Ep. 184 | Long Range on a Budget - Can You Do It?

Long Range on a budget - Can it be done? Hell-yeah it can. Jim and Mark sit down with in-house long-range shooters Nick Laufenberg and Scott Parks to discuss options and how to effectively engage in the ever increasing in popularity activity of long-range shooting. We also debut the Venom 5-25x56 riflescope - a budget-friendly, optically-sound and feature-rich riflescope, sure to make any current or future long-range shooter smile. After personally running this scope through its paces prior to launch, Jim and Mark both agree this scope performs like a champ - and you know how mark likes to live that “pinky-up” life, so that’s saying something.
As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.
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[@DanielBoone337]

I think everyone needs to start off on the budget end of things and start modifying to fit their needs as their skill set develops because through that process is when you learn what matters and what works best for you. I started shooting groups while reloading for hunting and started trying to stretch things out at longer ranges all with a factory Howa 1500 hunting rifle. I started modifying it once I found its limits to help me reach the next goal and I learn so much along the way about everything to do with shooting with that 1 rifle... Granted I wasn't shooting competition and I don't shoot long range while hunting. The whole process from reloading, modifying guns, to shooting long range or just hunting in general is all part of being a gun enthusiast. Great podcast guys yall rock!!!

[@VortexNation]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for tuning in, Daniel!

[@davidandre886]

I agree to an extent. There are certain purchases that are just useless, and if you spend a bit more you get a lot more. Agree first time gun buyer doesn’t need a ZCO and 375 cheytec

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

I bought a Ruger American Hunter .308 with the Magpul chassis for $700 and a Vortex Diamondback Tactical for $400 and rings for $80. I haven’t done anything crazy with it yet but I am very happy with it. Hopefully I can hit a silhouette at 1000. I am not expecting 5” groups at 1000 but if I can just reach that first goal then my budget was well spent. Great podcast. Keep’em coming!

[@Enders1315]

I built something similar using the Ruger American Predator 18" in 308. Longest shot I've gotten so far was a deer at 300yds uphill. It's a great rifle for the money. I love it.

[@sadsciuidae3425]

@@Enders1315 JD great choices; with or without you a 1000yd rig

[@brinkee7674]

If you want to shoot 1000 yards then there are much better choices than 308. Just wonder what rounds you are shooting

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

@@brinkee7674 Typically serra match when doing long range. I have been able to hit at 700. It is not as easy as I thought lol. But I'm getting much better at it. But this rifle is definitely able to do it. Would I take a shot at a moose at that distance, absolutely not. I do agree there are much better calibers to choose from to do that, but I'm not using it for that.

[@ChrisEdling]

There are many 308 loads that stay supersonic at 1000 yards, and when handloaded 308 is beast, basically makes 6.5 creedmoor irrelevant

[@454Casul]

With inflation and gas prices, we have to budget more than ever!

[@hardball107]

I have to chime in here. I’m old as dirt, been shooting since 11, I’m not made of money and I’m an avid handloader. Long story short back in the late 70’s I bought a used Ruger M77 with the heavy barrel in 25/06 for banging ‘chucks. Took them out to just over 500 yards. Fast forward to 2017 and I bought a Savage 12FV with the 26” bull barrel and Accu-Trigger in 6.5 Creedmoor used for $250. I installed a Glades Armory bolt handle and a 6x24x50 Vortex Tactical scope, a cheap Amazon bipod and headed for the range with some 123gr handloads using 748 powder. I was rewarded with sub 1/2” groups at 100 yards Tupperware stock and all. After some load development and using my neck turned brass ringing 6” steel at 330 yards was like phoning home. I pushed it out to just over 500 yards on a friend’s range and thanks to my years of NM shooting I was posting some 3” groups if I did my part. IMHO 1000 yards for $1000 is very possible. I did modify the stock with 3/8” rod epoxied into a filled forend and without handloading it would be no way so you have to take that into account. 1000 for 1000 ? You bet but there a lot of “if’s” in there and some of them money can’t buy.

[@junkyardog6621]

Best match bullets are the newly machined copper spun projectiles. Ft. Scott does an amazing job with all of their rounds and with the t.u.i. performance, they are perfect for both accuracy and damage. Win win!!!

