Options for long range precision rifles

**pbuitendag** · 11-10-2020, 12:42

Hi all

Recently, I've been reading more about long range precision shooting and the rifles used. This was due to a gunshop advertising the Howa APC in 6.5 CM. That got me thinking. What would you guys say is a good option for a total beginner to start with in long range precision shooting? I imagine it won't be something that is hella expensive for a first timer but who knows?

So, please let me know your thoughts on what a newbie might consider as a first rifle and in which caliber (very important). Would you buy a complete gun, like a RPR, or would you buy the action and put it in a chassis? If so, which chassis?

Thanks all.

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**Edwill** · 11-10-2020, 13:22

For what type of long range. Long range, Extreme long range, PRS/NRL type shooting?

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**pbuitendag** · 11-10-2020, 13:25

Originally Posted by Edwill

For what type of long range. Long range, Extreme long range, PRS/NRL type shooting?

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Honestly, I haven't gotten that far into the research yet. Shall we say PRS matches, to shoot to 1km at most? I don't actually know... Maybe you know better Edwill?

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**Edwill** · 11-10-2020, 13:28

Stay away from APC. It's not great for PRS type. If you keen to start shooting, Howa 6/6.5Creed in a chassis would be good option. Then the best glass you can afford. Good glass will cost 2-3 times more than rifle setup, not to mention decent rings etc

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**A-R** · 12-10-2020, 21:03

For a beginner, I would suggest something like a Howa 308 Varmint barreled action in a Warrior chassis. No, this not what the champs use, but they have likely shot out the barrel on something similar before they became champs.
Once your barrel is worn out, you can just replace that and retain the chassis. Yes, you are indeed likely to shoot a barrel (or 2) out before you become a top contender in the sport.

Another option is a 223 with 1:8" twist varmint barrel. This animal can outshoot a 308 and be supersonic out to 1000m. You have to reload, but the shot per cost is decent compared to other options.

Both the 308 and fast-twist 223 barrels will outlast any of the 6,5mm options by far, helping to keep the cost down and allowing you more practise. Have I mentioned that you will need to practice?

By the time you become competitive, you will have developed a better taste for what you like and what you want.

**pblaauw** · 11-10-2020, 14:00

Try some stocks / chassis first, we have a wide choice, e.g. Gunwarrior (and Warren is a top bloke). I had a more traditional stock build by Armtec for my LOP etc.

It's a rabbit hole that will suck you in and not let you out again.

**Bowhunter** · 11-10-2020, 14:54

If you’re on a budget and decide on a Howa, the Hogue stock can work as a starting point. A little reinforcement in the for-end and some added weight in the butt and you’re good to go. You can always add a new stock or chassis later.

**WoodsieEC** · 11-10-2020, 15:52

I don’t think there is such a thing as a budget long range rifle....

I have just been down this rabbit hole and the costs rise quickly. If you start with a good platform and have basic shooting skills, you will upgrade parts quickly to improve accuracy and consistency.

I started with a Remington 700ADL (great value and super accurate straight out the box), 6,5CM.
Add Vortex Viper HST, precision rings, then a suppressor, bipod and trigger upgrade.

I am now considering a stock upgrade. This is purely due to my Remington having a blind magazine and can only be loaded from the top. The picatinny rail makes loading and unloading cumbersome.

I have yet to look at reloading and am using Remington store bought ammo. I can comfortably shoot accurately out to 500m without an issue and haven’t been able to test further distances yet due to lack of facilities in PE.

I have spent a fair amount and would probably be in the exact same place financially, if I had started with a higher spec platform for long range shooting.
Mine is 100% perfect now and fills my needs.

Good luck, it’s great fun.

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**holdingthezero** · 11-10-2020, 18:34

Originally Posted by pbuitendag

Hi all

Recently, I've been reading more about long range precision shooting and the rifles used. This was due to a gunshop advertising the Howa APC in 6.5 CM. That got me thinking. What would you guys say is a good option for a total beginner to start with in long range precision shooting? I imagine it won't be something that is hella expensive for a first timer but who knows?

So, please let me know your thoughts on what a newbie might consider as a first rifle and in which caliber (very important). Would you buy a complete gun, like a RPR, or would you buy the action and put it in a chassis? If so, which chassis?

Thanks all.

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Take a look at the 5 part series by Phillip Velayo in this playlist. Might give you some food for thought.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...bldRh8_MGklSBA

**Pivo** · 11-10-2020, 18:39

I don’t know your level of proficiency, but if you are starting out, I would suggest get yourself a RPR 308, spend more money on scope and keep some cash for match grade ammu. Lots of ammu and range time!

The 308 Win or 7.62 NATO ammu is cheaper than 6.5CM because of sheer volumes and you can buy excellent quality at lower price. It’s important, unless you have the time to reload.

I have been shooting for many years, but I got into long-range circa 2014. Currently I run RPR 308 with NF 5-25 atacr. I shoot as well as 6.5CM guys up to 600m. At 1000m the biggest challenge for me is reading wind. One can dial-up elevation, but you have to read changing winds in real-time.

I want a new chassis and new action, but down-deep inside, I know that what I have still surpasses my abilities.

You must remember the equation is:
(1-MOA rifle) x (1-MOA ammu) x (1-MOA glass) x (1-MOA operator) = 1-MOA shot

In my particular case, I am well aware that the weakest point is the wet-ware, the human operating the equipment.
Second weakest point is the ammu, I buy match grade 168gr, but occasionally it doesn’t agree with the harmonics of my barrel and it lands +1-MOA
The third is the rifle, RPR is a sweet beginner/intermediate level rifle.
The fourth is my glass. NF is the most expensive part of my setup :)