Out of the Box: Best Long Range Target Rifle/Caliber/Ammo Combo?

[TracySes23]

Re: I'm still here!

Spencer,

Glad to hear it, and congrats on the new gun coming your way!

I've been sidetracked with some extra business expenses, but still plugging away on the budget for the long range gun. I'm pretty much set on the 6.5 Creedmoor, and have the glass picked out. Now I'm just waiting to get the budget together to pull the trigger. The good news is that I'm an FFL, so when I finally do pull the trigger, it will seem like Christmas when I get the package at my door!!!

Thanks again for all your help again with this thread. It is greatly appreciated!!!

Mike...

I've always been a bit on the frugal side & very picky about what I want, so choosing glass for my Savage was a long grueling affair for me.
Every time I saw something I either liked it or wasn't rated as highly as I preferred, or the price made me suck air. It took me about 3 months to decide. About a month ago, I finally saw an ad in the "American Rifleman" from Dec. 2012 about a discontinued Weaver 8-32 x 50mm Classic Extreme w/German#4 reticle, at Natchez Shooters supply. This is a $599 scope & it was on sale for $389. After a month of scouring the Internet for something a little more perfect, I finally decided maybe the Weaver would be suitable. I also looked in blogs everywhere for anyone who had personal experience, with little luck.
I finally decided this was probably my best chance to buy a quality scope for a price I was almost comfortable with. I was also afraid they'd sell them before I made up my mind. So I placed the order last week. It arrived a 4 days ago. The tube on this scope is machined to very high tolerances. I measured it myself & it's within 2-3 ten thousands of an inch on 12 places I measured. This is a very nice scope. The reticle is also illuminated & has a very small red dot in the center.
Then because of being a tightwad, I was in a quandary about a set of decent base & rings. But I didn't want to end up with a compromise that left me dissatisfied. So after spending a couple of day on the Internet becoming more confused by the hour, I finally decide to call Effie at Savage's custom shop & ask what they suggested.
She suggest I call "Farrel Industries", a place Savage did business with for some of their custom rifles. I called Farrel, and after nearly 30 minutes of shooting the bull. I finally decided once more, "The hell with the price, I'm gonna have what I want!" Their bases & rings are not extruded, they are machined to very high tolerances. They inline bore the scope rings to insure the bores line up perfectly when mounted on the base. Good Lord, these set me back another $285.
I asked them about lapping in the bores of these rings and was told it isn't necessary, but I could If I wanted. So now I'm waiting for delivery.
These are good people & this is what they do most. They manufacture custom bases & rings.
Since I worked in the machine shop trade for 46 years as a machinist, toolmaker & supervisor, I understand tolerances & manufacturing methods much better than most. I trust what they told me & their suggestion because Savage Arms trusts them.
Just talking to them was a learning experience because of their specialty service.
Check out their website at, (www.kenfarrell.com). You'll enjoy talking to them, even if you aren't interested in their product.

Spencer

 

[Trickymissfit]

for $1735 you can order in the Savage PTA rifle in just about any chambering they offer (and more). They are slightly different than the long range rfles and seriously shoot well right out of he box. Probably the most accurate cataloged rifle that can be readilly bought from any gun shop in the country. I've seen one, an it came with a proof target that was about .150" shooting off the shelf factory loaded ammo. The action is a single shot, dual port, with three bedding screws. The trigger had about a 12oz. pull with nearly zero creep. Barrel was 30" long with a strait 1" contour. P.S. magazine checked out a 22-250 PTA out of the custom shop, and it came with a proof target that was about .12" with Federal loaded 22-250 ammo. This rifle in 6x47 Lapua would be a killer!
gary

 

[TracySes23]

