accurate rifle

rebs · March 26, 2017, 03:13 PM

For range shooting at 100, 200 and 300 yds would you recommend a 223, 6.5 creedmor or a 308 ?

ligonierbill · March 26, 2017, 03:22 PM

At that range, .223 for sure. Cheapest ammo, including if you reload, and least recoil. None of these are big kickers, but if you're just punching paper, why get thumped at all? Maybe some big game hunting - get the .308.

NHSHOOTER · March 26, 2017, 04:10 PM

I would opt for a bolt 223 also..I have 1 and love it. Very accurate, no recoil, cheap to shoot, then again I do reload.

flashhole · March 26, 2017, 04:14 PM

I put our local SWAT team to shame. He was shooting a 308 (fairly well but not near what I would expect from a professional at 100 yards) and I was shooting through his bullet holes with my 223.

jmr40 · March 26, 2017, 04:44 PM

For punching holes in paper all have the potential to be equally accurate at those ranges. Beyond 200 yards the 223 will be effected more by wind than the other 2. But the lower costs and recoil would offset that enough to recommend it #1 for your stated purpose.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is the best of the 3 for longer range target work and will do anything a 270 will do, and do it better, as a hunting round.

The 308 is a very close 2nd place finisher to 6.5, but with noticeably more recoil. It has a proven record as a target round, but the 6.5 is proving to be just a little better. With heavier bullets it is a little better option for larger game such as elk, moose or bear.

K31Scout · March 26, 2017, 04:58 PM

If you can only have one of the three go .223 for your 300 yard limit. Get a 1-8 or 1-7 twist and shoot 75gr and up with Varget.

Nathan · March 26, 2017, 05:53 PM

Ammo cost is meaningless when talking 100-300yd accuracy. You are loading your own, right? If not, 308.

If you are, the key is bullet and barrel. 22 has real br quality flat base match bullets available. Get those. Find a rifle with a heavy barrel and a slow twist like 1:10 to 1:12.

Get a Weaver T24 or T36. 24 would be easier to shoot. You might even look at a Super Sniper 16x or 10x. 10x is a tad weak for best accuracy, but usable.

Get the high end Redding die set with micrometer bushing neck sizing, body die, micrometer seating die.

Anyways....yes, 223 bolt rifle like a Savage 12 BVSS or 12 LRPV. 1:9 twist

Reloadron · March 26, 2017, 08:53 PM

Quote:

accurate rifle
For range shooting at 100, 200 and 300 yds would you recommend a 223, 6.5 creedmor or a 308 ?

If target shooting at the mentioned ranges any of the three should do just fine. This assumes you are rolling your own ammunition and cost is not a factor. Personally I shoot both .223 Remington and .308 Winchester at paper out to 500 yards and enjoy shooting both. Between the .223 Remington and the .308 Winchester you really do have an apple and an orange. Since I don't have a 6.5 I can't comment too much on the round.

Ron

Rifletom · March 26, 2017, 09:45 PM

rebs, have you thought about a 22-250?

natman · March 27, 2017, 11:03 AM

Quote:

rebs, have you thought about a 22-250?

What advantage would a 22-250 have over a 223 for target shooting?

Siggy-06 · March 27, 2017, 11:40 AM

.223 will do fine at all the listed distances, plus the ammo is more affordable. Take a look at .243 too. It'll go a bit farther

**44 AMP** · March 27, 2017, 12:45 PM

Quote:

For range shooting at 100, 200 and 300 yds would you recommend a 223, 6.5 creedmor or a 308 ?

What ever floats your boat.

As far as accuracy is concerned the actual caliber choice is the LEAST important factor.

T. O'Heir · March 27, 2017, 01:04 PM

"...Ammo cost is meaningless..." Only when somebody else is paying for it. Reloading or not. Everything is about how much money you want/can spend.
A lot depends on if you're shooting because it's fun or a match. The former doesn't require match grade bullets. Milsurp ammo will do for that. The latter really does, if it's formal target match shooting.
Midway currently has Hornady 55 grain FMJ's on sale at $10 per 100. $78.99 per 1000. Match grade bullets start at $17.49 per 100.
Match grade ammo is a lot more expensive. Starts at about $16.49 per 20, also currently on sale at Midway. $179.99 per 240 for IMI bulk in an ammo can with a 77 grain Matchking. You really do not want to shoot factory though. Means you have to try a box of as many brands as you can to find the ammo your rifle shoots best. Gets prohibitively expensive really fast.
And you need to decided what kind of rifle you want before you worry about the chambering.

rebs · March 27, 2017, 01:38 PM

I am leaning toward the 223 and looking at the Savage 25 walking varminter with medium profile barrel and thumb hole stock.

