rifle advice

rebs · June 18, 2018, 08:52 AM

Can you guys advise me on which rifle and caliber to buy ? I want an accurate rifle to shoot 50 to 300 yards.

ilmonster · June 18, 2018, 09:39 AM

Well, I'll start this one out! What is the intended purpose of the rifle? Punching paper (if so, just casually vs. you want to get into Benchrest or something else specific), clanging steel, hunting game, varmint control, self defense, etc.? A combination of a few of these? Most rifles over .22LR will be more accurate than the shooter from 0 to 300 yds. What's your definition of accuracy (1/4" groups at 100 yds, 1.5" groups at 100 yds., etc.)?

Have you shot other rifles in the past, or is this one to learn on?

Do you "like" or have an interest in a certain type of rifle? Bolt action, semi-auto, lever action, etc.?

What's you price range - $300 Savage .223 or $3000 GA Precision 6mm Creedmoor.

Do you have a need for optics?

Do you reload or have an interest in getting into reloading? Makes some of the more expensive cartridges much more accessible.

Not knowing any of this, I'll begin with a .223 from one of the major manufacturers will get you to 300 yds. easily with great accuracy, low recoil and low cost. Something more off beat/unique might be a 6.5 Grendel for instance, which will do 0 - 300 yds also and make larger holes in paper which might be easier to spot for those of us with older eyes. Give us a bit more info. and folks will be able to narrow down their suggestions. Cheers!

MTT TL · June 18, 2018, 11:52 AM

Rifle General is wide open. If you could narrow it down a bit by going in to other preferences it would likely get better replies.

T. O'Heir · June 18, 2018, 12:29 PM

"...the intended purpose..." And a budget.
You could read all the other like questions on the forum too.
Now go buy the highest grade CMP M1 Rifle you can afford. There ain't no rifle that's quite like an M1. And they're going fast.

Don Fischer · June 18, 2018, 12:49 PM

Boy lot of room here. generally I think I'd be looking at something like the 260 Rem/6.5 Credmoore or maybe a 7mm-08. Either should be accurate and be fine cartridge's for hunting anything up to a moose should you want to hunt. If you reload, all can be made from a 308 case, simply run a 308 case through a die for the 6.5' ot the 7mm-08. Gotta pause a min. I've read where lot of people make the 6.5 CM from 308 case's but it's supposed to be made from a different 30 cal cartridge that was based on the 300 Savage. I think for a handloader, the 308 is the saving grace there if it really works. As for what rifle, depend's on what action you think you like. I do bolt actions, most people seem to. I have a couple Mossberg Patriot's, several 700 Rem's, a Mod 70 Win and a 1903 Springfield. The 1903 Springfield is the least accurate, only does about 1 1/4" at 100 yards. It's also the oldest by far. Built as a custom in 1946! Lot of rounds through it. Mod 70 is next doing only about 1 1/4" at 100yds The Remington and the Mossberg's all run well under an inch! Sounds like Savage and Ruger American are also very accurate. For me, plastic stock's are a turn off but they do seen to generally be very accurate.

bamaranger · June 18, 2018, 12:50 PM

Might as well ask what vehicle to buy to drive 50-300 miles.

If you can spec out your intended purpose and interests a bit more, you'll get better responses

jmr40 · June 18, 2018, 01:16 PM

Shoot what? Paper, deer, larger game! What about a budget? You can spend $200-$2000 depending on how much you are willing to spend.

std7mag · June 18, 2018, 02:35 PM

Gotta say.
I'm with T.O. on this one!!

Doyle · June 18, 2018, 05:43 PM

Rebs is a senior member with over 3500 posts so I'm thinking this one is simply a troll designed provide a moment of levity.

10-96 · June 18, 2018, 06:45 PM

He didn't even mention if those will be front yards or back yards. That's a lot of yards to shoot at.

Art Eatman · June 18, 2018, 07:11 PM

Answers, rebs, answers!

Or else.

ilmonster · June 18, 2018, 07:16 PM

You got me!

MTT TL · June 18, 2018, 07:22 PM

He could use that AR15 he got a few years back. That will easily shoot 50 yards maybe even 300.

rebs · June 19, 2018, 05:23 AM

this would be 95% target shooting with possibly a 5% chuck hunting. Prefer a bolt action, I do reload. The range is 50 to 300 yds because that is what our club has. Benchrest shooting. Up til now I have been shooting a Colt match target AR and a savage 99c. I would like to move to a bolt action. A scope also.

burrhead · June 19, 2018, 05:46 AM

Either a Savage or a custom rifle built from the ground up. Either a Bushnell or a Swarovski scope. Either 223 or 6X. Do you want to spend $600 or $6,000?

burrhead · June 19, 2018, 05:55 AM

Seriously, if it were me I'd get a 223 Savage, put on a Bartlein barrel or equivalent, VX-3i 4.5-14 x 50 Leupold and call it a day.

Targa · June 19, 2018, 07:06 AM

I would consider a CZ 527. I say that because I want one...

.

