stock. What ranges should I be able to reach accurately with this rifle given the proper scope? I remember reading somewhere that Hogue stocks are not rigid enough for accurate shooting. Any truth to that? As a long term goal I would aspire to 1000 yard shots. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

A couple of things ...

Not sure where you are in NB but if you want to shoot to 1000m and live in the Fredericton area, the Springfield range (FRSA) has got what you need.

Second, buy once cry once when it comes to glass. Good glass is essential to long range shooting.

Lastly, the Hogues aren't great, but you never know until you try. Aftermarket stocks are easy to come by and a Boydds laminate stock will set you back 100-150$ and solve the problem.
 
X2 on spending as much as possible on glass. It's one thing you won't complain about if you spend the cash upfront, instead of re-buying. I'd suggest sightron scopes from Hirsch Precision. Very reasonable prices, quality glass, and lifetime warranty.
 
I am in the Moncton area. I believe there is a 800m range around Saint-Antoine.

Yes, good glass seems to be the recommendation. I was recommended Hirsh Precision by someone else, as they are in NS and I hear they are great to deal with. I plan on giving them a call. Thank you.
 
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