I really appreciate you input Gary,

I'm not sure what the PTA designation represents. I just did a search for "PTA" at the Savage website & it turns up zero results. I just noticed at the Savage website at their "Target Series" & they have a Model 12 F/TR. Were you wearing your glasses when you saw this? F/TR might be mistaken for PTA if you had glasses, you weren't wearing. The PTA has a nice feature I liked with the ventilated stock.
I did however see in other categories, some models with 28, 29 & 30 inch barrels. Almost ordered mine with a 28 inch barrel, but opted against it. The only reason was possible barrel whip from a longer barrel. Perhaps my reasoning was faulty, but that's why.
Often times I bump into things and preferred the synthetic stock for that reason. I chose the 22-250, simply because I have 24 boxes of new brass & 40 boxes of 22 caliber bullets left over from the days from when I had my FFL license. Any 50 gr bullets I have, I can shoot in my 221 Fireball. So if I live long enough to shoot up all of those bullets I can easily have my Savage re-chambered for a 6mm.
Mine has all of the features you mention except the barrel. Mine is fluted (better cooling). I don't know if mine will be tapered or not, it doesn't say in the specs online. The dual port doesn't seem to be available anywhere on Savage's website unless you get it thru their custom shop, which is what I did.
I considered a 6mm, but I've always been recoil sensitive. Years ago, I shot a 234 Winchester in a 7.5 pound Remington 788. It was at the limits for me at that time, but in a heavier rifle, I could consider a 6mm. I've damaged my right shoulder badly, 2 times in the last 15 years. My present 22-250 doesn't seem to bother me.
My Ferrel base & mounts arrived 30 minutes ago. Solid steel & weigh over 15 oz, another 21 oz for the Weaver scope.
I apologize for being a rambling old fart. I swore when I was younger, I'd never get like this. It must be something in our genes. I'm 72 & counting and hope my exercising & eating healthy keep me active for another 10 years or more.

3-5 weeks & my new toy should be here!!! I'll be wagging my tail with my tongue hanging out like a happy hound dawg!!

Spence

 

[Trickymissfit]

I really appreciate you input Gary,

I'm not sure what the PTA designation represents. I just did a search for "PTA" at the Savage website & it turns up zero results. I just noticed at the Savage website at their "Target Series" & they have a Model 12 F/TR. Were you wearing your glasses when you saw this? F/TR might be mistaken for PTA if you had glasses, you weren't wearing. The PTA has a nice feature I liked with the ventilated stock.
I did however see in other categories, some models with 28, 29 & 30 inch barrels. Almost ordered mine with a 28 inch barrel, but opted against it. The only reason was possible barrel whip from a longer barrel. Perhaps my reasoning was faulty, but that's why.
Often times I bump into things and preferred the synthetic stock for that reason. I chose the 22-250, simply because I have 24 boxes of new brass & 40 boxes of 22 caliber bullets left over from the days from when I had my FFL license. Any 50 gr bullets I have, I can shoot in my 221 Fireball. So if I live long enough to shoot up all of those bullets I can easily have my Savage re-chambered for a 6mm.
Mine has all of the features you mention except the barrel. Mine is fluted (better cooling). I don't know if mine will be tapered or not, it doesn't say in the specs online. The dual port doesn't seem to be available anywhere on Savage's website unless you get it thru their custom shop, which is what I did.
I considered a 6mm, but I've always been recoil sensitive. Years ago, I shot a 234 Winchester in a 7.5 pound Remington 788. It was at the limits for me at that time, but in a heavier rifle, I could consider a 6mm. I've damaged my right shoulder badly, 2 times in the last 15 years. My present 22-250 doesn't seem to bother me.
My Ferrel base & mounts arrived 30 minutes ago. Solid steel & weigh over 15 oz, another 21 oz for the Weaver scope.
I apologize for being a rambling old fart. I swore when I was younger, I'd never get like this. It must be something in our genes. I'm 72 & counting and hope my exercising & eating healthy keep me active for another 10 years or more.

3-5 weeks & my new toy should be here!!! I'll be wagging my tail with my tongue hanging out like a happy hound dawg!!

