Originally Posted by
wilson1911
Rated21R,
I have tried to convince the op buying a 6.5 would be the best choice. They shoot flat and hold the wind well with mild recoil. I do understand your thoughts on buying in the first time. I had many of these same ones myself. At some point your going to have to take the plunge and buy in. The gun that is right for you may be different than what others shoot, but hey, its your dime bud. I wish you lived closer to me so I could take you to a private range and let you ring steel out to 1251 if you can shoot well enough. Where I live the wind blows every day which makes some shooting days good, and others not so good.
Some of the things I have noticed on shooting with others.
Reading the wind is an art, some guys are very good at it no matter what gun they shoot.
The 308/7-08 (30 cal) guns are completely outclassed by the 6.5's, there are not may 30 cal guns where I live.
Having a gun with mild recoil is a joy to shoot all day at the range.
Being able to tune the rifle and reload well makes a huge difference in accuracy when shooting long.
Shooting box ammo is a plus for someone just getting into long range or as a first rifle.
And last, but not least.....why did I wait so long to hop on the 6.5 wagon ????? I spent 1.5 years trying to decide what I wanted. Soooo many times I was set on getting a 308. As I look back now, it would be my last choice for a long range gun. The exception to this is a gas gun for hogs or something.
If you guys can find someone to let you shoot a caliber you are thinking of buying, it would help your decision process.