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Reegan
Optics GrassHopper Joined: February/15/2011 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 14 |
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Posted: February/15/2011 at 12:20 |
Hi, I am wanting to get into the sport of long range shooting. Im new to the sport, so new that I havent picked out a rifle yet. I want to get started on a budget, I dont need/want to spend thousands of dollars as a beginner. For now my gear will be focused on paper shooting. I have been shooting 4x and 6x scopes on AR's for about 6 years, but this will be my first long range setup. Im looking at the swfa ss10x42 and leupold rings and base to start off with. If I start to range that scope maybe get the 16x after some time. At 300 bucks a pop they seem to be getting great reviews. The rifle I am looking at is a remington 700 loading a 7mm mag cartridge with wood stock. Will probably be shooting 130 grains, the stock needs to be free floated and will probably reduce the 3lb trigger pull to 2lbs. With this setup I can stay under 1000 dollars easily. Looking for any input from experienced long range shooters about anything. Gear, rifle, cartridge choice, scope, modifications, and any low cost upgrades or accessories. Thank you.
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SVT_Tactical
MODERATOR Chief Sackscratch Joined: December/17/2009 Location: NorthCackalacky Status: Offline Points: 31233 |
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I wouldn't get a 7 mag to learn on or to use for just paper. A 308 will be easier to load, shoot, and will last longer. I used a 16X SS for a while and loved it for a strictly benchrest standpoint. Look at a Savage rifle, 16X SS and use TPS rings and bases. All that could be had and set up for around a grand. That and the rifle will have the accutrigger, accustock, and no gunsmithing needed
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Reegan
Optics GrassHopper Joined: February/15/2011 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 14 |
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Thank you for the input. With the 16x would you still be zeroing at 100 yards? I eventually want to be shooting far enough to get use out of a 16x, but I question the power being too high at 100 yards. And that is kind of where I would like to start. |
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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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Personally I would get the 10xSS. I dare bet most of your shooting will be 600 and under so the 10x makes more sense. At least to me.
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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.
"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own." |
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Bigdaddy0381
MODERATOR Georgia peach Joined: February/27/2007 Location: Georgia Status: Offline Points: 13682 |
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i agree at the most a 3x9 SS. That will keep you good for the first 4 yrs of trying to get the "shot" down past 700 yards. Oh a .308 is what is probably best to learn on
Edited by Bigdaddy0381 - February/15/2011 at 13:33 |
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P&Z Firearms , Pro gun cleanings and gun repair and wood refinishing.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 |
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Reegan
Optics GrassHopper Joined: February/15/2011 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 14 |
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Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated. Very new to higher powered scopes. The variable scope would be nice, but it is really just out of my budget. For now, shooting paper, a fixed will probably work. I am used to fixed optics also.. I have used a 4x on semi-autos... This will be the first scope that i will be using MOA clicks though. Also, I like to use a reloader, will reloaded cartridges have any affect 100 yards and out? Sorry for any stupid questions.
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Reegan
Optics GrassHopper Joined: February/15/2011 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 14 |
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I have another question. What is a reasonable goal for my groups starting out? I am used to shooting at human size targets at 100 yards and closer. Now I am looking to start at 100 yards using a 14 inch target. I will probably shoot 5 shot groups and wondering what a decent MOA would be? Im assuming a 5 moa would be a decent group? Like I said, im not an expert, this is all assumption. If I should be looking for a tighter group please let me know. thank you |
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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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Most people who shoot precision rifles want at least a 1 MOA group. But achieving that consistently takes a pretty good rifle and pretty good handloads and a great shooter.
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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.
"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own." |
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Reegan
Optics GrassHopper Joined: February/15/2011 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 14 |
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I am probably behind the class. I hit 1 moa at 50 yards with my ar-15 and a 4x tactical scope and feel pretty good about it. Thats standing though, no bench. Just reading up on long range grouping and there are guys with the same ar-15 that I have shooting 1 moa groups of 5 at 200 yards, and thats with his iron sights. I dont think I could do that with my scope on.
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neilbilly
Optics Master Joined: February/07/2010 Location: Sweeny TX Status: Offline Points: 999 |
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Don't worry too much over what others can do. Good suggestions with the Savage set up and a SS "I'd go 10X, just my .02" You could also do this. http://www.snipercentral.com/scriflepackagedetails.phtml?packageid=1 Mel will knock off the price of the Bushnell and put a SS on it if you buy one here and send it to him. Nothing wrong with Howa rifles, I have a .223 that is scary accurate. Again, do not worry too much about what others can do. Get decent gear, learn to really use it well, and just enjoy shooting it. |
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If God didn't want me to play with it, he'd of made my arms shorter.
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KY Hick
Optics Apprentice Joined: August/18/2008 Location: Louisville, KY. Status: Offline Points: 93 |
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I really like my Savage rifles. There target and tacticle rifles have nice adjustable triggers that can go lower than there regular rifles. The SS scopes are nice too.
When I went to purchase my rifle I was going for a Rem700 but left with a Savage, and a few more dollars in my pocket. I have bought more of them since.
Have heard alot of good hings about Howa too.
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Ernie Bishop
Optics Professional Joined: January/26/2010 Location: Gillette, WY Status: Offline Points: 765 |
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Reegan,
The 4.5-14 Mueller APT (30mm tube) is a nice little scope for under $200. I have 4 of them, and they are my economy LR scope. I can't afford to put expensive glass on all of my rigs. Developing good form is also an important part of lr shooting. Do you have a range near by where you could ask around and find someone who could help mentor you? Do you know anyone who reloads and shoots in a bench-rest comps? The Savage bolt action rifles tend to pretty accurate for the price. Get one with the accu-trigger. Based on your questions, there is so much to say. As was mentioned, don't worry about what anyone else can or cannot do. Just start where you are at and have fun learning. my home # 307-257-7431. Give me a call this week during the day. I can talk much faster than I can type. Ernie |
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Ernie
"If you think you are perfect, just try walking on water." |
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Griffin99
Optics Apprentice Joined: September/19/2005 Location: Lawton, OK Status: Offline Points: 83 |
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+1 SVT_Tactical. Savage .308 and a 10x SS.