Spence

the PTA is a custom shop rifle. It comes in many styles, but in the end all are somewhat similar. I think all they do are short action single shot rifles right now, but I'm sure they do other styles in the custom shop.. The action has the added third bedding screw that seems to really help them bed well. The barrels are select button rifled that are 30" long (sure you can get a shorter one if desired). The one gripe about them is the trigger setup. The way it works you have to operate the bolt a little slowly rather than just jamming it like we mostly do. Some guys have replaced the trigger. The trigger itself is different than the other two styles of the Accutrigger, and is really much better.

The action is fully CNC machined, and will probably come in with less than .00175" compound error. The solid topped reciever and being a single shot at that makes it about 200% stiffer than a conventional mod.10 action. You can load it with your left hand or your right hand, as it has dual loading ports. Lock time will be very fast, and compairable to the best rifles with a speedlock kit, or faster.
gary

 

[TracySes23]

The one gripe about them is the trigger setup. The way it works you have to operate the bolt a little slowly rather than just jamming it like we mostly do. Some guys have replaced the trigger. The trigger itself is different than the other two styles of the Accutrigger, and is really much better.

The action is fully CNC machined, and will probably come in with less than .00175" compound error. The solid topped reciever and being a single shot at that makes it about 200% stiffer than a conventional mod.10 action. You can load it with your left hand or your right hand, as it has dual loading ports. Lock time will be very fast, and compairable to the best rifles with a speedlock kit, or faster.
gary

I believe working the bolt slowly only applies if the pull weigh is set very low towards the 6 oz. weight. Personally, I'm very satisfied with 1- 1.5 lbs. Maybe I'll discover I want a lighter touch after I get it.
I believe it was designed to be loaded on the left port & eject on the right port. That doesn't mean it can't be used just as you say though. If you go to their website, and look at their Target Actions, they specify left-load, right-eject, dual port. They have 6 configurations on that action.
A few months ago, I watched a long YouTube video where they were having an extended prairie dog shoot. They explained a lot about that dual port action. I was amazed at how fast it could be loaded, using the left load right eject procedure. Do a google search for "Prairie Dog Hunt | Dog Gone - YouTube". When I saw it on a sporting channel, it completely sold me on what my next rifle was going to be. It does get a bit gory at times, but other than that, it shows what that Savage is capable of.

I wish Savage would give more info in their specifications on their website.

Thanks for filling in the voids in my knowledge about these custom Savages

Spencer

 

[Sully2]

Remington M700 VLS model in .308 The laminated wood stock is more than enough strong and stable enough to do what you wish....and if something about it doesnt fit you perfectly...a rasp and sandpaper can bring it right in line.

PREMIUM factory 308 ammo to start and of course you'll be reloading it..??

20 minute rail on top and the scope of your choice ( Ive been leading toward Zeiss models this yer and half of last year...)

And...range time....range time...range time...range time...range time...

 

[Trickymissfit]

I believe working the bolt slowly only applies if the pull weigh is set very low towards the 6 oz. weight. Personally, I'm very satisfied with 1- 1.5 lbs. Maybe I'll discover I want a lighter touch after I get it.
I believe it was designed to be loaded on the left port & eject on the right port. That doesn't mean it can't be used just as you say though. If you go to their website, and look at their Target Actions, they specify left-load, right-eject, dual port. They have 6 configurations on that action.
A few months ago, I watched a long YouTube video where they were having an extended prairie dog shoot. They explained a lot about that dual port action. I was amazed at how fast it could be loaded, using the left load right eject procedure. Do a google search for "Prairie Dog Hunt | Dog Gone - YouTube". When I saw it on a sporting channel, it completely sold me on what my next rifle was going to be. It does get a bit gory at times, but other than that, it shows what that Savage is capable of.

I wish Savage would give more info in their specifications on their website.

