Thinking of starting to collect bits and pieces for first build, need advice.

flying pig

flying pig

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Gonna start over!

Makes perfect sense that I should ask about a suitable caliber for my first build before any of the other variables.

I've been shooting a savage model 12 in 223 and I would like my next rifle to be able to reach out farther than my 223 does. I pretty much have unlimited distance I can shoot, the one place I have scouted has about 2 miles of safe distance with tall ridge backdrop. Obviously I am not capable of shooting those distances. I'm not interested in anything bigger than probably 308. I want something that is relatively easy to load for and fairly easy to find components for. Barrel life is also going to be a concern as is recoil. Noise is no concern I shoot in the middle of nowhere.

I've been thinking about one of the 6mms or 6.5s but I don't know a lot about what is out there or what is going to fit my requirements well.

I'm not into competition shooting yet, maybe one day down the road. Just fun target shooting for now, I have a lot of learning to do yet.

After I decide on a caliber I like I will have more questions about other bits and pieces. I'd already like to upgrade my 223 to a better scope so I'm thinking a Sightron so far because they seem to have a really good following on here.

Also I live west of Grande Prairie, AB and haven't met anyone else near me who is into this type of shooting yet.
 
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At this point the possibilities are endless. I think with such a general question more legwork needs to be done on your part, otherwise your going to get a lot of different answers that don't mean a whole lot to you. I would start with caliber, maybe start a thread about that and check out 6mmbr. com and do some research.

Then I would figure out your budget, I know it's difficult because your piecing this together over time but without a limit once again you won't get any advice that's meaningful. IMO if you start a build the way you are now it's going to be a long time before you even consider getting components together.
 
I'm thinking on the first one at this point I'd be willing to spend between two and three thousand (not including optics). More than that with my inexperience would be more than I'm willing to invest in something that may not turn out to be exactly what fits my needs. Caliber wise I've been thinking 6.5x55, 6.5x47L, 6mmBR, something in that range but I don't know all the calibers available in that caliber range or their strong points or weaknesses.

I guess the biggest thing for me at this point will be networking in the community and trying to get out there and discover what's available and at least see what fits me.
 
flying pig said:
Caliber wise I've been thinking 6.5x55, 6.5x47L, 6mmBR, something in that range but I don't know all the calibers available in that caliber range or their strong points or weaknesses.
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Let me just restate the point that I'm trying to get across. This thread as it stands serves no purpose other than to let you know what other guys are using and what their preferences are. I would edit your original post and make this discussion exclusively about caliber for reasons that I already covered, and on top of that start doing research specifically on caliber. Not trying to tell you what to do just trying to help.
 
Shabazz said:
Let me just restate the point that I'm trying to get across. This thread as it stands serves no purpose other than to let you know what other guys are using and what their preferences are. I would edit your original post and make this discussion exclusively about caliber for reasons that I already covered, and on top of that start doing research specifically on caliber. Not trying to tell you what to do just trying to help.
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Point taken, I'll edit it ASAP
 
Firstly, good on you for getting some trigger time in to develop good habits and to have a better understanding of what you want. Secondly, a Sightron ( I recommend a Siii 8-32x56 or the 10-50x60 ) will be a good upgrade from what you currently have for glass. Now, to the rifle, I always recommend a Remington as a donor but there are many who will say stick to the Savage and they are not wrong, just personal preference. When you have decided, then get a good barrel - I recommend Krieger but have also used Shillen and Broughton and McLennan and all are very good - and trigger. Now to caliber, there is a huge attraction to 6mm and 6.5 mm but components are a bit harder to find and they ( esp the 6.5's ) are barrel burners so I recommend you look at .308; excellent barrel life, moderate recoil and you can use it in F/TR. Stock will be a matter of personal preference - you may stick with a traditional look like a McMillian or something more tactical like an AICS or MDT; this will be largely up to you and your feeling of fit etc.

I look forward to following your progress and seeing a review.
 
were you aware that the 223 with a heavier bullet can shoot easily beyond 1000yds?

I have taken a 223/80-gr Amax to 1 mile. Elevation was a pain but it made the trip no problem.

For plinking, out to 1500yds with the 80's and 90's is pretty straight forward. Similar ballistics to the 308. I have some fast twist 223 prefits for that Savage you already have and I can offer Choate Custom Tactical stocks. Put it together and you could be shooting in short order.

Next up would be the 6BR. 8 twist, 105 to 108gr match bullets and plink out to 1 mile. Larger cases like the 243 are hard on bores for little gain in the plinking dept.

Then the 6.5s. I shot the 6.5 Mystic/260AI for years in F open. Very consistently accurate set up. Longest shot was 2340yds. The 260R is a very nice chambeing for what you want to do. Smaller cases just go slower and may be harder to tune with the heavy bullets.

then the 7-08. With a 162gr Amax, it makes for pretty inexpensive shooting and that bullet can get out a very long ways.

for ballistics in the 308 sized case, the 260Rem and improved versions offer the best performance with accurate bore life around 1500 to 1800rds.

7-08 will likely be around 2200/2500rd - similar to the 6BR and 223 w/ heavies

for smacking rocks and gongs at LR, you don't need a boomer. Just good bullets launched from accurate barrels using well prepped ammo.

Jerry
 
Thanks again for the replies everyone. You guys are definitely helping me narrow down my choices. I didn't realize that the 6.5s were hard on barrels. The 6mmBR and 308 are the ones I am kind of leaning towards, but maybe what I really need to do is wear out my factory 1 in 9 223 barrel and buy a good match barrel for it. I really like that rifle and I am going to wear that barrel out for sure so I guess no matter weather I build another rifle or not this one will get a new barrel down the road.
 
go with a 7 or 8 twist 223 prefit for your savage, order a barrel from mystic and while you wait for it to get here shoot out the factory barrel.

your already set up to load for 223, now you just need heavier bullets, but before you do anything......get a scope that will allow you to see how far it is you want to shoot......no sense building a 1000 yard gun when your still set up with a 4-12 variable scope..........

Order a rifle basix 2 trigger, get your trigger pull down to 4 ounces, get more power in your optics and learn to shoot your 9 twist barrel out to 300 with 70 grain bullets........69grain match bullets will get you out to 600 on calm days.........your only limited to you self confidence with the gear your shooting now........
 
The larger the case capacity, the harder it is on barrels. 6mm BR's are about the best for long wear ability, the smaller 6.5's are not too bad. Recoil is not a problem. A .308 does have a lot more recoil than the BR or 6.5x47 Lapua. There are those who will say they can shoot their .308 all day long, but the recoil will affect your accuracy. The smaller cartridges will out shoot the .308 and are flatter shooting as well. Just my thoughts...
 
Looks like that rifle basix trigger would have to wait unless I put a stock on it? Their site says the S-1 will work with the accustock but not the S-2.

I think maybe I should get some money together and give Jerry a call.
 
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