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Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2016 7:47 pm
by C-dub
I'm beginning to contemplate what my next rifle might be. I'm thinking of a sub-MOA bolt rifle that can shoot out to and or beyond 1000 yards. This will probably only be for punching holes in paper or hitting steel targets. I suppose at some point for some odd reason I could use it for hunting, but I don't know what that would be for at this point.
There are many other calibers, but let's start with these for now since there's a rifle I have in mind and these are the calibers it comes in.
Re: Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2016 8:21 pm
by Skiprr
Based on the description of your requirement, I'd vote 6.5 Creedmoor, hands down. Has superior aerodynamics, and shoots just about as flat as anything.
I really, really don't want to add new calibers to the collection, and that's the big reason I haven't bought a Ruger Precision Rifle...'cause I have rifles in 7.62x51, but if I go with a true long-range rifle, I think I'd want the Creedmoor. Here's a long video (over 40 minutes) but some good info in the first 10 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoXF2a-Y7sM
Re: Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2016 8:46 pm
by mrvmax
I have a stock Savage 12 LRP in 6.5 CM and at 300 yards my best group is .29 MOA and two other groups were close to that. I have not been to any ranges with longer distances but I am pleased with that in a stock rifle (with handloads).
Re: Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2016 11:44 pm
by Beiruty
6.5CM or 260 would do just the same thing. 300WM is better rifle for 1kyard but it would cost a bit more in reloading. If you are not reloading stick with 6.5CM or 260 Match Factory Ammo is readily available and you do not have to deal with a lot of recoil. Get a Tikka T3x in 260 or 6.5CM.
As you know, I shoot 300WM and I had a 1st shot hit at 1k-yards
Oh, Invest in good optics.
Re: Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2016 11:49 pm
by Beiruty
Re: Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2016 5:48 am
by C-dub
I do like that Tika, but have not decided on a rifle yet. The rifle that has sparked my interest is the Browning Long Range Hunter.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Browning ... 995742.uts

Re: Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2016 6:58 am
by Lena
Though not on your list my most accurate long range rifle ever was a 6/284 or 6.5/284, easy to make brass for just neck down 284 case, you can use short action (stiffer), lots of data available & used standard bolt face. Very light recoil and lots of long range bullets available.
Re: Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2016 10:00 am
by Beiruty
X-bolt are very nice rifles.
Re: Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2016 10:47 am
by jason812
If the x-bolt is what you are set on, then 6.5 cm. That rifle is too light to spend a lot of time behind to get good at punching paper at 1k with magnum chambers. If you are not hunting with it, get one that takes a truck to lug around. My .204 is 10lbs before the scope is mounted and is real steady on a bench but not fun to walk around with. Also, I think the x-bolts are nice for hunting but I wasn't impressed when I saw my buddy's action out of the stock. For the cash, I don't think you could beat the Ruger precision rifle or some of the offeringjs from Savage. The Tikka looks nice too.
Also, the Nosler's look sexy on paper but there is no guarantee that they will be a round for very long.
Like most things that involve burning gun powder, there are lots of choices and non are clear cut as being the right one.
Re: Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2016 6:12 pm
by C-dub
I'm not set on the X-bolt, but it has sparked my interest in a precision bolt rifle that I can afford that I could take out to 1k yards.
Re: Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2016 6:54 pm
by WTR
C-dub wrote:I'm not set on the X-bolt, but it has sparked my interest in a precision bolt rifle that I can afford that I could take out to 1k yards.
I think getting any factory built rifle off the shelf that is a shooter is a crap shoot. I've read excellent reviews about the x bolt and some as terrible as it gets.
Re: Caliber for my next rifle?
Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2016 8:06 pm
by Legionnaire
Of the calibers you listed, I voted 6.5 Creedmoor. However, when faced with the same choice, I went with a .260 Remington, primarily because I reload and like the fact that I can form brass out of .308 or .243 cases. No ballistic difference to speak of.