Set Up Under $2000

[Blount8]

I've hunted all of my life and reloaded the last 15 years but never really gotten into long range shooting. If I wanted to buy a set up for say $2500 or less that I can take hunting or shoot some 500+ yard targets, what should I get? Spare no details! Make, Model, Caliber, Optics, Reticles, etc...

 

[W54/XM-388]

400 to 500 yards is not really long range shooting, that's more shorter range stuff.

Hunting & target shooting on the same rifle mean a bit of a compromise but given your range distances, it shouldn't be an issue.

A lot depends on what exactly you are hunting.
Are you hunting something light skinned and in the 100 to 200 pound range where a 6.5cm or a 6.5 PRC (or even .308) will do the trick?
If so then you could get one of the Tikka T3x series or several other vendor's rifles that swing both ways with a more traditional stock type (as opposed to a chassis stock) in the $1k give or take and then spend the rest on a scope.

However if you can stretch the budget a bit and spend around $2k on the scope and around $1k to $1,500 on a rifle, you'd be able to have a really good setup with top notch stuff & be good to 1000 yards + for the target shooting.

 

[Blount8]

400 to 500 yards is not really long range shooting, that's more shorter range stuff.

Hunting & target shooting on the same rifle mean a bit of a compromise but given your range distances, it shouldn't be an issue.

A lot depends on what exactly you are hunting.
Are you hunting something light skinned and in the 100 to 200 pound range where a 6.5cm or a 6.5 PRC (or even .308) will do the trick?
If so then you could get one of the Tikka T3x series or several other vendor's rifles that swing both ways with a more traditional stock type (as opposed to a chassis stock) in the $1k give or take and then spend the rest on a scope.

However if you can stretch the budget a bit and spend around $2k on the scope and around $1k to $1,500 on a rifle, you'd be able to have a really good setup with top notch stuff & be good to 1000 yards + for the target shooting.

I would be hunting whitetail deer so yes in that 100-200lb range. If I were to bend the budget some and get something that can reach out there to 1000 yards, what would you suggest?

 

[TXBO]

The Bergara HMR sounds like it would be a good fit for what you want and it will reach out to 1000. It will run about $1000 and leave you $1500 for a scope.

 

[W54/XM-388]

I would be hunting whitetail deer so yes in that 100-200lb range. If I were to bend the budget some and get something that can reach out there to 1000 yards, what would you suggest?

A 6.5CM would probably be fine for everything for you then. It will easily take the deer you want at decent ranges and you can push out to 1000 yards for target shooting just fine.

I'd opt for the 24" or so barrel rather than the short ones.

A Tikka T3x CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 24" barrel can be had in stainless or regular for about $1k and comes all setup with a 10 round magazine and pretty much ready to rock as is once you throw on a good set of rings & a decent scope.

Assuming you are right handed:
JRTXC382CAST3x CTR Stainless6.5 Creedmoor 8 twist "24"
https://www.tikka.fi/en-us/rifles/tikka-t3x/t3x-compact-tactical-rifle

Should be locally about $1100 or less.

 

[W54/XM-388]

On the scope, I'd suggest you check on the forums here for some used but good condition higher end scopes.
Around the $2k range you can often get a used S&B 5-25x56 and then going down from there, you have a ton of other top scopes.
Also some of the vendors here have special discount deals on a number of well regarded brands, and usually in the $1500 and up range you can get really decent glass.

 

[SonicBurlap]

I'd check out the Bergara B-14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor with either a Vortex PST, An Athlon ETR Ares, or a Zeiss Conquest V4 scope. At that price point you'd still have enough left over for a quality 20MOA Picatinny Rail and rings from either Nightforce, or Talley. If you do get a Bergara HMR get it from BassPro they got a special deal with Bergara and have a 24" barrel instead of the 22" everywhere else for the same price..

 

[Blount8]

A 6.5CM would probably be fine for everything for you then. It will easily take the deer you want at decent ranges and you can push out to 1000 yards for target shooting just fine.

I'd opt for the 24" or so barrel rather than the short ones.

A Tikka T3x CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 24" barrel can be had in stainless or regular for about $1k and comes all setup with a 10 round magazine and pretty much ready to rock as is once you throw on a good set of rings & a decent scope.

Assuming you are right handed:
JRTXC382CAST3x CTR Stainless6.5 Creedmoor 8 twist "24"
https://www.tikka.fi/en-us/rifles/tikka-t3x/t3x-compact-tactical-rifle

Should be locally about $1100 or less.

I'm right-hand dominate but I shoot left handed. I've actually never owned a left-handed firearm of any kind but it would be helpful to have. I currently use a Remington Model 700 for everything. I just use my right hand to move the bolt. And for the safety I slide my thumb around to it.