Rifletom · March 27, 2017, 03:33 PM

natman qouted: " What advantage would a 22-250 have over a 223 for target shooting?"
Answer: Nothing really. I only mentioned the 22-250 as another choice. Loads of cartridges out there for OP to choose from. Thought I'd simply toss it out there.

Sweet Shooter · March 28, 2017, 01:57 PM

I'd go for .223 or .308. Favoring the .308 for a hand-loader. The 6.5 is a waste at these shorter ranges and ammo cost aside, I would never purchase a caliber that is not going to serve me for more than ~2000 rounds (for range use). That goes for the 22-250 as well. Over-bored chambering don't last long. If I were hunting distant speed goats then... yes 6.5, but then I'd be good also with the .308.

eastbank · March 29, 2017, 05:23 AM

i shot two speed goats last oct. at 280 yards and 310 yards with a 7mm08 with hand loaded 120gr nosler BT bullets at 3000fps loading with varget. complete pass thru,s with good exit holes and both goats dropped with in 10 feet. that rem 700 will put a cold dirty shot right next to a cold clean shot at 200 yards, a dime would cover both holes. i have two rifles that will do that and they ain,t going no where, but hunting with me. eastbank.

Sure Shot Mc Gee · March 29, 2017, 11:16 AM

My speculating depends on whether or not there's a prevailing wind needing to be considered? Light-223__ Mild- 6.5 Creedmor__or if Gusting 308.

My overall preference of the 3 cartridges . 308 do to its versatility and ease to home-reload.

mapsjanhere · March 29, 2017, 02:16 PM

How much actual shooting are you going to do? Are you getting into serious shooting with 100s of rounds of training? 308 is my preferred round but it starts hurting a lot faster than a 223.

ed308 · March 29, 2017, 06:12 PM

Which caliber to your shoot better? For me, it would be .223/5.56 or the 6.5 Grendel since I like less recoil. .308 uses a lot more powder plus has more recoil to deal with. Up to 300 yards, .223/5.56 is hard to beat for cost.

rebs · March 30, 2017, 07:05 AM

Thank you guys for the replies. I am thinking 223 for cost to reload and soft to shoot all day.

603Country · March 30, 2017, 08:19 AM

My 223 has become the rifle I shoot most, though it's the caliber I hunt with least. If the OP is going to use the rifle just for targets, get the 223. If hunting is also an objective, I'd go for the Creedmore.

Jim Watson · March 30, 2017, 08:31 PM

If I wanted anything better than a good 75 gr .223 at 300 yards, it would be a 6mm BR.
A 6.5 or .308 has little advantage so close.

Buzzcook · March 31, 2017, 08:51 PM

For the most part what cartridge you pick isn't that important as far as accuracy is concerned. So pick the most cost effective.

Worry about what rifle is best and how much training you're willing to do.

std7mag · April 1, 2017, 06:35 AM

None of the above...

Use 9mm Luger and learn trajectory....

March 26, 2017, 04:14 PM	#4
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	I put our local SWAT team to shame. He was shooting a 308 (fairly well but not near what I would expect from a professional at 100 yards) and I was shooting through his bullet holes with my 223. __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

March 26, 2017, 04:44 PM	#5
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	For punching holes in paper all have the potential to be equally accurate at those ranges. Beyond 200 yards the 223 will be effected more by wind than the other 2. But the lower costs and recoil would offset that enough to recommend it #1 for your stated purpose. The 6.5 Creedmoor is the best of the 3 for longer range target work and will do anything a 270 will do, and do it better, as a hunting round. The 308 is a very close 2nd place finisher to 6.5, but with noticeably more recoil. It has a proven record as a target round, but the 6.5 is proving to be just a little better. With heavier bullets it is a little better option for larger game such as elk, moose or bear. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

March 27, 2017, 01:04 PM	#13
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...Ammo cost is meaningless..." Only when somebody else is paying for it. Reloading or not. Everything is about how much money you want/can spend. A lot depends on if you're shooting because it's fun or a match. The former doesn't require match grade bullets. Milsurp ammo will do for that. The latter really does, if it's formal target match shooting. Midway currently has Hornady 55 grain FMJ's on sale at $10 per 100. $78.99 per 1000. Match grade bullets start at $17.49 per 100. Match grade ammo is a lot more expensive. Starts at about $16.49 per 20, also currently on sale at Midway. $179.99 per 240 for IMI bulk in an ammo can with a 77 grain Matchking. You really do not want to shoot factory though. Means you have to try a box of as many brands as you can to find the ammo your rifle shoots best. Gets prohibitively expensive really fast. And you need to decided what kind of rifle you want before you worry about the chambering. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

March 29, 2017, 02:16 PM	#19
mapsjanhere Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,832	How much actual shooting are you going to do? Are you getting into serious shooting with 100s of rounds of training? 308 is my preferred round but it starts hurting a lot faster than a 223. __________________ I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.

