Want a new Custom - Can't decide on Caliber

[CShooter92]

In the process of selling some old rifles that I never shoot anymore and I want to build another custom but don't really know what direction to go. Here's what I have and their uses:

Custom Surgeon 6.5 Creedmoor all carbon- Coyote calling and PRS
Rem 700 CDL 7mm Rem Mag - Deer, Elk, moose rifle (Max I'd want to shoot a big game animal at is 500 yds)

Do I build a fast twist 22 cal? a 6mm with a steel barrel for PRS so it's cheaper to rebarrel than my 6.5 carbon barrel? a 300 Norma for really stretching things out? Or go completely off the board and buy my first AR15?

Just looking for some thoughts on the direction to go and don't have the money right now to buy them all unfortunately

 

[Ripdog28]

Keep the Surgeon and get another barrel when it needs. The 6.5CM will do it all even game at 500 unless you want to do something else. Sell the 7mm and just shoot the 6.5 more. Far less recoil.

 

[Codiekfx400]

Fast twist 223 gets my
Vote

 

[plidenbrock]

With appropriate loads, that 7mm should get you beyond a mile no problem, and far more distance on game than you're comfortable with. It doesn't seem the 300NM will offer much over what you have already.

Do you have a semi-auto rifle? If not, appraisal of current affairs would seem to suggest it prudent to obtain one and learn it.

AR15 is as good as any, ergos are good and ammo is cheap. Guys up here take out all manner of bear with them. Although since you have 6.5C laying around, you could scratch your custom itch by getting one of the FN's in 6.5C, the SCAR or a FAL. It'd be cheaper than another full custom bolt, and there wouldn't be too great an increase in ammo logistics.

 

[PBWalsh]

No AR? Get a good Aero/BCM/DD/LMT/etc. defensive rifle. A 6.5 CM will do your hunts just fine. Sell the 700 unless its significant to you to fund the AR.

 

[Jeffd]

300 Norma!

 

[Rob01]

Why build another rifle? Just get a couple new barrels screwed on the Surgeon action and you can get a 6mm and something like a 22 Creedmoor in the same rifle. Just need to be a short action and same bolt face. You could even get another 6.5 barrel in steel to help with cost to save life on your carbon.

 

[snarkscarbine]

Just to be different, I'll say build an AR in 6.5 Grendel or 224 Valkyrie.

 

[CShooter92]

Seems the general consensus here is to go the AR route. That's good because it's significantly cheaper than another custom bolt rifle haha. Been looking at the Daniel Defence V7 for awhile as well.

 

[aBetterTomorrow]

6mm for PRS
less recoil than 6.5
less velocity drop than 6.5
less trajectory drop than 6.5

 

[Rob01]

6mm for PRS
less recoil than 6.5
less velocity drop than 6.5
less trajectory drop than 6.5

Recoil is minimally different in a properly set up rifle and the other things don't matter as most every match is KD now. Wind matters.

A person can win with either a 6.5 or a 6 as it comes down to the skill of the shooter. Not the caliber.

 

[Squibbler]

Every gun guy needs an AR15!

 

[TexasUplander]

fast twist .223ai

 

[Marksman]

I'm in the same boat. I know I want a 224 caliber, because of the reduced recoil and large selection of bullets sitting on my desk. But I don't know if I want to go straight fast twist 22-250, try a 22 creedmoor, or even do a 22 nosgar. Plus, X-caliber has a good sale on barrels.

 

[W54/XM-388]

If you don't have an AR, you might consider getting a good accurate AR like a JP enterprises one or a GAP one and having fun learning how to drive a precision Semi Auto.

 

[BootyLord]

What is it about your other rifles that you don’t enjoy shooting anymore?

The first ar15 I bought was a 16” larue tobr. As someone who is obsessed with making precision shots at distance I thought a DMR type semi auto would be the way to go. I spent $4,500 on the gun, scope and everything else that goes along with it, put about 500 rounds through it and realized that I prefer my bolt action rifle for those types of shots. I ended up buying a lighter ar15 / red dot to shoot minute of man size targets at 0 - 300 yards and I have a blast doing. In retrospect I guess you can’t know until you try it..

