Rifle choice, and the caliber conundrum

[TheBigCountry]

I am seriously contemplating buying an FN SPR A1 as my first rig to learn LR shooting. I have read a lot of great reviews on them, and it fits the parameters of what I am looking for. 308 ammo is relatively inexpensive, and the majority of the articles I am reading about LR shooting suggest the 308 as a starting round as it is one of the most highly researched and well known in the shooting world.

On the other hand, I am a fan of the 7mm caliber; I hunt with a MRC 1999 7mm08 and it down right shoots. I have recently started reading up on the 284 winchester, and am liking what I am seeing about its performance with long, heavy bullets. Their ballstic coefficients are VERY impressive, and I have seen several articles where guys have shot some groups at some extreme ranges with a 7mm of some sort that are ridiculous. I am thinking of finding a donor Model 70 LA and building one up...

Lastly, I am still battling whether to go with the flow and run a 700 style action, or stick to what I am used to on a CRF action. I have read about as much as I can into the matter, and each has its pros and cons. I keep running back to the CRF as, like I said, it is what I am used to and I like to keep things simple..

Sort of long winded, but my head is spinning with all of this.

 

[aur0ra145]

FN SPR A1 would be a great entry rifle for getting into the game.

 

[gumby510]

I'm in the same boat my friend. 7mm08 or 308 for my 18in build. It seems a handloaded 7mm08 will out perform the 308 in every capacity execpt factory ammo cost and availability. On the same note 308 seems to be the gold standard. Currently I'm favoring the 7mm but who knows. Best of luck to you in thus difficult decision.

 

[jdonovan]

There is nothing wrong with 308, and quite a bit right.

If you don't have needs > 1000 yds, then 308 will do most everything you want, or need.

The hot 7mm's tend to be barrel throat eaters, and some of the real hot ones can burn out a throat in 1000-1200 rounds.

I'd say get the 308 and start getting your LR legs under you. Once you get a better handle on what you're capable of, then you'll have a better idea of what changes you want to make to your kit to support your needs.

 

[califflash]

I got into long range shooting a few years ago with a .308 which today is still my only bolt gun. If you already have reloading gear I would say go 7mm-08. The factory match ammo for .308 will be cheaper and more plentiful. I believe that if you reloaded 7mm-08 or 260rem would also be an excellent choice for their superior ballistics. The most important thing when starting out, other than having a decent rifle/scope, is to put rounds down range. So cost and availability should be high up on your priorities, making the .308 the go to round. The .308 is the parent cartridge for many other long range rounds making it relatively cheap to change calibers down the round.

I have heard great things about the fn and I'm sure you will be happy with it. I went the Tikka route and love my rifle. The accuracy is superb.

 

[Crosshair]

280 Rem is another 7mm cartridge to consider. Overall it is one of the most well-rounded chambers out there. The Ackley Improved version is a very well thought out and efficient design. The 280/280AI has ballistics approaching 7mm rem mag but being less powder hungry and much better barrel life. If building a rifle, really ought to explore it.

All that said, for purchasing a high quality factory rifle in a readily available match loading, 308 is king; and the SPR would be my pick for value, as well as a Tikka Tactical 308 or Tikka Sporter. Can't go wrong either way.