[@SpetsnazBear-3710]

Really FUN show. Lots of laughs and good information. .338 Lapua is $6-7 a round for budget ammo in my part of the world. I seem to be spending a lot time w/ the .22LR as of late. New scope is very nice from what I read. Cheers Vortex

[@VortexNation]

🤜🤛

[@traceyevans2757]

Bought a used savage 110 BA Stealth for 750 that came w/ UTG bipod, and bought a vortex crossfire II Tactical 6-24*50 for 399 and vortex precision rings for 150. After tax on the new scope and rings, I’m right at 1350 in a gun I take out to 1250m on the regular. I’m not hitting quarters, but I’m hitting the 10” gong. I’m very happy w/ it and am not scared to take it hunting.

[@gimiked8685]

Yea I did the same with a tc compass in 6.5 and the vortex tactical. So cheap to get into long range and get out to those 1000 yard gongs.

[@cbwelch4]

How much does it weigh? Where I hunt, humping a gun over 8 lbs. with all the crap you have to carry for all day or overnight makes a difference. Especially if you have to hump a carcass out for a couple miles. Why I love my Superlight T3X.

[@bobtosi9346]

Big gun

[@OneMoreGrave]

Shot 1K yards on my little turd TC Compass 6.5 creedmoor with a Bushnell buckmaster II. Cost me $350 total. Is it as good as a precision rifle? No where close. Can it be done? Yes.

[@dgambrel9241]

I got my 6.5 compass when they were $175 with a $75 rebate, $10 wal mart rings, 79.99 clearance 3.5-10 diamondback out shoots my Cooper out to 500. It's amazing

[@dalemyers9045]

I have the same gun in a Vortex Diamondback 4-12 package. She outshoots me for sure.

[@wes326]

Compass in .270 with a Vortex 6-18.

[@johnfordham8133]

Terrific guest, just awesome.

[@perryvath7617]

I just got a 4-16 Vortex Tactical & love it. Looking to go from 165 to 600 yds with Ruger AP, 6.5 CM… Learning stage.

[@Calaveras32Spcl]

Took my first long range intro class a couple months ago with a Ruger American 223 and Athlon scope. Not a great setup for 1000 yards, but was all i had. Learned a lot, now looking to put together something dedicated for 1000 yard steel.

[@sethjohnson5681]

A 2-10x44 ffp with parallax, capped windage and the ebr 7c coming in at about 12in long would be fantastic. Alot of people are building and playing with mk12 spr type rifles and I feel like it would fill a void that alot of people are wanting. I personally can't find one.

[@ALovelyBunchOfDragonballz]

Have you seen the Primary Arms GLx 2.5-10x44mm? It's certainly well liked by people that have it.

[@sinistersilverado965]

You guys have the best podcast in the shooting world

[@SCQT]

Heavy barreled flavor of T3x in caliber of choice(.308 imo if you are learning and not competing, 6/6.5CM if you are) + $10 Yodave trigger spring + KRG = done. B14 HMR, if you can live with the trigger. Factory Tikka trigger with a reduced spring is about as good as it gets south of $150 aftermarket though imo Got a TAC A1 new for around $1200, still the best factory rifle deal ive ever come across. Absurdly good rifle for the money.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

The tac a1 in 6.5 creed using 147 eldms is a great set up. I prefer the 308 but my brothers 20 inch gas gun loves 147 eldm us if for steel down to varmints

[@MarkJ-zp6sy]

That’s an incredible price for the tikka tac a1. Great rifle that makes 1000 yards look easy.

[@johntownley9885]

I started off with a Ruger American Predator in 6.5 Creedmore with an Arken 6-24 and was able to get to 1000 without much trouble. I did finally buy a Vortex PST which didn’t really affect my range abilities. Long range shooting is a lot of fun and I got hooked. My second long range gun was a Ruger Precision in 6.5 Creed. I am now doing a custom build in 6 Creed because why not. Also don’t overlook the 6 ARC or 6.5 Grendel

[@tylarhaugan7908]

I am thinking about building 25 inch 6.5 grendel and use 130 eldm

[@jamesfarmer63]

MDT chassis are the best, I've got to save also I'm going to buy a christensen 375 and it's gonna cost me $2700 just for the rifel,&$2500 for the Dessert eggle 44mag, guns are a great investment

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Most rifles shoot better than the person pulling the trigger.

[@wayne8276]

Interesting topic . .lots of options for buyers looking at equipment and info on line .. such as this . Thank you .

[@royworthy3217]

How bout a video on the fundamentals of shooting

[@VortexNation]

What would you like to see covered?

[@armandomada633]

Thank you for the tips on the budget.Happy hunting

[@travis4man]

I really appreciate this video!!!!

[@adamnajera1297]

Great talk guys!

