Sifting through the .308 bolt options

[Magstang1]

Could someone point me to a mid range bolt gun comparison? I've been looking at the Savage 10, Rem 700, and Tikka T3. The Rem 700 alone has about 20 models.

I'm looking to shoot under 600 yards. That's the longest I have within reasonable driving distance. Most of the time will probably only be 200 yards.

I have an LMT MWS I'm thinking of unloading in favor of the bolt. I just enjoy shooting from a bench more. Taking my time and making small groups is what I'm going for.

Thanks in advance. I've already read the FAQ's, and I'll continue to dig through the threads.

 

[Walsh]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

700's are nice, Savages are also nice, but I think you should also consider the new Winchesters as a contender as well. Either the Stealth, or the SPR, definately worth considering. Matter of fact, I'm in love with my Winchester 70 Stealth.

 

[CSS]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

So many options.....
Can't go wrong with any you are looking at. I prefer the Win SPR or PBR(with CRF) over the Rem SPS and the Tikka T-3 over both of them. I'm not a Savage fan, but they do shoot well and are usually the best price.

Get your hand on them and decide which one you like the best and fits your budget. Don't forget glass............Spend the majority of you budget on good glass.

 

[HPLLC]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

The Savage HS precision gun should be the best bang for the buck. Accurate, a quality stock, and a low price.

The FN SPR A1 is a decent gun, but the guns are not bedded and the stocks aren't rigid until they are seriously channeled out and pillar bedded/ reinforced with devcon.

The 700 PSS LTR isn't a bad gun (20" tube).

 

[snipedogg]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

+1 for Savage 10 HS Precision. A lot of gun for the price. I've got the 110 338 LM HS Precision in my sights. You can't build or buy anything even close to as good for anywhere near the money when it comes to Savage. My 308 10 fp would hit 1000 no problem with the stock 24" tube and a cheap Choate Stock.

 

[DCR]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

I was looking at getting a Savage 10 PC. After having problems finding someone with one in stock I found a R700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD used for a good price. There's a few threads on Savage vs Remington. Most boil down to which ever one floats your boat more.

Dave

 

[Magstang1]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

I would really like to hear from someone who has trigger time on a Tikka.

I'm caught in a mental catch 22. The Rem 700 is everywhere. Parts and accessories are readily available, but EVERYONE has one. Kinda like Glock, but that's another topic all together.

I'm liking the stats on the Tikka, just want some real world input. Otherwise I'm thinking about a 700 tactical 20" barrel.

Optics will most likely be the Nightforce 3.5-15 that is on my MWS now.

 

[jwpark]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

If you're shooting < 600 yards, a .223 rem or a .243 win would be a better way to go. Less kick, straighter trajectory, just as accurate as a .308, cheaper ammo.

My vote would be for a Savage 10-FCP HS Precision or McMillian. I would lean to the McMillian because personally, I hate the HS stock.

JW

 

[fdkay]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

You will really need to define the price range.

I would count on about 750 for a base rifle.

If you buy a remington 700 SPS varmint and add a B&C stock, you are talking around a total of 750 - 800.

If you buy the cheapes Savage 10 FP and add a B&C stock, you are talking around 750.

If you buy the savage 10 FP HS precision stock, about 800 give or take.

If you buy a Howa 1500 varmint and a B&C stock, about 730.

A winchesyer stealth, which comes in a B&C stock is about 770.

See where I am going here?
They are all similarly priced, all are capable platforms and all will start you down the road to spending gobs of money.

I have only handled a Tikka in the shop, very nicely made and very slick.

CZUSA makes a very fine varmint model in a very good stock also.
I believe it is the CZ 550 varmint kevlar.

 

[HPLLC]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jay Park</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're shooting < 600 yards, a .223 rem or a .243 win would be a better way to go. Less kick, straighter trajectory, just as accurate as a .308, cheaper ammo.

My vote would be for a Savage 10-FCP HS Precision or McMillian. I would lean to the McMillian because personally, I hate the HS stock.

