Rookie question - purchasing a DTA - SRS or HTI????

[glamis]

Hi Everybody,

So I am a total newbie to long range shooting. I have decided to purchase a Desert Tactial Arms gun but I can't decide between the SRS or the HTI. The HTI definitely has the cool factor of the bigger calibers but the cost to shoot will be outrageous. The SRS looks just as badass and has the ability to shoot .308 which will allow me to shoot it more frequently.

I just want to hear from people who own one or the other about pros and cons. Just need help making up my mind! Also the cost of the SRS is obviously less for the entire weapons system.

What do you think? SRS or HTI?

thanks for your input.

 

[biffj]

I guess you need to choose what suits you best. I have an SRS and love it. I have 6.5 X47, .338 BR, .338 Lapua Mag and 12.7 X 48 (.510 Whisper) barrels for it. The .308 and .338 LM bolts handle all 4 cartridges and I have 2 suppressors to handle them. (The .50 needs a bigger can.) As far as I'm concerned its all I need. I have done some work for an owner of an HTI in .50 BMG and he really likes it but wishes it was a bit more compact and lighter....though he quickly admits that for the cartridges it shoots its on the small and light side. I like the versatility of the smaller package and I can load 2 rds of .338 LM for what it costs me to load one of BMG. The others use about a 3rd or less powder as compared to the 338LM so I can shoot it cheaper though that isn't always the primary consideration. I don't have the range to stretch out in this part of the country but I do head west a couple times a year to do some long range shoots. If I still lived in New Mexico I'd have a hard choice between the 2 but I think I'd still go with the SRS.

Just my opinion

Frank

 

[Dogtown]

Crawl. Walk. Run. Start with an SRS with a long action and short action combo. For example, .308WIN or .260REM and .300WM or .338LM. That'll keep you busy for plenty of time. When you have pushed that .300WM or .338LM as far as it'll go, then consider moving up to a .375CT or .50BMG HTI. It's kind of a natural progression that way.

 

[sib1948]

I have the SRS A1 on order in 308 and would definitely start with that, so you can get plenty of practice in at reasonable cost. 338 conversions available as well as other calibers when you're ready to move up. If you don't reload 338 ammo is $5-7 PER ROUND! Don't forget for LR shooting you'll also need premium scope ($2000-3000) with rings, level, bipod and preferably monopod. Not to mention case, kestrel, spotting scope, cleaning gear,etc. Total package without suppressor will be $10,000 or more plus ammo cost. That being said, in the long run you'll save money, since other caliber conversion kits will cost $1400-1800 giving much versatility using same receiver and scope. You'll never need to buy another precision rifle. Most shooters have multiple rifles each with dedicated scope. If you plan on hunting you may want a shorter, lighter rig, but can switch SRS forend for Covert forend with 16" 308 barrel and you'll be good to go. Suggest you read the Optics Selection here for lots of good info. This sport is fun, but can get very expensive quickly. Good Luck

 

[customones]

I have the SRS in 338LM 300WIN, and 260 rem. This system covers my needs nicely. Unless your doing alot of shooting past the 1800 mark or engaging hard targets i think the srs or the covert platform will be the way to go.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Go with the SRS. I had a 308 which I wasn't proficient with and jumped on a helluva deal for my M96 Windrunner in 50BMG. While I don't regret buying my Windrunner (it's fun as hell to shoot), I shoot my R700 and SRS significantly more due to ammo costs and range availability (some ranges don't like big calibers). With reloading cheaply ($1.31/rd) for my Windrunner I can get 1-1.5 MOA accuracy out to 1000yds. If I bump up to new production FMJs I can usually get 1 MOA maybe a little less but that drives the cost closer to $2/rd.

For the accuracy I want out of my rifle/ammo combos (.5-.75 MOA) for training/competitions, I just can't get that with a 50BMG without going to either solid projectiles or AMAXs, and I just don't want to afford that right now (closer to $3-4/rd). Compare that to less than $1/rd for my 308win rifles (and most likely any other SRS short-action caliber you're considering) with the same accuracy and it's a no-brainer for me. Right now my Windrunner is relegated to the role of really big, really loud, really fun toy. Hitting a canteloupe with a 649gr API at 500yds and seeing it explode will thrill anyone with a pulse. It's a great tool to get people interested in shooting, and I haven't had one person pull the trigger and regret it. However due to component costs, desired accuracy, and available ranges, the smaller calibers (and thus the SRS) get my vote.


Reloading Breakdown with Supplies Bought Early Last Year:
Brass - $0.10 (5 reloads on once-fired LC bought at $.50/each)
Primer - $0.25 (CCI #35)
Bullets - $0.30 (Pulled APIs I resize myself)
Powder - $0.66 (212gr H50BMG at $175/8lb)
Total - $1.31

 

[glamis]

Hey guys,

This is all great info and was exactly what I was looking for. I guess I'm buying the SRS.

One question I had, which sib1948 mentioned is, can I swap out the forend of the SRS and go to the shorter Covert????? If so, I am definitely going with the SRS.

Also, I'm assuming starting to reload makes much more sense once you get into these larger calibers. Is that the right train of thought???

thanks again for everybody's help.

 

[Dogtown]

Yes, the handguards are swappable, but it's not something you can do in the field. You need to strip the rifle skins off and mount the receiver in a vice to remove the handguards. The first time is the hardest, but after that it's much easier.

 

[TheBelgian]

Pretty much in the same position... I saved up to build a custom sniper system based on a REM 700 SPS Varmint with a CADEX Strike 33 chassis but after reading/watching some reviews, I'm starting to think the DTA SRS-A1 could be a better platform considering its versatility and performance right out of the box.

I guess the question is: for a $5K budget, do you go custom or with the SRS-A1?

 

[reximus]

I guess the question is: for a $5K budget, do you go custom or with the SRS-A1?

I just sold my custom to fund an SRS-A1. They are great rifles and appeal to me with their versatility. I've shot a few, and it was enough to get me on the bandwagon...

 

[Strive4More]

You CAN build an amazing DTA SRS system for much less than 10k. Rifle with one conversion is ~ $4500 new. .338 LM conversion is ~ $1800 new. I would highly recommend a Bushnell HDMR for a new shooter. Around 1250 for the scope and $200 for the mount. If you go the DTA route go ahead and get a 30 or 40 MOA mount. It'll save ya having to upgrade if you get a larger caliber later on. .308 is great to start on. I would also recommend you look at 6.5 Creedmoor. Ammo cost is on par or less than .308 and the hornady stuff shoots great outta the box. Don't run before you walk. Start with one conversion and if you have the skill and cash down the road add a .338 in there. $5+ is a lot to spend per round if youre starting out and quite sure what youre doing. Hell you can add in a Thunder Beast in and still be in the $8k range. GO TO A BASIC LONG RANGE COURSE (stomps foot twice). The skills you learn there will save you a lot in wasted ammo and you can get behind a few of the other rifles there and see what really suits you. Buying used will save you taking a big hit if you resell, and wait time is at 9 months for DTA currently. Also fill out that profile. Guys on here are pretty good about helping you out if they are nearby and youre not an ass.