My buddy wants me to build him a rifle

[mwic98]

So, I really could use some help here if you don't mind? I have enough knowledge to get me into trouble, but my friends think my obsession makes me an expert... hardly.

This person is 57 years old, has hunted his entire life. Calls his rifle a "tool", nothing more. He is very interested in my hobby of attempting long range shooting.

We spoke last night, he has a budget of $2500 all in. He wanted to go 50/50 on $5000 but I declined, I have enough rifles.
The local retailer has the Nikon Black Illuminated Retical -6-24X50MM ILLUMINATED X-MRAD, on sale for $699.

May have trouble switching him away from MOA?

Rifle thoughts. Tikka CTR.
Not sure about caliber, although, I'm sure the trend is 6.5?

Thanks in advance

Mike

 

[Blastattack]

.308 Winchester Model 70. Great gun and great cartridge that’ll do everything you need it to.

 

[mwic98]

.308 Winchester Model 70. Great gun and great cartridge that’ll do everything you need it to.

Funny you should say that, after many years at the range and many rifles and scope's being "off" . I purchased a used Model 70 extreme weather-3006 from this site. I now shoot accurately and consistent out to 600 yards.
Only took thousands of dollars in ammo and rifles to come to that conclusion. Never had owned a Winchester except for 3030's. Now, will never give it up. My Tikka 223 is no slouch either

 

[Alpheus]

Okay, so we have a buld budget, which is a good start.

Does your buddy reload?
What is your buddies ammo budget like? 223 is a lot cheaper then 300 Norma Mag.
Any idea of yearly round count? A hotrod 6mm will burn up a barrel a lot faster then a 308
What is the purpose of the rifle? Sounds like just casual plinking, correct?
What kind of distances will he be shooting at?
What does he use for other scopes, moa or mils? If he predominantly uses one kind, stick with it; there is little effective difference between them.

A Tikka CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent all-round choice. Lots of factory ammo and reloading component availability. Mild recoil, long barrel life, excellent ballistics, decent aftermarket support for upgrading.
Will set you back approx $1500.

 

[mwic98]

Okay, so we have a buld budget, which is a good start.

Does your buddy reload?
What is your buddies ammo budget like? 223 is a lot cheaper then 300 Norma Mag.
Any idea of yearly round count? A hotrod 6mm will burn up a barrel a lot faster then a 308
What is the purpose of the rifle? Sounds like just casual plinking, correct?
What kind of distances will he be shooting at?
What does he use for other scopes, moa or mils? If he predominantly uses one kind, stick with it; there is little effective difference between them.

A Tikka CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent all-round choice. Lots of factory ammo and reloading component availability. Mild recoil, long barrel life, excellent ballistics, decent aftermarket support for upgrading.
Will set you back approx $1500.

Yes, entry level plinker...long time hunter.
Ammo budget, not a factor, possible 223. Will discuss that again with him next week
Round count will be much lower than mine, he's too busy working. Couple hundred rounds a year.
500 plus yards
Old guy with MOA, agreed.
Thank you

 

[iron cat]

Yes, entry level plinker...long time hunter.
Ammo budget, not a factor, possible 223. Will discuss that again with him next week
Round count will be much lower than mine, he's too busy working. Couple hundred rounds a year.
500 plus yards
Old guy with MOA, agreed.
Thank you

If your friend is wanting to go as long as 1,000 meters the .223 will frustrate him unless he shoots a lot and is capable of hand loading precision ammo .
A 6.5 cartridge like the Creedmoor or .260 Remington would be a lot better for a new shooter as would the .308 Winchester.
I shoot all three to 1K as well as the 6mmBR, and the 6.5's do very well.....
Cat

 

[Mystic Precision]

Rem 783 Varmint in 6.5 Creedmoor... around $750

Bed it, factory ammo or load for it. With handloads, no problem to get sub MOA. When he wants more, spin on a match prefit barrel in whatever SA 308 family chamber he decides.

Sightron STAC 4-20 around $700. Burris Sig Zee rings around $95.... all good to 1000+yds.


Want to start on FFP? Athlon Midas TAC 30mm or 34mm ... all the desired spec, great glass and tracking. Around $1K

Want something fancier? Bergara, Savage, Tikka, Howa... pick the furniture he prefers, bed it... go enjoy.

Jerry

 

[mwic98]

I agree on 223 as too light . Bergara has a nice HMR . Have not looked at 783 Varmint yet.
Thx

 

[Mystic Precision]

Not mine but a pic off FB group... PT&G DBM added.

Nice traditional styling with AICS mags. Avoid the hunting version with the gawd awful flattened bolt knob... unless you want to thread and install an aftermarket knob.

More accessories, chassis and stocks are coming out. Timney has a trigger out and it works very nicely (instock).... rumor suggests Trigger tech is working on a trigger (????)

Jerry

 

[maynard]

I agree on 223 as too light . Bergara has a nice HMR . Have not looked at 783 Varmint yet.
Thx

If you have a T3 in .223 with a heavy 1:8" twist barrel you will have no problems out to 1000 yards with 80 gr bullets. Sorry I can't help you out with a scope, all my 1000 yard shooting is done with iron sights.

 

[Mike112288]

80 gr eldm’s ?

 

[iron cat]

If you have a T3 in .223 with a heavy 1:8" twist barrel you will have no problems out to 1000 yards with 80 gr bullets. Sorry I can't help you out with a scope, all my 1000 yard shooting is done with iron sights.

My 70 grainers make the trip as well, but you and I shoot quite a bit more out to 1K than the average guy!
Cat

 

[mwic98]

Thanks for all the comments. It will help quite a bit. I just have to make sure of what his intended use of the rifle is going to be in the end. Being a life long hunter, I find it hard to believe he will "just practice long range". This is what I,and many enjoy, but it's not for everyone. Maybe, I will make sure he doesn't want a fancy hunting rifle that shoots long range accurately. Will report back.