JW

</div></div>

I used to think the McMillan was superior, but the Army didn't use the HS for no reason- the McMillan of the garden variety is like a carbon fiber race car with no engine.

IE it's not bedded, it looks racy- but it is a soft compressible polymer material. You can grab the forend and flex it- the barrel may not sit in the center of the barrel channel.

The HS stock has an aluminum bedding block.

The M24 despite being a blueprinted custom bolt gun, was bolted to an HS stock. No bedding. Pillar bedding the McMillan is probably superior but it is pretty spendy operation unless you do it yourself.

The Marine corps stock for the M40's being fielded now is a different animal- full adjustable, DBM bottom metal, custom bedded, probably a much more rigid polymer etc.


If your MWS is already outfitted with optics you can keep, $2300ish would put you in a bracket where a lot of nice bolt guns should be reachable- You could buy something like an FNSPRA3 and that would probably be capable of the small groups you're looking for- or maybe even a Tango 51 (I have no idea what the prices are, but they guarantee 1/4MOA.)

 

[Magstang1]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

I'm thinking under $1000 for the rifle. Hopefully in the $800 range. That will leave me money for rings and a base and be out the door with the glass I have for around a grand.

I was thinking .223 at first but the possible resale value of the rifle would probably not be as strong as a .308. .308 would also be more useful for me around here for deer hunting if I wanted.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

The remington 5R will run right at 1000.

VERY accurate, good stock.

 

[CSS]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

The Tikka has I think the smoothest action, 60* bolt lift, has been the most accurate out of the box rifle I have ever owned and that is a big number.
The factory DBM is the first thing I would replace, get the CDI bottom metal. CDI and someone else has a drop in bolt handle and metal bolt shroud.
Manners and a few others makes stocks for them. Get a EGW HD 20MOA rail and good rings.
There are a few threads here about the Tikka's, do some reading.

 

[jwpark]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Griffin Armament</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jay Park</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're shooting < 600 yards, a .223 rem or a .243 win would be a better way to go. Less kick, straighter trajectory, just as accurate as a .308, cheaper ammo.

My vote would be for a Savage 10-FCP HS Precision or McMillian. I would lean to the McMillian because personally, I hate the HS stock.

JW

</div></div>

I used to think the McMillan was superior, but the Army didn't use the HS for no reason- the McMillan of the garden variety is like a carbon fiber race car with no engine. </div></div>

I should have clarified. The only reason I hate the HS Precision stock is because of aesthetics. I just don't like the look of as compared to a standard tactical stock.

 

[Silver_Bullet_00]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

Add Howa to your list. Smooth action and great out of the box accuracy. I have a hunting rifle and mine is sub MOA at 200 yards.

 

[Magstang1]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

Apparently the force is not with my google-fu.

What is the difference between the Tikka Super Varmint, and the Tactical?

Super: Stainless, adjustable cheek piece, integral rail.

Tac: Hammer forged chromo barrel, adjustable cheek piece, integral rail, threaded barrel.

Does the tac have a different action? I haven't nailed down exact prices but the tac looks to be ~$1400 and the super is ~$800, unless I'm way off.

By the way, does anyone have a model number break down? I can't seem to find that either on Tikka's site.

Sorry, I suck at the internetz.

 

[Remoah]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

I loooooooove my T3, the Varmint .308 is brilliant rifle, however, there are a few downsides.

However, the Stock and Magazine System needs replacing because it's just nowhere near as good as the rest of the rifle.
EGW 20MOA base is a great investment as well.

 

[Magstang1]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

Correct me if I'm wrong, the varmint does not have the adjustable cheek piece? What scope are you running? Do you get proper cheek weld?

I would be running a 50mm obj. with a 30mm tube.

While I'm at it what rings? High? Medium?

Thanks.

 

[scsbronco]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

I was watching this thead to see where it went. So, I must mention the XCR long range tactical. Great gun all stainless contruction, with a very durable coating. I have seen great accuracy out of mine.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The remington 5R will run right at 1000.