Whatever you decide make it something that you’re going to be excited about shooting! How about a Vudoo v22?

 

[BootyLord]

To be clear I’m not trying to steer you away from an AR15 or AR10. I think ever man should own one for the sole reason “MERICA”

 

[wade2big]

I’m an AK man. 5.45 more so than 7.62x39. Getcha one or two.

 

[DuneShoot]

I'd suggest a quality AR. JP's are crazy accurate and Larues are right there.

Here's an example from an 18" JP:

 

[CShooter92]

What is it about your other rifles that you don’t enjoy shooting anymore?

The first ar15 I bought was a 16” larue tobr. As someone who is obsessed with making precision shots at distance I thought a DMR type semi auto would be the way to go. I spent $4,500 on the gun, scope and everything else that goes along with it, put about 500 rounds through it and realized that I prefer my bolt action rifle for those types of shots. I ended up buying a lighter ar15 / red dot to shoot minute of man size targets at 0 - 300 yards and I have a blast doing. In retrospect I guess you can’t know until you try it..

Whatever you decide make it something that you’re going to be excited about shooting! How about a Vudoo v22?

Not that I don't enjoy them anymore, I just don't shoot them anymore since I have my 6.5 and 7mm. I already have a couple 22lr's so don't need another. I took the advice and ordered a DD V7 LW today. I will just shoot my 6.5 for everything and screw on new barrels to the action when the time comes.

 

[Srgt. Hulka]

Every gun guy needs an AR15!

I’m just reading this thread, and this is exactly what I was thinking the whole time I was reading it.

Not that I don't enjoy them anymore, I just don't shoot them anymore since I have my 6.5 and 7mm. I already have a couple 22lr's so don't need another. I took the advice and ordered a DD V7 LW today. I will just shoot my 6.5 for everything and screw on new barrels to the action when the time comes.

Nice choice on the DD. Ammo is cheap. You can reload for almost nothing.
Everybody needs at least one good battle rifle.

 

[wade2big]

I’m just reading this thread, and this is exactly what I was thinking the whole time I was reading it.



Nice choice on the DD. Ammo is cheap. You can reload for almost nothing.
Everybody needs at least one good battle rifle.

Don’t reload for your AR. Ammo is sub $300 a thousand shipped to your door. Have fun plinking with the rifle. Don’t just bag it up and shoot for groups. That makes no sense. That’s what the bolt guns are for (I’m not a group shooter with those either).

I’m not Ar guy at all but I am an Ak guy. I have never shot them on paper. I rough zero on steel close up then make sure I am slightly high on steel At 200 yards and I am done. Groups mean very little to nothing with these types of rifles. Practice your free hand shooting.

 

[308220]

Since the 6.5CM is good from mouse to moose, and comes with 6k round barrel life, 2k yd range and "point and shoot" laser accuracy, you really dont need anymore bolt guns.

Just buy more ammo/reloading supplies.

 

[wade2big]

Since the 6.5CM is good from mouse to moose, and comes with 6k round barrel life, 2k yd range and "point and shoot" laser accuracy, you really dont need anymore bolt guns.

Just buy more ammo/reloading supplies.

Dang! I didnt know 6.5 creedmoor was that good!!!!

 

[gnatmm]

A large frame AR will help you becoming a better shooter, imho. If you like reloading, a nice build will be also gentle with your brass.

 

[CJS-6.5]

AR in 5.56. Once you are used to it get a couple different uppers.

 

[Shadow knows]

I had no idea 6.5CM can go 6K rounds. How slow are they being loaded to now?

 

[Rob01]

I had no idea 6.5CM can go 6K rounds. How slow are they being loaded to now?

They don't. The post was sarcasm. Look at the poster's name.