Which hunting rig makes better LR shooter?

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thepitchedlink

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Hi guys. I want to try some long range shooting and keep thinking about buying a "target" gun. But hell, I've got lots of rifles and really I should learn to shoot what I've got, not buy more. So here's what I've got, what would be some suggestions to learn longer range shooting:
Tikka T3, stainless, walnut & plastic stocks, 6.5x55. Shoots under 1" with 140 SST's
Ruger 270 Win, stainless, walnut, Damn thing shoots everything into 1", loves 150 Hornady sp's. Haven't tried 130's yet
Might have a 24" barrel, 264 Win Mag someday, if it ever shows up at the shop.
Should have 77/22 Hornet by next month in a trade...

I've got a nice Leupy FXIII 6x42 with target turrets
Trying to get a 3200 10X with mildots

Neither rifles is very heavy, the 6.5 is my mountain gun, the rugers a little heavier....both rifles have been bedded by me.

I'm thinking the 270 with the 10x might be a good starter rig...although the 6.5 has less recoil..maybe I could put some weight into the plastic stock...
Any thoughts? thanks
 
Well, the Swede has a far better reputation as a long range cartridge. The Tikka is -in all likelihood - an accurate gun too, but undertand that you will need to be patient, these rifles are not target rifles and they tend to heat up real fast when shooting a whole box of ammo at a target rather than 1 or 2 shots at a Deer.

The 270 will wear out quicker than the 6.5 as it is not a cartridge that is kind on barrels with a huge 30-06 case behind it.

For target shooting, I think you will learn to appreciate substantially more than 10X too. Bushnell makes some good optics up to 25X, Leupy in the same power would be terrific.

...I think you'll be quite happy with the Tikka in 6.5!
 
The swede is the way to go.

The 264 Win Mag never really caught on, the 7mm RM was a better choice. In the long range game you want to keep recoil to a minimum, and the 264 (is a bit of a boomer) over bore so barrels will not last for the target shooter, but fine for hunting.
The Swedes had it figured out, 6.5X55 with an 8 twist barrel that handles 140gr match bullets. The 6.5 gives you the best selection of target bullets for long range. I,m not sure of the twist rate on the Tikas, but you need an 8 twist to stabilize the 140gr bullets.
The 270 does not have a great selection of target bullets, however calibers in 7mm do.
You have a good starting point so Enjoy. Bill
 
As was already said, I would put my efforts in that Tikka. Likely the best barrel and definitely the best cartridge. Problem is all sporter barrels will heat up quicker and may warp. The stock style is also not ideal for max consistency.

What is long range to you? If you are shooting inside 600yds, that 22 hornet with a 60gr VMax would be loads of fun too.

I had a 270 Savage a few years back and it shot 150gr SST's very well. Out to 800yds, it was not all that bad but more powder and wear then desired. The 270 now has a great bullet in the Berger.

Enjoy and just get out there and have some fun. Why not prep a couple of rifles as you will not be shooting any one rifle for many shots? What else are you going to do when things need to cool?

Jerry
 
Heheheh, thanks for the replys...you really thing that honet will fly well out to 600y? I guess, why not, never really thought about it. Everyone says they're only a good gopher gun to about 175y. Keep thinking about finding a tikka varmint in 6.5x55, seems like a good mix....not overboard, good accuracy and heavy barrel...we'll see.
 
Ah crap, found one....put a deposit on it too:D So I'm thinking I'll start with Burris mounts with inserts, 3200 10x. That should get me going. Now some 140g Amax and Scenar from Jerry and I gotta find a 300-600y hill to shoot at. Oh man, another gun... do they make gun safe extention kits?:p
 
Don't worry about what your rifle will do at 100, make your choice after shooting each rifle at 300-600 yards. Chances are the 6.5 will have the best showing, but the performance is rifle dependent. If shooting out to a half mile is your intention, it won't be long before you are itching for a real target rifle, but good optics should probably be the first consideration.

OK, I see you've picked a rifle, and that scope should get you going, but you may find that the reticle of the 3200 is too coarse to get the most out of the rifle. For knocking down 12" steel plates at 800 it will be plenty good though.
 
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