Long range rifle choices.

[PappyM3]

After 40 years as NRA member I dropped them after Wayne. I’m not willing for the NRA to be arbitrator of anything

Then listen to the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

They use 800-1k as long range. 600 is mid-range.

Yes, to someone who only shoots at 100, 600 may seem “long range”, but it’s not. It’s farther than they are used to, but “long range” has a fairly well established industry/community definition.

I could call my 308 “big bore” because it’s bigger than my 22lr/.223. But it doesn’t meet the industry standard of “big bore”. It’s just bigger than what I normally shoot.

 

[PatMcD]

Yes, 600 yds is defined in formal competition by both the NRA and CMP as "Mid Range".
But I think we can all agree that 600 yds is a long ways away. It takes the appropriate rifle, caliber, ammo, and training to be done successfully.
The good news is that there are numerous ranges in New England where competitors can try it; Reading, MA, Nashua, NH, Pelham, NH, Scarborough, ME, and Hampden, ME. If you don't have an appropriate rifle, send a message to the Match Director saying so, and I'm almost 100% positive you will be loaned a rifle and ammo and a quick instruction.

 

[paul73]

A simplest trick worth mentioning here, to anyone who wants to practice long range shooting with no access to long range- all you need is a 300yds range and a really good .22lr rifle.
A 1000yds elevation for 6.5cm is about 9mrad, 300yds for .22lr - 13-14mrad.
It flies slow, it drifts, all the same, plus with a good scope you will actually even see a projectile flying.

 

[NH Phantom]

The CDG action MPA rifles are so sweet, it's amazing they offer the builds for the prices they do. Best deal out there.

Don’t limit yourself to something out to 600 yards. Get something that can really reach out in case the opportunity ever arises.

I’m very happy with a rifle that was built for me by Masterpiece Arms in 6.5CM. Solid sweet rifle. Yea you pay for it but to me it was worth it.

This what I went with.

MPA BA PMR Pro Rifle II - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

Masterpiece Arms builds World Class Rifles. We start with our industry leading Chassis System, utilize the Best Actions and Triggers produced, and a 416R SS Handlapped Barrels provide some the best shooting, most accurate rifles in existence. Designed, Built and Enhanced by Long Range Shooters...

masterpiecearms.com

I'm starting to think I should get or build something that is good for 1000 yrds

 

[paul73]

I'm starting to think I should get or build something that is good for 1000 yrds

A good 1000yds rig price is where mpa rifle is cheapest and price only goes up.
You also will want a 35x scope, will need better optics with less distortion and better clarity, a lot of factors.

I have 25x pst2 vortex on my beggars lrp2, at 1000 I could not see at all where missed shots go. I kinda doubt that a 35x scope would help with that much but some say it does.

 

[Broc Tuah]

What are your choices for a long range rifle (600 yds)
looking to get one or build one.

Tikka T3X CTR.

The rifle is capable of sub 1/2 MOA. The rest is up to the shooter and ammo.

You can spend $5K on a sweet custom rifle. That still won't make up for the shooter and ammo, and it won't shoot that much better than a TIKKA that costs 1/5 that.

 

[paul73]

Tikka T3X CTR.

The rifle is capable of sub 1/2 MOA. The rest is up to the shooter and ammo.

You can spend $5K on a sweet custom rifle. That still won't make up for the shooter and ammo, and it won't shoot that much better than a TIKKA that costs 1/5 that.

No.
Only because, yes, tikka may be that good but it is a lottery, and you may get a barrel that will never be better than 1 moa.

A 1moa at 300+ distances will be a frustrating experience.

I looked at it back in 2020 when I got my lrp2 begara, as from stock factory rifles back then it was considered to pretty stable, and I got a pretty decent specimen, in manbun caliber.

 

[Broc Tuah]

I'm starting to think I should get or build something that is good for 1000 yrds

Tikka T3X. Again.

I am not trolling.

 

[Road_Clam]

I'm starting to think I should get or build something that is good for 1000 yrds

Then like others commented you would be best with 6.5 Creed . 6.5 Creed at 1000 yds is no problem. Reason being is that you can reach 1000 yds with a 308 but it gets more dependent on your rifle configuration and specific ammo choices. Generally speaking your going to need a longer 24"+ barrel and heavy 175 gr match grade ammo to stay consistent at 1000 yds. There's a term "transonic" and in certain equipment and ammo selection situations your bullet ballistics "could" be right at the transonic speeds at 1000 yds. Transonic is bad as it causes your bullet to travel inconsistent. I have a Savage 12 FTR in 308 and it's a 30" bbl and I shoot lighter 155 bullets at 2940 fps and I reach 1100 yds. Any 308 configuration can reach 800 yds no problem, 1000 yds can get a little tricky.

 

[paul73]

Tikka T3X. Again.

I am not trolling.

Yeah you are.
If you got a good one, it does not guarantee that all of them are guaranteed to be same.

