Savage Model 12 Long Range Precision in 260 Rem
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The LRP is a VERY heavy gun, so as such I'd only recommend it for hunting if you truly have no better alternatives. Further, I think you're short-changing yourself if you're not reloading for it because you can certainly squeeze a lot of accuracy out of these rigs.
Mine's a .260. I love it immensely, as brass is easy to find/manufacture (7mm-08 or .243), and Berger 140gr VLDs shoot great. I couldn't imagine hunting with it unless one was willing to hunker down and wait until something comes along. Factory ammo runs at about $40/box, which is a complete rip-off when considering the price of the components needed to make it.
That said, both are great hunting calibres, and both have a large following, with the .260 becoming more and more popular. I am not familiar enough with the 6.5x55 and factory ammunition offerings to offer you more advice. Reloading will probably offer you serious cost and accuracy advantages with both calibres though.
I managed to scrounge one up for myself finally. Topped with a Talley 20moa base and their 30mm tactical rings, and a Vx3 6.5-20x50 M1.
I've been just playing with it so far with 107gr SMK/Varget and 108gr Scenar/8208xbr to eat them off my reloading shelf, no real load workup just mild loads that go bang. Accuracy is good, although 108's don't do so well in the wind at 750 yards. I've shot a few 3" groups @ 1/4 mile in calm conditions
Just did a ladder load the other day with 140gr Berger VLD's & H4350. 2825 fps was no problem with 42.5grs, now I'll work backwards from there to find accuracy.
One surprise was the short throat on my rifle. When seated to touch, the 107/108's were around 2.72" OAL, and the VLD's @ 2.78". Mag box accepts 3". An advantage should be longer barrel life since the throat will wear in(out) to be able to touch the lands for quite a few rounds.
here's 15 in a row at 460 yards with the 108 Scenars @ 2800 fps on a gusty 10mph day last weekend. I think it was 6"
great rifle. Once I tune the 140 VLD's in I'll try some 750 yard groups and post the results
I've been just playing with it so far with 107gr SMK/Varget and 108gr Scenar/8208xbr to eat them off my reloading shelf, no real load workup just mild loads that go bang. Accuracy is good, although 108's don't do so well in the wind at 750 yards. I've shot a few 3" groups @ 1/4 mile in calm conditions
Just did a ladder load the other day with 140gr Berger VLD's & H4350. 2825 fps was no problem with 42.5grs, now I'll work backwards from there to find accuracy.
One surprise was the short throat on my rifle. When seated to touch, the 107/108's were around 2.72" OAL, and the VLD's @ 2.78". Mag box accepts 3". An advantage should be longer barrel life since the throat will wear in(out) to be able to touch the lands for quite a few rounds.
here's 15 in a row at 460 yards with the 108 Scenars @ 2800 fps on a gusty 10mph day last weekend. I think it was 6"
great rifle. Once I tune the 140 VLD's in I'll try some 750 yard groups and post the results
I bought a model 12 LRVP too. Just on my way to the range to try it out. Mine is in 223 cal.
Good point .... although carrying it around would be good exercise /training to lug a moose out of the bush
I managed to scrounge one up for myself finally. Topped with a Talley 20moa base and their 30mm tactical rings, and a Vx3 6.5-20x50 M1.
I've been just playing with it so far with 107gr SMK/Varget and 108gr Scenar/8208xbr to eat them off my reloading shelf, no real load workup just mild loads that go bang. Accuracy is good, although 108's don't do so well in the wind at 750 yards. I've shot a few 3" groups @ 1/4 mile in calm conditions
Just did a ladder load the other day with 140gr Berger VLD's & H4350. 2825 fps was no problem with 42.5grs, now I'll work backwards from there to find accuracy.
One surprise was the short throat on my rifle. When seated to touch, the 107/108's were around 2.72" OAL, and the VLD's @ 2.78". Mag box accepts 3". An advantage should be longer barrel life since the throat will wear in(out) to be able to touch the lands for quite a few rounds.
here's 15 in a row at 460 yards with the 108 Scenars @ 2800 fps on a gusty 10mph day last weekend. I think it was 6"
great rifle. Once I tune the 140 VLD's in I'll try some 750 yard groups and post the results
Looks very promising. Looking forward to the test results.
My new LRP in 260 has been sitting in its box, waiting for a scope for too long. It feels like it is now giving me the stink eye.
I have finally narrowed down my list of scopes to two; Sightron SIII 8x32x56 LRMOA and VX-3 8.5-25x50mm VH reticle. What a frustrating task, specially if you are basically "long range optics illiterate" like I am.
Also aggravated by the fact that Sightron does not have a dealer in Ontario, which means I haven't had a chance to look at one up close.
I would appreciate comments from those who are familiar with these two fine scopes. I can get the Leopold for around $100 more than the S III, but I still read that S III is a better value.
I have finally narrowed down my list of scopes to two; Sightron SIII 8x32x56 LRMOA and VX-3 8.5-25x50mm VH reticle. What a frustrating task, specially if you are basically "long range optics illiterate" like I am.
Also aggravated by the fact that Sightron does not have a dealer in Ontario, which means I haven't had a chance to look at one up close. I would appreciate comments from those who are familiar with these two fine scopes. I can get the Leopold for around $100 more than the S III, but I still read that S III is a better value.
I bought that exact sightron and put it on the same rifle. Like you I had never seen one but wanted a higher mag scope for the new toy. That was my first higher power scope and though I don`t have experience with others to which I can compare it to I do like it. If you go with it I think you`ll find that the dot in the centre of the reticle is a real good size for target shooting. I`ve done most of my load development at 200 yards and at full power it`s great. You also don`t need to walk up to check you targets or bring a spotting scope. Only thing I noticed is that the colors of the target seem a bit different shade than what I am used to seeing them as through other scopes but that`s not really a big deal.
I put the Vx3 6.5-20x50 Long range on my LRP, love it. I opted to add M1 elevation and windage dials as well. 25x mag wouldn't hurt either. I also went for VH reticle, I liked the option of having hold points for quicker shots in the field if I decide to take it after coyotes or deer, when you don't have time to muss around with the turret.
