Selecting a Caliber...

Slug870

Slug870

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Hey all,

So I am preparing for my next major purchase which I am very excited about (Tikka T3) and I am in the process of choosing a caliber. I have narrowed it down to three possibilities from which to choose; .300WinMag, .300WSM and 7mmMagnum.

My ultimate goal with this rifle is to shoot at distances of 600m-800m and yes, I plan on researching the calibers before making my decision. Which brings me to the first reason for this post - can anyone recommend a good ballistics comparison chart? I want to make an informed choice and to do so I need the proper information.

The second reason for this post is to ask some of you experienced distance shooters your opinions and thoughts on the calibers I am selecting from. I would greatly appreciate and enjoy reading your thoughts and experiences with said calibers, and I invite you to suggest favorites.

Thank you.
 
6.5x55, 308 or 223 will have a LOT less recoil and likely be better to learn long distance shooting with and are commercially available.

Those mag cartridges will probably give you nothing but a bad flinch which will result in less than ideal trigger control and follow through which are both necessary for the distances you want to shoot.
 
I didn't actually think to mention what I'd be shooting, but I want to target shoot, have the option of big game hunting with the rifle as well.
 
Then go 6.5X55 or 260Rem.

Lots of LR ballistics that will trump the 30cal magnums and give the 7RM a good run for the money.

Way less recoi, cost and wear.

Either way, you will really enjoy the Tikkas. One of the nicest factory rifle you can play with.

Jerry
 
I think one other thing to look at is are you going to reload or buy factory. As that will make your options more open or maybe close them. IE the 300wsm if you buy could be a hard find if you end up hunting is smome small town area and loose or run out of ammo. I use my 300win mag,7mm mag bolth for the distance your looking at so it depnds on which you find more relaxing to shoot. I would find someone who has one and try bolth and see which feels better to you.

Redneck
 
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A lot of veteran Long distance shooters here giving you some good advice. Shooting LR is not something that is easy and the more you practice the better. Even the pro's tend to want to shoot rifles with less recoil, many .308's shooters are looking for a cartridge with similar or better ballistics AND less recoil (6mm & 6.5mm). I don't care who you are, dealing with recoil does affect the way you shoot, and at longer ranges this is even more obvious.

The 3 calibres you listed are a terrible choice, IMHO. You gotta have a big wallet, and be impervious to recoil to learn LR with those. I think you'd be better served with a .223, .308, 6mmbr, 260rem, or 6.5x55 just to name a few.

You mentionned a T3 so forget about the 6mmbr. The standard action length with the T3 makes me want to say to go with the 6.5x55 rather than the 260. Reloading is a big part of it, if you don't reload than a .308 with factory match ammo might be a better choice.

Good luck
 
I would like to thank you all for your excellent advice and opinions. After much thought, I have decided to do away with the original caliber choices and I am now deciding between the 6.5x55 and .308

The 6.5x55 seems to be an amazing caliber and has been recommended to me by many. My only concern with this choice is ammo availability and cost. I am just getting in to reloading, so this may not be as big a factor as I am seeing it.

The .308 is a classic for sure; this caliber is so popular and so readily available. It is a choice which will also allow me to shoot "F" Class competition if I pursue that (thanks to those who have encouraged me to go that route), and will be a solid hitter for hunting.

As I will be ordering the rifle this weekend (Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless), it would appear I am in for some critical thinking indeed!
 
If you have the Factory class offered at your F class matches using the same rules as BC, get the 6.5X55 as it will head and shoulders ahead of the 308 ballistically with less recoil too.

Good luck with your rifle and have it bedded.

Jerry
 
While I am a huge fan of Tikka and feel they are come of the most consistently accurate commercial guns, Like all factory guns, their accuracy is "strained" when thinking in terms of using them for competition.

So... buy whatever caliber you want. I think the 6.5X55 is a great cartridge that is balistically superior to the 308 for long distance shooting (with the right bullets).

Buy the gun, have fun, try competition and then mark may words. This rifle will be the first of many you acquire over time, because you will learn that no one rifle does all things really well. Hunting rifles have significant limitations as target rifles, and vice versa.
 
Well it's done! One 6.5x55 Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless on its way as of yesterday!

Thanks again to all who offered help and advice. Although it won't be quite as bada55 as some of the rifles in this forum, you can bet you'll see some pics of her soon. Can't wait to get her to the range!

Cheers!
 
Slug870 said:
Well it's done! One 6.5x55 Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless on its way as of yesterday!

Thanks again to all who offered help and advice. Although it won't be quite as bada55 as some of the rifles in this forum, you can bet you'll see some pics of her soon. Can't wait to get her to the range!

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Accurate rifles are BAD A$$.

Bed it, watch the forend clearance, use good dies and components. A simple load work up and I would expect you see 1/2 min without much fuss.

Enjoy...

Jerry
 
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