Help with my long range build please.

Hello all, new here. So I am about to get my first long range rifle and I'm having trouble. I wanted to go the Stevens 200 route but since they're out of production I couldn't find a .308. So I figured I'll try a savage 10fp. Well then people told me to go with a .260 or .243. The only Stevens 200 I can find is a 300 win model, I'm assuming that's long action. My questions is, is the 300 win mag Stevens 200 capable of using .260 or 243 As its a long action? I can't find a short action Stevens 200.
So I thought I'll just get the savage 10fp in .308.
Can anyone please help me understand what I can use the Stevens 200 win mag long action for? Also with the savage 10fp, what are my options later on if I buy the 308 model? Thank you for any help and suggestions!

I should add I hope to compete with this and hit 1k yards. Maybe with a good barrel one day past that.

Yes you can convert to a 260 or 243 no problem. All you will need is a new bolt head.

Will the long action be a problem in doing so? What are the disadvantages of using the Stevens 200 long actions vs the short action?

i have a long action 243 build on a 110 (same as long action 200). feeds perfectly. and you can seat your bullets out farther and get better capacity and possibly better accuracy. You will have to change out the bolt fact though to accept a standard cartridge instead of magnum. Easy to switch, takes 5 minutes. Cost about 25$

Only disadvantage IMO is less room to mount the scope if you aren't using a rail. I build everything on long actions...

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Originally Posted by Jason161

Will the long action be a problem in doing so? What are the disadvantages of using the Stevens 200 long actions vs the short action?

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The only disadvantages are its longer and a little heavier. I prefer long actions on short cartridges unless im trying to save wieght. On a 243 or 260 you wont have feeding issues

Thank you all. If I can get it less then $400 I'll do it then, otherwise I'll go the 10fp.
I read also there isn't many stock options for a long action savage, how true is that now as this post was older 2012?
One other thing, I have not been able to find the right bolt face in stock anywhere, anybody know where I can get one for 243 or 260?


Also would I be able to change the stevens to a 308? Or will long action not work with 308.

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Originally Posted by Jason161

Thank you all. If I can get it less then $400 I'll do it them
N, otherwise I'll go the 10fp.
I read also there isn't many stock options for a long action savage, how true is that now as this post was older 2012?
One other thing, I have not been able to find the right bolt face in stock anywhere, anybody know where I can get one for 243 or 260?

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There hard to find in stock, and yes stock is slightly limited for long actions. Check out Bell and carlson medalists or choate tacticals. Man, if i were you i would just walk into a pawn shop and buy a used savage 110 in 30-06 for 250$. they are everywhere. Bolt face solved, save money, exact same action

Not a lot of pawn shops that have stock in California where I'm at...

Another option would be to become a paid member here and buy a used action (long or short))and buy a high quality barrel, trigger and stock.

you should be able to find a used 110 or Stevens 200 in 30-06 or 270. Just give some shops around a call. I think your shooting yourself in the foot buying a brand new Stevens 200 for 400$ with the wrong bolt face IMHO.

Okay thanks for your honesty.
If I wanted to just step it up and go with the Savage 10Fp, is that a good base for a sub moa long range rifle? Can it hit 1k yards in 308?
Since its short action could I change if to 260 with a new barrel?

The 10fp.308 will get to 1000 with the right bullets, but if you plan on shooting competitively at 1000 there are much better calibers than .308.

Yes it's a great rifle and a 260 barrel will screw on and uses the same bolt head as 308

I do know that 260 would be better however 308 is cheaper and nice to learn on I hear. Any problems shooting 260 with the short action 10fp?
Thank you all BTW, I'm glad I found this forum. Definitely going to become paid. The problem is this is personal for me as if was a goal/plan of a buddy of mine and myself to build and shoot in the marines, however now its just me so its kinda personal I do it like we planned.
I though Remington 700 but I like the idea of own work as I like building 1911s. Free float bolt face too and price is right, savage 10fp supposedly more accurate out of box too!