 

[paul73]

Then like others commented you would be best with 6.5 Creed . 6.5 Creed at 1000 yds is no problem. Reason being is that you can reach 1000 yds with a 308 but it gets more dependent on your rifle configuration and specific ammo choices. Generally speaking you’re going to need a longer 24"+ barrel and heavy 175 gr match grade ammo to stay consistent at 1000 yds. There's a term "transonic" and in certain equipment and ammo selection situations your bullet ballistics "could" be right at the transonic speeds at 1000 yds. Transonic is bad as it causes your bullet to travel inconsistent. I have a Savage 12 FTR in 308 and it's a 30" bbl and I shoot lighter 155 bullets at 2940 fps and I reach 1100 yds. Any 308 configuration can reach 800 yds no problem, 1000 yds can get a little tricky.

Other very important topic for a recreational shooter is the longevity of the barrel.
A main gripe about all those fast 3000fps calibers is how fast they wear out barrels. Competition crowd does not care as they treat them as consumables, but, it is a good question of how often you want to rebuild that rig, if ever.

 

[Broc Tuah]

Yeah you are.
If you got a good one, it does not guarantee that all of them are guaranteed to be same.

Ok, I am trolling.

 

[lukewarm_fuzz]

Tikka T3X CTR.

Also if you can find it, get it in .223, it’s an awesome way to really learn wind and if you’re reloading, it’s super cheap and versatile compared to others.

 

[fencer]

What are your choices for a long range rifle (600 yds)
looking to get one or build one.

You make no mention of budget.

I guess I am just old school, but what this guy says...

Get a REM 700, a Bergara HMR, or a Tikka CTR, drop them in a chassis (MDT or KRG), get a good base, good rings and good glass. Maybe a triggertech or timney trigger for the REM, and be done with it. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel.

For more than 60 years, the Marine Corps has used modified Remington 700's to bring targets to room temp.
Off the shelf, the "700 Long Range" is about $1100. Add a bipod, sling and some nice glass and you have a platform that is more accurate than most shooters and guns that cost 3 times as much. You may want to swap the trigger, but I have been very happy with mine.

https://www.remarms.com/rifles/bolt-action/model-700/model-700-long-range.

Mine is chambered in .308 but 6.5CM is an option.

 

[paul73]

Ok, I am trolling.

Ok, if you are not.

I do not want its stock. I do not want its trigger. I may want a different barrel down the road.
A non rem700 pattern will not let me use chassis I already have - 3 of them.

Only exception I made so far is for cz as I like cz, and if you now love tikka same way - why not.

As of ‘cheap’ - no more as well.
From what I looked those tikkas now went to $1200 level, and bergara lrp2 in proper chassis is not clear to me, if it still can be found in $1600 area where it was, or if it went to $2000.

MPA will now be closer to $3k level. To each their own.

 

[Broc Tuah]

Ok, if you are not.

I do not want its stock. I do not want its trigger. I may want a different barrel down the road.
A non rem700 pattern will not let me use chassis I already have - 3 of them.

Only exception I made so far is for cz as I like cz, and if you now love tikka same way - why not.

As of ‘cheap’ - no more as well.
From what I looked those tikkas now went to $1200 level, and bergara lrp2 in proper chassis is not clear to me, if it still can be found in $1600 area where it was, or if it went to $2000.

MPA will now be closer to $3k level. To each their own.

These are a lot of personal choices the OP might not have.

 

[paul73]

These are a lot of personal choices the OP might not have.

Possibly, yes.
Also, from what I understand you actually carry your tikka on a hunt, and that is a completely different angle where you need nothing like a full metal chassis, 24 or 26” barrel and all the rest of stuff a bench shooter like me wants.

 

[M1911]

How does the .300 AAC/Whisper/Blackout do at this distance? What about 6.8 SPC? Both of these, compared to 5.56? Just curious.

300 blackout is not meant for 600 yards. Supersonic 300 Blackout has ballistics similar to 7.62x39. It has a lot of drop at distance.

 

[Broc Tuah]

Possibly, yes.
Also, from what I understand you actually carry your tikka on a hunt, and that is a completely different angle where you need nothing like a full metal chassis, 24 or 26” barrel and all the rest of stuff a bench shooter like me wants.

My rifle is set up with a chassis. I built a target gun that could also be used for hunting.

Not ideal, but f*ck it. With a good sling, I have walked a few miles with that rifle (12lbs rifle + backpack + winter clothing + tripod) no issues.

But anyway, this goes back to a lot of personal choices. The OP asked a very broad question. My answer was a rifle capable of several things - bench gun, hunting, f*cking around...

 

[LuvDog]

I’ve posted the same opinion before

If you can leave the rifle alone and just do minor tweaks, then the Tikka T3x is a great choice. <$10 for a trigger spring, a good pic rail with cant for your scope and you’re done. And this will keep up with a lot of expensive rigs.

But, if you can’t leave a gun alone and NEED to tweak it, Then just start with a custom action. It will be cheaper in the long run.

 

[PatMcD]

I think it's a mistake to build a 1000yd rig if you've never even shot at 600 before. The local opportunities to use it at 1000 are very few, or nonexistent. Why build something you are hardly ever going to use?
A 223 with a good 1-7 barrel will clean any 600 yd target.

