which cartridge
I have a 25/06 ruger #1. I would like to get started in long range shooting and need info as to which chambering to start with. I want to keep the ruger if I can.
Thanks
12 April 2012, 22:29
kjjm4What are you shooting it at? A .25-06 shoots plenty flat enough for long range shooting, but I wouldn't want to use one on anything much bigger than a mule deer.
The main thing you need to do is practice. Then practice some more. My suggestion is rather than buying a new rifle, invest in handloading equipment if you don't already have it, and if you do, buy components and start working up a load that is very accurate in your rifle.
12 April 2012, 22:52
AnotherAZWriterI have a very accurate No.1 in .204, but I wouldn't pick that rifle as a long range "go to" gun.
Gear wise, the question is easily answered. You need to shoot bullets with a very high BC as fast as you can as accurately as you can.
13 April 2012, 00:49
ZekeShikarbarb,
Help us by defining for us what you're thinking "long range shooting" is as it appies to you. 400? 800? 1500? gongs? paper? game?
In my mind, a high BC bullet in a two-bit bore is a good long range shooter. AnotherAZW pretty well summed it up. (accurate, fast, high BC) what you do from there will depend on YOUR application.
Zeke
14 April 2012, 19:55
tom hollandquote:
Originally posted by barb:
I have a 25/06 ruger #1. I would like to get started in long range shooting and need info as to which chambering to start with. I want to keep the ruger if I can.
Thanks
Back in the 80's I wanted little more rifle than my Ruger #1 7mag offered so I had it rebarrel to a 30-338mag little better bullet selection at the time.
Ideally a bolt action is preferred but I used what I had and I never regretted doing it. I was hunting some fairly open country here in Co on a combination deer/elk tag 500yd plus shots possible.
Gunsmith redid forend etc back in them days never had the VLD type bullets. I had a 1/12 twist barrel put on that rifle so I guess I could try some of Berger 185gr VLD hunting bullets in that rifle.
15 April 2012, 16:33
Peterbarb, all excellent comments above. Let me add:
How accurate is your Ruger #1 at say 100 and 200 yards? Ruger's seem to be so-so accuracy wise, so, unless it is accurate, you may just be frustrated. Once you answer the range questions then you can decide on whether or not the Ruger you have, in the caliber you have will do it. You might check whether Berger makes some of his VLD's in 25 caliber. These are high BC and seem to be the cat's meow (in some cases) for long range work.
Peter.