I have been thinking about expanding my horizons beyond pistols and getting a single rifle which could be good for hunting (Deer/Hogs in Tennessee & Alabama @ ~150-230 yd shots in my normal grounds) and recreational plinking/precision shooting*.
I had decided on an AR in 6.5 Grendel. However, between the recent panic buying and the increasing likelihood of changes in federal fire arms laws, I have started to look more closely into bolt action alternatives. If I went with bolts, I’d want something chambered in either .243 win or 308. While the Grendel I got to experiment with was fun, I figure I might as well take advantage of stronger/faster/more plentiful rounds if I can. But I'd like to keep as many of the features I had been able to compile into the AR build I had been looking at as possible.
These were:
1) Under 7 lbs. with magazine but without optics (lighter is welcomed but not critical).
2) A 20-24" barrel capable of dealing multiple shots (15-20 in a minute span) without significant heating/wear. The listed round count is assuming that's even reasonable to expect with these calibers in a bolt rifle**.
3) Moderate aftermarket support is welcome.
4) Under $1k is ideal but if it goes over a hundred or two, so be it.
Again, .243 or 308 is preferred but I'm open to alternatives or sticking with 6.5 Grendel if items 1-4 are unattainable otherwise***.
I have found a few manufacturers that hit most of these points but am unsure of the heat/wear aspect of item 2:
Tikka(t3x), Winchester (Model 70), Weatherby (Vanguard), and the Savage (110)
How do these compare in terms of barrel heat buildup/dissipation? Is one of the listed manufacturer/model better in this regard, or is this even the right question to be asking?
* I've no intent to use it in competitions. It more for fun time making long shots or sending lots of rounds down range.
**I've read conflicting reports on the effectiveness of fluting but am open to it.
*** I’m sticking with factory ammo until I’m far more familiar with what I’m doing.
I had decided on an AR in 6.5 Grendel. However, between the recent panic buying and the increasing likelihood of changes in federal fire arms laws, I have started to look more closely into bolt action alternatives. If I went with bolts, I’d want something chambered in either .243 win or 308. While the Grendel I got to experiment with was fun, I figure I might as well take advantage of stronger/faster/more plentiful rounds if I can. But I'd like to keep as many of the features I had been able to compile into the AR build I had been looking at as possible.
These were:
1) Under 7 lbs. with magazine but without optics (lighter is welcomed but not critical).
2) A 20-24" barrel capable of dealing multiple shots (15-20 in a minute span) without significant heating/wear. The listed round count is assuming that's even reasonable to expect with these calibers in a bolt rifle**.
3) Moderate aftermarket support is welcome.
4) Under $1k is ideal but if it goes over a hundred or two, so be it.
Again, .243 or 308 is preferred but I'm open to alternatives or sticking with 6.5 Grendel if items 1-4 are unattainable otherwise***.
I have found a few manufacturers that hit most of these points but am unsure of the heat/wear aspect of item 2:
Tikka(t3x), Winchester (Model 70), Weatherby (Vanguard), and the Savage (110)
How do these compare in terms of barrel heat buildup/dissipation? Is one of the listed manufacturer/model better in this regard, or is this even the right question to be asking?
* I've no intent to use it in competitions. It more for fun time making long shots or sending lots of rounds down range.
**I've read conflicting reports on the effectiveness of fluting but am open to it.
*** I’m sticking with factory ammo until I’m far more familiar with what I’m doing.
.)
