Re: Tank-you
Wrath,
Welcome!! Hope your skin is thick!
I'm by no means a great LR shooter, but I once was a newbie like you. here's what I've learned:
If you don't know which caliber you need then go with a .308 to start. You'll learn a lot with that caliber and good match ammo is easy to find.
I'd start off with a good factory "tactical" rifle instead of a build. use the money you save on ammo, range time, and instruction.
Rifles like the Remmy 700 SPS tactical (you may want to replace the stock), the Remmy 700PSS (if you like that stock), and the Savage 10 FCP with either a McMillan A5 or HS precision stock come to mind as good choices. I personally chose the Savage with McM A5 stock.
Don't skimp on rings and base. Run the best you can. I hear people recommend Badger, Seekins, USO, and Nightforce for good rings and bases. I run a Badger base and Seekins rings.
Get the best glass you can now, and don't get too hung up on magnification. Something with a max of about 16 power will do just dandy for most applications. my first LR scope was a 8-32x Burris. I soon realized I had WAY too much magnification and not enough quality.
Most top tier glass has a lifetime warranty, and as you learn and progress to better rifles and calibers you'll already have good glass for it.
Definitely get a scope with matching adjustments and reticle (MIL/MIL, MOA/MOA, or IPHY/IPHY). Brands like Nightforce, Vortex, Premier Reticles, S&B, US Optics, and Hensoldt get thrown around here a lot. I run a Premier Reticles 3-15.
If most of your shooting will be from the bench or prone, you're going to want a bipod. I can HIGHLY recommend the Atlas bipod. I've used the versapod and harris. The Atlas blows them away.
Hope this Helps,
LM