What rifle cartridge and rifle to get?

[darinb]

I have not really ever been interested in bolt action rifles but I am getting one in the next few months to plink with, I have a limit of 400 yards where I normally shoot. I want a decently priced and readily available round. I wont spend more than $350 on the rifle. What would you suggest?

[U.S. Patriot]

$350 for just the rifle? I assume, then I would look into a Stevens .223. That's is about the cheapest high powerd round right now.

[MarkR]

I would suggest waiting, and saving until you can spend more than $350. You are seriously limiting your choices with that price range.

[Ryan]

don't overlook the importance of a quality scope, and not just a 10x you can buy at walmart for $40

[42769vette]

imo scope is as important as the rifle. for 400 yd shots id stay with the "VARMINT" calibers. im a big fan of the 243. you can get a heavy enough bullet to buck the wind pretty well, recoil is very little, and when everyone goes ar nuts 243 ammo is easier to find than 223. but to be honest either would acomplish what you want. 243 ammo is a little more expensive.

as far as rifle for 350 id try and find a stevens or a really good deal on a used accutrigger savage.

[redneckmedic]

Originally Posted by 42769vette

imo scope is as important as the rifle. for 400 yd shots id stay with the "VARMINT" calibers. im a big fan of the 243. you can get a heavy enough bullet to buck the wind pretty well, recoil is very little, and when everyone goes ar nuts 243 ammo is easier to find than 223. but to be honest either would acomplish what you want. 243 ammo is a little more expensive.

as far as rifle for 350 id try and find a stevens or a really good deal on a used accutrigger savage.

[Indecision]

I would save up a little longer to get something you will he happier with in the long run. It's cheaper to buy the right thing the first time anyway.

[Indy_Guy_77]

If you're going to reach out to 300-400 yards on a regular basis, I'd even go so "big" as something in .270Remington. More recoil than a .223 or .243, but still isn't bad at all. I'd personally consider a .270 an "all day gun", even though I tend to be a little recoil sensitive.

If you hunt around, you can find a used Remington 710 in your price range...in just about any caliber you want. Might take a while to find one if you're hunting a specific caliber.

The Rem 710 rifle isn't nearly the beautiful machine that the Rem 700 is, but they're still a fine and serviceable rifle. They don't take much elbow grease to get all slicked up like a 700, either. The goofy gray polymer stock can be painted, too.

And, as has been said, optics cannot be neglected. A good rule of thumb is to plan on spending at least as much on glass as you do the rifle itself. And if you want good and consistant groups at 300-400 yards, you'll need to abide by the "price rule". And don't skimp on mounting hardware, either.

-J-

[243rem700]

I would save more and get a quality bolt rifle. If you are set on getting a rifle now NEF makes a single shot varmint rifle for under $350 I believe, and a Savage/Stevens would certainly be a good choice.

[dbd870]

Your budget is pretty tight for a good long range rifle. The 710's has a history of some problems, I would not go that way. I'd say for a budget rifle .223 is probably your best bet. For a firearm I guess a used Savage would be my recommendation as well. As it has been stated, you need to be prepared to spend $$$ on glass if you really want to shoot long range well.