noob caliber / platform question long range

[Zayne85]

Thanks in advance.

I'm looking to get into a full size rifle caliber / platform and I'm looking for advice.

I'm looking for something that is at least as capable as .308

Something that is common, with cheap available components. I reload.

I'd prefer semi over bolt

Something with after market support.

I've been looking at rem700, ar10, m1a, FAL, for platforms and .308 30-06 for calibers. But I know there are many choices. Primary use will be precision shooting, and taking it through classes. And **** hit the fantasy.

[Thoughts]

AR-10 in .308 should fit the bill if you get a precision unit.

[evorider]

6.5 Creedmoor

[jkody]

M1A for the win.

[Thoughts]

6.5 Creedmoor is what I chose for getting out to 1000 yards. You can get a 6.5 Creedmoor upper for an AR-10. .308 is cheaper and more common.

[NiteQwill]

Long range? Either 6mm or 6.5mm.

Skip 308.

[TygerAR]

The Ruger Precision rifle is the best value you can get right now. A sub moa tactical rifle at $1200 is a deal. A good AR-10 will run you about 3k, plus you still need a scope. The Ruger rifle and a Nightforce NXS/SHV or mark IV scope will run you about 3K total. And yes, you will need that class of scope to get you out to 1K yards. A R700 can be had for less, but when you add a mag box, adjustable stock and scope base, you can easily double the price of the rifle. The "Hide" has a good video supporting the Ruger, it comes in both 308 and 6.5 CM. But the 6.5 is easier to get to 1K

[vliberatore]

308. Then when it's time to rebarrel you will really know what you want.

[IVC]

308 is as common as it gets, so if you start there you can't go wrong no matter what you decide later.

[russ69]

308. Then when it's time to rebarrel you will really know what you want.

Not bad advice.

[Zayne85]

Think im going to build an ar10 in .308.. would an m1a or fal be better? ar10 gets some hate

[snowdog650]

A 308 at long range really does make you a better long distance shooter. At 800+, you really have to truly understand and be able to read wind and truly understand the characteristics of your particular load.

I highly recommend a lower-level 308 to really learn on for a couple years ... then get what you think is best for you after a few thousand rounds.

I went with a Savage 10P with a 20" heavy barrel and threw a Bushnell DMR on top. It is plenty accurate, and I now routinely outshoot people with $3000 custom rigs and $2000 scopes. But to really compete out beyond 800, I know that I will need to make a caliber change simply because the 308 is ballistically inferior to the 6mm, 6.5mm, and 7mm offerings.

[ar15barrels]

I'd prefer semi over bolt

Something with after market support.

I've been looking at rem700, ar10, m1a, FAL, for platforms and .308 30-06 for calibers.
Primary use will be precision shooting, and taking it through classes.

A bolt action is easier to shoot accurately than an autoloader and more accurate at extended distances.
Precision shooting is all about accuracy over speed.
Since you want something that has lots of aftermarket support, just go with a 700 and call it done.

[RevrendEarl]

https://youtu.be/4HQZOkTUtgo socom 16 out to 500m but if accuracy is the ultimate goal, I'd go with the longer barreled versions of the m1a. And there are lots to choose from. If money isn't an option then for longer range accuracy there are hundreds to choose from. Yeah I know but he said he preferred semi auto.