So I've been following a lot of stuff from the main page and stalking to forums for a bit, but figured it's about time to actually join. Now that I find myself shooting more from 600 yards lately and jumping up from my trusted 308 to bigger calibers this is the best place to ask my questions and get the help. A little of my background, I spent 8 years in the Army as a combat engineer and 6 years as a sheriffs deputy. I'm now retired and have more time for the things I enjoy. Where I'm at the biggest range we have is 1000yards, but we do have areas that allow you to shoot past 1000, my plan is to join that group. Oh well enough on that, time to decide on the 6.5 or 338.
My turn for an introduction
- Thread starter Rkel
- Start date
Welcome to Snipers Hide.
re: 6.5 vs. .338
Consider how much you want to shoot at distance and also to what distances you will actually shoot. I shoot my .260 (a 6.5) 10-20 times as much as I shoot my .338.
The reasons are threefold. First, I consider shooting the .338 inside of 1000 yards for other than load development and sight-in to be a waste of the round's potential. Second, the cost to fire the .338 is $2.50-6.00 per round depending on the projectile and whether or not you reload. Compare that to about $0.60-2.50 for the .260 or 6.5 Creedmoor under similar circumstances. Third, while love my .338 and love shooting it, the recoil and muzzle blast with a brake are enough so that it is not ideal for the type of shooting that I do inside of 1200 yards.
So, in summary, what your intended use for the rifle is should drive the caliber choice.
But in any case, your journey in choosing and acquiring the rifle will be fun in itself.
re: 6.5 vs. .338
Consider how much you want to shoot at distance and also to what distances you will actually shoot. I shoot my .260 (a 6.5) 10-20 times as much as I shoot my .338.
The reasons are threefold. First, I consider shooting the .338 inside of 1000 yards for other than load development and sight-in to be a waste of the round's potential. Second, the cost to fire the .338 is $2.50-6.00 per round depending on the projectile and whether or not you reload. Compare that to about $0.60-2.50 for the .260 or 6.5 Creedmoor under similar circumstances. Third, while love my .338 and love shooting it, the recoil and muzzle blast with a brake are enough so that it is not ideal for the type of shooting that I do inside of 1200 yards.
So, in summary, what your intended use for the rifle is should drive the caliber choice.
But in any case, your journey in choosing and acquiring the rifle will be fun in itself.
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. I agree about the cost to shoot a 338 and if I were to go with it I have up 1500 yards to shoot at by me and would only do it once a month or so. I have have been shooting 308 for years and would just like to feel something bigger.
