I know this is a dumb question but what is the most economical caliber for long range shooting when you factor in the rifle/ammo/accuracy with hand loads? I'm guessing it would be either .223 or .308 when all is said and done with 1000 rounds at 1000 yards. Like I said, dumb question but not all of us can spend a whole lot of money on guns and shooting.
What is the most economical LR caliber?
- Thread starter KDX
- Start date
Long Range Canuck
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Athabasca Alberta aka God's Country
Your not going to find a big difference in price from .223 and your 6mm/7mm and .30 cal chamberings. If you keep quality of components at the same level throughout all calibers your realy talking a difference of pennies to a couple of bucks if you buy in bulk.
My opinion is don't worry to much about the pennies, worry about what is going to give you the best performance at the ranges you want to hit. Think of target types....ie: paper or animal.
The big price differences are going to come when you go to larger than .30 cal chamberings up to .50BMG.
Just my opinion.
My opinion is don't worry to much about the pennies, worry about what is going to give you the best performance at the ranges you want to hit. Think of target types....ie: paper or animal.
The big price differences are going to come when you go to larger than .30 cal chamberings up to .50BMG.
Just my opinion.
KDX your two calibers are right but the .223 Rem is waymore economical,
looking at Higginson's price list this morning.
Match 168 gr .308 $32.51 Vs .223 Match 75gr $23.00
Powder .308 45gr varget VS 25gr Varget in .223
My brother shot for first time at 900 meters last Wed at Connaught fired 12 shots one 4, two 5s and 9 5V's with a Rem Police in .223/75gr bullets but I must say he did not go cheep on scope and its a dandy 8 to 32 BR Nightforce
looking at Higginson's price list this morning.
Match 168 gr .308 $32.51 Vs .223 Match 75gr $23.00
Powder .308 45gr varget VS 25gr Varget in .223
My brother shot for first time at 900 meters last Wed at Connaught fired 12 shots one 4, two 5s and 9 5V's with a Rem Police in .223/75gr bullets but I must say he did not go cheep on scope and its a dandy 8 to 32 BR Nightforce
.223 is about half the price of.308 when it comes to reloading. Some people do not consider the .223 a long range caliber, but then again these are the people that have never shot 1000 yards or 900m with a .223.
I have heard barrel life to be around 6000-7000 for .223, however I don't shoot mine enough to worry about that. Barrel life for my .308's run around 4000-5000 rounds.
I have heard barrel life to be around 6000-7000 for .223, however I don't shoot mine enough to worry about that. Barrel life for my .308's run around 4000-5000 rounds.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
223 is by far the least expensive way to shoot LR both in component costs but also wear and tear on gear and shooter.
Brass is usually free if you look or at least dirt cheap, powder is 1/2 the volume of other cases, bullets like the Amax are substantially less money then heavier bullets and other brands, primers costs the same.
A good ballpark is 2/3 the price of a 308 and 1/4 the cost of the boomers.
There is no problem shooting the 223 as far as a 308. Ballistically, pretty much the same.
Jerry
Brass is usually free if you look or at least dirt cheap, powder is 1/2 the volume of other cases, bullets like the Amax are substantially less money then heavier bullets and other brands, primers costs the same.
A good ballpark is 2/3 the price of a 308 and 1/4 the cost of the boomers.
There is no problem shooting the 223 as far as a 308. Ballistically, pretty much the same.
Jerry
I agree with most... I think 223 is about the best bang for buck plus it has a whole continuum of cheap -to expensive components. Pretty hard to beat the cost of Stevens and Jerry has proven what you can get out of them for less than two months of Latte's at Starbucks.
It aint my personal thing, but you can't go wrong.
It aint my personal thing, but you can't go wrong.
Actualy, with the heavier bullets and a 1:8 or 1:7 twist barrel, the .223 can outperform the .308 at the longer ranges for wind drift. Bullet weight has nothing to with it. It all depends on the Ballistic Coefficient (BC) of the bullet and the velocity that can be safely obtained. The best .223 long range bullets have BCs that are better than .308 bullets that can be launched at a given maximum velocity. If you don't believe this, just plug the numbers into a good ballistics calculator and see for yourself.