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Originally Posted by Jason161

I do know that 260 would be better however 308 is cheaper and nice to learn on I hear. Any problems shooting 260 with the short action 10fp?
Thank you all BTW, I'm glad I found this forum. Definitely going to become paid. The problem is this is personal for me as if was a goal/plan of a buddy of mine and myself to build and shoot in the marines, however now its just me so its kinda personal I do it like we planned.
I though Remington 700 but I like the idea of own work as I like building 1911s. Free float bolt face too and price is right, savage 10fp supposedly more accurate out of box too!

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If you want to build one , get a used 110 or 200 action or a used full rifle then build hat you want. Get the 10 go if you just want one to shoot out of the box. You won't have any issues with a 260 in a short action

Thanks!

Look at the Hog Hunter in 308. Available new for 400-450. Heavy, threaded barrel for accuracy and quiet if you ever move out of the nanny state. Buy a 260 barrel later on along with a go- no go gauge for it and you can swap barrels back and forth since the 260 and 308 both share the same headspace gauge. Now you have 2 very different guns for a very reasonable price. Shoot the 308 for plinking, and swap to the 260 for competition.

Is that the same savage 10 action? If so at that price why would anyone go with the 10fp? What's so different about it?

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Originally Posted by Hotolds442

Look at the Hog Hunter in 308. Available new for 400-450. Heavy, threaded barrel for accuracy and quiet if you ever move out of the nanny state. Buy a 260 barrel later on along with a go- no go gauge for it and you can swap barrels back and forth since the 260 and 308 both share the same headspace gauge. Now you have 2 very different guns for a very reasonable price. Shoot the 308 for plinking, and swap to the 260 for competition.

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Same action, accu-trigger, non accu-stock. It's about the best value in a precision platform out there.
The 10fp adds 2" of barrel length, and a second swivel stud up front.
for $200 more MSRP

Are the stock iron sights easily removable on the hog hunter? I really dont like those. Thanks for info. The 10fp has a nicer stock though. I hear bedded its perfectly usable in a 1k yard rifle. Although eventually I'd want to updrade to a mcmillian a5 or so!ething similiar looking, not set on mcmillian.

Very easy to remove. They're screwed on. If you're already planning on upgrading the stock, then you're not really missing anything with the stock difference long term.

True true.. Is this limited in any way as far as stock options or parts compared to the 10?
I guess I'm having a hard time understanding why people would go with a 10fp or similar when you can get the same with the 11 hog hunter And have money to make it why you want left over. What am I not seeing here?
I was hoping to find a 308 Stevens 200 but decided on the 10 FP but this has me really thinmimg now! Is this barrel good enough with a nice bedded stock to compete in a 1000 yard match? For fun !

I've been reading some and come to the conclusion that the 20" barrel is capable, and there are some stock choices that I like. I guess this would be no different then starting with a Stevens 200 but with a better stock barrel. The savage 10-FP has a decent stock and I wouldn't mind keeping it for a while, and from what I understand it has a better barrel width, heavier, then the hog hunter and also 22" instead. Hard choice as I do want to eventually get a new stock, but I want to be able to shoot out of box really well, not sure if the hog hunter barrel is capable of 1k as its not a heavy barrel like the 10-FP. I know the 20" is fine for it. Anyone else weigh on for me here?

I'm pretty sure that the 10fp's trigger can be adjusted down to 1.5 pounds, the hog hunter 2.5 pounds, not much difference. If I had to do everything over again I would get the hog hunter as a base rifle and build off of that.

I appreciate your input! From what I read the accu trigger is the same. I don't think they have different accu triggers. I could be wrong though. I am going to pull the trigger on the hog hunter and also with the money I planned on the FP I'm going to get the Boyds tacticool stock as its close to the USMC mcmillian stock in looks but fits !y budget. Although it says it's for a bull barrel, well its not listed unless you select bull barrel, I'm not sure if the hog hunter barrel is a bull barrel?

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Originally Posted by Jason161

I appreciate your input! From what I read the accu trigger is the same. I don't think they have different accu triggers. I could be wrong though. I am going to pull the trigger on the hog hunter and also with the money I planned on the FP I'm going to get the Boyds tacticool stock as its close to the USMC mcmillian stock in looks but fits !y budget. Although it says it's for a bull barrel, well its not listed unless you select bull barrel, I'm not sure if the hog hunter barrel is a bull barrel?

