Looking for suggestions on a precision/varmint rifle

powdergun

powdergun

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
244   0   0
I know there is a boatload of info out there but I am just wondering what you fellows would get if you wanted the following

range (800 yards or less )
Under MOA shooter
Somewhat portable no need for an ultralight rifle
No barrel burners
A round that will kill magpies up to deer. No need for the need to drop an elk at 700 yards

My budget is $1500 for the gun.

I have some rifles to donate for an action

Or

An off the shelf gun

What would you guys do ?

Thanks
 
powdergun said:
I know there is a boatload of info out there but I am just wondering what you fellows would get if you wanted the following

range (800 yards or less )
Under MOA shooter
Somewhat portable no need for an ultralight rifle
No barrel burners
A round that will kill magpies up to deer. No need for the need to drop an elk at 700 yards

My budget is $1500 for the gun.

I have some rifles to donate for an action

Or

An off the shelf gun

What would you guys do ?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Well.... the world is your oyster. You gotta start somewhere - either picking a rifle, or a caliber.

I'd start with a caliber. For what you mentioned, my first choice would be 6.5x47 Lapua. I'm biased, that was my first precision caliber, and it treats me very very well. You'll have to reload, however - but Lapua does make brass (obviously) so that's a bonus. Other choices range from .243 all the way to .300WM (.243, 6.5Creed, .260, ,.270, 7mmMags, WSMs, 6.5x55, .308). I say to not go .223 because it looks like you live here in SK with me, so you have to be .243 or bigger to hunt deer.

As for rifles - I'm a fan of the Tikka T3 Varmint (but lots aren't). Ruger Precision Rifle?? The savages are good shooters. You should be able to get a barrel for one of your current action for 4-600$. You could throw a nice Boyd's stock on, and get it bedded for 2-500$, and then you're laughing.

Allow for a bipod too (most likely).

Now, the big question - do you have good glass already??? If not, double your budget!!!

GGG
 
I know glass will be more. The $1500 would be just for the rifle. I have a savage and a couple weatherby s2 actions in the safe already to donate an action but if I can get what I want without sacrificing the rifles I would prefer that.

I love the look of Boyd's stocks and I have bedded rifles before and have reloaded for forty years so I have a few skills.

How do you find 6.5 x 47 for barrel life over let's say the .243 ?
 
powdergun said:
I know glass will be more. The $1500 would be just for the rifle. I have a savage and a couple weatherby s2 actions in the safe already to donate an action but if I can get what I want without sacrificing the rifles I would prefer that.

I love the look of Boyd's stocks and I have bedded rifles before and have reloaded for forty years so I have a few skills.

How do you find 6.5 x 47 for barrel life over let's say the .243 ?
Click to expand...

You're set then.

Haven't shot it enough to know myself. From what I've read they're similar, and not barrel killers like a 6.5x.284 or WSSM's. There are lots of guys on here that shoot 1000's per year that could speak to it.
 
If your going to re-barrel an existing action, consider a 6mm Dasher. >3000 rounds target grade accuracy.

Off the shelf, a Tikka varmint in 260 Rem, >2000 rounds target grade accuracy.
 
I'm going through a similar predicament as well. I've got a great target rifle in 22-250 that will print holes but it's a little on the heavy side (savage model 12fvss wrapped in a Boyd's), and to small for large game here in AB, but dy-no-mite on gophers and yotes. Makes me giddy.

Also have a savage model 10 LRP in 6.5 creed for reaching out, and it does, but with the razor optic, it's tipping almost 20lbs, great for the bench, couldn't image trying to lug it around in the bush unless I was setup someplace to sit.

I too, would like sort of the go in between answer, something that will print holes, but still be portable and reliable.

Haters gonna hate, but I'm leaning heavily towards the modern hunter as my solution. I've read and talked to a few success stories of guys who have a dialled in load reaching 800 without to much effort. There are some sap stories, but I'm a believer that only 10 % share actual success stories, while the out crowds reaction is in a much higher margin bracket looking for sympathy.

Yes, pricey, but so is a quality bolt gun. Top shelf complements right from the beginning, of my choosing, (proof barrels are sick btw), but even in a light or medium contour match barrel, you've got a top shelf rifle that will preform, shoot well, portable, reliable, and should fill that niche, while also using a proven ar platform and using non-restricted status. Also saving pennies, and it might take a while, but it'll be worth it.
 
Your thoughts aren't wrong, but a MH isn't light. 8lbs at the absolute lightest (before ammo in the Mag), and then you gotta add at minimum 24oz of glass and rings, and likely another pound or more of bipod. Mine is not as portable as I'd like, but real unicorns don't exist!!!

It all depends how light and portable you wanna be vs. Scope horsepower and barrel steadiness For the money you'd spend on an MH and glass (5-8000$) you could have a Sako carbonlight, or a full custom from Insite, or a tikka T3 super lite, with a lightweight Leica or Zeiss hunting scope, for a complete rifle under 6-6.5lbs.

Lotsa choices to make!!!
 
