Would a Weatherby Vanguard in 308

"starter" and "magnum" should never be in the same sentence.

To learn the basics, and increase proficiency a .308 is fine. Try out a .260 Remington as well - similar ballistics to the .300 Win Mag and much less recoil.
 
Although there is some bashing of the Vanguards, I can tell you that I love mine. I can't speak to the 600-1000 yard issue because I'm doing good to shoot accurately to 300 yds but that is NOT because the rifle isn't capable, it is my limitations as a shooter.

My Vanguard in 270 win is sub moa at 100 yds and that is with me being the loose nut behind the trigger. Now, I did change out the trigger in mine for a Timney which dropped right in. I made the change more because I love the 3 position safety that the Timney offered and the Vanguard didn't have. Except for a bit of creep, there was nothing wrong with my factory trigger.

As the previous poster suggested, .308 is a much better starter caliber than any of the magnums.
 
What are you trying to hit at 1,000 yds? Is this for informal shooting of steel plate, NRA 600 yd targets (large enough for iron sights), or minute of angle or better precision?

The Vanguard is a hunting style rifle, with a sporter, or tapered barrel. It is not meant to shoot lots of rounds fairly quickly as the barrel heats up after just a few shots. If you are willing to wait 30 seconds or more between shots then it may work out to get started. But hunting rilfes are typically designed to be lighter weight for carry and no need to shoot more than 2-4 shots in a row (usually one or two).

If you are just having fun hitting large enough targets at 1,000 yds and don't need to shoot rapid fire, then a Vanguard could gt you started as well as most any hunting rifle. If you need more precision for competition then you need a heavy free-floated barrel, bedded receiver,target rifle and knowledge of a lot more factors than bullet drop to shoot precisely beyond 500 yds.
 
Yes.
But don't think that "starter rifle" means skimp on the glass....you need a quality optic for reliable performance for long range.
 
out to 600 OK...beyond that 300 Win Mag....same change our military snipers just made.
Click to expand...

I believe our military still only uses NATO rounds so anything beyond the range of 7.62x51 is the domain of 50 cal.
 
Sure. Use 175 gr Federal Gold Metal Match ammo, or reloads equivalent to GMM. It stays supersonic out past 1100 yds.

As others have mentioned, you'll need a good scope and a 20 MOA scope mount. I like the one sold by EGW-guns.
EGW mount
And Leupold QRW rings
 
Thanks all. Strictly target shooting. I have a pre 64 Model 70 in 270 but think I need a little larger caliber.
 
I have a Vanguard HB-ST and really like it.

It just has a 22" Heavy barrel and a rubbery coating on the stock.

Mine is in .223, but they have .308 as well.

Internally adjustable trigger that is really nice now that I lightened it up.
 
"I believe our military still only uses NATO rounds so anything beyond the range of 7.62x51 is the domain of 50 cal."

Nope! Snipers do continue to use 308, but they are also using 50cal, 300 Win Mag as well as 338 Lapua.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top