Thread: Can you help me choose my next build

Originally Posted by ZQLewis

I went down the custom 243 path, 1:8 twist trueflite barrel still in a short action, I do load out long to the max i can fit in the magazine with 108gr pills.
I'm not running hot over book charge weights. I can still carry 1000 ftlb of energy past 500 mtr.
Most 243's will shoot factory ammo well and it's available in most gun shops.
But reloading opens up lots of new opportunities and a new part of our sport.
Z

NB my longest hunting shots are goats at 450 mtr. (wind up 25 clicks and don't loose count when winding back down)

Thanks Z, never had the pleasure of firing a 243. I’ve fired .22lr, .22mag, 22 hornet, 223, 7.62x39; 357 mag, 30-30, 308, 30-06 and 300wm, oh and the good old guncity 870 clone with 00 buck and slugs.

Originally Posted by Sanctuary

Thanks Z, never had the pleasure of firing a 243. I’ve fired .22lr, .22mag, 22 hornet, 223, 7.62x39; 357 mag, 30-30, 308, 30-06 and 300wm, oh and the good old guncity 870 clone with 00 buck and slugs.

Oh and a 303 and 7.62x54r

Greetings @Sanctuary,
I suggest that you contact the Wellington Rifle Association Inc. They are on Facebook. I looked at their website and they have a 300 yard shoot on 9 October, something that your .308 should be capable of. The F class shoots are all shot of bipods and with scope sights. Shooting on paper (actually electronic) at the Seddon Range (Trentham) will give you a faster learning curve and a better understanding of what is actually required for consistent shooting on these distant targets than reading posts on a forum however well intended and entertaining the latter may be. The Wellington Rifle Association Inc through its various clubs shoots most weekends in the warmer months. I strongly regret that I am no longer able to shoot prone, with bipod or not, as otherwise I would be into the F class like a shot. Pun intended. Get into it.
Regards Grandpamac.

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings @Sanctuary,
I suggest that you contact the Wellington Rifle Association Inc. They are on Facebook. I looked at their website and they have a 300 yard shoot on 9 October, something that your .308 should be capable of. The F class shoots are all shot of bipods and with scope sights. Shooting on paper (actually electronic) at the Seddon Range (Trentham) will give you a faster learning curve and a better understanding of what is actually required for consistent shooting on these distant targets than reading posts on a forum however well intended and entertaining the latter may be. The Wellington Rifle Association Inc through its various clubs shoots most weekends in the warmer months. I strongly regret that I am no longer able to shoot prone, with bipod or not, as otherwise I would be into the F class like a shot. Pun intended. Get into it.
Regards Grandpamac.

Grandpamac, thanks very much for your investigation and advise. It’s Much appreciated by me and very kind of you to do some digging around for me.
Sorry to hear that shooting prone is no longer and option for you. I do like your pun!. Looks like I now have options thanks to you. Wishing you and the other forum members who have contributed to this all the very best.

Cheers,
Sanctuary

As others have stated if you're wanting to shoot longer range - gongs, targets or animals you will need to reload or have some one reload for you. Finding reliable supply of factory ammo with the appropriate high bc pills is very difficult. Let alone, will it shoot well in your rifle. And yes, at present reloading components/powder also tough to come by. But that wont remain that way for ever.
Another suggestion - you might want to consider calibres mid way between the shorties CM, 260, 308 etc and the magnums. If your limited to factory ammo then 3006 and derivatives like 280ai are worth looking at. The humble ol 3006 loaded with high BC pills & the right powders is not that far behind the 300WM & a real step up over 308 capacity. Similarly the 280ai is not too far behind the 7mmRM. I run 162 AMAX at 2980 fps in my 280ai vs 3020 fps I get in my 7mmRM... and 280ai is burning ~10gn less powder. You can get factory ammo in both 3006 & 280ai, but choices at present probably not great. If you're concerned about recoil then the 280ai in a sensible weight stock/set up plus brake or suppressor should be very manageable.

I'm going to disagree with most of the posts in this thread, other than agree you need to get a better idea of what you realistically want to do with the rifle (hard to know until you actually try it I know).

If the rifle is going to be both target and hunting the Tikka CTR will be your best bet, heavy enough to use for a target rifle but not too heavy to carry.
I wouldn't dream of a RPR or similar rifle if hunting is a main purpose of the rifle.

A Tikka CTR in 6.5cm will be a fine (although a tad heavy) hunting rifle for shots to 400m, good factory ammo is available for hunting and targets. Should you get into reloading it's easy to load for. A lot cheaper to shoot than any magnum cartridge less punishing to the shooter (for targets) and more than enough horse power to shoot to 800m regularly with 1200m doable once practiced.
If you decide you like target shooting there are lots of chassis and stock options for the CTR, the KRG Bravo is a nice cheap chassis that is still fine for a hunting rifle.

Biggest question in my mind would be what scope to buy that'll be good for targets and hunting.
Personally I want a FFP Mil reticle and turrets for all the shooting I do, but for your usage a Leupold VX6 3-18 would be a pretty good cross over scope.
Finding a good balance or weight will come down to what you do most of and choosing a scope will also come down to what the main image of the rifle will be.

