Tithras wrote:As I wont be reloading to start with won't the 6.5 be harder and more expensive to get hold of? That was why I was under the impression that 7.62/308 is better as a starting round as its more numerous?
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The Ruger is now widely available, now that the initial rush has subsided and prices have dropped a bit. If you're intending to shoot out to 1000 yards, you won't be buying 308 ammunition for very long. Factory ammo is very limited - especially at extreme ranges in a relatively short Remmy barrel.
The Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor ammo is beginning to hit the shops now but it won't be cheap but at least you'll have brass when you start to reload.
I have no problem with the 6.5 m8, its a better round, but for my first rifle if the only way to get the rounds is to make them then I am stuffed (Also you only get 10 odd reloads out of them from what I have read)!
Can I walk into Bisley and buy a box of 100 from the armory? Are the rounds readily available from gun shops in the UK, if so how much are they?
Reloading is something I will be doing but on-top of a scope, rifle, etc also having to buy a grand of reloading stuff inst on the table yet :)
SYSS are a top notch company and a pleasure to deal with.
Most people prefer the AX stock to the AI because the thumbhole in the latter does not allow for a comfortable trigger finger position (unless you have a trigger with an adjustable blade).
I started with a Remington 700 SPS and improved it as the money was available by fitting:
AICS stock
Two stage trigger
Muzzle brake
Tactical bolt knob
As well as spreading the cost you learn how each component can affect the accuracy.
The final mod was to fit an Armalon barrel and it's now a very competitive 1,000 rifle.
I bought a 700 SPS, added an AICS and a Rifle Basix trigger. If I could wind the clock back I would have bought a Savage 12 FTR instead and saved some cash. Mind you, I think the AICS looks way cooler.... but as others have hinted at, the Remmy needs fettling and load development to get it on a par with the Savage straight out the box.
Hi Tithrus, my tupence to add. +1 on SYSS ALL my dealings have found them polite, helpful and good value.
As far as your current requirement in concerned much of what has gone before is accurate and relevant. I had a Remmy short action with a 24" varmint barrel in an AICS AW stock which I did not pay a lot for, added a Timney to it (which I did find quite sensitive to adjust between the bolt not cocking and it being too heavy but good info on Internet). Having had several .308's I have to say it was probably the most comfortable set up I have shot, the thumb hole stock is very intuitive to shoulder and felt recoil was well managed even with loads worked up for Stickledown at a 1000. The trouble was I then shot a TRG22, not as comfortable, but even with the loads I was using worked up for the AICS my groups, on the same day at Bisley nearly halved, I had to have one! I bought a 600 round count from a good dealer with the factory bipod, tools, stock inserts, muzzle brake, de-cocking tool and a really nice T8 mod for £1950. What you are starting with here is an inherently good action and barrel, that is not to say the Remy isn't enough police forces etc have used them over the years, but as commented 'if you get a good barrel/chamber etc.' with something like the TRG the build consistency takes much of the luck element out of your purchase. I have had a slot for over six months for a 6.5 with the RPR in mind, if you have long range target in mind then don't get lured by the .308 version. A well controlled test recently, available with a bit of searching, showed the 6.5 to be 30% more accurate after adjustment for standard deviation on a 100 round back to back comparison to the .308. This showed most significantly on the lateral grouping i.e. the superior wind BC of the 6.5, of you want the accuracy then the 6.5 then if you want the convenience and lower cost go for another .308! If it were a factory AI then no competition, I have seen Countryman's one and he should wear a mask as he stole it, but the build quality on the action and bolt is just superb, there are bargains out there and I know he went through the hoops to get it. If you are not confident or willing to take the risk on a S/h buy then by all means the Remy is a good start but that is what it will be.......a start!
Thanks for all the comments, have actually had a look around and kinda taken on the Savage 12 F/TR in 308 now. Good reviews and will shoot out to 1000 plus the added bonus of another 500 left for the scope which pushes me onto the Nightforce Competition 15-55x52 :)
On the 6.5 Creedmore, not saying its not a better round than 308 as it is but for my first rifle I think an easily available round is best. Going forward I can look to add a 6.5 to my collection once I have got some shooting experience behind me and the round is a bit cheaper!
