Inexpensive bench rifle/scope combo suggestions

[zwickeyman]

 i want to put together a bench/long range rifle. Open to suggestions on Caliber and Makes. This will not be used for hunting as I am covered there.

I was thinking 243, 260 Rem, 6.5 CM , 308. I already have a bunch of .264 bullets . I will be hand loading for it no matter what caliber. I get great deals on Leopold and Vortex. I would like to stick to a budget of 1200.00

Thanks in advance for all suggestions

[MtnMuley]

Roger American Predator 6.5 Creed and spend the rest on the scope of your choice.

[h20hunter]

Actually  . I've sat next to a forum member that did exactly that. Handloads and on that day shot a perfect looking qtr inch group at 100.

[wadu1]

Your statement "I was thinking 243, 260 Rem, 6.5 CM , 308. I already have a bunch of .264 bullets". You cant load the .243 and .308 with your .264 bullets. 

[zwickeyman]

Your statement "I was thinking 243, 260 Rem, 6.5 CM , 308. I already have a bunch of .264 bullets". You cant load the .243 and .308 with your .264 bullets. 

I get it. One reason Im leaning 260 or 6.5 CM but I have a lot of 30 cal too and I have a good source for 243 so still open to other calibers

[wadu1]

Your statement "I was thinking 243, 260 Rem, 6.5 CM , 308. I already have a bunch of .264 bullets". You cant load the .243 and .308 with your .264 bullets. 

I get it. One reason Im leaning 260 or 6.5 CM but I have a lot of 30 cal too and I have a good source for 243 so still open to other calibers

All is good then. I personally like the 6.5X55, so I would lean more the the 6.5 CM. I would also think the brass would be easier for find for it.

[Magnum_Willys]

6.5 or smaller.   

[Hilltop123]

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/savage-10t-sr-bolt-action-rifle
I have This rifle, paired with a Vortex PST 5-25x50. Chambered in 6.5CM. It will shoot legitimate 1/2 moa groups. With the right fodder. It has a heavier barrel than the RAP, longer barrel than the RAP and just designed all the way round for more of the shooting you are describing that the RAP.

[zwickeyman]

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/savage-10t-sr-bolt-action-rifle
I have This rifle, paired with a Vortex PST 5-25x50. Chambered in 6.5CM. It will shoot legitimate 1/2 moa groups. With the right fodder. It has a heavier barrel than the RAP, longer barrel than the RAP and just designed all the way round for more of the shooting you are describing that the RAP.

Thats one I am looking at. I dont think I would need to upgrade the trigger either. I will be buying only at Cabelas as I have 1441.00 in gift cards Bonuses from work. Scope I'll buy cash else where. Not a huge Vortex fan but I need to look through a few of them

[Bill W]

If you want a small hole poker I would go with a 6PPC for up to 300 yards.  If longer distance you'd have to go th wildcat route and get one based off the 6BR case.    Trying to limit yourself to 1200 would be like the time i didn't want to spend much for BR shooting and ended up with a gun I named Christine.  It shot sour apples but was in my price range.  The replacement gun I bought shot like I wanted but was outside my initial budget.

Now if you want I could find the current owner of Christine and see if he wants to sell it.  Everyone who had it and sold it always sold it for less than they bought it for.

[Hilltop123]

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/savage-10t-sr-bolt-action-rifle
I have This rifle, paired with a Vortex PST 5-25x50. Chambered in 6.5CM. It will shoot legitimate 1/2 moa groups. With the right fodder. It has a heavier barrel than the RAP, longer barrel than the RAP and just designed all the way round for more of the shooting you are describing that the RAP.

Thats one I am looking at. I dont think I would need to upgrade the trigger either. I will be buying only at Cabelas as I have 1441.00 in gift cards Bonuses from work. Scope I'll buy cash else where. Not a huge Vortex fan but I need to look through a few of them

I did nothing to the trigger, I found it to be just fine out of the box.

[carpsniperg2]

CM is harder to find cheap brass for if your loading in times like now. Way expensive if buying shells. We run a couple 260 and can find cheap cases and even ammo very often.

[zwickeyman]

CM is harder to find cheap brass for if your loading in times like now. Way expensive if buying shells. We run a couple 260 and can find cheap cases and even ammo very often.

Good advice right there

[zwickeyman]

If you want a small hole poker I would go with a 6PPC for up to 300 yards.  If longer distance you'd have to go th wildcat route and get one based off the 6BR case.    Trying to limit yourself to 1200 would be like the time i didn't want to spend much for BR shooting and ended up with a gun I named Christine.  It shot sour apples but was in my price range.  The replacement gun I bought shot like I wanted but was outside my initial budget.

Now if you want I could find the current owner of Christine and see if he wants to sell it.  Everyone who had it and sold it always sold it for less than they bought it for.

Thank you but I am using Cabelas cards so Cabelas it is

[zwickeyman]

Any scope suggestions under 900 retail?

Complete novice at dialing. My hunting scopes are Leupold with the CDS so Mil or Moa would be new to me