Thanks for filling in the voids in my knowledge about these custom Savages

Spencer

call Savage and ask for Effie. She can tell you everything you need to know, plus knows every option.
gary

 

[TracySes23]

Remington M700 VLS model in .308 The laminated wood stock is more than enough strong and stable enough to do what you wish....and if something about it doesnt fit you perfectly...a rasp and sandpaper can bring it right in line.

PREMIUM factory 308 ammo to start and of course you'll be reloading it..??

20 minute rail on top and the scope of your choice ( Ive been leading toward Zeiss models this yer and half of last year...)

And...range time....range time...range time...range time...range time...

I actually have no desire for a .308 & never wanted anything larger than a 6mm.

I have 40 boxes of 22 caliber bullets & 20 boxes of new unfired 22-250 brass.
I do have a Remington & it shoots great! However, I've never owned a custom rifle, either because I was young & poor or I didn't have a place to shoot for many years.
I looked at new Remingtons, but they didn't have what I was looking for, namely the Dual-Port action. Savage has a few other thing that aren't on the Remington.
My new rifle was ordered 3 weeks ago & I should see it in the next 3-5 weeks.
I also never had the desire to shoot factory ammo, even if it's free. The only factory ammo I've ever shot is 22 rimfire & half a box of 44 magnum & a few shotshells when I was a kid. I let friends shoot the rest of the 44 magnum ammo. That damned 44 magnum gave me a case of flinches that took me 2-3 months to get rid of.
If I live long enough, I might decide to have the Savage re-chambered to a 6mm, but I may not live long enough to use up all the components I have for the 22-250.
If you suspect Im recoil sensitive, you're 100% correct.

Thanks for your input, I do appreciate it.

Spencer

 

[TracySes23]

call Savage and ask for Effie. She can tell you everything you need to know, plus knows every option.
gary

I've already talked to Effie a couple of times & you're right, she is very knowledgeable. She has had every answer at the top of her mind every time I've talked to her.
Actually, I can't think of any other options I might want.
I already have everything I need except my new Savage. My new Weaver scope came in last week & my new custom Farrel rings & base arrived a few days later. When my rifle arrives I'll glass bed the base, mount the scope, bore sight it & weather permitting, head for the range. In the meantime, I'll shoot my Remington 788 & my 221 Fireball, until it arrives.
I like shooting early in the morning when it's cooler & when the wind is the most calm.

I think I've become addicted to this website. There's no one close to where I live that knows much about guns.

 

[Sully2]

I actually have no desire for a .308 & never wanted anything larger than a 6mm.

I have 40 boxes of 22 caliber bullets & 20 boxes of new unfired 22-250 brass.
I do have a Remington & it shoots great! However, I've never owned a custom rifle, either because I was young & poor or I didn't have a place to shoot for many years.
I looked at new Remingtons, but they didn't have what I was looking for, namely the Dual-Port action. Savage has a few other thing that aren't on the Remington.
My new rifle was ordered 3 weeks ago & I should see it in the next 3-5 weeks.
I also never had the desire to shoot factory ammo, even if it's free. The only factory ammo I've ever shot is 22 rimfire & half a box of 44 magnum & a few shotshells when I was a kid. I let friends shoot the rest of the 44 magnum ammo. That damned 44 magnum gave me a case of flinches that took me 2-3 months to get rid of.
If I live long enough, I might decide to have the Savage re-chambered to a 6mm, but I may not live long enough to use up all the components I have for the 22-250.
If you suspect Im recoil sensitive, you're 100% correct.

Thanks for your input, I do appreciate it.

Spencer

My post was a reply to the first...the one by the OP himself

 

[Trickymissfit]

I actually have no desire for a .308 & never wanted anything larger than a 6mm.

