I'm missing a long range rifle from my collection and would genuinely like to begin to shoot longer ranges. I've looked at all types of rifles and calibers. I'm not particularly recoil shy, but don't want to subject myself to unnecessary abuse. My goal is to make a decent long range gun where I can hit filled gallon milk jugs/steel/reactive targets for fun. Is also like to put it to paper. No competitions, just myself.
Ive looked at the following cartridges:
6.5 Creedmoor
6.5 X 284 Lapua
260 Remington
280 AI
7mm Rem Mag
308 Win
300 Win Mag
i also have a 7mm STW built on a Mauser action my late father had built but I'd like to leave it as is and hunt with it from time to time.
Looking at the BC of the Amax bullets it seems the 162gr 7mm bullets hold a slight edge. Even the 7mm-08 holds the same or more velocity than the Creedmoor with the 162gr AMaxs but I don't hear of it being a purpose built long range cartridge set up, but on paper, beats in velocity and BC.
Component selection is a requirement for brass and bullets.
Ive looked at the Remington Sendero line, Savage target line, Kimber target line and most recently a Masterpiece Arms chassis system (approx $2500) that has a 3/8" at 100yd guarantee and seems really nice.
What does everyone recommend as far as caliber selection and launching platform.