1500yd Rifle Recommendation

[CTigers19]

Hello,

I’m looking for a bolt rifle that I intend to shoot 1,000-1,500yds with. Just recreationally shooting, not PRS competitions. I don’t need ultra-light, but I also don’t want a boat anchor.

I currently have .308 and 6.5creedmoor that handle my 1000yds and in needs, but am wanting to get into the ~1500yd+ range.

I’ve been eyeing the new tikka t3 game/target models in 7mm prc. The ~$2,000 price range is about right, and I like that it’s a factory gun rather than me piecing something together without the proper knowledge.

The 7mm PRC seems like a decent cartridge to stay supersonic to the ranges I need, carry some energy if I ever wanted to hunt with it, but also not beat me up like a magnum cartridge would.

Am I on the right track, or what other options for rifle/caliber should I be considering in this price range for my purposes?

 

[Mean_Man]

Just asking, at what is the maximum range you think you'd feel comfortable on a fair (didn't say perfect) weather day taking a shot on oh heck lets say Elk sized animal? I only ask because you're talking out to 1500yards for target but mentioned you might hunt with it.

 

[Cheeseburger1976]

I love my 7 PRC a lot of people will recommend a 6.5 PRC that can also do the job . Tikka is a fantastic rifle Also look at Proof Elevation MTR and or Seekins Precision Havak or Element

 

[CTigers19]

Just asking, at what is the maximum range you think you'd feel comfortable on a fair (didn't say perfect) weather day taking a shot on oh heck lets say Elk sized animal? I only ask because you're talking out to 1500yards for target but mentioned you might hunt with it.

Probably 500yds. Vitals being 1-1.5MOA at that range, in field conditions would be reasonable.

That’s certainly a very far behind second priority to target shooting for fun in that 1500yd range.

 

[Mean_Man]

Probably 500yds. Vitals being 1-1.5MOA at that range, in field conditions would be reasonable.

That’s certainly a very far behind second priority to target shooting for fun in that 1500yd range.

Is cost per shot much of a concern? (just trying to ask questions I think the answers to will help others, help you more than I can as I'm just getting into long range)

 

[CTigers19]

I love my 7 PRC a lot of people will recommend a 6.5 PRC that can also do the job . Tikka is a fantastic rifle Also look at Proof Elevation MTR and or Seekins Precision Havak or Element

Thanks! I’ll check those out. I saw the seekins, but was wondering if those stocks, and barrel profiles would be more geared towards hunting than target shooting. What do you think about that?

 

[CTigers19]

Is cost per shot much of a concern? (just trying to ask questions I think the answers to will help others, help you more than I can as I'm just getting into long range)

Certainly factor, the hornady eld-m or similar factory match ammo is priced reasonably enough to get me started while working on getting into reloading.

 

[Mean_Man]

My mind went here... so I'ma just drop the link. https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/300-prc-vs-338-lm-for-1500-2500-yards.6971754/

Keep in mind... I'm an idiot still at this point and just getting spun up with a .308Win CZ 600 Range, coming up from 5.56x45 AR's...24" bull barrel builds. To me if you're willing to spend the money per shot, have a brake, and good setup on a not heavy but not light rifle, unless you're wanting to shoot a lot in each session, either of those calibers seem like it would make the task easier.

 

[XLR308]

The 6.5CM will do 1500 yds just fine if the wind isn't beating the hell out of you.
The first time I shot mine at distance I figured the 1162 yd gong would be a good challenge.
Wrong, 1st shot and spot splash, second round hit.
Hit it a few more times to make sure my dope good and not a fluke.
Kinda boring, I still need to set up and shoot some groups at that distance.

 

[Memberberries]

At that price I'd also consider a Seekins PH3 or buying a barreled action and a chassis. Nothing wrong with a Tikka just that I'd consider the others also.

7 prc will get there just fine, so will a bunch of other cartridges.

 

[Mean_Man]

The 6.5CM will do 1500 yds just fine if the wind isn't beating the hell out of you.
The first time I shot mine at distance I figured the 1162 yd gong would be a good challenge.
Wrong, 1st shot and spot splash, second round hit.
Hit it a few more times to make sure my dope good and not a fluke.
Kinda boring, I still need to set up and shoot some groups at that distance.

Really? I figured it would be totally out of gas by the point, and without looking at charts I figured it would be either just have gone or going trans if not in sub sonic velocity range by 1500yards... I made this assumption due to people talking about it being out of gas by 1km. A buddy of mine was all about building a .300PRC until he seriously sat down and thought about cost of ammo, and I mean it looks like a hell of a caliber, I'd love to have one, but I'm poor so same problem LOL.

 

[XLR308]

Really? I figured it would be totally out of gas by the point, and without looking at charts I figured it would be either just have gone or going trans if not in sub sonic velocity range by 1500yards... I made this assumption due to people talking about it being out of gas by 1km. A buddy of mine was all about building a .300PRC until he seriously sat down and thought about cost of ammo, and I mean it looks like a hell of a caliber, I'd love to have one, but I'm poor so same problem LOL.

