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I'm thinking about putting a new project together - a Rem 700. Like other threads I've read, I'm trying to decide between getting it in 308 or 223 configuration. I know this has been discussed before (several times 
), I just want to make sure I'm taking everything into consideration. I know some of it comes down to personal preference, some like the bigger kick from a 308, and the big boom it makes on the targets. Here is what I'm taking into consideration on my decision:
I live in the far South Bay, in Salinas near Monterey. Currently the only rifle I own is a Sig 522, for cheap plinking both indoor and outdoors. I really like the idea of getting into long range precision shooting, and I think the 700 is the right platform to start with. From what I can tell, my range options for this part of the state is pretty limited. I have the Metcaf range that's between home and work, so that's pretty handy. Their furthest target they have on a normal basis is 100 yards, and a 200 yard on special occasions.
I know there are some BLM areas not too far from here, off 152 and 5 that I can go shoot at as well. With those choices, I can see myself going to the range a few times a week, and possibly hitting the BLM areas a few times a year. I know if I start doing that, I need to acquire my own targets, and get a setup for going out on my own. From what I've read, it seems like a 223 would be good out to around 300 to maybe 500 yards or so, and anything beyond that is 308 territory. I really don't know how often I'd get the chance to really stretch out and go for some real long distances - not that I wouldn't love the chance.
223 seems to be cheaper to shoot, which is always a plus. It seems to me like the right way to start out, would be to get a 223 now, and possibly move on to a second rifle at a later date in a 308 setup. Anything I'm overlooking? I'd appreciate any thoughts you might have.
WS
), I just want to make sure I'm taking everything into consideration. I know some of it comes down to personal preference, some like the bigger kick from a 308, and the big boom it makes on the targets. Here is what I'm taking into consideration on my decision:I live in the far South Bay, in Salinas near Monterey. Currently the only rifle I own is a Sig 522, for cheap plinking both indoor and outdoors. I really like the idea of getting into long range precision shooting, and I think the 700 is the right platform to start with. From what I can tell, my range options for this part of the state is pretty limited. I have the Metcaf range that's between home and work, so that's pretty handy. Their furthest target they have on a normal basis is 100 yards, and a 200 yard on special occasions.
I know there are some BLM areas not too far from here, off 152 and 5 that I can go shoot at as well. With those choices, I can see myself going to the range a few times a week, and possibly hitting the BLM areas a few times a year. I know if I start doing that, I need to acquire my own targets, and get a setup for going out on my own. From what I've read, it seems like a 223 would be good out to around 300 to maybe 500 yards or so, and anything beyond that is 308 territory. I really don't know how often I'd get the chance to really stretch out and go for some real long distances - not that I wouldn't love the chance.
223 seems to be cheaper to shoot, which is always a plus. It seems to me like the right way to start out, would be to get a 223 now, and possibly move on to a second rifle at a later date in a 308 setup. Anything I'm overlooking? I'd appreciate any thoughts you might have.
WS
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