Hello all! I am in the market for a “beginner” longer range rifle that will complement a 22LR trainer. I live in SE Alaska so it is always windy and usually rainy. I would like to be able to shoot out to 600 yards as that is the extent of the range I am a member. I have several different caliber rifles for hunting but this one would be just for precision type of shooting, lots of volume and learning situations. I have been hunting/shooting for over 45 years so kind of wanting to make myself a better shot overall.
The main thing that has me stumped is what caliber would be better, 308 or 6.5 Creedmoor. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses…308: long barrel life, less expensive ammo, readily accessible, a huge choice of quality rifles to choose from, etc
6.5 Creedmoor: less recoil, higher BC projectiles, pretty accessible where I live, but has a much shorter barrel life. I will be shooting suppressed and reload, so getting components is a big drawback here. I live on an island and everything “hazmat” has to be barged in. The barge company price starts at $150 and it doesn’t matter if it’s one box or 100 lbs of ammo, it’s the same $150 plus weight.
What are your thoughts?
The 308 is certainly known for being easy on barrel life. That being said it’s not like the 6.5 Creedmoor is known as a barrel burner. Most people online are reporting anywhere from 2000 to 3000 round Barrel life which is more than most people shoot in their entire lifetime.
In terms of ammo availability. Around here they are darn close to equal to each other. However, almost all of the 308 you will find on the local shelves is aimed at close range deer hunting. Not exactly what you’re probably going to want to shoot out to 600 yards. In terms of reloading, if that’s what you’re doing, then I doubt there would be a huge difference between availability of components.
If it were me, if we’re just looking at shooting out to 600 yards more for fun and training, then it would be 6.5 Creedmoor as it’s less recoil, and it’s easier to find a high BC bullet for it.
I’d pick the Creedmoor for sure. Lower recoil will make spotting impacts much easier. As for barrel life, you could probably surpass 3,000 shots if you don’t shoot it hot.
I’m no expert in long range shooting by any stretch, but if that is your intended purpose for the gun I’d say 6.5 Creedmoor all the way for the better ballistics and lighter recoil.
My only observation might be that if big bruins are a consideration either as game or defense I might lean to the 308. Otherwise I agree on 6.5.
Ok so I hear you on the Creedmoor… these are a few of the “dream” rifles I’ve been looking at, which do you recommend?
MPA BA PMR Pro Rifle II
Bergara Premier Competition Rifle
GA Pinnacle Production Rifle
Other high quality rifle suggestions are welcome! I am in the research phase for both the rifle and optics.
When (or if) I move back to Texas I would like to be able to extend my range to about 2,000 yards.
First question to ask, what is your new rifle budget? Looking at your list of “dream” rifles, your MPA is going to run you close to $3,000.
Bergara is going to be around $2,600.
GA Pinnacle is about $3,000.
So, is it safe to assume your rifle budget is up to $3,000 and for scope, are you planning to get one or two? One for now to get up to 600 yards+ and then later on, one to cover 2,000 yards?
If it was me, I would spend the money upfront for a scope capable of resolving 2,000 yards plus, b/c it would also cover, obviously, 600 yards as well. Pay once, cry once as the old saying goes.
As far rifles go, I am familiar with MPAs b/c I have looked into them. Bergaras, I’ve only looked into B14 HMR and I am not familiar with GA Pinnacle. But out of the three, I would recommend MPA. They have competition quality rifles. Other brands, the one I can think of that has maybe a couple models right around $3,000 would be Proof Research b/c of their barells. One last one I just remembered would be Fierce Arms. I believe Jim has multiple rifles of theirs and is quite familiar with their rifles. And one last one would Browning X-Bolt and X-Bolt 2. They offer a variety rifles under $3,000 and a few over $3000. I have three Brownings. They are one of my favorite rifle and shotgun makers.
Yes, buy once cry once is what I am thinking as well. I’m toying with the NightForce NX8 4-32 and the Leupold Mark 5HD. Both have their strengths and weaknesses…
Have you looked into Trijicon Tenmile line?
If you are patient enough and keep your eyes out for sale on any of the Tenmile models on the following websites, Dvor, Scopelist, and GunZoneDeals they discount them by as much as 45% or so.
I bought 6 of them ,Tenmiles, each different power. All at a discount. There’s one more from that line, #3000007, i am waiting for a sale to add that to my collection and i be done for now with Trijicon. I dont know whether you have a Trijicon scope or not, but i tell you when i received my first one i was impressed. It was like opening abox of Italian shoes. The packing/presentation was just exquisite. And eveything was included. No need to buy a throwlever, or a scope cover, or glass covers. Everything you need is in there with the exception of the mounts. I also bought Trijicon QD mounts for evey one of them. Just food for thoughts. GL
Ooh. So in your last message you added that you want to extend your range to 2,000 yards.
I’ve shot a mile with a Creedmoor but it is on the RAGGED EDGE of what’s possible for that cartridge. 2,000 would be very tough.
If you’re wanting to go that far, it’s 7 PRC time.
So…are you saying that I might have to buy 2 new guns? 
Patrick,
Here is a good example of Trijicon Tenmile scope sale I was telling you:
Check it out.
Thank you!!! That is an outstanding deal
And it is the last model I was waiting for. I will be getting it. You can’t beat the price.
No you can’t!!! Thanks again
Here is a question for the group. If you were to pick one of the two scopes which would you pick? And Why?
1-Trijicon Tenmile SFP 4-24x 50mm Obj 28.50-4.70 ft @ 100 yds FOV 30mm Tube Matte Black Finish Illuminated Red LED Dot/MRAD Ranging, MSRP $1,853.00, sale $894.99.
2- [BUR VERACITY PH 4-20X50 FFP ILLUM RC.
MSRP: 1,559.99, SALE 1,090.99.
I can only buy one or the other and personally biased toward Trijicon since I have a total of 6 Tenmiles and their red dot/magnifier combo. But after Jim talking about it and also reading about it I am inclining toward the Burris for now and pick up the Trijicon later. The only drawback with the Burris is it’s illegal in CA (I have to double check with the scope specialist at my gunshop), Which brings me to the next question for the group:
During your hunting lifetime, how many times have you ever been visited by a game warden wanting to look at your hunting equipment? And if they find an infraction, what is the range of penalty in $$$s?
Thanks ahead of time.
I would vote to go with the Tenmile… you know what you’re going to get from it. The Burris is interesting, but if you can’t hunt with it without risking punishment…I have a good friend who is a Game Warden in Texas, the fine and restitution are steep but the real kicker according to him is the loss of your hunting license. I have no idea if that would carryover to other states or not
Thanks Patrick. I should stay with my gut feeling. It has never done me wrong. I certainly dont want to go hunting with the wrong equipment and then have my world turned upside down.