Originally Posted by Sanctuary

See more bloody good advice. I haven’t really considered the recoil to be an issue, up until injuring my back anyway as now just moving can shoot pain up the spine. I was thinking the sheer weight of an rpr would take the recoil of the bigger pills, but I haven’t fire a shot since the injury. Hmmm, I might need to rethink this as I might not be able to carry the bloody thing let alone manage the recoil. I think I need to get to the range with my t3 308 and see if that’s even still tolerable. Thanks guys for your help.

so you already have a T3 in 308.......job done...suppress it if its not already and go and shoot lots o rounds at paper.....any animal out in open to 400 yards going to be in big trouble....how far can you ethically shoot game animal...I wont say rabbit I do say 3ltr plastic milk bottle...fill a few up with water ,place out at range and pop them first shot....when you cant hit them first shot you stretching it too far,reason for milk bottle???? same size as vitals on most of out species.

save your coin....learn to use what you have got,if $$$$$ are burning hole in your pocket,consider a couple of guided meat hunts..fill the freezer and actually see what your 308 is capable of in your hands in good/perfect setting.
Ive been hunting for 43 years and dont shoot past 400 yards...and seldom past 200...my freezers are full,all three of them.

Originally Posted by Sanctuary

I meant no disrespect to any Howa owners what so ever and I thank you for your suggestions.

It seem to be suggestions to start somewhere between a .2XX and up to the 7mm or even the 300. ZQ
Lewis did point out recoil to which in all honesty I didn’t really consider as I was focusing on something new and shinny, but I’d better see if I can manage the recoil of my 308 first. It does have a limb saver airtech recoil pad on it as long as a supressor so I’m hoping I’m still good.

I’ll definnately spend some coin on quality rings and optics. I want something that can stand up to some abuse if needed, so leaning towards a nighforce, SHV/NSX or Leupold vx5, or even a razor HD. But that will come slightly after purchasing the rifle, so I’ll read more before. Plenty of discussions on this forum on optic choices

Thanks Caberslash for taking the time to reply.

back up the truck....purchase one of them great scopes and fit it on the 308........scratch that itch...and it will still be there if you buy another bigger bangstick....and the 308 can have its old optics back and STILL be main hunting rifle,while new one becomes range rifle/safe queen as you realise the humble 08 will do the job and you can scratch it without having heart failure....oh and I own a Howa ,after disaster with old rifle I justified replacement and Howa fitted me well....oily rag takes care of rust.....

Originally Posted by chainsaw

As others have stated if you're wanting to shoot longer range - gongs, targets or animals you will need to reload or have some one reload for you. Finding reliable supply of factory ammo with the appropriate high bc pills is very difficult. Let alone, will it shoot well in your rifle. And yes, at present reloading components/powder also tough to come by. But that wont remain that way for ever.
Another suggestion - you might want to consider calibres mid way between the shorties CM, 260, 308 etc and the magnums. If your limited to factory ammo then 3006 and derivatives like 280ai are worth looking at. The humble ol 3006 loaded with high BC pills & the right powders is not that far behind the 300WM & a real step up over 308 capacity. Similarly the 280ai is not too far behind the 7mmRM. I run 162 AMAX at 2980 fps in my 280ai vs 3020 fps I get in my 7mmRM... and 280ai is burning ~10gn less powder. You can get factory ammo in both 3006 & 280ai, but choices at present probably not great. If you're concerned about recoil then the 280ai in a sensible weight stock/set up plus brake or suppressor should be very manageable.

Thanks chainsaw. Guncity didn’t have any 280 at all today and 3006 was low. Tons of 308, 270 and a bit of 6.5 in store with another shipment from Hornady due in 4 weeks. I didn’t check 7mm rem mag, but I’ll see what’s around.

I am stuck with what’s available in the shop at the moment but will looking into reloading. Someone else has also recommend 6.5cm and he apparently moved away from a 308 to it, so that’s saying something to me. 308 fmj are super cheap for plinking at $1 a round so that’s always been my go to apart from 7.62x39 but I won’t go their but it was a lot of fun and super cheap back in its day.

Originally Posted by Beetroot

I'm going to disagree with most of the posts in this thread, other than agree you need to get a better idea of what you realistically want to do with the rifle (hard to know until you actually try it I know).

If the rifle is going to be both target and hunting the Tikka CTR will be your best bet, heavy enough to use for a target rifle but not too heavy to carry.
I wouldn't dream of a RPR or similar rifle if hunting is a main purpose of the rifle.

A Tikka CTR in 6.5cm will be a fine (although a tad heavy) hunting rifle for shots to 400m, good factory ammo is available for hunting and targets. Should you get into reloading it's easy to load for. A lot cheaper to shoot than any magnum cartridge less punishing to the shooter (for targets) and more than enough horse power to shoot to 800m regularly with 1200m doable once practiced.
If you decide you like target shooting there are lots of chassis and stock options for the CTR, the KRG Bravo is a nice cheap chassis that is still fine for a hunting rifle.

