Target Sports

Rifle caliber for shooting paper at 200 yards

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  • DyeF9

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    I want to expand my collection of rifles. I'm specifically looking for a bolt action for shooting tight groups on paper at no more than 200 yards. Probably more often 100. preferably a sub moa out of the box gun. More specifically though I'm looking for a low cost caliber to do it with. I've been entertaining .17 hmr. It's peaked my interest, but not sure if it's the way to go. Texas can be a windy place after all. Suggestions? Caliber and rifle suggestions are appreciated. I'm looking to spend under $1k for the rifle alone.
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    deemus

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    I would say 6.5 Creedmoor. I was punching 3/8 groups at 100. I keep hearing and seeing guys shooting 6mm Creedmoor. But those are more expensive rounds to shoot. 223 can be cheaper, and they are pretty flat to 200 yds.

    I have a 17HMR, and its a tack driver. My daughter shot a 5 shot group you could cover with a dime. But, wind could be a problem at 200 yds. Savage has several options for those. You could likely get the rifle and good scope for $1K.
     

    robertc1024

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    Hands down a .223. I bought an El-cheapo Savage 12FV from Cabelas for <$350. It's easily <1 MOA with handloads and is cheap to feed. I shoot it at 200 yards all the time.
     

    DyeF9

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    So toss up between .17 and .223 and 6.5 creedmoor. I may actually end up getting a .17 and then either a bolt action or dmr style .223/6.5 creedmoor.

    Savage 10 vs Remington 700 vs Ruger Precision Rifle. Preference and why? Or any cons for a specific rifle?

    For the .17, savage model b series maybe? What about the Ruger precision rimfire? Also looking at the CZ 457
     

    Dawico

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    So toss up between .17 and .223 and 6.5 creedmoor. I may actually end up getting a .17 and then either a bolt action or dmr style .223/6.5 creedmoor.

    Savage 10 vs Remington 700 vs Ruger Precision Rifle. Preference and why? Or any cons for a specific rifle?

    For the .17, savage model b series maybe? What about the Ruger precision rimfire? Also looking at the CZ 457
    Anything you listed will work besides the 700. Remington's quality has been hit or miss.

    I am a Savage fan but the RPR and the CZ are good shooters too.

    The best thing to do is buy one set up from the factory how you want it. It is cheaper in the long run. Upgraded stocks, barrels, and triggers add greatly to the cost after the fact but are much more affordable with the initial purchase.
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    DyeF9

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    Anything you listed will work besides the 700. Remington's quality has been hit or miss.

    I am a Savage fan but the RPR and the CZ are good shooters too.

    The best thing to do is buy one set up from the factory how you want it. It is cheaper in the long run. Upgraded stocks, barrels, and triggers add greatly to the cost after the fact but are much more affordable with the initial purchase. View attachment 168920
    Makes me sad that the R700 QA is crap. I really like having military rifles, kind of the theme for my collected guns. I'm leaning towards the RPR mostly because it seems like a good out of the box option. I'm not doing competitive shooting, so it doesn't have to be the most amazing gun in the world, but for enjoyment, still very accurate.

    A ton of people seem to really like savage, so I may just give it a shot. They have so many options though it makes my head spin a bit.
     

    Younggun

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    I trashed Ruger making anything with “precision” in the name until I found a deal I couldn’t pass up on an RPR.

    For off the shelf ammo Hornady Black was coming in around 3/4moa

    The load I went with for my handloads
    d0a24c79758c5132512cbf7507f8d32d.jpg


    Mine is a Creedmoor. In general ammo is a little higher than .223, but if you will be buying off the shelf and shooting match ammo .223 will cost about the same as a box of Hornady Black in 6.5 CM.


    That said, I think the CM is more than you need at 200. If handloading and not shooting further I would go with .223.

    If you will buy off the shelf or have any intention of going further I would go with the Creedmoor.


    The .223 will still get moved by the wind a lot more than the 6.5. If you want to learn the wind the .223 will do a better job of teaching you. But that can be frustrating.


    If you want to pull your hair out due to a breeze at 200 yards the .17 HMR is your answer. I love mine, but it can drive you crazy at longer distances if the wind is shifting...or someone farts in your general direction.




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    DyeF9

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    I should point out I have no intention of hand loading. .223 I'd probably use Sierra matchking hpbt. I'm guessing there's something in 6.5 creedmoor that's about the same in terms of factory precision and price.

    People really buy a 6.5 CM to shoot 100 yard groups?
    I guess the high BC of that long sleek 140 gr ELDX really comes into play, huh?

    If it's a similar price point for the two, you can always go with the creedmoor and then also use it for 1000 yard shooting if you have the chance. I don't have a bunch of options to get more than 100 - 200 yards near my house, so that's just more realistically what I'll be shooting. If the creedmoor is drastically more expensive I have no issues just sticking with .223. I already own a .223 rifle and common ammo types among firearms isn't a drawback in my opinion. My Tavor isn't insanely accurate but that's not why I got it in the first place.
     

    avvidclif

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    Given these parameters I know what I would pick

    Here it is for under $900
    https://www.gunbroker.com/item/808432878


    Howa HCR in 6.5 CM Shooting Hornady American Gunner (cheap stuff) at 100 yds. First shot high, adjusted, and then a 5 shot group. I broke it in by the book. I have several groups under .25MOA. I'm the limiting factor in this combo.

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