"Long Range" toys

Bobalos

Bobalos

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Im thinking about getting something to shoot "long range", but am not sure where to start.  my goal is to walk out a ways (300 yards, 500 yards, more maybe), put something out there & hit what I set out.  Will most likely not use it for hunting & dont have the time or patience for reloading (although I suppose I might @ some point).  

Im guessing I dont really know the right questions to ask @ this point.  Ive got a good bit of sidearm experience, shot gun experience, I have a 10-22 that my boys & I have shot the crap out of, & a handful of other rifles, but nothing specifically designed for any kind of distance.  

I dont have a preference on round, but would like to pick something that is good out of the box & am willing to pay more for out of the box performance VS having to reload to get the performance. 

I am in Kalipornia, but I dont know if that is going to be any kind of limitation or not.  I would like to buy something turn key (& I think I understand the limitations & issues with that). 

Im in San Diego, & other than out in Ocotillo, Im not sure where I could go to shoot this thing.  anyone have any advice on that...

I have never been good looking down a scope, but have never owned one that was more than $200 (& yes I know they can get VERY expensive). 

I know @punkur67 & @NOAZ longshot have some pretty bitchen rigs & Id be willing to bet that there are a bunch of you folks that also do. 

thanks

Bob

 
I asked the same question to the guy that owned US Optics...he didn't hesitate...7mm rem mag.....Berger 180 grn bullets....

If you just want local fun... the  308 is hard to beat with Federal Gold medal match 168 and 175 grn factory ammo.

 
I’m not a long range expert but I’d say for an entry level rig you’d be hard pressed to go wrong with a heavy barrel Remington 700 (SPS tactical or similar) in .308. Get a decent stock or chassis and a Vortex Viper and you’ll have a decent setup  

Mines a AAC-SD, I only have a 20” barrel , with a 4-16x Vortex scope, 40x trigger, MDT chassis. I can ring a 12” steel target at about 850yds pretty easily. 
 

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I really like this beautiful m21 Marine Sniper rifle that was given to me by the Veterans at the cake cutting ceremony.  Floated, heavy barrel with Nikon scope.  YFZ4KT handed it to me and it brought me to tears.  I’ve shot it a few times, and have it dialed in 1 1/2” high at 200 yards.  It’s a .308 round, and smooth as butter.  I hear they can handle long distance 500-1000 yards if needed.  I may upgrade to a more powerful scope, but I think she is just fine the way she is.  
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The 6.5 creemor is softer on the shoulder, but wind hurts it.....You really need one of each....

 
@Bobalos You can shoot out to 850 yards at Pala shooting range. Not too far from San diego. I get everyone out to 850 yards their first trip out. Don't start with a magnum, it with teach you bad habits. Feel free to reach out and we can chat about your options 

 
Sounds like you don't have a rifle at this point?

18-20" barrel AR15.  Easy, inexpensive and modular to tack on "upgrades".  Just get an off the shelf one and start there.  Even iron sights and cheap ammo can dink 200 yards all day.  Plus you'll have a battle rifle ready for action.

Wild Built Tactical in LA Mesa specializes in CA complaint weapons.

 
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Keep in mind that most rounds capable of long range are $1 per round or more. Arken has very decent long range scopes that won’t break the bank. I have one and am happy with it. Not as good as my Vortex but still great for the price. A good entry rifle is the Savage 110 precision and can be had for about $1300. I have one in 6.5 and love it. 
 

If you are looking for cheaper, an Aero precision 308 lower and a bear creek arsenal 18 or 20” complete upper is a good combo that I’m also happy with. 
 

I'm also in CA, that being said; you can get away with just about anything in a bolt action setup. 
 

Below is my Savage with a 24” barrel and Vortex 6x24 optic. 
 

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.308, .300 win mag, 6.5 credmore are all good choices.  

I'm looking at .338 Lapua mag or .300 win mag.  Just want alittle more push than my M1A (7.62/.308).

 
I started with a 300wm because I thought that was the only way to get past 1000 yards. Mine has been out to a mile in my hands. But I learned you don't need that much rifle to get out to 1000+ yards. My 6 dasher, 6.5cm, and 6cm have all been out to 1200 yards with no problem. They can all go farther, I just haven't shot past 1200 because they are my competition guns and matches dont usually go past that. Shooting a magnum is way more expensive so unless you plan to shoot a big animal at longer ranges or shoot to 1500+yards you dont need one. Don't get me wrong, they are awsome to shoot but you also don't want to go shoot 100 rounds in a day.

 
I own several .338 mag, .300 mag, 7mm mag, .308 and more. If you are just looking to plink at some targets I would go with an inexpensive .308. No reason to punish your shoulder and wallet with more than that. There’s a reason so many sniper rifles are in .308. Just a fantastic round for long distance shooting as long as you’re not trying to drop a big elk, bear or similar. 

 
The 308 is tried and true but is much more affected by wind. A 6.5cm is superior for plinking but a 308 will force you to learn to read wind more accurately 

 
Some good info here, (and beautiful hardware) I have a couple 308's and after some research I just decided to order a 6.5 PRC over a 6.5 Creedmoore though there is more factory ammo options available for the latter. 

 
The blackest Friday is coming up in a couple months. I’d narrow down what your looking for and scan the internet for some deals. I have found some amazing deals the day after Thanksgiving on long sticks and optics but they sold out quick.

 
Bansh88 said:
Sounds like you don't have a rifle at this point?

18-20" barrel AR15.  Easy, inexpensive and modular to tack on "upgrades".  Just get an off the shelf one and start there.  Even iron sights and cheap ammo can dink 200 yards all day.  Plus you'll have a battle rifle ready for action.

Wild Built Tactical in LA Mesa specializes in CA complaint weapons.
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20" Heavy or Gov works well with 5.56

 
For reference. I shot my 6.5cm with 140 grain berger hybrid at 1236 yards with a 38 mph full value wind. Had to hold 7.7 mills of wind. Good luck doing that with a 308! It's possible but extremely difficult 

 
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