Art Eatman · June 19, 2018, 07:28 AM

No real argument with Burrhead, although I note that I had no trouble for sub-MOA groups at 500 yards with my scope set on 10X, and I'm a fan of Leupold scopes.

rebs · June 19, 2018, 07:31 AM

would like to stay around $1000 if possible

Wyosmith · June 19, 2018, 08:23 AM

I would look very closely at a Ruger American or a CZ 527, both in 223 caliber. Either one of those would be superb for the purpose you described.

MTT TL · June 19, 2018, 10:56 AM

223 is the chuck round. I am unsure what you are looking for with a bolt gun. Inside 300 yards the Colt Match should perform about the same. You might want to change optics but it will get the job done.

Don Fischer · June 19, 2018, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebs

this would be 95% target shooting with possibly a 5% chuck hunting. Prefer a bolt action, I do reload. The range is 50 to 300 yds because that is what our club has. Benchrest shooting. Up til now I have been shooting a Colt match target AR and a savage 99c. I would like to move to a bolt action. A scope also.

That would settle it for me. 243 Win, chose your rifle. I'm pretty sure I'd do a 700 with wood stock and blue barrel.

Forgot the scope. I'm an old guy and I think you can get a good scope for at or under $300. About all that would really interest me would be 3-9x. Doesn't sound like you do a lot of carrying with this rifle so maybe something like my 4 1/2-14x Nikon, around $300. That much power I'd up it to $500 or less. I shoot 70gr SMK in one 243 and the other get 75gr V-Max. Both hang in around 1/2" @ 100yds. I think they would do better if I worked with them more! One is a Rem 700ADL the other is a Mossberg Patriot. Both with wood stocks anf black barrel's. Don't know what the stuff on the barrel's is but it's not blue and it works for me.

Art Eatman · June 19, 2018, 11:19 PM

I like Sierra bullets. Many and many a sub-MOA group and many and many a bang-flop--be it Bambi, prairie dog, coyote, feral cat or jackrabbit.

In .223, my choice is the 55-grain HPBT GameKing. Sighted in for zero at 200, about five inches of holdover worked fine for prairie dogs at a lasered 300 yards. 9X on the scope.

Dunno what to say about a rifle. All of mine are last-century--but they still work just fine.

rebs · June 22, 2018, 08:04 AM

I bought a slightly used Leupold vari-x III 4.5-14 x 40 scope from a guy at our club for $200 so I think I am set for a scope. Still need a rifle. What about a Savage 25 with thumb hole laminated stock in 223 ?

Erno86 · June 22, 2018, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebs

I bought a slightly used Leupold vari-x III 4.5-14 x 40 scope from a guy at our club for $200 so I think I am set for a scope. Still need a rifle. What about a Savage 25 with thumb hole laminated stock in 223 ?

Go for it...

June 18, 2018, 08:52 AM	#1
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	rifle advice Can you guys advise me on which rifle and caliber to buy ? I want an accurate rifle to shoot 50 to 300 yards.

June 18, 2018, 09:39 AM	#2
ilmonster Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 180	Well, I'll start this one out! What is the intended purpose of the rifle? Punching paper (if so, just casually vs. you want to get into Benchrest or something else specific), clanging steel, hunting game, varmint control, self defense, etc.? A combination of a few of these? Most rifles over .22LR will be more accurate than the shooter from 0 to 300 yds. What's your definition of accuracy (1/4" groups at 100 yds, 1.5" groups at 100 yds., etc.)? Have you shot other rifles in the past, or is this one to learn on? Do you "like" or have an interest in a certain type of rifle? Bolt action, semi-auto, lever action, etc.? What's you price range - $300 Savage .223 or $3000 GA Precision 6mm Creedmoor. Do you have a need for optics? Do you reload or have an interest in getting into reloading? Makes some of the more expensive cartridges much more accessible. Not knowing any of this, I'll begin with a .223 from one of the major manufacturers will get you to 300 yds. easily with great accuracy, low recoil and low cost. Something more off beat/unique might be a 6.5 Grendel for instance, which will do 0 - 300 yds also and make larger holes in paper which might be easier to spot for those of us with older eyes. Give us a bit more info. and folks will be able to narrow down their suggestions. Cheers! Last edited by ilmonster; June 18, 2018 at 01:30 PM.

June 18, 2018, 11:52 AM	#3
MTT TL Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2009 Location: Quadling Country Posts: 2,780	Rifle General is wide open. If you could narrow it down a bit by going in to other preferences it would likely get better replies. __________________ Thus a man should endeavor to reach this high place of courage with all his heart, and, so trying, never be backward in war.

