Precision rifle for 2015 SAC

[NENick]

Hi Team,

It’s time to buy/ build a rifle for 2015 Sniper Adventure Challenge. Many of you dabble in precision shooting, so this is a good place to start.

The event says that some targets are out to 1500 yards. Shooting is only ~5% of the competition, so theoretically I could skip every shooting stage and still win. The longest shooting range that I have access to is ENGC, so practice out past 600 isn’t accessible. Also, I’m not a military sniper providing nighttime over watch. I like to buy nice gear, but the truth is that no one’s life will count on this rifle. I have taken a precision shooting class at 88 Tactical and have done quite a bit of reading. I do hand load.

The few guidelines I’m working with:
•   Cartridge capable of ~1000 yards
•   Light enough to carry for 30 miles - 10-15 pounds including scope weight
•   Scope – haven’t started in on this area yet.

I’ve been looking at a Savage Model 11/111 Long Range Hunter. It has the following:
•   6.5 Creedmoor
•   26” fluted barrel (1/8twist)
•   4 round capacity
•   Accutrigger
•   Adjustable check comb, Adjustable Muzzle break
•   8.4Lbs

http://savagearms.com/firearms/model/11LONGRANGEHUNTER

I’m open to every idea. What am I forgetting? I need a little nudge in one direction or another.

[bkoenig]

I would definitely go with a 6.5 of some flavor.  Or maybe a .243 AI?  I've heard that's a really good long range cartridge.

A 300WM would be good for those ranges, but in a light enough package to haul around it's going to beat the snot out of you.

[Mudinyeri]

Based on my experience ... ... you want the rifle to be sub 10 lbs, complete.  That includes optics, sling and bi-pod if you choose to mount/carry one.

Additionally, durability is almost as important as accuracy.  You know why, Nick. 

[NENick]

There is a little mushroom cloud building in my wallet...

Tikka T3 Lite in 260 Remington looks like an option. It starts at ~6lbs.

[sparky0068]

I got a tikka t3 lite in 308 with a vortex viper pst scope, fairly light, plenty accurate.

[DR4NRA]

You want to actually compete? Or just go through the motions?

[NENick]

You want to actually compete? Or just go through the motions?

I want to nail every target 1000 and under. Won't a half MOA rifle get me there?. I'm comfortable with the idea of writing off the targets past that. Would you elaborate?

To add - I'm not even sure they had targets out beyond 1000yards at this years event. That's why I'm not overly worried about them