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Tacticool with bull barrel inlet will work fine. It is also avail with sporter barrel. either way it is easy to open up if necessary.

It will fit just fine with the hog hunter barrel. You won't need to open the channel.

Thanks guys. All set and buying it tomorrow and ordered stock. Can't wait to get going!

Ok bro first off if you're wanting to hit 1km consistently shoot for 300 win mag. I used it at school and was able to hit 1150m cold bore. I would also recommend Remington since it was the 2010 I made the shot with.

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Originally Posted by DanSavage

The 10fp.308 will get to 1000 with the right bullets, but if you plan on shooting competitively at 1000 there are much better calibers than .308.

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like a 300 win mag? why not just leave it alone and shoot it.

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Originally Posted by yobuck

like a 300 win mag? why not just leave it alone and shoot it.

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no, not like a 300 mag. and im not a 1000 yard expert. but i would assume any caliber with a bc over .5 and a velocity over 2600 is superior to a 308 at 1000 yards. 308s are nice guns don't get me wrong, but if someone mentions there are supperior calibers, there are alot of better calibers. and you dont have to jump up to a 300 mag to do so.

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Originally Posted by yobuck

like a 300 win mag? why not just leave it alone and shoot it.

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He said other calibers, not chamberings in the same caliber......

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Originally Posted by Hotolds442

He said other calibers, not chamberings in the same caliber......

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you are correct he did say that. he is also seeking advise on shooting out to possibly 1000 yds.
fact is the difference in any of the cartridges mentioned only amounts to a couple clicks on the dial
for his intended use. if its an education he wants theres no better choice than a 308.
just walk in and buy a very good one.

Exactly ^. I decided on a savage in 308 and going with a vortex viper PST 6x24 and a biyds tacticool stock as again it looks similar to the mcmillian I want without the lri e fag. I'm going to shoot out the barrel, learn what I can, them buy a new barrel in.260 and I shouldn't have an problems competing at 1k assuming skills are up to snuff.
The goal of this build was to stay under a budget and learn a lot, and if I can manage to hut 1k great. If only 800 then I'll still be happy. I have a lot to learn anyways and a 4k rifle does me no better as a brand new shooter I'd say..
The only thing Im debating is if I should go with the Primary Arms 4-14 ffp scope at $230. I has great reviews for calibers .308 and under. If would allow me to start practicing right away instead of waiting a few months to afford the viper. When its to!e to replace barrel I can get new optic and use it on my ar15.
I dunno, I'd like to buy one good scope but I'm impatient and hate to have a rifle I can't shoot for a few months lol.
Anyone able to speak to the PA scope for up to 800 yards?

I have one, and it's fine for what it is. Being FFP, at 800 the dots cover the black target and then some when holding over. Shooting accurately while guessing where the center of the target is can be tough. I have a Pentax 8.5-32 that is easier to shoot accurately at that range, but the glass sucks beyond 24x. A used Bushnell Elite,or SWFA would be a better investment IMO.

Is a fixed Bushnell elite 10 capable of 800 yards? I mean I shot 500 with iron sights in marines at a torso silhouette so I would assume it's okay?
Lists of people recommend that model. I might just save for the viper PST but I don't know if I can save enough before this rifle clinic I plan to attend in April.
Downside about the Bushnell 10 fixed is its sfp not ffp. Not to mention the mil dot, I'd prefer mil hash.

I dunno, the viper PST ffp 6x24 has good reviews and will last me. I think I maybe should wait. Can anyone give me some recommendations that would be good out to 1k? I know its a 308 but eventually will be a 260.
I want ffp, mil mil, a mil hash reticle if possible(don't care which type I just don't like mil dots), enough zoom to reach 1k. Would like to not go over $800, if so I'll get the viper, but post any alternatives please!

Look at the SWFA SS in 10x range. More than enough magnification for 800 yds. These scopes are very affordable just a few bucks more than scope mentioned above but adjustments are accurate and precise. I've got one mounted on HH in 308 and can easily reach out to 800yds with the proper wind call. You want a scope that can give you accurate and reapeatable adjustments for long range shooting.