Biggest question in my mind would be what scope to buy that'll be good for targets and hunting.
Personally I want a FFP Mil reticle and turrets for all the shooting I do, but for your usage a Leupold VX6 3-18 would be a pretty good cross over scope.
Finding a good balance or weight will come down to what you do most of and choosing a scope will also come down to what the main image of the rifle will be.

Thanks Beetroot. The CTR in 6.5 with a 24 inch barrel seems to be getting a lot of love from what I’ve read. I do like the look of the new T3x super Varmint in the rough tech stock as it’s also cerakote on the barrel and action for extra protection. What do you think?

Scope wise definitely FFP for me. I have not had any experience with a Mil recticle so I’m not worried ifs it mil or moa. Should I be?

It will be mostly range, and thanks to Grandpamac, I’ve got a possible place to go. I’ll use my T3 for now and shout myself something new for Christmas with a nice new scope on it.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

back up the truck....purchase one of them great scopes and fit it on the 308........scratch that itch...and it will still be there if you buy another bigger bangstick....and the 308 can have its old optics back and STILL be main hunting rifle,while new one becomes range rifle/safe queen as you realise the humble 08 will do the job and you can scratch it without having heart failure....oh and I own a Howa ,after disaster with old rifle I justified replacement and Howa fitted me well....oily rag takes care of rust.....

Thanks Micky Duck. Yip I’ve got the t3 308 with a supressor and just picked up a new Harris bipod today for it.

Thanks for your advice and guidance. I’m going to reduce the collection of what I have and focus on quality rather than quantity.

I’ve just listed my CZ and a little 10/22 on TM tonight and may also look at selling off a mint t3 308 (I’ve got 2) and a 12g Stoeger semi.

I’m thinking I’ll replace everything with either a 6.5cm or 7mm and get a reasonable optic for it. I’ve got a 8 weeks to decide before the Christmas sales so no rush.

I’ll still keep my beat up t3 308 as ammo is cheap and it’s been really reliable and a honest straight shooter so that can be my freezer filler. I’ll see if I can get on an organise hunt for next year and also take up grandpamac idea of the trentham range.

Once again thank you.

Greetings @Sanctuary and All,
Thanks for your kind remarks Sanctuary. My son dropped in last night with some of his flash handloading bits for me to play with. He is currently using a .308 Barnard for FTR and a 6mmBR Savage for F Open. Both are fine out to 1,000 yards. Your decision to start with what you have together with a better scope is a good one. Your first day at Trentham will likely give you plenty of options to consider.
All the best Grandpamac.

Been there done that .......not hunting but long range target. 6mm Dasher, 6.5 x 284, 284, 308 with various weight barrels, and currently 7mm SAUM. There is no contest if you want competition grade accuracy, but you are looking at hand loading and a 10kg rifle and heaving that kit up and down off the ground......your back is not going to thank you. I suggest you take what you have to Trentham and spend a day there to see if the body will handle it, and if so you will need to seriously consider reloading if you want to shoot target.......no way will a factory rifle and factory ammo cut the mustard against custom kit.....

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings @Sanctuary and All,
Thanks for your kind remarks Sanctuary. My son dropped in last night with some of his flash handloading bits for me to play with. He is currently using a .308 Barnard for FTR and a 6mmBR Savage for F Open. Both are fine out to 1,000 yards. Your decision to start with what you have together with a better scope is a good one. Your first day at Trentham will likely give you plenty of options to consider.
All the best Grandpamac.

Any thanks once again Grandpamac. I’ve got to start somewhere so the t3 and a better scope will do for now.
I went and picked up a 10kg plate today and carried it around for a bit. Absolutely zero chance of me lugging a Ruger Rpr anywhere so that idea is getting parked. Looking forward to my first day at Trentham.
Many thanks
Sanctuary.

Originally Posted by Longranger

Been there done that .......not hunting but long range target. 6mm Dasher, 6.5 x 284, 284, 308 with various weight barrels, and currently 7mm SAUM. There is no contest if you want competition grade accuracy, but you are looking at hand loading and a 10kg rifle and heaving that kit up and down off the ground......your back is not going to thank you. I suggest you take what you have to Trentham and spend a day there to see if the body will handle it, and if so you will need to seriously consider reloading if you want to shoot target.......no way will a factory rifle and factory ammo cut the mustard against custom kit.....

Hi Longranger,

I think for me it was a bit of disappointment in not being out in quite a while and suffering a back injury that lead me to think a
The Ruger Rpr would be a good entry long range rifle. Truth be told I just lugged a 10kg plate around for a while and home to represent the rile, scoop, mounts and bipod and brake and they back didn’t like that 1 little bit. So I’ll park the idea one getting the Ruger.

I’m take the great advise of everyone who’s contributed to this thread and actually listen, and take the little tikka t3 out to Trentham
It nor myself will win any awards, but it’s a start and I have see what my body can tolerate now. It maybe that even the 308 is to much in which case I might consider another lighter recoiling round. It didn’t bother me previously but the transition from standing to sitting and vice versa can be bloody painful. Note to young guys, ‘don’t get old’ lol

You and many others have given great insight and made me reconsider my thinking, which can only benefit this old guy, so thank you one and all.

Cheers,
Sanctuary