Questions on what to do next....

[DocJekyll]

I finished an AR build about 2 weeks ago but as is the case with most of us the itch to build something else has now reared its ugly head again. This time, I want to do a bolt action extreme long range rifle, and start learning about how to really reach out to those ranges.

Ive not had a whole lot of experience with long range rifles but if Im going to spend the money I want it to be the best it can be. Ive been intrigued about bullpup rifles in the past, but I also love the traditional bolt rifles as well. Im very curious about DTS and their products as well as Accuracy International. For optics, Im looking at either USO or Luepold.
This build will be over a year in the making so my time frame is long.

Im also unsure of which caliber to choose, Id assume either .338, .375 Cheytac, or .408 Cheytac...

Since there are definitely people on here with more experience than I will ever have I reach out to you for guidance.

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: Questions on what to do next....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DocJekyll</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Im also unsure of which caliber to choose, Id assume either .338, .375 Cheytac, or .408 Cheytac...
</div></div>

Do you have access to areas of a mile or better shots? If not, all 3 of those are a waste. Honestly, I wouldn't set any of them on the ground, much less slip a round in them for anything less than 1,500 yrds.


Good luck

 

[DocJekyll]

Re: Questions on what to do next....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mo_Zam_Beek</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Do you have access to areas of a mile or better shots? If not, all 3 of those are a waste. Honestly, I wouldn't set any of them on the ground, much less slip a round in them for anything less than 1,500 yrds.


Good luck</div></div>

A family friend of ours has some abandoned farm land down range of some steep hills about 50 min from where I live and is in a valley. He said he would have no problems with me going out there, and that I could probably be safe out to 3000m as there is nobody on the other side of the hills for miles. Once I get a rifle built I want to take it out there and really stretch the legs and learn about long range shooting. Ive thought about taking classes as well.

Of course... it was this information coming to me that made the itch come back... Maybe I could convince him to let me start up a shooting range, there arent any other long range areas around here that I know of.

Indiana farm country... ha.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Questions on what to do next....

Doc,

If your experience base with LR rifles is limited to .223 Rem. moving on up directing to .338, .375 or .408 is fraught with problems.

All three are 1500 yd plus calibers, are you a 1500 yd plus shooter?? Become proficient at 1000yd shots first, then move on to something longer. Make yourself the "best you can be" first. Equipment does not make the man, only skill does that, and accruing the skills takes time and baby steps......

Bob

 

[DocJekyll]

Re: Questions on what to do next....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Doc,

If your experience base with LR rifles is limited to .223 Rem. moving on up directing to .338, .375 or .408 is fraught with problems.

All three are 1500 yd plus calibers, are you a 1500 yd plus shooter?? Become proficient at 1000yd shots first, then move on to something longer. Make yourself the "best you can be" first. Equipment does not make the man, only skill does that, and accruing the skills takes time and baby steps......

Bob </div></div>

I appreciate the comments. I have shot .308 out to 800yds before with LR's, although it was not with my own system.I usually did very well, in some cases out shooting the owner of the rifle. I predominately shoot the .223 at quite a high rate through shorter range AR platforms for competition though.

Since you brought up baby steps, would getting a system that allows me to switch calibers later be a good idea for me? Im a big believer in the "buy once, cry once" theory and I feel like getting the system I want right off the bat will keep me on course rather than buying 10 rifles before Im finally satisfied. This is another reason the SRS from DTA has got me curious. It seems like first getting the .308, then simply buying the conversion to .338 would be a solid choice.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Questions on what to do next....

Doc,

Not knocking your experience, but dedicated LR shooting, and becoming proficient at it takes practice and lots of it.

Say you shoot 1200 rounds a year, at long range (100 per month). With a 308, buying off the shelf ammo, will cost you a $1200. Fire a 1200 rounds with a 338 Lapua, it will set you back near $4800.

It's hard to fire a 338 Lapua enough (much less the CheyTac's) to get good enough to accomplish something. Better to progress, from the 308, to 300 Win Mag, then if that level of performance is not enough, and you've mastered your wind calls, then move on to something more potent.

BTW, for most folks we are talking years, not months of shooting, to become good enough to utilize what rounds like the 338 Lapua, and bigger have to offer...

Something for you to think about, anyway.

Best of luck,

Bob

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: Questions on what to do next....

On the note of years....

FWIW - Catching slight wind changes has always been a problem. I have purposely been heading out to shoot at 900 - 1,100 with a .308 during our spring storms the last few weeks. Over the last year or two I have been looking to shoot on anything but a blue bird day. A crappy day, a .308,and 800+ - a person can definitely enhance their skills.

May want to consider a .300Win Mag (it'll shoot to mile or slightly better). Or a 7 wizzum.

There is a good thread below this one about calibers - FWIW.


Good luck and have fun

 

[head2h2o]

Re: Questions on what to do next....

I like Bob's recommendation of moving from the 308 to the 300 Win Mag. The 300 is a very capable round and should not be overlooked. Besides, it will not break the bank as bad as the other rounds that you are pondering. Even a 300 RUM would not be a bad choice before jumping into some of the bigger stuff. How are you with your wind calls and reading the mirage on hotter days? These become more and more of an issue the farther you are trying to reach out.

 

[Da-Law-Dawg]

Re: Questions on what to do next....

If you are new to the game, I would seriously start with a less expensive cartridge. The big bore rifle eat wallets like a fat kid at a buffet when trying to feed them.

The DT SRS is a great platform, buy a SRS in .308 if you have the coin. After you push the .308 and get the basics, you can buy the .338 kit and move it out further.

Glass-wise, again, if you have the coin, go USO.

Take it from a .338LM shooter, its an expensive beast to feed, even if you handload. If you don't roll your own and shoot factory fodder, prepare to get ass raped if you shoot very much.

Just my .02 cents, best of luck my friend.

 

[DocJekyll]

Re: Questions on what to do next....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: head2h2o</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like Bob's recommendation of moving from the 308 to the 300 Win Mag. The 300 is a very capable round and should not be overlooked. Besides, it will not break the bank as bad as the other rounds that you are pondering. Even a 300 RUM would not be a bad choice before jumping into some of the bigger stuff. How are you with your wind calls and reading the mirage on hotter days? These become more and more of an issue the farther you are trying to reach out. </div></div>

Im pretty good at reading the wind and mirage according to the LR shooters Ive been to the range with... If I can find a picture of a target I shot then I would be happy to post it.