I want to get something to shoot longer range and leaning to the Ruger RPR. But am struggling between 308 or 6.5 Creed. Normally I would go with 6.5 Creed, no question. But with ammo so hard to get thee days, I'm thinking I may go with 308. Also, the 308 version has a 20" barrel and is a pound lighter (although I would put an 18" rail on the 20" barrel, just because I like the look of less barrel showing, so I'd probably end up about the same weight). Thoughts on 308 vs 6.5 Creed? And any other guns I should consider over the RPR, assuming the same price range.
Ruger RPR
- Thread starter KENTO1
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Aprilia Man
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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If you are concerned about weight, the RPR might not be the rifle for you. Scoped, it'll be around 12 pounds or more.
Either cartridge you mention would be a good choice, but the creedmoor offers long range advantage over the 308.
I don't know what ammo you plan to use, but I have noticed lately that some places are getting ammo in now, like Prophet River and even my local CT.
Either cartridge you mention would be a good choice, but the creedmoor offers long range advantage over the 308.
I don't know what ammo you plan to use, but I have noticed lately that some places are getting ammo in now, like Prophet River and even my local CT.
I've owned both .308 and 260 Rem (the other 6.5) in the RPR and both shoot very well. The 6.5 has an advantage over the 308 in that it bucks the wind better. 6.5 Creedmoor is much more prevalent as a cartridge than it used to be. 260 Rem is not seen anywhere near as much. 308 barrels using ammo loaded to sane velocities (2700 fps) will take thousands of rounds.
I have the .308 and it was my first long distance gun. Bought it for pretty much the same reasons your looking it. The nice think about .308 is that ammo is everywhere and you can find what bullet weight works for you. It will teach you all you need to know and if you want down the line you can switch to a 6.5 barrel. So really starting out with .308 doesn’t handcuff you in anyway.
naktabar72
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Have both but not in same platform, I lean toward the 6.5 CM. weight is not really your concern, if it is go Tikka CTR. But weight=Stability. RPR is a very good choice, and the Tikka TacA1, Savage Elite.
Max Owner
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
One of the fellas at Insite Arms said “If you want to shoot well, get a 6.5 Creedmoor. If you want to learn to shoot well, get a 308.
These guys build accurate rifles. Not just talk about them.
These guys build accurate rifles. Not just talk about them.
No worries, it was given new life when hipsters started chambering barrels in x47 Ackley Improved.
Forget the RPR, grab a used Tikka T3x in 308, with the CTR heavy threaded barrel; $900-1200. Now you have a reliable, consistent 308 for hunting and tactical class. Call up JC Custom Barrels and order a 24" stainless prefit barrel in 6.5CM, MTU contour, 5/8-24 threads. Now you have a heavy barrel for precision & ELR to 1600M($650). Grab a used MPA BA Comp chassis for tikkas, or an MDT ESS, or KRG, or whatever you like.
Now you have both a 308 & 6.5 precision rig, that will work in just about any situation depending on how you configure it.
You can use Federal Gold Premium ammo in either caliber, and get sub MOA all day long; 130 Berger Hybrid is incredibly consistent in 6.5. The 308 168 berger and 175 SMK is stellar too.
Spend the money on one good scope; a used Vortex strike eagle, with the EBR7C mil reticle will do you well, $750-900. A Bushnell XRS is a good option too. A used Razor HD with the same reticle will do you better, $2300-2800.
You're on your way down the rabbit hole, do it once, do it right. The rifle in the bottom is my T3X in an MPA chassis, with a Kahles scope, and its phenomenal. All purchased used here on CGN.
Now you have both a 308 & 6.5 precision rig, that will work in just about any situation depending on how you configure it.
You can use Federal Gold Premium ammo in either caliber, and get sub MOA all day long; 130 Berger Hybrid is incredibly consistent in 6.5. The 308 168 berger and 175 SMK is stellar too.
Spend the money on one good scope; a used Vortex strike eagle, with the EBR7C mil reticle will do you well, $750-900. A Bushnell XRS is a good option too. A used Razor HD with the same reticle will do you better, $2300-2800.
You're on your way down the rabbit hole, do it once, do it right. The rifle in the bottom is my T3X in an MPA chassis, with a Kahles scope, and its phenomenal. All purchased used here on CGN.
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My research has lead me to these two options. Ruger Precision Rifle in 308 or save up a little extra and get the Tikka T3x TAC A1 in 308. The 308 ammo is plentiful and has lots of options. I also like the Tikka CTR 308. If money wasn't a concern I would love to get something from Cadex in a 338 Lapua.
You can get a way with A LOT with a 6mm and 6.5mm that you can't get away with on a .30 cal.
Recoil will absolutely exploit any flaws in your fundamentals.
I think the .308 is an excellent trainer. Long barrel life, plenty of ammo/reloading availability, enough recoil to really exploit your fundamentals, and ballistics that makes you work for it in the wind.
A 6.5 Creedmoor is more of an easy button. I think everyone should have a .308, but it may be easier and less frustrating to start off with a 6.5 Creedmoor.
No good reason to choose a .260 over a 6.5 Creedmoor these days unless you have a bunch of components stocked up in .260.