 

[SonicBurlap]

I'm right-hand dominate but I shoot left handed. I've actually never owned a left-handed firearm of any kind but it would be helpful to have. I currently use a Remington Model 700 for everything. I just use my right hand to move the bolt. And for the safety I slide my thumb around to it.

Bergara just announced days prior to Shot Show 2019 that the B-14 HMR will now be available in a left handed version. The article quotes a much higher price than their web site with $1150 MSRP which is also what the MSRP for the RH has been with retail prices usually from $850 to $1,000.

https://www.shootingillustrated.com...ew-for-2019-bergara-b14-series-hmr-left-hand/

https://www.bergara.online/us/rifles/b14/hmr-rifle/

 

[Lowlight]

We just announced one yesterday

 

[Blount8]

That looks like a sweet deal! Are those available for order now?

 

[patriot07]

Tikka CTR, pick your caliber, but I'd get the 20" 308 or 6.5CM

Vortex Razor Gen 2 4.5-27 if you want to stretch the budget, Athlon Cronus BTR to be just within $2500 budget, SWFA HD 5-20 if you're trying to stay under $2k.

I run a stock CTR with SWFA HD 5-20 at some local informal matches, and finished 3rd and 1st of the non-sponsored shooters in the 2 I did last year. Finished the last match by smoking a 4" square at 800 yards (TYL stage with 16", 8", and 6" squares before I got to the 4").

Long story short - the CTR is the best bang for the buck IMHO when it comes to accuracy and reliability in a crossover hunting/long-range rig.

 

[SonicBurlap]

We just announced one yesterday

View attachment 7013979

Is that a TriggerTech Primary Trigger?

 

[Blount8]

Tikka CTR, pick your caliber, but I'd get the 20" 308 or 6.5CM

Vortex Razor Gen 2 4.5-27 if you want to stretch the budget, Athlon Cronus BTR to be just within $2500 budget, SWFA HD 5-20 if you're trying to stay under $2k.

I run a stock CTR with SWFA HD 5-20 at some local informal matches, and finished 3rd and 1st of the non-sponsored shooters in the 2 I did last year. Finished the last match by smoking a 4" square at 800 yards (TYL stage with 16", 8", and 6" squares before I got to the 4").

Long story short - the CTR is the best bang for the buck IMHO when it comes to accuracy and reliability in a crossover hunting/long-range rig.

Why the shorter 20" barrel?

 

[SonicBurlap]

Maybe for the .308 but 22" is plenty short for 6.5 Creedmoor, I'd rather go with the 24" which IMHO is optimal for 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[patriot07]

Why the shorter 20" barrel?

He was worried about weight...or maybe I'm thinking of the wrong thread.

 

[SonicBurlap]

If weight is that much of a concern then I'd look into a different stock but I wouldn't mess with the barrel. Vortex Razor Gen 2 4.5-27 is a $2,000 + scope if on a deal, or used, in itself most places above $2,400. The posting called for a under $2,000 setup rifle, scope, base and rings as I read it.

 

[Blount8]

I really like the specs on the Burris XTR II. I like the illumination feature as I would like to take it hunting occasionally. Looks like you can get one new for $1100. Only negative things I've seen is some people don't like the glass but apparently is tracks very well. Any thoughts on this scope?

 

[SonicBurlap]

The left handed Bergara B-14 HMRs in 6.5 Creedmoor are listed for purchase on EuroOptic but backordered I guess until Bergara ships them out.
https://www.eurooptic.com/Bergara-B...fle-65-Creedmoor-LEFT-HANDED-22-B14S352L.aspx

 

[stello1001]

Howa 1500 barreled action in 6CM 24" threaded - $459.99

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...idge_1=ASZ_6mm+Creedmoor|BCC_6xzzx5+Creedmoor

KRG Bravo - $439.99

https://kineticresearchgroup.com/product/bravo-chassis/

Vortex razor II 3-18X50 - $1,399.99

https://www.eurooptic.com/vortex-ra...c-reticle-mrad-10-mrad-turrets-rzr-31802.aspx

 

[Fweedombypepe]

Howa 1500 6.5CM Barreled action from brownells..on sale for around 450...can go heavy barreled or not..weight might be a problem if you go heavy
MDT Oryx chassis..414 shipped or Krg Bravo for 440
Sig Sauer Tango4 or Athlon Midas Tac riflescope..scopes 12% off at opticsplanet now. around $750
Magazine $35
scope rail $45
scope rings $180 NF ultralight or seekins or Burris XTR
bipod mount..$25
Bipod..minimum of magpul for $100
total of around 2000..just add ammo