Looking for long(er) range advice *update*

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Deuce636

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Hey guys, just looking for a bit of advice, as I'm pretty new to all of this!

I want to get into some longer range shooting, but I have no idea where to start as far as looking for a new gun. I'm thinking the 500-700yd range is what I'd like to shoot for, but definitely wouldn't be sad if I got something that I could take out to 1000.

The problem is me though lol I broke my back late last year, and my body really can't handle much for recoil without causing a lot of pain. So obviously, I'd like to stick to something with low(er) recoil so I can actually enjoy it.

What, in your opinion, should I be looking for, caliber wise?

Thanks!
 
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Buying off the rack or building?

Consider 223, 6BR as wonderful LR chamberings with low recoil.

How you set up your rifle and overall weight will also negate a lot of recoil so you really need to narrow down your own personal preferences. A muzzle braked 300WM that weights 25lbs would also kick very little so you need to be more specific in what recoil means to you.

Start with your personal goals and objectives. What do you like for a rifle and what do you want it to do for you?

Have a realistic budget that you can act on. Doesn't have to be huge but it should be fair. As important, is what can you afford to shoot? $5 per bang may not be doable to many shooters so running costs should also be considered.

Reload or factory ammo? the list goes on.
Jerry
 
6mmBR with a long heavy barrel.

About the lowest recoiling option out there for long range shooting.

Its also cheap to shoot.
 
I shoot a 223 out to 800 with a mild load of RL15 82 burgers at 2650f/s in a 1 in 8 twist. Depending on the wind it will hold under 1 moa easy and recoil is very mild. My gun dose also weigh in around 14 lb, that helps with recoil to. The other option for you is a brake.
 
Most longer range shooting is done from a prone position; is that something you are able to handle? Or would you prefer to shoot sitting from a bench?

Do you have a sense of how much recoil is "ok" and how much is "too much"? For instance, would a 15 pound .308 be OK or are you looking for less recoil than that?

A fast twist 6BR shooting 105-ish grain match bullets might be pretty hard to top - very accurate out to 1000 yards, dead easy to load good ammo for, good barrel life, low recoil, etc.
 
Sorry, I definitely forgot to mention a few things!

I don't reload, and have no plans on it so will only be using factory ammo.
Would like an off the shelf gun, for the most part. If I have to do a bit to it, I'm okay with that.

As far as the recoil goes. I shot my buddy's 30-06 seated at a bench, and it almost put me on my ass, along with another buddy's 300wm lol That was definitely too much for my back to handle. Prone would be fine, sitting would be better.
 
The not reloading part really cuts down on things , .223 , 6br, things in that nature .. That being said if noise isn't an issue the addition of a good brake can significantly reduce felt recoil .. But you might not be making many friends with the noise increase to those around you
 
Not sure whats available in factory ammunition, but a 260 remington can be a long range performer, and recoil is mild. If you start getting serious about long range shooting, reconsidering your take on reloading might be in order. Reloading opens up a whole new world in shooting rifles, especially when looking for the best accuracy, which would be a huge advantage when stretching the range out.
 
Why don't you have a look at the 6.5 Creedmoor? Hornday's factory ammo seems to be accurate. Other than that, my 223 is a factory rifle and with factory ammo I can hold sub moa to 500 yards (furthest I've tried). Working on stretching that out a bit more.
 
I guess if you're not reloading, it would make sense if you could narrow down the best factory ammo and caliber that are available to you. Long range is more rewarding with custom handloads, because you can really squeeze out every bit of accuracy potential from your kit. Great suggestions so far, 6BR, .260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmore, .223, .243, all have great inherent accuracy and tons of potential when/if reloading, and about the lowest recoil offerings that will carry the distance nicely.

I like .260 Rem, it's very forgiving, Savage makes a factory offering, Model 12 LRP in an HS stock. Shoots like a dream, and you could put a break on it if you needed to reduce recoil further. It will easily carry you to 1000 yards if you go there.
 
figure out what ammo you have available and build a rifle around it.

consider a very heavy 308Win or a braked rifle. Likely the best selection of factory ammo with LR potential.

My personal fave is 223 but most factory ammo is geared to varmints and short range.

If the goal is accuracy at LR, reloading is pretty much a must do.
Jerry
 
Thanks for all the advice everyone, much appreciated!

Sofar, I'm looking at a Savage Model 12 LRP in a .223, it seems like it'll be a decent choice for me. That gun comes in a 1:7 and a 1:9 barrel though. What would be the better choice there? As far as optics go, I already have a 6-18x50ao Bushnell. Would that be a decent scope to put on, or should I invest in something a bit better?

Thanks again for all your help, I'm quite clueless about all this, but I am learning!!
 
I was offered a Mossberg Night Train .308 yesterday on a trade for another one of my rifles. I've read good and bad about it, but that's another thread in itself! I'm thinking that may be a decent entry level gun to start with, and then upgrade if its something I'm really into.
 
Run away from the Night Train Wreck as fast as you can. Go with the Savage in .223 and buy some reloading equipment. Go with the 1:7 twist and load up fo 80 or 90 gr bullets, should be good out beyond 1000 yards.
 
1:7 Savage .223. Talk to Jerry (Mystic Precision) about what a fast twist .223 with heavy pills can do at long range (1000 yds+) You may be surprised, check out his ".223 to a mile" project. A heavy bbl'd solid stocked .223 will be very easy on your body. Your scope is more than adequate for starting out. Shoot a box test to make sure the internals track good and you won't need to replace it until your skills begin to take an edge. Everyone will tell you to reload, it really is the way to go. It cuts ammo costs way down while giving you the ability to produce far better ammo than expensive factory stuff. An inexpensive setup can be put together pretty quick without blowing your piggy bank to smithereens. The initial cost is paid for in ammo savings very quickly. I'd highly recommend researching some budget reloading options.
 
7 twist. Load up some 75 to 82gr bullets and they will travel a good long ways.

1 mile was as far as I bothered to reach out and they arrived very accurately (80gr Amax).

Unfortunately, hrn has stopped production of the 75 and 80gr Amax which are by far the best deal in 22cal LR plinking but there are other options.

Again, the odds of finding factory ammo to do what you want is slim to nil. The 77gr MK load is designed for ARs and can do decent work out to 700yds IF they shoot in your barrel.

Good luck with your venture but you will quickly find, reloading and better rifle set up now will lead to far better results on an ongoing basis.

Jerry
 
Lapua does offer 6BR loaded ammunition......
But, as has been reinforced in this thread so far, without reloading, it's an uphill struggle for long range accuracy.
Ask me how I know...cough,cough......
 
I'm in a similar situation with a really bad shoulder. I went with a .223 with a Grizzly GunWorks muzzle brake. It reduces the recoil enough so that I can shoot all day with it on. Without it, my shoulder is done after about two hours. Normally a muzzle brake on a .223 would not be needed but with a buggered up shoulder it helps.

Best of luck
 
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