All Purpose Bolt Action

[phillietimothy]

I am new to the shooting sports. I currently shoot a 22LR at 50 - 100 yards. I would like to step up to a centerfire in .308. I can not afford multiple rifles, I would like this rifle to do several things.

This rifle will be used at the range primarily. I would also like this rifle to serve as a hunting rifle when and if I decide to hunt. I would also like to begin learning about shooting at further distances.

If I did hunt, hogs and deer more than likely. I know that the .308 is more than adequate for both. I would like to keep the barrel to 22" to make it practical as a hunting rifle.

I think that F/TR would be useful to learn about shooting at greater distances and wind. I dont plan on shooting past 600 yards, so a shorter barrel should not hurt too much.

There are some local any-sight/any-rifle matches that are shot from prone at 300 yards.

Ultimately, I would like to take a class at Wolf Precision with this rifle. I know I am asking a lot of one rifle, if you had to use one rifle for the things I mentioned, what are your thoughts?

I have read a lot, but it just seems to raise more questions. I plan on making this purchase within 4 - 5 months.

My idea is a Savage Model 16 Weather Warrior. It has a 22" barrel a dbm and a "10" twist rate. The price is approximately $900. I would add a SS 3-9, for $600. For $1500, this is doable for me. As I learn and develop, I can get more specialized equipment.

Any thoughts? Forgive my long windedness. I was trying to be as specific as poosible. Appreciate all opinions. Thank you.

Tim

 

[z71rat]

Re: All Purpose Bolt Action

Just as a little bit of a guide to you. I have shot .308 for many years, with accuracy ranging from shotgun blast to outstanding. I have now gone to the .243WIN, and I wish that I would have made that change a LONG time ago.

I am running a Savage 10 Snow Predator, chopped to 19.5", threaded, with an RWS muzzle brake. No recoil to speak of, light enough to be easily carried, more than adequate to hunt with, super easy to reload, very forgiving on bullet choices, and a freakin laser beam to shoot!!

The .243WIN will do everything that you will be asking it to do. Ammo is cheap enough for factory, even cheaper to reload. Tons of options for components, and a total blast to shoot!!

DK

 

[Ratbert]

Re: All Purpose Bolt Action

It seems like you've worked out what you want pretty well. I personally would suggest the 10HD SS rather than the 3-9 SS. The 3-9 lacks parallax adjustment and when you are just starting out it's nice to not have to question if your group size is being dictated by your skills or your scope. If you are planning on using it for hunting I can see why you would go with the variable but the 3-9 simply isn't a very good scope for the long range precision game. If you can find a way to afford it the Bushnell HDMR or SS 5-25 would probably give you a better value return for your money.

ETA: Another option I'd suggest is a Vortex PST 4-14. That's not much more than the SS and really a better fit for what it sounds like you want to do.

 

[rusty815]

Re: All Purpose Bolt Action

I have a weather warrior as well, but I suggest stepping up from the SS 3-9x to the Weaver tactical 3-15x EMDR for just 100 dollars more, for me its a great all purpose scope (it has locking turrets which are good for hunting, and is mil/mil which makes it easy for ranging). I love this setup so far, very accurate and can do anything I throw at it.

 

[farrier]

Re: All Purpose Bolt Action

Not going to play the Savage vs. Remington game. The Wolf Precision class is a great deal, (I took it twice!) My suggestion is a slightly higher mag. on the scope, the class shoots out to 1000 yds. and you always have the option of dialing it down. I shot one class with a Sightron 6.5-24X50 and one with a Leupold 6.5-20X50 ERT. Both did the job well. If $ is the issue,take the time to save more and buy the best optic you can.
Mike