In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

I need a new Rifle caliber any suggestions?

RustyNailRustyNail Member Posts: 803 ✭✭✭✭
edited February 2007 in Ask the Experts
Okay, I'm more of a pistol guy and the only serious rifle I have is a 30-06 with a spindly sporting barrel that loses accuracy after three shots--presumably because of barrel heating.

I need to get another rifle that would be more conducive to bench shooting, say fifty rounds in two hours, without worrying about losing accuracy. I like to shoot 100yds since that is the max at my local range. I already have an excellent scope. What caliber and barrel option would you recommend?

Thanks,
Rusty
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Sig220_Ruger77Sig220_Ruger77 Member Posts: 12,754 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    http://www.savagearms.com/10fp.htm

    Not sure what your budget is, but this gun in .223 is an excellent choice of a varmint/paper punching gun for the money. A .223 would also be a good choice because of the availability of cheaper ammo. Sounds like a gun in any if the following calibers would fit your bill though: .204 ruger, .223, .22-250, .220 swift, .243, or maybe even a .22 or .17 hmr. You have many options all of which are fun to shoot[:D].

    Jon
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RustyNailRustyNail Member Posts: 803 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Economical gun would be nice. I make my own ammo--I consider this the other half of the sport--so (new)ammo cost doesn't matter. I would like to be able to aquire used brass without having to scrounge too much so probably a fairly standard caliber. The .223, 22-250 and .243 are probably my top candidates since I can definitely get the brass and already have the dies. Any tried and true favorites among these--I mean models among these calibers to be looking at? The gun doesn't have to be inexpensive--just a very good value for a very consistently or at least potentially accurate gun?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RustyNailRustyNail Member Posts: 803 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    John 0322

    The savage looks interesting--after looking at it I realize I like wood so thats one more feature to narrow my search. Thanks.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The Savage is an excellent choice, and will be as accurate as you can get for the money. However, if you are looking for a one holer, I suggest the Remington XR-100 in 223Rem. chambering. It has a heavy barrel, and a solid bottom reciever(singleshot). It is called the poor man's 40-X. I have shot one with Remington factory 62 grain match loads. On a calm day it will consistantly print sub 1/2 inch groups at 300 yards. I was truly amazed at this for an untouched factory rifle and ammo.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CubsloverCubslover Member Posts: 18,601 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I was in the same boat a few weeks back.

    I was undecided between...

    308
    7mm08
    243
    22-250
    223
    FWIW
    I chose the 243 and man, what a sweet shooter it is. I'm really glad I didn't go with the 223 or 22-250 that I was torn between. They both are great rounds, but the 243 is just a downright pleasure to shoot.
    Half of the lives they tell about me aren't true.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Buy an TC Encore. When you want a different caliber you just pull two screws off the forearm and remove the hinge pin. Put on the new barrel (caliber) and schzam you have a new gun.

    The 22-250 is fine and very accurate but hard on barrels. Since you reload look into the 6MM BR and the 22 Waldog. These calibers in a good SS heavy barrel on an encore frame will shoot under 1/4" groups if you do your part.

    The.243 is not really an efficent cartridge when compared to the 6MM BR. It uses a LOT more powder to do the same job.

    My .02.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BOBBYWINSBOBBYWINS Member Posts: 7,810
    edited November -1
    "Economical gun would be nice."

    How about a NEF Handy Rifle?

    Mine(in .223) keeps it under an inch at 100 yds. even with the horrible trigger,but that will get fixed one of these days.

    It's got the heavy bbl. and laminated stock which looks pretty good and with their barrel exchange program,you can add other calibers as you go.

    While they have it for the new barrel,they will work the trigger down to about three pounds for free if you ask them to.[;)]

    BW
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    a 223 with a 1:9 twist (savage or rem LVSF or PSS) this will allow use of heavier LR pills in the future should you decide to pursue that avenue, and the lighter shorter range pills will also stabilize. So you can plink away at 100yds at minimal cost and with minimal barrel erosion.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sandwarriorsandwarrior Member Posts: 5,453 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rustynail,

    I'll second the motion for a Savage 12BVSS or 12FV(less cost...and looks). I have a 12FV that will shoot 10 into a large(or small) hole on most days. I have shot groups with it in the .080's. All I did with it was break-in and clean the barrel right and adjust and hone the trigger down to 1.5 lbs, where the safety still engages. I could take the adjustable trigger even lower but left it so the safety will engage.

    Now, if you are looking for something a little more extreme look for a used 6PPC. Once the rifle is bought the reloading is just as economical as any other rifle...depending on how 'dedicated' you become to this sport. But it is a lot of fun.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mr. GunzMr. Gunz Member Posts: 1,621 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Get a .308
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.