Entry Centerfire Caliber

[Val84]

Hi guys! I’ve been having an absolute blast shooting .22lr for a while now, but I’d like to step it up to the next level with my next rifle. I’d like to get into a caliber that I can reach out to about 500 yards and eventually work my way to 1,000. I don’t reload and don’t see myself having time to get into that for a few years at least. I don’t mind spending a good amount of money for a rifle and scope, but I’d really like a caliber that is affordable to shoot high quality factory ammo and preferably doesn’t burn up a barrel at low round counts.

I originally thought 5.56 / .223 because I have a couple nice AR’s and it’s nice to have a cartridge that’ll work in multiple rifles, but good 5.56 ammo doesn’t seem to really be cheaper than good .308 factory ammo or even much cheaper than good 6.5 CM! Also, something that would work well for deer and elk would be a plus!

Thanks for the advice!!!

 

[db2000]

6.5CM is widely available. Good barrel life. Fine to 1000. Ok for elk probably but not ideal. I guess depends where/how ya hunt them.

 

[Rob01]

You don’t have to choose one caliber today. You can get a good action, stock, scope and rings and then a stable of barrels. It’s a lot cheaper than multiple rifles. You like .223 then get a .223 barrel. Want a 6.5 for deer and elk then get one. Then you can get a .308 barrel too. Start with a Zermatt Origin and the different boltface for the .223 is only about $125. Smartest way to get the most for your money now is putting the rifle together yourself.

As for caliber, take your pick for job at hand. 6.5 Creed is a good all around for everything and a good starting place. It will take deer and elk without a problem. But again you can get a 300WSM barrel for the action and then you could have a designated hunting barrel.