maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
In some counties, particularly in the Southwest, there are maximum "calibre" restrictions.
Need help with a 400yards rifle choice
- Thread starter Foxer2373
- Start date
In some counties, particularly in the Southwest, there are maximum "calibre" restrictions.
A .223 target rifle will shoot accurately to 400. I shot 1.5" three round groups with my Remington XR100 (don't have it anymore). I would suggest (like some of the others posted) to spend more or the same on the optic as you do the rifle. I have stuck to .223 and .308 with my long range rifles because the selection of ammunition is much broader as are the reloading supplies.
Yea I'm starting to wonder if my initial gut was right and do a Savage 10TR 24" barrel and a Vortex PST 4-16 ffp and then upgrade to a chassi later and won't need to upgrade the scope.
I post this as I just ran 350yards with my shotgun and the Donky's got the yote out before I could get a shot lol.
I post this as I just ran 350yards with my shotgun and the Donky's got the yote out before I could get a shot lol.
I have to agree with Jerry.
I wouldn't want a chasis rifle as my hunting rifle, and you'd definitely want to re-prioritize where your money is going. 400Yd is not a huge distance, harvested a few deer out to that distance with 9x scopes. In your position I would be looking at a high bang for the buck rifle with good glass on top.
I love my Weatherby Vanguard S2, probably the best rifle you could buy for under $1000. I've seen them listed new for $680 from a site sponsor, that would give you $1300 for a scope and rings. I can make my S2 group 1-1.5" at 200 yards with my hunting reloads (IE. Not really trying hard) so the accuracy is there.
When I was shopping for my 10BA Stealth I looked at a lot of glass and ended up going with a Sightron SIII($1400), but a close second was the Nikon X1000 then a Viper HST, both of these are in that $900-1000 range. With either the X1000 or the HST you'd be looking at $1700 plus rail/rings. My want for the rifle is a bit different from your's though, I want to hit steel at 1000m.
TL;DR - Go big on quality glass, 400Yd's isn't that far and you can't hit what you can't see. Most rifles can shoot accurately to 400yds, and there are cheaper options that will let you invest in a good scope.
I wouldn't want a chasis rifle as my hunting rifle, and you'd definitely want to re-prioritize where your money is going. 400Yd is not a huge distance, harvested a few deer out to that distance with 9x scopes. In your position I would be looking at a high bang for the buck rifle with good glass on top.
I love my Weatherby Vanguard S2, probably the best rifle you could buy for under $1000. I've seen them listed new for $680 from a site sponsor, that would give you $1300 for a scope and rings. I can make my S2 group 1-1.5" at 200 yards with my hunting reloads (IE. Not really trying hard) so the accuracy is there.
When I was shopping for my 10BA Stealth I looked at a lot of glass and ended up going with a Sightron SIII($1400), but a close second was the Nikon X1000 then a Viper HST, both of these are in that $900-1000 range. With either the X1000 or the HST you'd be looking at $1700 plus rail/rings. My want for the rifle is a bit different from your's though, I want to hit steel at 1000m.
TL;DR - Go big on quality glass, 400Yd's isn't that far and you can't hit what you can't see. Most rifles can shoot accurately to 400yds, and there are cheaper options that will let you invest in a good scope.
Lots of good info. .308 is a good all around cartridge. .243 or any 6mm is very accurate and can kill a deer. But what if get an elk/moose draw? The 6's are too light for ethical kills. The 6.5's are good, maybe to under 300 yards. I could be wrong, but I'd never shoot at big game with my 6.5-284 Norma past 300 yards. Anything bigger than deer anyway. I'd say get a 1:10 twist. 308 so you can shoot berger's 185 hunting btlr. Then you can wallop to 500 yards. Load 168's for yotes or get some varmint rounds if you don't want to hurt the horses.
Or, like any gun guy on here, buy a 6mm for lighter stuff and another rifle for heavy stuff and then buy another just for fun!
Echoing every one else on here, buy the best glass you can afford. Rifles come and go, but you tend to keep glass. I'd say pony up for a nightforce or razor. There are some nxs scopes on the ee right now for $2,000. Firsf focal plane is good if you are going to range or use your holdovers on the reticle. Otherwise, if you'll always be shooting at max power, second focal plane is fine.
Or, like any gun guy on here, buy a 6mm for lighter stuff and another rifle for heavy stuff and then buy another just for fun!
Echoing every one else on here, buy the best glass you can afford. Rifles come and go, but you tend to keep glass. I'd say pony up for a nightforce or razor. There are some nxs scopes on the ee right now for $2,000. Firsf focal plane is good if you are going to range or use your holdovers on the reticle. Otherwise, if you'll always be shooting at max power, second focal plane is fine.
I have a tikka varmint in 6.5x55 , it is far from stock now but when I first got it completely stock with a bushnell elite 4200 6-24x40 sf and El cheapo Harris clone bipod. Total was 1700 i believe. hitting the black at 400 yrds on a 12x12 target was very easy.
You can get a 400 yrs gun for under 2000 pretty easy. I like 6.5 for long range but a 22-250 will get out there as well.
You can get a 400 yrs gun for under 2000 pretty easy. I like 6.5 for long range but a 22-250 will get out there as well.
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Thanks for the continued advice, still struggling. I believe I have chosen my glass (value/features) Vortex PST Gen2 5-26x my budget has risen due to buy once cry one mentality. Looking in the 2500-3k range now. Glass will eat up $1600 give or take. Believe I am leaning to 6.5 creed as I'll pick up either a 338LM in the future anyway as my large caliber. If a moose hunt or similar came up I'd run my crossbow setup for now and enjoy the outdoors.