And Neilbilly is right, don't worry about what others can do. You will really enjoy it once you start! |
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Far Beyond Driven
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8shots
Optics Jedi Knight Lord Of The Flies Joined: March/14/2007 Location: South Africa Status: Offline Points: 6253 |
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For long range shooting you will need equipment that can do 1 MOA. That is 6 inches out to 600 yds. Your own capabilities will improve with practise.
Any of todays off the shelf varmint rifles are a good place to start, whether you choose Remington, Savage or Howa etc. I would try for a laminated or synthetic stock, rather then wood.
To get the best out of the equipment you will sooner or later have to go into reloading your own ammo.
If you want to do long range I would go for a 14X or 16X scope, but I am a bit biased on magnification. Yes you can shoot at 100 yds with a 16X.
Good luck on your choices.
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stickbow46
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/07/2009 Location: Benton, Pa Status: Offline Points: 4678 |
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All very good info,I'm with the rest SS10X & do start with the .308!
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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken
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Sparky
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: July/15/2007 Location: SD Status: Offline Points: 4569 |
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Have you seen this article?
http://www.opticstalk.com/long-range-101-amendments_topic23969.html It is great info for those starting to learn long range. Also I would be looking at a heavy barrel or a bull barrel in 308. Not a thin hunting barrel. |
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Ernie Bishop
Optics Professional Joined: January/26/2010 Location: Gillette, WY Status: Offline Points: 765 |
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IMO the 308 Win is far from the holy grail when it comes to a 1K cartridge.
In fact, I wouldn't even use a 30 cal. Why have more recoil with heavier bullets when you can shoot distance with lighter weight bullets. Finding a fast twist 6mm, 6.5, or 7mm will give you less recoil, drop, and drift than the 308. Also, I would prefer a 14x to 15X as a minimum max power for paper shooting at 1K and I would prefer more for sure. Most of my scopes run from 4-6 power on the low end to 20-32 power on the upper end. Look at what are some of the more common 1K cartridges and some that may not be popular, but will get you there too: 6BR, 6mm Dasher, 6mm-6.5x47 Lapua, 243 Win, 243AI, 6mm-284 (look for a 1-8 twist barrel) 6.5x 47 Lapua (and the improved version), 260 Rem and AI version, 6.5-284. 7mm-08, 284 Win. Some of these cartridges are not offered in the rifles you will be considering, but they will get you to 1k, with many of them having a lot less recoil and better ballistics than the 308 Win. I would start with the 16X if you go with a fixed model. 16x is not too much magnification at 100, and you will soon be shooting further than that. It is not like you are shooting an animal that is moving. You have a fixed target from a fixed shooting spot. Personally, I would not recommend the 7 Rem Mag, as it would likely be in a sporter configuration. No reason to have that much recoil. If it had a muzzle brake it would be fine. Concerning brakes, if you will be shooting prone with your rifle and you intend to get a brake, get one that has a solid bottom. There are a number of good brakes out there. |
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Ernie
"If you think you are perfect, just try walking on water." |
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Sparky
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: July/15/2007 Location: SD Status: Offline Points: 4569 |
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Yes I would agree that the 308 is as you say far from the holy grail and the cartridges you list are better. But they are also much more expensive than the 308 and so you are going to get much less trigger time for you dollar. And trigger time is very important.
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Ernie Bishop
Optics Professional Joined: January/26/2010 Location: Gillette, WY Status: Offline Points: 765 |
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Barrel life is shorter with the 243 and 260 Rem, but it is easier to learn with cartridges that have less drift and drop than the 308.
In other words it is easier to have success with a beginner shooter shooting 1K with the cartridges like I listed in terms of less drift and less recoil. Barrel life with most of the ones I mention are shorter than the 308. The 308 is cheaper to shoot. But cost is not just found in barrel life. Match bullets in the 95 grain range are less expensive than a 168 30 cal VLD. Say $22.50 for the 95 gr SMK or $24 for the 107 SMK , versus 27.50 for the 168 SMK or $28.50 for the 175. Cost adds up in more than just barrel life. Just shooting from the prone position I have seen guys get to flinching with a 308. Some people are more recoil sensitive than others. Most guys who are getting into this want to be fiscally conservative, but they also want to be able to be successful. Will the 308 shoot to 1k and beyond? Yes! But when you are talking those distances, it is more of a cartridge for experienced shooters who are more skilled in reading conditions IMO. Some chambering that are pretty easy on barrels and have low recoil would be the 6BR, 6mm Dasher, and the 6.5x47 Lapua. |
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Ernie
"If you think you are perfect, just try walking on water." |
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biggreen747
Optics Journeyman Joined: October/16/2009 Location: Colorado Status: Offline Points: 470 |
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Don't overlook the the 243WIN or7mm-08 (Mr Bishop has them on his list as well) as they are both readily available in rifles and ammo. Both are easy shooting cartridge's with good ballistics. The 7-08 is highly overlooked cartridge that is finally gaining some respect, especially as a hunting round. Because the .243WIN is also used for smaller critters such as coyotes there is a huge selection of heavy barreled varmint rigs that would work great for your intended purpose.
Edited by biggreen747 - February/20/2011 at 19:44 |
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We measure it with a micrometer, mark it with a crayon, and cut it with a chainsaw.
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