[erik_herrling]

Hi there,

This is my second post here (first one to get rid of that annoying message at the top of my screen) and I need some advice. I am interested in getting a bolt action rifle for some target shooting and maybe some competitions. I have been lurking on the site for a couple of days and have decided on a Savage rifle because of the cost and accuracy out of the box. My question is which caliber should I get if I have no desire to hunt and will use the rifle strictly for target shooting. I would like a centerfire cartridge (no .22) and as far as distance I would like to shoot, my local range has a 100yd & a 200yd range that is open some of the time. I would have to drive a ways for a longer range than that. But I might just do that in the future. I think I have it narrowed down to a .300 WinMag or a .223 Remington. Any thoughts?

[tbonecpk]

.308 cheaper than the .300Win Mag and more consistant than the .223 I still say get the 700 action and build your own rifle lol that's just me.

[SilverRun]

If you are getting it to shoot paper and have fun, definitely get the .223. The ammo is way cheaper and it is WAY more enjoyable to shoot - unless you like pain. I hunt with a .300 Win mag. It is a Great hunting round and has its place in long range shooting, but it is not something that I do or would want to shoot on a routine basis. It has a noticiable kick on the recoil. I have several AR-15's in .223, and they are a blast to shoot. The AR may or may not be quite as accurate as the Savage, but it will be a whole lot more fun. Get the .223! You will have fun! 200 yards is nothing for the .223.

[JoeLee]

Savage in .243 Winchester,with a good scope,mounts,and rings.

[Ding]

use the 700 action and put a Pac-Nor or krieger barrel on it and mate them for a sweet 7.62(308) or go the 5.56(223)Probably a bushy or colt if ya can afford it or get it.Way fun to shoot....

[lefty o]

for plinking, and shooting paper, the .223 is the way to go. now you mentioned competing. you have to figure out exactly what kind of rifle shooting interests you. if you really want to compete, i would not even consider purchasing a rifle until you know exactly what you want to do. otherwise you could end up spending a lot of cash needlesly. dont let people get you worked up over the remington action either, its only good if its been completely blueprinted($$$$). it is actually just as cheap to buy a precision built aftermarket reciever, as it is to have the remington gone through.

[Midas]

The .300 Win Mag is a superb choice.

[Bushkey]

I like both the .308 and.223. Nice calibers. I would for my first rifle and the purpose you want it fore go with the .308. Reasons: 1. Components readily available. 2. Well known caliber. 3. Lets say you do get the chance to hunt, then you have a nice al rounder. Never say never.

[Pumpkinheaver]

.223 or .308win would be my choice. There is a reason that most sniper rifles over the past 40 years have been chambered in .308. Accuracy.