Help with Questions and Considerations

[Hunter76]

Hello all
Like many, I have been lurking for a while. reading as much as possible. Able to find answes to most questions.
Im in the process of getting some training beyond Appleseed. I'm also trying to focus my search determining how I going to be using the rifle and what my requirements are.

My list of Requiemts and "Nice to Haves" looks like this so far, which I sure will change with some instruction.

Terms of Use
1. 200yd or less - 90% of time Paper/Steel
2. 400yd - 5% Paper/Steel
3. 800yd - 3% Steel
4. Hunting - 1% or less, Current Rifle fills this roll
5. Tactical/Practical Comp 1% or less

Requirements - Rifle
1. Under 15 lbs Loaded, optic, bi-pod, stock pad
2. Barrel Contour such that heat up has minimal effect on POI, provided #1 is met.


Nice to Haves
1.DBM
2.Commercially Available Off the Shelf Reloading Components
3. Light Recoil
4. Caliber equal to or greater than .243. (Hunting but '06 fills that roll)

Requirements - Optic
1. Ranging Retical
2. Paralax Adjustment
3. Min magnification 10X (if fixed pwr)

Nice to Haves
1. Variable Magnification
2. Side Paralax Adjustment
3. Zero Stop
4. Illumination

Current rifle is a Savege 114 in 30-06. Sporter barrel heats up real quick. I'm keeping this as is for hunting.

If anyone has any further suggestions in questions and consideration I need to address please let me know.


Thanks
Scott

 

[Maelstrom]

What is your budget? That will make a big difference especially with the optics.

 

[JB02]

Scott, if you're going to be 200 yes 90% of the time, you should get a rimfire. A 223 with a 1/7 twist barrel also suits your needs too. I know you want 243 or larger, but a 243 is much more of a barrel burner. 223 lasts long and has an ample supply of reloading gouge and components.

OTW, get yourself a 308 with a muzzle brake. The barrel contour you're probably aiming for with a 15# rifle is a med palma or M24/M40 contour. Perhaps you could also do a 16.5" 308 with a MTU contour.

For a scope, go with a Vortex PST (whatever magnification/features suit your budget).

 

[Hunter76]

Mael - I'd like to keep it around 5k for the whole system. Looking at used rifles and new optics.

LCDR - already have a 77/22 I shoot at 100 yds. I have been considering the .223. Already reload for it. We just have a stupid law in CT (amoung many others) that prohibits hunting deer with a calibers less than .243. However I have an 06 for that. I'll take a harder look at your suggestions.

Thanks