Just got my FAC for .22 .223 65CM & .308 What to buy now?

[GBR66]

So i put in 65CM as a bit of an extra, my wish was .308 and i got both! I do like a bit of target shooting from my army days and thought a 65CM could double up as both, my go to gun would be the.308 for deer stalking though. Mmm do i need both? maybe not, definatley keeping .308 though.

I was in similar situation when switching from unthreaded .308, got I lightweight .30-06 (22in barrel) as easy long carry rifle for deer first, and then followed up with a heavier 6.5CM with 24in "varmint" profile barrel (Bergara HMR Pro) for both deer and target, I have Delta glass for both (6.5CM more target oriented spec) which I am very happy with, and recently got an Alpex and MagneTec QD mounts (not cheap) all round so the Alpex can go on either.

 

[Fudge1187]

Buy all of them now! You will buy them all at some point anyway

.308 (+.22:R) all the way!

 

[timbrayford]

So want to get something for deer stalking first. Not interested in posh guns like Blaser, i want something good and reliable, but not overly priced.

65CM - Going for Sauer 100 Stainless XTA. The 22 inch barrel would accommodate 65CM well i think, nice and accurate. I can then use this for a bit of targets on the range too. Optics unsure, but going for glass, for deer work it wont be more than 250m realistically, and for targets its just fun so not overly bothered, more for deer work.

.308 - going tikka, maybe a modified stock and this will have the Alpex Pro day/night scope fitted. Will buy a separate glass scope later.

Going for quick release mounts on both, not sure which, sports match HOP92 one piece, innomount or QD??

Picatinny rail, unsure?

Moderator - Wildcat or DPT i think

Bipod - no idea, want one that folds up towards the top of the barrel, any recommendations?

Probably buy the XTA this week and order the other bits online, at least ive something to start with.

Think im pretty decided on the XTA, and definaltey getting a Alpex Pro, the bits in the middle im unsure and good glass scope, probably around the £1k mark.



Happy to hear your thoughts

Buy good s/h rather than new if you can, depreciation on new is pretty steep.

 

[GBR66]

Buy good s/h rather than new if you can, depreciation on new is pretty steep.

with proper bore scoping.

 

[Overlay]

If you can get a low shot count sako 75/85 anywhere snap it up, they are bomb proof

 

[big ears]

7x57?

 

[Mike1979]

7x57?

Reserved for bog snorkling flat earthers...though not as bad as a .270 owner .... but close

 

[NullMac]

7x57?

I fished one of them out the brass bucket at the pipe the other day. Loaded to modern pressures ( is that safe ?) with modern powders and bullets that should be fantastic. Sort of 7mm CM++

 

[NullMac]

If it were me and I really wanted to keep the 308 then I would bin the 65 CM and replace it with a PRC maybe even the 7mm. Then you have a clearer separation of capabilities. I run a Creed and shot a 7.62/308 for years, obviously there are some big differences but only really apparent further out whereas a PRC will make itself known at any range

 

[25 Sharps]

I fished one of them out the brass bucket at the pipe the other day. Loaded to modern pressures ( is that safe ?) with modern powders and bullets that should be fantastic. Sort of 7mm CM++

That’s the .284 win

 

[Adders]

I reckon a steel action 308 or creed is a must have.

 

[AJ#]

So i bought....
1. Sauer 100 XTA Stainless .308 with F&D moderator 231 and Alpex Pro scope ordered - thats for the deer
2. CZ 457 Camo .22 F&D moderator FW88, scope is Alpex 4k LRF - rabbits and fun shooting

Undecided on bipods for both.

65CM and 223 can wait for now

 

[GBR66]

If it were me and I really wanted to keep the 308 then I would bin the 65 CM and replace it with a PRC maybe even the 7mm. Then you have a clearer separation of capabilities. I run a Creed and shot a 7.62/308 for years, obviously there are some big differences but only really apparent further out whereas a PRC will make itself known at any range

That's sort of my thinking on 6.5CM and .30-06 as a pairing.

 

[big ears]

L

I fished one of them out the brass bucket at the pipe the other day. Loaded to modern pressures ( is that safe ?) with modern powders and bullets that should be fantastic. Sort of 7mm CM++

Load 7x57 with RS 62 powder and 140gr Barnes. Getting 2850fps no pressure signs and yes it is a mild to shoot rifle that knocks things over.
Clearly not quite as good as a CM

 

[NP435]

L

Load 7x57 with RS 62 powder and 140gr Barnes. Getting 2850fps no pressure signs and yes it is a mild to shoot rifle that knocks things over.
Clearly not quite as good as a CM

No, it is measurably better.

 

[NP435]

Reserved for bog snorkling flat earthers...though not as bad as a .270 owner .... but close

But I have both a 270 and a 7x57 so what does that make me other than quite well equipped?

 

[big ears]

That's sort of my thinking on 6.5CM and .30-06 as a pairing.

Or just a 30-06. Nothings CM can do that a 30-06 cannot. That cannot be said the other way round.

 

[big ears]

Reserved for bog snorkling flat earthers...though not as bad as a .270 owner .... but close

or those who appreciate the merits of the long action?

 

[GBR66]

Or just a 30-06. Nothings CM can do that a 30-06 cannot. That cannot be said the other way round.

Largely I'd agree, but I do a bit of target shooting with the Creed (as the OP was suggesting) and the lack of barrel flip helps, as it does with spotting a hit on a deer, mind you with the .30-06 they rarely need a second shot...If I only had one it would be .30-06, mine loves Sako 165gr Gamehead Pro.

 

[Fudge1187]

What did you decide on in the end buddy?