Thread: Help a newb: No firearm experience -> Long range precision rifle

Hi everyone,

(TLDR below the Line)

I've got my gun license in the beginning of this year primarily to pursue clay target shooting. Over the last 2 months I've been prolifically reading and watching videos about relevant firearms and have learned just how much I don't know about firearms but I've learned a shitload and feel competent in my knowledge to make leap into getting my first firearms.

In my reading and watching, one thing lead to another and I've moved from not being interested in getting anything more than a O/U for clays and a 10/22 take-down semi-auto for plinking to discovering precision rifle sports and I'm hooked.

My problem is:

1) Most videos about "getting into PRS" or "PRS for beginners" are clearly made with already experienced shooters in mind, implying that this isn't really something you should/could jump into without any prior experience

2) most videos are made by Americans where ammunition is not as expensive so almost everyone is saying "go 6.5creedmoor in Ruger Precision or Savage 10 or Tikka T3X"

I was about to impulse-buy a 6.5Creedmoor Ruger Precision only to check the cost of ammo and realized this could be a dangerously expensive hobby.

I'm concluding that 223 is probably a better start not only from a cost basis but apparently its less taxing and I can always move to higher caliber later if I want to.

Am I biting off more than I can chew by going from no gun experience at all to a 223?

I still need to educate myself on ballistics, moa, how optics work, what optics would be best suited for me etc.

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TLDR:

New gun license owner.
Only ever shot pellet guns as a kid less than 20 times across my life.
No firearm experience but looking to get into long range precision rifle target shooting.
Is a 223 Ruger Precision too much of a learning curve?
Would I be better off starting on a 10/22?

Any comment or advice welcomed, thanks in advance.

I think you would be better off starting with a good quality, accurate out the box .22 bolt action rimfire (not a 10/22). Cheap ammo, recoilless and quiet. You will learn the basics of marksmanship before moving on to bigger calibres, plus everyone needs a .22.

Nice bolt action 22 will give you a lot of cheap fun for starters.Then move up to a 223 or 243.

Yep .22 is what I started shooting with a couple of years ago, now also own a 22-250 but then also got given a full reloading setup which I should be out playing with right now as its such a nice day.

However Wuflu won't let me go out.

Next for me is a 7mm08 I think as my main hunting rifle but who knows, money is tight right now so have to save for anything I want to buy.

You could head down to your local range and find out first hand what is good for you. Introduce yourself and talk to the guys there. You may even get a chance to shoot some of the rifles.

MB, Trout and Happy Jack, cool thanks for the advice, I'll be researching those recommendations this weekend.

Hi Green horn welcome. As other have stated correctly you need to start with a 22 bolt rifle like a Tikka T1X. Here in AKL you will be able to practice at a couple of Deer Stalkers ranges. There are PRS type 22 shoots held which you will be able to compete in once you have the basics under your belt.

Originally Posted by Happy Jack

Yep .22 is what I started shooting with a couple of years ago, now also own a 22-250 but then also got given a full reloading setup which I should be out playing with right now as its such a nice day.

However Wuflu won't let me go out.

Next for me is a 7mm08 I think as my main hunting rifle but who knows, money is tight right now so have to save for anything I want to buy.

How long after you first started did you feel you were ready to move up a level?

Originally Posted by Dermastor

Hi Green horn welcome. As other have stated correctly you need to start with a 22 bolt rifle like a Tikka T1X. Here in AKL you will be able to practice at a couple of Deer Stalkers ranges. There are PRS type 22 shoots held which you will be able to compete in once you have the basics under your belt.

Cool - Riverhead deerstalkers is on my list to visit when I get time off work. Are these PRS 22 shoots held within Deer Stalkers as a community or you mean in a general/ auckland-based sense?

308 will get you to 1000yds......223 won't unless you go with a customised tight twist barrel and load 80gr or heavier projectiles, then you will still be out-gunned in anything more than a light breeze over 600yds. .

Cost of running both would be similar if you are hand-loading.

I might consider selling an old Omark target rifle if you decide to go with 308

pm'd

I've been watching and reading a lot about the 304 vs 6.5 debate and I can see viability on both sides but I'm still too novice to concretely decide. Good to know that 305 vs 223 hand-loading is similar, that will definitely influence my decision once I get there. I think I'll follow the advice here and look at bolt-action rimfire 22 and see how I go. I think once I'm experienced enough I'll build up to 223 and eventually to 308 or 6.5. Is hand-loading possible with 6.5Creedmoor at this stage?

not sure you'll find an RPR in 223 in nz. they stopped making them awhile ago

Originally Posted by GreenHorn

. Is hand-loading possible with 6.5Creedmoor at this stage?

yes it is

Ah damn thats a shame. I was pretty sold on that being the next stepping stone. Do 2nd hand come up much?