March 26, 2017, 03:13 PM	#1
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	accurate rifle For range shooting at 100, 200 and 300 yds would you recommend a 223, 6.5 creedmor or a 308 ?

March 26, 2017, 03:22 PM	#2
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,457	At that range, .223 for sure. Cheapest ammo, including if you reload, and least recoil. None of these are big kickers, but if you're just punching paper, why get thumped at all? Maybe some big game hunting - get the .308.

March 26, 2017, 04:10 PM	#3
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	I would opt for a bolt 223 also..I have 1 and love it. Very accurate, no recoil, cheap to shoot, then again I do reload.

March 26, 2017, 04:58 PM	#6
K31Scout Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Posts: 40	If you can only have one of the three go .223 for your 300 yard limit. Get a 1-8 or 1-7 twist and shoot 75gr and up with Varget.

March 26, 2017, 05:53 PM	#7
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,333	Ammo cost is meaningless when talking 100-300yd accuracy. You are loading your own, right? If not, 308. If you are, the key is bullet and barrel. 22 has real br quality flat base match bullets available. Get those. Find a rifle with a heavy barrel and a slow twist like 1:10 to 1:12. Get a Weaver T24 or T36. 24 would be easier to shoot. You might even look at a Super Sniper 16x or 10x. 10x is a tad weak for best accuracy, but usable. Get the high end Redding die set with micrometer bushing neck sizing, body die, micrometer seating die. Anyways....yes, 223 bolt rifle like a Savage 12 BVSS or 12 LRPV. 1:9 twist

March 26, 2017, 09:45 PM	#9
Rifletom Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: So-Cal Posts: 789	rebs, have you thought about a 22-250?

March 27, 2017, 11:40 AM	#11
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	.223 will do fine at all the listed distances, plus the ammo is more affordable. Take a look at .243 too. It'll go a bit farther

March 27, 2017, 01:38 PM	#14
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	I am leaning toward the 223 and looking at the Savage 25 walking varminter with medium profile barrel and thumb hole stock.

March 27, 2017, 03:33 PM	#15
Rifletom Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: So-Cal Posts: 789	natman qouted: " What advantage would a 22-250 have over a 223 for target shooting?" Answer: Nothing really. I only mentioned the 22-250 as another choice. Loads of cartridges out there for OP to choose from. Thought I'd simply toss it out there.

March 28, 2017, 01:57 PM	#16
Sweet Shooter Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2011 Posts: 672	I'd go for .223 or .308. Favoring the .308 for a hand-loader. The 6.5 is a waste at these shorter ranges and ammo cost aside, I would never purchase a caliber that is not going to serve me for more than ~2000 rounds (for range use). That goes for the 22-250 as well. Over-bored chambering don't last long. If I were hunting distant speed goats then... yes 6.5, but then I'd be good also with the .308.

March 29, 2017, 05:23 AM	#17
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,450	i shot two speed goats last oct. at 280 yards and 310 yards with a 7mm08 with hand loaded 120gr nosler BT bullets at 3000fps loading with varget. complete pass thru,s with good exit holes and both goats dropped with in 10 feet. that rem 700 will put a cold dirty shot right next to a cold clean shot at 200 yards, a dime would cover both holes. i have two rifles that will do that and they ain,t going no where, but hunting with me. eastbank.

March 29, 2017, 11:16 AM	#18
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	My speculating depends on whether or not there's a prevailing wind needing to be considered? Light-223__ Mild- 6.5 Creedmor__or if Gusting 308. My overall preference of the 3 cartridges . 308 do to its versatility and ease to home-reload.

March 29, 2017, 06:12 PM	#20
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	Which caliber to your shoot better? For me, it would be .223/5.56 or the 6.5 Grendel since I like less recoil. .308 uses a lot more powder plus has more recoil to deal with. Up to 300 yards, .223/5.56 is hard to beat for cost.

March 30, 2017, 07:05 AM	#21
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	Thank you guys for the replies. I am thinking 223 for cost to reload and soft to shoot all day.

March 30, 2017, 08:19 AM	#22
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	My 223 has become the rifle I shoot most, though it's the caliber I hunt with least. If the OP is going to use the rifle just for targets, get the 223. If hunting is also an objective, I'd go for the Creedmore.

March 30, 2017, 08:31 PM	#23
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	If I wanted anything better than a good 75 gr .223 at 300 yards, it would be a 6mm BR. A 6.5 or .308 has little advantage so close.

March 31, 2017, 08:51 PM	#24
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	For the most part what cartridge you pick isn't that important as far as accuracy is concerned. So pick the most cost effective. Worry about what rifle is best and how much training you're willing to do.

April 1, 2017, 06:35 AM	#25
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	None of the above... Use 9mm Luger and learn trajectory....