I've been looking at those. Those are nice for a cheap under $300 scope! I just don't know if I want a fixed scope. The 3x15 has all the features I want and only $699. Saves me $250 from the viper but not as many features. Any other recommendations for a long range scope under 800?

Don't underestimate the SWFA SS variable or fixed. It is WAY underpriced relative to the competition. Reasons for that are many, but primarily b/c of distribution channels and business model. The fixed 10x, 16x or 20X are EXCELLENT scopes. NO one can compete for the dollar. They are NOT cheap scopes. They are high quality, affordably priced. Well worth every bit of $600.

If you can afford the variable, I would HIGHLY recommend it, also. That same scope by any other mfr would be priced well over $1,000. When you say it has fewer features than the viper, what features are you referring to? Know that there is also someone selling zero-stop shims for the turrets. They are $10-20. Bottom line is they are durable, have excellent tracking, good hash mils as you said you wanted and excellent clarity, brightness, etc.

The viper is illuminated which I read helps when zoomed out and the reticle gets smaller, and yes the zero stops.. I read that the SS scopes are made by tasco and everyone says tasco sucks, so that kinda threw me off however I know its not in the same caliber as the cheap tascos. Just like primary arms, its a China scope but much better then the cheap ncstar and tascos.
I could afford the variable at $699 rather then the vortex at $950. Is the 3x15 enough zoom To shoot out to 1000 yards?

I don't shoot 1,000 yds, so I can't say.

Also, I do understand your concerns about "Tasco". Don't let that throw you, though. I am not sure they are made by them anymore. Regardless, even when they were, they were NOT "Tasco" quality. I have 2 20x's and they are superb.

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Originally Posted by yobuck

you are correct he did say that. he is also seeking advise on shooting out to possibly 1000 yds.
fact is the difference in any of the cartridges mentioned only amounts to a couple clicks on the dial
for his intended use. if its an education he wants theres no better choice than a 308.
just walk in and buy a very good one.

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Actually your wrong. Shooting long distance bc is your biggest factor you can control. That is why most long range guys will gravitate to the 6.5's unless you really need the extra energy down range.


Remember its all about the wind and how stable your round is.

Yes, true. That is already settled though. I'll be going to 260 eventually but don't want to upgrade to another scope when I do, well I don't want to HAVE to. I just would love to hear anyone recommending the swfa ss 3x15 out to 1000 yards. Or something similar to this or the viper PST 6x24 without the $1000 price tag.

I don't know anything about 1,000 yard shooting, but would also like to hear what others think about using fixed 20x for 600-1,000 yards... reason being, if 20x fixed is enough, I would like to hear from others who shoot the SWFA SS 20x at 1,000 yrds

I'm looking at the 3x15 swfa ss model, so is 15x enough? The 20x is enough I've read on hide that the swfa 20 is solid for 1k but I want a variable.

Well I run the vortex HS-T 4-16x44 on my hunting rig and like it but I would probably look for more magnification if I were shooting 1k all the time. For 5-600 yards I like it.

Jason a major determining factor is what type of target will be at 1000 yards? If it's an F-class target with 1MOA bull then you want high mag, at least 36X and a variable would be preferable to dial down when the mirage is bad. On the other hand if 1000 yard steel, like 12"x12" tactical shoots, then 15 or 20X mag maximum is the ticket since you must spot your misses in the scope and adjust; in this case a fixed power is fine and reticle graduations matching the turret is nice. I have a Bushnell Tac Elite 6-24 which is a good compromise, but higher mag would definitely help a lot for 1MOA at longer distances. I like the fixed mags to get the most bang for the buck, but if you plan to shoot a wide range of targets then variable is the way to go.

i will be shooting tactical practical precision matches. So varying ranges of targets as well as steel. I dont plan on shooting benchrest. I def. need a variable powered scope, I know that much. I just dont want t be guessing at 1k yards where i am shoooting as I can hardly see the target. i think it might be a good deal to just save up for the viper PST as it has everything I could want and then some, just its a little bit more expensive then I wish to spend. I hope I can manage to get it before April when I get to take the rifle clinic!
Appreciate any suggestions though, keep them coming!