Looking for input

[apryz]

Hey everyone,
I've been lurking on this site for a while and have been doing a lot of reading and learning. I am looking at getting a bolt action rifle once I get back from this float and have a few stipulations that are throwing a wrench in my decisions about the set-up I want to run. Here is what I am thinking so far:
Rifle:.223 or .308 M700 SPS Tactical or a .223 or .308 Model 10 FCP-K.
Base/rings: Badger Ordnance 0 MOA base and low rings
Scope: SS 10x40 or Leupold 3.5-10x40 with M1 knobs
Bipod: Harris BR6-9

That would be the initial set-up with improvements to come later but here-in lies my dilemma, I am stationed in NC for now and once I get home I should be executing orders to the Northeast which is where I hail from. I am torn between getting a .223 and .308 because of the lack of ranges in CT (my home state) that stretch past 200 yards, so what benefit is there in throwing .308 rounds downrange vice .223 when I wouldn't have much opportunity to shoot past that? For the optics, I understand the buy once, cry once ideology but I am trying to make my dollars count and am under the impression that Leupold offers a discount for active military, which I think I would prefer over the SS 10x. My experience with scopes as of now is a shitty BSA Contender 6-24x40? that was on my Savage .270WSM that I had in high school and the ACOG that is on my A4 now, so I am less than well versed in quality optics. I appreciate any advice I am given and will take it all into consideration.

Aaron

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Looking for input

If ranges will be limited to 200 yds, I'd opt for the 223 due the cost of ammo. As far as optics go, both choices would be fine, but the Leupold would be my choice.

I would think you should be able to find some public land locally where you can seek longer distances.

Kirk R

 

[turbo54]

Re: Looking for input

A 308 doesn't really have the ability to reach out further than a 223. What it CAN do is achieve better terminal effects at longer distances... The 223 is totally useable to 1000 yards with the heavy bullets, for target shooting. It is lacking energy to engage "soft targets" well at those ranges. Honestly, so is a 308.

So, if you don't need/desire the available downrange energy the 308 offers over the 223, get the 223. Great caliber, especially for newbies.

 

[rchman]

Re: Looking for input

Would you ever use this rifle for anything other than target practice?

 

[apryz]

Re: Looking for input

I really have no intentions of hunting with this rifle so the amount of energy that is getting carried to the target is not the biggest concern for me. I will mostly be using this rifle to hone my skills and hopefully get to the point that I can out shoot the set-up and move on to bigger and better things from there. I know that you need 10+ acres of privately owned land or permission from a landowner to hunt in CT with a centerfire rifle and I have been trying to find out if shooting on state land is also prohibited, which I think it is. As of now, I am leaning more towards the .223 because of the difference in the ammo prices and that fact that I am not looking for knock down power out of this rifle.