Sorry in advance for the long rambling post.
So I have been looking at the different options in budget but not "cheap" rifles for the past couple of weeks trying to find what to lust after and save up for. Budget around $500-$700 with a decent starter scope that will be upgraded as money allows.
After much fondling of anything I could find I have settled on a Howa 1500. Starts around $450-$500 and seemingly quite upgradable. The rifle shoulders great and the action is the smoothest of anything in that Price I have tried.
This part will not change (although I guess Weatherby Vanguards would be on the table, but they tend to cost more for the same setup).
However, I am completely lost on what would be best for my intended purpose. I would like it to be a good accurate target rifle for ranges between 100 and 300 yds with the ability to move out to 500 yds or so once I feel comfortable attempting that range and can find a place in the desert to safely shoot up to that distance. I will probably often shoot anywhere from 30-50 rounds a session, so it must be able to keep accuracy and remain comfortable for that many rounds over the course of about an hour or two. I would also like it to be good for hunting any small-medium game if the mood ever strikes me or it becomes necessary for some reason. Basically a good do-almost-anything rifle for a shooter on a budget.
Before discussing calibers (the meat of the question), I'll say that I do reload so price and availability of components is more important than that of factory ammo.
My problem is that I was originally thinking something in 7mm-08 because it is fairly common to find and has good ballistics, but the 1500 only comes in that caliber in the compact 20" tapered barrel. That seems like it might not be great for extended range sessions because of the barrel and action heating up quickly.
Other possible options include 6.5x55, 308, 270 win, and 25-06.
The 6.5x55 sounds perfect for my intended purpose, but is harder to find ammo/components for and the rifle and components plus the rifle itself seem to be more costly than more common calibers.
The 25-06 looks good too, but I've heard it has a significantly lower barrel-life than my other options.
The 270 and 308 win by far in the areas of rifle/ammo/component price and availability, but may have more recoil than I'd like to endure for 40-50 rounds (I currently have a Mosin 91/30 and 40 rounds is about my fun limit with a recoil pad). Also, how much bullet drop can be expected from a 308 at 300 yds or more?
So what do all of you good folks think is the best option for my intended purpose(s)? Links to in-stock rifles or barreled actions with prices are greatly appreciated too.
So I have been looking at the different options in budget but not "cheap" rifles for the past couple of weeks trying to find what to lust after and save up for. Budget around $500-$700 with a decent starter scope that will be upgraded as money allows.
After much fondling of anything I could find I have settled on a Howa 1500. Starts around $450-$500 and seemingly quite upgradable. The rifle shoulders great and the action is the smoothest of anything in that Price I have tried.
This part will not change (although I guess Weatherby Vanguards would be on the table, but they tend to cost more for the same setup).
However, I am completely lost on what would be best for my intended purpose. I would like it to be a good accurate target rifle for ranges between 100 and 300 yds with the ability to move out to 500 yds or so once I feel comfortable attempting that range and can find a place in the desert to safely shoot up to that distance. I will probably often shoot anywhere from 30-50 rounds a session, so it must be able to keep accuracy and remain comfortable for that many rounds over the course of about an hour or two. I would also like it to be good for hunting any small-medium game if the mood ever strikes me or it becomes necessary for some reason. Basically a good do-almost-anything rifle for a shooter on a budget.
Before discussing calibers (the meat of the question), I'll say that I do reload so price and availability of components is more important than that of factory ammo.
My problem is that I was originally thinking something in 7mm-08 because it is fairly common to find and has good ballistics, but the 1500 only comes in that caliber in the compact 20" tapered barrel. That seems like it might not be great for extended range sessions because of the barrel and action heating up quickly.
Other possible options include 6.5x55, 308, 270 win, and 25-06.
The 6.5x55 sounds perfect for my intended purpose, but is harder to find ammo/components for and the rifle and components plus the rifle itself seem to be more costly than more common calibers.
The 25-06 looks good too, but I've heard it has a significantly lower barrel-life than my other options.
The 270 and 308 win by far in the areas of rifle/ammo/component price and availability, but may have more recoil than I'd like to endure for 40-50 rounds (I currently have a Mosin 91/30 and 40 rounds is about my fun limit with a recoil pad). Also, how much bullet drop can be expected from a 308 at 300 yds or more?
So what do all of you good folks think is the best option for my intended purpose(s)? Links to in-stock rifles or barreled actions with prices are greatly appreciated too.
