Hi as the title states, I recently bought a Ruger precision rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. This is my first bolt action gun and not really sure where to start as far as scopes go. I’m 22 years old and money doesn’t grow on trees for me but I do want to buy a decent scope that doesn’t kill my bank account. Any suggestions? Also what bipod time buy? How do you figure out the proper bipod height?
Obviously, you're getting all kinds of recommendations. But reticle choice is very personal. So, look up the reticles for some or all of these recommendations and choose the one that appeals to you. You've set a budget, which is good.
Then, especially as a beginner, you will be well served to call -
on the phone -
@gr8fuldoug at CameralandNY or Scott at
@LibertyOptics. These guys look after Snipers Hide members.
There is a gold mine of information here on Snipers Hide, which can be overwhelming to newbies. There is also no shortage of "internet expert information" which you'll have to learn to recognize. That's why Doug and Scott are so valuable; they can be trusted to help you make a good decision based on your budget and interests. I'm not saying "best decision." Things will change. You make the best decision you can for the present situation.
SInce you're young and presumably without physical limitations, a 6-9" bipod is pretty much the staple. While people will tell you to buy an Atlas, that's a $300 investment. Granted, it's a great investment; you won't need to upgrade unless you have $$ to burn and just want to. But Harris bipods can be almost as good with a couple of upgrades. You can read about bipods on SH. Use the search function and bring a lunch. You'll be at it awhile.
And I'm going to advise something based on what I saw the last young man who asked me for advice do while we were both at the range. He too had an RPR in 6.5CM. He had two or three magazines. He would load them all up and empty them at big targets close in as fast as he could run the bolt and change magazines. He made no effort whatsoever to learn anything from his shots. That rifle was so hot it was smoking. If he shot it that way all the time, he probably burned that barrel to a cinder in 1500 rounds or less. So - shoot no more than ten rounds between barrel-cooling pauses, and try to learn something with each round you fire. If the barrel is too hot to touch hold in your hand, let it cool a bit. You'll get more life out of it.
Good luck.