VERY accurate, good stock. </div></div>

Like all Remingtons, their shit is hit and miss you may get a minute of pie plate 5r with a throat as long as a porn star. Or you may get one that shoots like a custom. Too many variables to gamble my 1k$. If I were to buy factory...I would look at the Tikkas as well. Seems they are making folks much happier than Remington lately. Btw I own a 5R

 

[Remoah]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

Hey mate, sorry about the late reply.

No, the Varmint has a 'saddle' kinda thing over the standard stock to raise the cheek higher but it's still a little low. the Tactical i believe has the adjustable cheekpeice but i've never seen one so i can't say for sure.
I've got a pretty wide head so the cheek weld isn't too bad for me but could do with improvement. Some cut-up mousepads and gaffa tape should fix it right up. Or a stock-pack to just raise it up a bit.
However, i've paid and order my RCS II Chassis so that should come soon and allieviate the cheek-weld issue. Manners also does their T4 for the Tikka.


I'm running a Bushnell 4200 Tactical 6-24x50mm, mounted in Seekins Medium rings on an EGW 20MOA base. Haven't shot her in a while but she easily does sub-MOA with handloads/factory ammo (was getting 1.2-1.5 with standard factory ammo, groups got tighter with handloads/FGMM 168gn)

 

[RTS]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

Savage 10FCP or Tikka T3 Tactical would be my top picks. All about whether you like the accutrigger or not. My Tikka is a tack driver at 200. Haven't taken it to 600, but I'd be surprised if it didn't do well. I rebarreled my 10FCP and it's just as accurate as the Tikka. Out of the box, I'd go with Tikka.

 

[sf88]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Magstang1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Could someone point me to a mid range bolt gun comparison? I've been looking at the Savage 10, Rem 700, and Tikka T3. The Rem 700 alone has about 20 models.

I'm looking to shoot under 600 yards. That's the longest I have within reasonable driving distance. Most of the time will probably only be 200 yards.

I have an LMT MWS I'm thinking of unloading in favor of the bolt. I just enjoy shooting from a bench more. Taking my time and making small groups is what I'm going for.

Thanks in advance. I've already read the FAQ's, and I'll continue to dig through the threads. </div></div>

If you're only shooting to 600 you may want to check out the 5R barrel for the LMT. Friend of mine has one and it makes some pretty sweet groups, about the same as his OBR. Out of the bolt guns you mentioned take a hard look at the tikka; it's insane value for the price. I used to have one and it shot right up there with my surgeons.

 

[jonbearman]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

Stick with the savage as you will not need a finicky smith to work on it.LOL

 

[bignada]

Re: Sifting through the .308 bolt options

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Magstang1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Could someone point me to a mid range bolt gun comparison? I've been looking at the Savage 10, Rem 700, and Tikka T3. The Rem 700 alone has about 20 models.

I'm looking to shoot under 600 yards. That's the longest I have within reasonable driving distance. Most of the time will probably only be 200 yards.

I have an LMT MWS I'm thinking of unloading in favor of the bolt. I just enjoy shooting from a bench more. Taking my time and making small groups is what I'm going for.

Thanks in advance. I've already read the FAQ's, and I'll continue to dig through the threads. </div></div>


Have you put a decent scope on your LMT and investigated what it will do with quality handloads?

Rather doubtful that any off-the-shelf bolt gun you buy is in the same league as your LMT. If anything, you might investigate a long-range upper but your 16" setup will perform easily to 600yds.

Your LMT is capable of much more than any bolt rifle. Might consider replacing collapsible stock with an A2 and replacing the quad forend with something like a JP or Armalite float tube, those changes would probably aid you in shooting the rifle from the bench for precision testing. Pic rails, even with covers, tend to grab bags rather than recoil smoothly when resting upon them.

Many reasons to prefer a quality semi-auto over a bolt gun. I would not dump-off an LMT AR-10 for a entry level bolt rifle or any bolt weapon until I was convinced the performance capacity was missing.