Yeah, I've fondeled them, and they are certainly a few lbs extra around the mid section, but it's a well machined piece of aluminum, sometimes extra robust comes with a cost, for the MH it's a little extra weight.... And cash. To be honest, I've always been a sucker associating weight with quality. Maybe it Spurs back to opening Christmas presents and a light gift wrapped box; it was clothing, board game or something cheap. If it was heavy, you were getting some GOOUD; toolbox, RC toy, tonka truck, etc. If the MH was a 5lb gun, not sure it would merit the same value?.....Yeah it Probably still would, but for examples sake anyways..it's not a 15lb bench queen, nor a 7lb sporting rifle, and while unicorns may not exist, I can dress a donkey up with a crown, name it Maggie and ride off into the sunset and live the dream the best way I know how.

I'm not a sheep hunter (but if I was I'd vote a Mark 5 ultralight), but I'm searching for the Swiss Army knife of rifles, one that may not be the best in all its field, but a darn good contender. Deer, elk, pigs, gophers, yotes, still at home on the rack of my quad, laying on the bench knocking steel at 800 meters and still be able to play 3 gun a few times a season. If it wasn't already obvious my mind is already made up. Bank account not so much. But soon. And it each his own; but that's my thoughts, just hope it lives up to expectations, but I have a feeling I won't have to worry about that.
 
TXS said:
Yeah, I've fondeled them, and they are certainly a few lbs extra around the mid section, but it's a well machined piece of aluminum, sometimes extra robust comes with a cost, for the MH it's a little extra weight.... And cash. To be honest, I've always been a sucker associating weight with quality. Maybe it Spurs back to opening Christmas presents and a light gift wrapped box; it was clothing, board game or something cheap. If it was heavy, you were getting some GOOUD; toolbox, RC toy, tonka truck, etc. If the MH was a 5lb gun, not sure it would merit the same value?.....Yeah it Probably still would, but for examples sake anyways..it's not a 15lb bench queen, nor a 7lb sporting rifle, and while unicorns may not exist, I can dress a donkey up with a crown, name it Maggie and ride off into the sunset and live the dream the best way I know how.

I'm not a sheep hunter (but if I was I'd vote a Mark 5 ultralight), but I'm searching for the Swiss Army knife of rifles, one that may not be the best in all its field, but a darn good contender. Deer, elk, pigs, gophers, yotes, still at home on the rack of my quad, laying on the bench knocking steel at 800 meters and still be able to play 3 gun a few times a season. If it wasn't already obvious my mind is already made up. Bank account not so much. But soon. And it each his own; but that's my thoughts, just hope it lives up to expectations, but I have a feeling I won't have to worry about that.
Click to expand...

I love mine, don't get me wrong.....just wanted to make sure you knew my thoughts....

I hear you loud and clear about how heavy=quality....I feel the same way.

-J.
 
I to would recommend a 6.5X47. I am not a expert on this round as I have not even had mine for a year. I asked RBROS who built it about barrel life and he said that he usually replaces barrels at 3000 rds. Now he is shooting in serious competitions and just does this as part of his routine. Travis figured under normal shooting you could get closer to 4000 rds before a rebarrel.
 
I just picked up a used Tikka T3 Varmint in .243 win for exactly the same purpose. The only downside is the slower 1:10 twist rate standard on this rifle which may limit the bullet weights to 90gr and below (still gonna test though). There are lots of decent projectiles for the 243/260 - 6mm/6.5mm that support long range. I looked at other options from other makers but I already had a Cadex chassis that fits Tikka rifles so that sort of made it a no brainer. I'm hoping to be able to get one or more heavier bullets (95+ grains) to stabilize if I push them a bit more. It does have a 24" barrel so might be doable. I'll spend the next year practicing with this setup then probably re-barrel it in a 1:8 twist next year to shoot up to 115gr bullets if the current 1:10 twist doesn't work out.
 
I'll throw in another vote for the Tikka T3 varmint in 260 or 6.5x55sw. The T3 varmint is right around 8lbs with the factory stock, has a great trigger, decent barrels from the factory, and the action is smooth as glass.

OR, if you aren't really attached to one of those Vangaurd 2's you have in the safe I would build off one of those. They have a pretty decent 2-stage trigger from the factory, but if that's not your thing Timney makes an excellent replacement, they have a true one-piece bolt with M-16 style extractor and an integrated recoil lug. All features that a lot of people pay for in a custom action. They also take Remington bases if it's a short action.

If I had a Vanguard short action laying around I wouldn't hesitate to build a 6 Dasher/6.5x47/6.5Creedmoor/ 260Rem/whatever floats your boat. They are good solid actions that many people overlook.
 
I'll throw in a vote for the good old 25/06. Very flat shooting, good velocity, will cover the range and game you've mentioned no problem. Bullet selection is more than adequate for your needs, lots of brass around from 30/06 if needed. The Kimber Sonora in 25/06 would fit your budget if you can find one. Not one of the currently "popular" calibers, but still a good one!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom