Trying to decide on 500-1000 yrd bolt gun. Suggestions please.

[attila.]

it will eventually be used for 1000 yd targets and medium game hunting at less than 600.

Scope won't be skimped on as it will probably be a 10x40 SWFA or if i can find one on sale (<$1200), a USO ST-10.

7mm-08 is the caliber i have decided on (i know there are magnums and such, but i don't need them), but the platform i haven't decided on yet.
My current top contender for platform is the T/C Dimension (i may be able to get one a slightly used one for $500). I want to stay well below $1000 for the rifle itself and from what i have seen, this T/C is ~600 new, and plenty capable. If anyone has experience with the dimension at very long range, i'd love to hear about it.

also, I don't really know what will work best for the money, and need some suggestions please.

Thanks!

 

[turbo54]

708 is a great choice.

I know nothing about T/C dimension...

I'd buy a cheap Savage/Stevens rifle and screw a CBI 708 barrel on it. You should be ~$600-700 out the door for this setup, and it will be highly capable.

 

[Rob01]

Scope won't be skimped on as it will probably be a 10x40 SWFA or if i can find one on sale (<$1200), a USO ST-10.

I wouldn't go with a fixed 10x scope for what you want. Will be tougher for closer in hunting and not ideal at longer range shooting. A 3-15x/4-16x variable would be a better option. Look at the Vortex PST line, SWFA's new 3-15x or the offerings from Bushnell.

Don't know anything about the TC Dimension but looking at it it seems like a lighter sporter weight barrel. Good for hunting in it weighs less but not good in long range target as when it heats up your point of impact will shift. Sometimes making a rifle that will do both is tough as it gives up pros of each. A Savage isn't a bad idea in that you can buy it in either the light hunting or target configuration depending on which stock set up you like and then buy another barrel in the weight you didn't buy on the rifle and easily swap when doing the particular type of shooting you want to do. Should be able to stay below your price range.

 

[s002wjh]

off topic whats the benefit of 708 compare to other rounds? better barrel life? flatter?

 

[attila.]

my reasoning is that it will give excellent ballistic coefficient and still have similar bullet weights compared to 308, the parent case. I don't need a mag or ultra mag since i don't have any need to shoot huge animals, and if i get that bug later, then i will just get another rifle. This 7-08 is plenty good for reaching out to 1000 yards, while kicking just less than a .308 (i think). I load my own ammo anyway, so it wouldn't be too difficult or pricey to venture into a new caliber. I have 5.56/300blk for close plinking, 30-30 for <300 yrd hunting, and am looking for something to reach out farther. When the time comes that i have the skillset and money, i'll just add another caliber for 1000-2000 yard shots. that'll be a while and bery expensive. for now, i'm only going to do long range not extreme long range.

about that 10x scope idea, I figured its fine for anything outside the range of my 30-30 and all the way out to 1000 without sacrificing any ruggedness that happens when you add magnification and other small parts within the same price range. a good stout 10x will take all the beating i can dish out and not fail me. well, thats my rationale anyway. I'll take a look at the other SWFA you mentioned Rob01. thanks

turbo54, which model savage/stevens were you refering to? and, i'll have to google CBI... i was considering a savage axis in 7-08 but its so cheap, price-wise, that i am worried about its out of box potential... i really don't know, so like i said, i'm open to suggestion.

Thanks everyone so far! this has helped already!

 

[Rob01]

about that 10x scope idea, I figured its fine for anything outside the range of my 30-30 and all the way out to 1000 without sacrificing any ruggedness that happens when you add magnification and other small parts within the same price range. a good stout 10x will take all the beating i can dish out and not fail me. well, thats my rationale anyway. I'll take a look at the other SWFA you mentioned Rob01. thanks

That's old thinking. New variable powered scopes will be fine for what you want.

 

[turbo54]

turbo54, which model savage/stevens were you refering to? and, i'll have to google CBI... i was considering a savage axis in 7-08 but its so cheap, price-wise, that i am worried about its out of box potential... i really don't know, so like i said, i'm open to suggestion.

Any Savage 10, 12, 16, 110 will do, though the 110s are long action. It will work fine (and even better in some ways), but keep that in mind in case you specifically want a short action.

A stevens 200 is identical to a Savage 10 with the exception of trigger (they'll interchange, by the way) and what's engraved in the side of the receiver.

As you may or may not be aware, the bolthead on a Savage simply pins on, and a new/different one is ~$30, so you can swap between the .378", .473" and .532" bolt faces (223, 308 and 300WM respectively).

Again, as you may or may not be aware, Savage barrels are not custom machined for the specific action they are installed on. Rather, they are all machined/chambered the same, and then headspace is set by whoever assembles the rifle, and then locked in place using a jam-nut arrangement (the "barrel nut").

Several manufacturers make Savage "pre-fit" barrels in a multitude of chamberings. The one I've used and had great success with (as have many others) is CBI, sold thru Jim Briggs of Northland shooting supply. The 308 and 708 barrels I've used from CBI have both been capable of bughole accuracy.

 

[attila.]

Any Savage 10, 12, 16, 110 will do, though the 110s are long action. It will work fine (and even better in some ways), but keep that in mind in case you specifically want a short action

what about the savage axis? I like what i've seen and read about them too.

"bughole accuracy" sounds good!

 

[ArmyJerry]

If you go the Savage route its best to get the side bolt release vs the trigger area bolt release, more stock options available with the side release. +1 on the Bushnell, Vortex PST for scopes and CBI or other aftermarket barrel, however Savage is the most accurate rifle I ever shot out of the box. Dont rule out the 10 FP the always have on sale at Dicks or Basspro as a starting platform..

 

[mkollman74]

I'd look for a Tikka myself. Great action, superb trigger right off the shelf. They also have several models in 7-08 if memory serves...

 

[Bruno]

Seeing as you have had some great advice so far, and be on the low end of your budget, here is my high end of your budget thoughts. I would get the cheapest 700 S/A with a .473 bolt face. Then send it to LRI under their current M700 group accurizing and have the action trued and a custom barrel fitted (pick your poison: shilen, krieger, bartlein, ect). Will have a laser beam rifle, you will never out shoot, and always know when you miss it's your fault. Upgrade stock, trigger, bolt handle, coating, ect as money allows and is an awesome platform to grow with. Should be under 1k after you sell the old barrel. Might be a little more than you expected, but will be all the rifle want, and then some. Just my thoughts, I have seen savages shoot very well, but it's what I would do to be around 1k or maybe a little less. As for scopes, would look into variable power. Vortex PST and Bushnell HDMR were mentioned by Rob, and I second the recommendations. Best of luck with your foray into LR.

400 Gunbroker 700 or Walmart special
325 LRI work
315 Barrel blank
1040 Total, minus whatever the old barrel goes for

 

[tacticalpanda]

what about the savage axis? I like what i've seen and read about them too.

"bughole accuracy" sounds good!

I would avoid the Axis. There is no aftermarket support. Parts aren't interchangeable with the other Savage rifles. You can pick up just a Savage action for $300 new from Northland shooters.

 

[attila.]

bruno,
Thanks for the rem700 suggestion. I had considered that and have not ruled it out yet, but if i can find a shooter as sweet as that for lower cost and without technical gunsmithing know-how, i'll do that. I've no experience or equipment for gunsmithing, so i am jealous of those who can utilize barrel blanks! I guess sending it to someone to do it for me is an ok option, but being a DIY kinda guy, i don't usually do that. For a precision rifle, its an excellent suggestion to have a professional address such issues, and i will put that on the list of options. thanks!

I would avoid the Axis. There is no aftermarket support. Parts aren't interchangeable with the other Savage rifles. You can pick up just a Savage action for $300 new from Northland shooters.

Excellent tip! thanks! reason i asked about that was that its the most commonly offered savage bolt in 7-08 from the little i've seen. now i know not to get one.

 

[soteaser]

I picked up a savage 11 long range hunter model in 6.5 creedmoor and could not be happier. Spoter wt. Barrel, adj. Cheek piece, andsub moa with factory ammo, way better with handloads. Sraight out of the box. Useing a nikon 4-16 m223 cuz its what i had, and with berger 130 vld, it matches turret settings out to around 400-450 yds. Just a lucky chance on that. Under 750. For rifle and 400. For scope del.
Good luck whater route you take, just thought i'd share my exp. This is an amazeing time we are in with many excellent choices of highly acc. rifles for reasonable prices. Have fun.

 

[dinc]

My suggestion is stick to Barbie Dolls.

But, as an aside, do you have any other precision rifles? Do you handload?

I'm thinking no and no.

Go buy a .308. I prefer a Remington but do whatever makes you feel good. Shoot it. A lot. Once you have put enough rounds down range that the throat is getting long you will have learned enough to take advantage of some flatter shooting, wind resistant caliber. Until then, YOU are the biggest variable in the equation and nothing else is going to help.

Get a variable scope, something to 15 or 20. SWFA are great. So are Leupold. Going cheaper will cost value. Spending a boatload more will not help right now, save it. Buy a Rockchucker. 10 powers are great field scopes when shooting at chest size targets. Competitions now add small targets to spread out the field and which require more power to see. More power also allows you to shoot smaller 100 yard groups which will make you feel good and boost your confidence.

You will probably ignore this advice. 10,000 rounds from now you'll wish you hadn't.

 

[ArmyJerry]

hehehehe true, I would add not to rule out a 223 to learn on, a bit cheaper for bullets but the 308 will be better to learn hand loading.

My suggestion is stick to Barbie Dolls.

But, as an aside, do you have any other precision rifles? Do you handload?

I'm thinking no and no.

Go buy a .308. I prefer a Remington but do whatever makes you feel good. Shoot it. A lot. Once you have put enough rounds down range that the throat is getting long you will have learned enough to take advantage of some flatter shooting, wind resistant caliber. Until then, YOU are the biggest variable in the equation and nothing else is going to help.

Get a variable scope, something to 15 or 20. SWFA are great. So are Leupold. Going cheaper will cost value. Spending a boatload more will not help right now, save it. Buy a Rockchucker. 10 powers are great field scopes when shooting at chest size targets. Competitions now add small targets to spread out the field and which require more power to see. More power also allows you to shoot smaller 100 yard groups which will make you feel good and boost your confidence.

You will probably ignore this advice. 10,000 rounds from now you'll wish you hadn't.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Mossberg night train!

 

[valkyries]

Id go with the Weatherby Vanguard. I have one thats 30 years old in .243. Shoots one moa groups at 100 yards. Thats with factory federal ammo. I dont handload yet. I think the new ones are garaunteed to less than 1 moa. Stock is really comfortable. These guns are shooters.