New to bolt action...starter rifle

[bsumoba]

Alright, here we go, another "newb" question...

I am not new to firearms and have been mainly in the semi-auto world. I wanted to get into bolt action, but with the wide range of rifles out there, I wanted to get your feedback on what to start out with or get some ideas.

Here is my purpose:

• Precision Shooting, but would like this to be both a rifle that can be used for bench as well as tactical shooting, so it can't be a heavy bench gun (15lb+ w/ optics and bipod). I have a 13lb LR-308 and this is approaching max I would like to lug around. I also do not hunt, so I don't need a lightweight rifle per se. If need be, I would still like to use it for hunting.
• I am interested in 308Win, but would consider 6.5creed, or even the .260 or 6-7mm type ammo. I reload as well.
• Price range: N/A - reason being, I am still deciding on whether to do a build from a stock rifle (Rem700 or Savage10) or just go straight to the "precision" guns in the market like GA Precision or Surgeon(sp?), etc. So I guess I would be willing to fork up the money for quality and accuracy/precision, but dont mind building one to save cost.
• I reload so I like to develop loads for my rifles. With that said, I could probably get just as good accuracy/precision from a sub-$1500 rifle versus the higher end $3K+ bolt actions.
• I will be shooting anywhere from 100-500 yards for now. Would like to get into longer though.

[CobraRed]

If you reload the only reason to get behind a 308 would be barrel life.
I would buy a 700 action, a criterion or mcgowen or the like barrel chambered in .260ai or 260 or 6br or something in that league. Buy a decent stock and put some $1-1.5k glass on top and start sending roumds downrange. By the time you go thru that barrel you'll be good enough to know how you want it set up.

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[Reelemup]

I would say 700 Remington is good out of the box. Every one of I own shoots less then half inch groups at hundred yards with hand loaded ammo. So for the bang for buck they are good rifles.....my rifle to go to any hunt is still the 30 year old 7Mag...it has seen some rough times yet shoots straight In 30 years I did not touch that scope which is a Leopold 4x12. They both have lot of dings and scratches.

[NorCalFocus]

I agree with Cobra if you go custom go to the 6mm calibers. However if you decide to go with a factory gun to start then go .308. I think your biggest issue now is to decide if you want to build up from a factory gun or go completely custom. Personally I'd go with a factory gun. Lrean precision shooting on it and figure out what you really want in a custom gun.

[Mr Blu]

If you go Remington SPS, the first thing you need to do is swap the stock. The Hogue over molded ones are garbage.

You can get a Bell & Carlson stock for $250 on RedHawkRifles.com

Cobra is right about the glass. That's where a lot of initial investment goes because no matter how good your rifle is, it's useless if you can't see your target or the scope has an issue with keeping a zero during firing or manipulation of the turrets.

Bushnell makes good stuff for low cost. I have a Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24x50 Illuminated Mildot that I bought for $1100 and it's awesome. If you can afford it, get Nightforce. To my knowledge, they are the higher end of the midgrades, with a few upper level scopes like the B.E.A.S.T.

[Exodus343]

don't forget SWFA
10x42 goes a long way for the money, real nice optic

I am currently deciding if I should get a Vortex 6-24 ffp... or save up and just drop it on a Bushnell HDMR with the G2 reticle...

but high end scopes like NightForce, USO, Steiner, Premier, S&B are going to cost ya

[ar15barrels]

Inside 500yds, there is really not a lot of advantage going to a 6mm or 6.5mm so you would not be as limited starting with a 308.
Once you start shooting at 600 and beyond, then you really see why people want a 6.5mm or 6mm.
A Remington 5r milspec would be a really good starting gun if you don't want to spend $2000+ building a custom right away.

[grovey]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=380013094

This....

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=380940270

This....

[Phil3]

I personally would stick with the 308. If my rifle, I would buy the Howa barreled action in 308 (1:10 twist). With heavy varmint barrel, this is $504 retail. Buy a Bell&Carlson Medalist Tactical II stock for about $262 from StockysStocks. With an aluminum bedding block, it may not even need bedding. Mine did though. Total cost for the rifle is $766. Add in a good scope rail, decent rings (I use Burris Signature Zee due to non-marring plastic scope inserts), and good scope, and you have something that shoots pretty accurately for easily under $1,500. You can also get the Howa in a varmint barrel in 22-250 or 243 Winchester, which offer lower recoil, but decreased barrel life.

Phil

[jpx0123]

Alright, here we go, another "newb" question...

I am not new to firearms and have been mainly in the semi-auto world. I wanted to get into bolt action, but with the wide range of rifles out there, I wanted to get your feedback on what to start out with or get some ideas.

Here is my purpose:

• Precision Shooting, but would like this to be both a rifle that can be used for bench as well as tactical shooting, so it can't be a heavy bench gun (15lb+ w/ optics and bipod). I have a 13lb LR-308 and this is approaching max I would like to lug around. I also do not hunt, so I don't need a lightweight rifle per se. If need be, I would still like to use it for hunting.
• I am interested in 308Win, but would consider 6.5creed, or even the .260 or 6-7mm type ammo. I reload as well.
• Price range: N/A - reason being, I am still deciding on whether to do a build from a stock rifle (Rem700 or Savage10) or just go straight to the "precision" guns in the market like GA Precision or Surgeon(sp?), etc. So I guess I would be willing to fork up the money for quality and accuracy/precision, but dont mind building one to save cost.
• I reload so I like to develop loads for my rifles. With that said, I could probably get just as good accuracy/precision from a sub-$1500 rifle versus the higher end $3K+ bolt actions.
• I will be shooting anywhere from 100-500 yards for now. Would like to get into longer though.

im starting with a 308 in a remington 700 action. new to this as well.

this option is pricey, but a buddy of mine just got a Accuracy International AE MKIII in a 308. but those go for about 4k. but is sub moa out of the box.

[Exodus343]

im starting with a 308 in a remington 700 action. new to this as well.

this option is pricey, but a buddy of mine just got a Accuracy International AE MKIII in a 308. but those go for about 4k. but is sub moa out of the box.

R700 5Rs are sub moa out of the box too...

[bsumoba]

ive been researching the 700 5r milspec and I'll probably go with this if go .308.

Now, what would you recommend as far as a rifle for a 6.5creedmor? Do I buy a stock rifle and re-barrel?

[Exodus343]

Pretty much
Unless your going full on custom
But enjoy the 308 before rebarreling it

[bsumoba]

so is it not worth it to go with this??? lol. how are these things so expensive?

http://www.gaprecision.net/ga-precision-rifle-ready-to-ship/rifle-ready-to-ship-65-creedmoor-truck-gunner.html

[jpx0123]

R700 5Rs are sub moa out of the box too...

i got a r700 adl from turners with a cheapy little scope from Turners for 400. had to go cheap to get the rifle, but going to slowly build it up as i learn to shoot better and see which way i need to go.

first thing i have to do is get into a stock that can do a drop plate and get the bottom metal, which i happened to find on ebay for a decent price for both. but not staying with that stock just something i wanted as the adl is a top loader only and for safety sake i wanted to be able to drop out any rounds in the rifle if i had to clear an issue while i am learning.

i figured as long as its a rem 700 action, i should be good to go.