June 18, 2018, 12:29 PM	#4
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...the intended purpose..." And a budget. You could read all the other like questions on the forum too. Now go buy the highest grade CMP M1 Rifle you can afford. There ain't no rifle that's quite like an M1. And they're going fast. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

June 18, 2018, 12:50 PM	#6
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,303	vehicle Might as well ask what vehicle to buy to drive 50-300 miles. If you can spec out your intended purpose and interests a bit more, you'll get better responses

June 18, 2018, 12:49 PM	#5
Don Fischer Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2017 Posts: 1,868	Boy lot of room here. generally I think I'd be looking at something like the 260 Rem/6.5 Credmoore or maybe a 7mm-08. Either should be accurate and be fine cartridge's for hunting anything up to a moose should you want to hunt. If you reload, all can be made from a 308 case, simply run a 308 case through a die for the 6.5' ot the 7mm-08. Gotta pause a min. I've read where lot of people make the 6.5 CM from 308 case's but it's supposed to be made from a different 30 cal cartridge that was based on the 300 Savage. I think for a handloader, the 308 is the saving grace there if it really works. As for what rifle, depend's on what action you think you like. I do bolt actions, most people seem to. I have a couple Mossberg Patriot's, several 700 Rem's, a Mod 70 Win and a 1903 Springfield. The 1903 Springfield is the least accurate, only does about 1 1/4" at 100 yards. It's also the oldest by far. Built as a custom in 1946! Lot of rounds through it. Mod 70 is next doing only about 1 1/4" at 100yds The Remington and the Mossberg's all run well under an inch! Sounds like Savage and Ruger American are also very accurate. For me, plastic stock's are a turn off but they do seen to generally be very accurate.

June 18, 2018, 01:16 PM	#7
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,806	Shoot what? Paper, deer, larger game! What about a budget? You can spend $200-$2000 depending on how much you are willing to spend. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

June 18, 2018, 02:35 PM	#8
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Gotta say. I'm with T.O. on this one!! __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

June 18, 2018, 05:43 PM	#9
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	Rebs is a senior member with over 3500 posts so I'm thinking this one is simply a troll designed provide a moment of levity.

June 18, 2018, 06:45 PM	#10
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	He didn't even mention if those will be front yards or back yards. That's a lot of yards to shoot at. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

June 18, 2018, 07:11 PM	#11
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Answers, rebs, answers! Or else.

June 18, 2018, 07:16 PM	#12
ilmonster Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 180	You got me!

June 18, 2018, 07:22 PM	#13
MTT TL Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2009 Location: Quadling Country Posts: 2,780	He could use that AR15 he got a few years back. That will easily shoot 50 yards maybe even 300. __________________ Thus a man should endeavor to reach this high place of courage with all his heart, and, so trying, never be backward in war.

June 19, 2018, 05:23 AM	#14
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	this would be 95% target shooting with possibly a 5% chuck hunting. Prefer a bolt action, I do reload. The range is 50 to 300 yds because that is what our club has. Benchrest shooting. Up til now I have been shooting a Colt match target AR and a savage 99c. I would like to move to a bolt action. A scope also.

June 19, 2018, 05:46 AM	#15
burrhead Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 1999 Location: Chihuahuan desert, Texas Posts: 1,148	Either a Savage or a custom rifle built from the ground up. Either a Bushnell or a Swarovski scope. Either 223 or 6X. Do you want to spend $600 or $6,000? __________________ Join the GOA, SAF and the TSRA I'm offended by people that are easily offended.

June 19, 2018, 05:55 AM	#16
burrhead Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 1999 Location: Chihuahuan desert, Texas Posts: 1,148	Seriously, if it were me I'd get a 223 Savage, put on a Bartlein barrel or equivalent, VX-3i 4.5-14 x 50 Leupold and call it a day. __________________ Join the GOA, SAF and the TSRA I'm offended by people that are easily offended.

June 19, 2018, 07:06 AM	#17
Targa Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Posts: 2,084	I would consider a CZ 527. I say that because I want one....

June 19, 2018, 07:28 AM	#18
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	No real argument with Burrhead, although I note that I had no trouble for sub-MOA groups at 500 yards with my scope set on 10X, and I'm a fan of Leupold scopes.

June 19, 2018, 07:31 AM	#19
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	would like to stay around $1000 if possible

June 19, 2018, 08:23 AM	#20
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	I would look very closely at a Ruger American or a CZ 527, both in 223 caliber. Either one of those would be superb for the purpose you described.

June 19, 2018, 10:56 AM	#21
MTT TL Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2009 Location: Quadling Country Posts: 2,780	223 is the chuck round. I am unsure what you are looking for with a bolt gun. Inside 300 yards the Colt Match should perform about the same. You might want to change optics but it will get the job done. __________________ Thus a man should endeavor to reach this high place of courage with all his heart, and, so trying, never be backward in war.

June 19, 2018, 11:19 PM	#23
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I like Sierra bullets. Many and many a sub-MOA group and many and many a bang-flop--be it Bambi, prairie dog, coyote, feral cat or jackrabbit. In .223, my choice is the 55-grain HPBT GameKing. Sighted in for zero at 200, about five inches of holdover worked fine for prairie dogs at a lasered 300 yards. 9X on the scope. Dunno what to say about a rifle. All of mine are last-century--but they still work just fine.

June 22, 2018, 08:04 AM	#24
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	I bought a slightly used Leupold vari-x III 4.5-14 x 40 scope from a guy at our club for $200 so I think I am set for a scope. Still need a rifle. What about a Savage 25 with thumb hole laminated stock in 223 ?