Not even close to being out of gas and that was using my slower but heavier bullet load. (147eldm)
I settled on the 140 hybrid at 2815 fps and my barrel is finished at 23" so I am leaving some velocity potential but the accuracy and consistency is there.

 

[CTigers19]

At that price I'd also consider a Seekins PH3 or buying a barreled action and a chassis. Nothing wrong with a Tikka just that I'd consider the others also.

7 prc will get there just fine, so will a bunch of other cartridges.

Thanks for the info. Would the PH3 be too light weight/barrel profile for a target gun? Any recommendations on a barreled action/chassis?

 

[CTigers19]

The 6.5CM will do 1500 yds just fine if the wind isn't beating the hell out of you.
The first time I shot mine at distance I figured the 1162 yd gong would be a good challenge.
Wrong, 1st shot and spot splash, second round hit.
Hit it a few more times to make sure my dope good and not a fluke.
Kinda boring, I still need to set up and shoot some groups at that distance.

Good to know. I have a 6.5 lmt gas gun, so it isn’t quite as accurate as a bolt gun. Seems to struggle at 1200yds. I figured if I’m going to step into another rifle moving up in caliber (without getting crazy) would make it worth it vs just squeezing a little more out of the same cartridge

 

[XLR308]

Good to know. I have a 6.5 lmt gas gun, so it isn’t quite as accurate as a bolt gun. Seems to struggle at 1200yds. I figured if I’m going to step into another rifle moving up in caliber (without getting crazy) would make it worth it vs just squeezing a little more out of the same cartridge

Yeah I get your point it's just one thing that allways sticks in the back of my head.
Most people that say they want to shoot out to a mile for instance since that s the distance that gets thrown out the most really dont end up doing that.
Maybe once or twice and then back to the old norm and now most have a magnum barrel burner and powder hog that's kind of a bore 1000 yds or under were most shooting is done.

 

[Maurygold]

Weight is your friend in 1k+ long rage. Heavy guns that allow you to spot recoil are important. Heavy bullets with big splash are important

Most the recs are for hunting rifles. The heaviest factory 300 prc you can find will be best if you’re already shooting a 6.5 creed.

I’d look at the mpa if you’re not wanting to build something and stay under 4-5k.

MPA BA PMR Pro Rifle II Long Action - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

Masterpiece Arms builds World Class Rifles. We start with our industry leading Chassis System, utilize the Best Actions and Triggers produced, and a 416R SS Handlapped Barrels provide some the best shooting, most accurate rifles in existence. Designed, Built and Enhanced by Long Range Shooters...

masterpiecearms.com

 

[Broncovan]

Thanks for the info. Would the PH3 be too light weight/barrel profile for a target gun? Any recommendations on a barreled action/chassis?

If you're worried about the PH3 being a little light, look at their HIT line. The HIT pro, like their PH3 line is about the best bang for your buck that you'll find.

 

[six67]

Get a Bergara B-14 HMR. Affordable and can do 1500yd. Good luck.

 

[Memberberries]

Thanks for the info. Would the PH3 be too light weight/barrel profile for a target gun? Any recommendations on a barreled action/chassis?

I did see that your 6.5 is a gas gun, when you're stretching the distance you really need tight velocity spreads or your groups open up a lot, gas guns have higher spreads than bolt guns so you can both squeeze more out of the cartridge and get a better long range platform. If you only have a 1500 yd range then get yourself a PRS production class rifle in 6.5 creed and you'll be set.

You said you wanted to try the hybrid profile on the Tikka not the full heavy barrel gun, which says you're not committed to long range target and you just want to dabble. That's why everyone keeps recommending hunting rifles.

 

[K31Scout]

I've got 4 Tikka's, two of them in KRG Bravo chassis'. You can always add weight to them for long range games and then lighten them up for hunting. I've not shot at 1500 yards but am confident my 30/06 or 6.5CM would do fine with a good Berger and load.
The Varmint Tikka's have threaded barrels which is what you want for a break or suppressor.

 

[CTigers19]

Weight is your friend in 1k+ long rage. Heavy guns that allow you to spot recoil are important. Heavy bullets with big splash are important

Most the recs are for hunting rifles. The heaviest factory 300 prc you can find will be best if you’re already shooting a 6.5 creed.

I’d look at the mpa if you’re not wanting to build something and stay under 4-5k.

MPA BA PMR Pro Rifle II Long Action - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

Masterpiece Arms builds World Class Rifles. We start with our industry leading Chassis System, utilize the Best Actions and Triggers produced, and a 416R SS Handlapped Barrels provide some the best shooting, most accurate rifles in existence. Designed, Built and Enhanced by Long Range Shooters...

masterpiecearms.com

Little heavier than I originally thought about but I definitely understand wanting to spot your shots. Looks like barrel changes are easy at the user level. Maybe more so than the tikka. Could be a good option, thanks!