 

[LakeTrout]

shooting steel. I know a lot of people will say 600 is not long range but that's what I'm looking at. I do reload so thats a plus.

Out to 600 and a reloader, there are a lot of options for steel plinking. Maybe the “best” calibers are in the 6mm variety. But out to 600, the heavier 223 bullets do well and are economical. A lot depends on if you’re looking to compete, if you’re looking for a bolt or auto loader, if you’re looking for a large or small frame platform, etc.

Honestly for a reloader, out to 600 and for steel plinking range fun, 77ish grain 223/5.56 is a great option especially if you use a rifle length barrel to get the velocity behind it.

 

[northny]

Get a REM 700, a Bergara HMR, or a Tikka CTR, drop them in a chassis (MDT or KRG), get a good base, good rings and good glass. Maybe a triggertech or timney trigger for the REM, and be done with it. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel.

There you go. My formula is Rem 700, heavy barrel, laminate stock, 20 MOA base. Used to be Timney trigger now I do trigger tech triggers

6.5CM a good choice

Then you can have a different conversation on what bullet weight

 

[paul73]

There you go. My formula is Rem 700, heavy barrel, laminate stock, 20 MOA base. Used to be Timney trigger now I do trigger tech triggers

6.5CM a good choice

Then you can have a different conversation on what bullet weight

In 6,5cm there is no real bullet conversation- it’s 140gr eld-x.
Overall what’s above is all ok, stock/chassis is a personal preference.
With rem700 you get access to a shitload of options, and it is good.

 

[NH Phantom]

You make no mention of budget.

I guess I am just old school, but what this guy says...

For more than 60 years, the Marine Corps has used modified Remington 700's to bring targets to room temp.
Off the shelf, the "700 Long Range" is about $1100. Add a bipod, sling and some nice glass and you have a platform that is more accurate than most shooters and guns that cost 3 times as much. You may want to swap the trigger, but I have been very happy with mine.

https://www.remarms.com/rifles/bolt-action/model-700/model-700-long-range.

Mine is chambered in .308 but 6.5CM is an option.

not worried about budget. something reasonable

 

[lukewarm_fuzz]

In 6,5cm there is no real bullet conversation- it’s 140gr eld-x.

You consistently drop the worst takes, Paul

There’s tons of great 6.5 bullets.

 

[northny]

In 6,5cm there is no real bullet conversation- it’s 140gr eld-x.

And there you go. I hunt 143 eld X, target 147 eld match. There are supporters of 120 and 140 eld match. That’s just from hornady

Of course you could be teasing us as there is no 140 eld -x?

 

[Broc Tuah]

You consistently drop the worst takes, Paul

There’s tons of great 6.5 bullets.

I love 143 ELDX. Every 6.5cm rifle I shot loves it.

The only reason I don't shoot the ELDM is because I also use the ELDX for hunting, so might as well have one load. But I hear the 143gr ELDM are amazing for target shooting.

There are other bullets that are good for 6.5cm. But if starting to reload for it, there is no need to try others unless the rifle is an exception and doesn't like the 143gr.

I like a cartridge that just works and doesn't require buying 4 powders and 6 different bullets to find one that shoots great.

143 ELDX will go though a deer at 350-375 yards. I posted pics.

 

[Rockrivr1]

In 6,5cm there is no real bullet conversation- it’s 140gr eld-x.
Overall what’s above is all ok, stock/chassis is a personal preference.
With rem700 you get access to a shitload of options, and it is good.

Have to agree. My MPA loves the Hornady 140gr ELD Match.

 

[45BPCR]

I'll chime in.
And, I'll leave my Black Powder rifles out of it.

I have a couple/few
Three of them are chambered in 308.

My most accurate one is this.

12 F/TR | Rifle for Long-Range Competition | Savage Arms

The 12 F/TR is built for long-range accuracy and competition with a 30" full-profile barrel, adjustable Target AccuTrigger, and single-shot Target Action.

savagearms.com

With one of these on a 20 min base.

SIII Long Range10-50x60

Built for precision target shooting applications up to and exceeding 1000 yards. The Sightron SIII 10-50x60 Long Range rifle scope with Zero-stop delivers superior optics and accuracy when it counts.

sightron.com

I use a Sierra 175gr. MK, Lapua or lately Starline SRP prass
Powder is around 43gr. of Varget or IMR4064

I have an early DPMSLR308T with a 20 inch Creiterion barrel
It wears a discontinued Weaver Tactical 4-24 50mm scope.
308 loads are pretty much the same as the Savage.

I built a Rem 700 rifle
The action sits in a Houge stock.
i trued the action on my lathe and installed an Air Gauged 24in barrel.
It has bottom metal to accept ACIS 10 rnd mags.
It wears a discontinued Nikon FX1000 scope
It wouldn't shoot 175grn MK worth a shit.
I got some of the 177grn MK and it likes those

There's so much stuff that's the latest and greatest.
Then you look again, and it's gone.

Beware the man that owns but one rifle