I have 40 boxes of 22 caliber bullets & 20 boxes of new unfired 22-250 brass.
I do have a Remington & it shoots great! However, I've never owned a custom rifle, either because I was young & poor or I didn't have a place to shoot for many years.
I looked at new Remingtons, but they didn't have what I was looking for, namely the Dual-Port action. Savage has a few other thing that aren't on the Remington.
My new rifle was ordered 3 weeks ago & I should see it in the next 3-5 weeks.
I also never had the desire to shoot factory ammo, even if it's free. The only factory ammo I've ever shot is 22 rimfire & half a box of 44 magnum & a few shotshells when I was a kid. I let friends shoot the rest of the 44 magnum ammo. That damned 44 magnum gave me a case of flinches that took me 2-3 months to get rid of.
If I live long enough, I might decide to have the Savage re-chambered to a 6mm, but I may not live long enough to use up all the components I have for the 22-250.
If you suspect Im recoil sensitive, you're 100% correct.

Thanks for your input, I do appreciate it.

Spencer

keep in mind that a Savage short action single shot is plenty long enough for a 6mm Remington or a .257AI with the heavier bullets. No mag to deal with, thus allowing you to determin the actual over all length of a loaded round. I think a 25" barrel in a 6BR would be a fantastic rifle. Maybe a 6.5 Creedmore? Or with the 6BR you have the large Mauser bolt face, and this sets you up to later order in something like a 6.5x57AI from an after market barrel maker (nothing but a .257AI necked up to 6.5mm)
gary

 

[TracySes23]

keep in mind that a Savage short action single shot is plenty long enough for a 6mm Remington or a .257AI with the heavier bullets. No mag to deal with, thus allowing you to determin the actual over all length of a loaded round. I think a 25" barrel in a 6BR would be a fantastic rifle. Maybe a 6.5 Creedmore? Or with the 6BR you have the large Mauser bolt face, and this sets you up to later order in something like a 6.5x57AI from an after market barrel maker (nothing but a .257AI necked up to 6.5mm)
gary

I figger it'll take me 4-5 years to use up all the 22 caliber bullets & brass I have. I also have a lot of 9mm, .44, .45, & .30 cast bullets to shoot. I also have a very nice & expensive FX Cutlas 22 caliber air rifle with a target grade barrel and a very nice adjustable trigger. I have 15 guns to shoot. I have a full load just shooting all of my guns. I really doubt I'll have enough years left to take on another new project. I'd already changed my mind about any improved calibers that essentially eat up barrels. If I do decide on a larger caliber, I won't go larger than a 6mm. I'd then likely send the LRVP back to Savage and have it done by them.
If I had a range 10-15 minutes away, the time frame could change. I'll never have a range with more than 500 yards available either. Keep in mind, I'm just a paper puncher, I never wanted to compete in any shooting events. I prefer to compete only with myself. I've never felt a need or wanted to beat someone in competition. I also enjoy shooting alone with no distractions.
I love this website though and enjoy reading about others experiences & ideas such as yours & many of the other experienced people who visit this website.

Thanks Gary.

Spencer

 

[DakotaGlockGuy]

I'm Back!

Hi Guys,
Well I took a little break from the project in order to get the rest of the pistol business stuff up and running. I'm just finishing that up, and now I can really focus on this buy/build.

After some more thought, I think I like the idea of going with a 308 for this first (and probably ONLY) LR gun. I feel that's such a solid, versatile round, that it would give me some options down the road. I do like the fact that high quality match ammo is plentiful and relatively cheap compared to some other calibers.

Also while I'm still about 90% sold on the "Out of the Box" concept, I think I would be open to a potential build.

Also in doing some research, one out of the boxer I really like is the Savage 10 BA. I think the weight would be a plus for me since it will be a bench gun, and I like the idea of the adjustability of it as well. I've read some posts in this thread singing the praises of the 10 BA, but would really like to hear some more opinions on it if possible.

Thanks again for all your help and patience guys. As always, it is appreciated!!!

 

[MudRunner2005]

I still say go find you a Rem 700 5R MilSpec with a 24" barrel, and swap out the trigger for an old style Rem trigger and you will be very happy with the results.