[@greenstreet5287]

This podcast is awesome for me as a new shooter. Very useful and helpful info. Big fan of vortex optics

[@VortexNation]

That is awesome to hear - we're glad you find them helpful! 😊

[@gordonfuentes808]

Awesome video very educational especially for a 1st time shooter 😎🤙🏽Alooooooooha 🏝👊🏽

[@jamesfarmer63]

I bought a Savage 338Lapua Magnum in a MDT,LSS XL I PAID $1700 FOR JUST THE RIFEL not counting the suppressor i put on it,& i put a vortex 1x26 scope on it all total I've got 3k invested in it

[@borisptitsyn2130]

I bought my first bolt action last week and used the buy once, cry once mantra. Sako S20 in 6.5 PRC for $1,500. Im going to get a 6.8 western soon. Im blessed.

[@Unclefish97]

The Savage blade, love it. I have more expensive rifles like a Christianson arms in a 6.5 creedmore. However that accutrigger seems to work better for me. My Savage 270 with a cheap Nikon scope and Walmart $13 a box ammo shoots circles around the Christianson with a higher end vortex scope hand loads. Actually ticks me off 😜 for me the accutriger just seems to work better. To each his own. What works for me might not work for Joe

[@beauwatson6893]

I have a friend who adamantly states his Savage Axis II in 270 is his most accurate and most consistent shooting rifle he has: he has some pretty expensive rifles. I have a Savage Axis II heavy barrel (18") with a Boyds varmint stock and Nikon 2.5-10 scope: it shoots 3/4 MOA from a bipod any time I take it out. No bedding. I actually like the accutrigger.

[@Airon79]

How far are ya'll shooting ?

[@Dale37]

My favorite thing to do is sit on my porch and shoot my .22 LR. I only have a 65 yard shooting distance but with a .22 it gives enough of a challenge to practice my fundamentals, which helps with confidence when I take my .223 Ruger American Predator to the range and shoot it at farther distances.

[@bencurry6520]

This podcast is helping with my scope decisions for a 6.5 prc build I’m putting together. Wish the EBR 1 was still around though on the lower end scopes.

[@mattneabling]

I just picked up a Viper PST 6-24X50 gen 1 with the EBR MOA for $500 from Scheels. Next is trying to figure out what rifle I want.

[@thomaswall4285]

I learned a bunch today. Thanks, T

[@IDGAF56852]

You can definitely make a budget precision long range rifle with the right components. I started with a weatherby vanguard. 308 short action 26 inch barrel with a 1 in 10 twist rate that i got new for $1000.00,i then bought an MDT oryx solid one piece aluminium chassis for $400.00 and dropped the .308 into it so the barrel is now fully floated and the action is bedded.I then got a gunsmith to thread the muzzle to take a good quality muzzle break-$200.00, lightened the trigger to 2lbs,bought a near new vortex 6x25x50 scope for $500.00 and put that on the rifle. Im now just over $2000,00 with this rifle but im shooting 500 yard targets with consistent tight groupings-2.5 moa and 800 yards-4 moa. Not bad for a 100 yard hunting rifle.

[@Robert-iu3ks]

Excellent podcast, very informative to what I can work with and defining what my goals are. One question: What was the cheek riser used on your Ruger American?

[@joehunt4506]

Currently setting my “long range” rifle up. Mossberg Patriot Night Train in .300 win mag. Changed the factory synthetic stock to a Boyds At-One stock. Replaced the junk UTG Leaper scope with a Vortex 6x24x50 (MRAD-FFP) Diamondback Tactical, and Burris XTR signature scope rings.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

My tikka in 300 winmag loves that scope set up using barnes lrx 175 grain favorite deer load. Btw using lowest charge of imr 4350 so 30-06 velocity so pumped to do .3 below max

[@pwn3426]

Love my Bergara b14 HMR in 308

[@liamlapierre329]

Have the same gun. Fantastic!

[@bmstylee]

I have the same but in the hipster caliber. It's really nice.

[@BlakeCWong]

Just ordered the venom in mrad. I was on the fence about a gen 1 viper and the diamond back. Thanks so much for these podcasts.

[@lumpyzx2645]

I got the mrad 4-16 diamondback and I'm very happy with it, next ffp scope I think I'm gonna go for the 4-14 athlon tho because of price and I have a 1-4 athlon that I'm very impressed with

[@lumpyzx2645]

I also just now realized this video was on Vortex's channel lol, it auto played, was watching whoteewho

[@Oculus729]

You need to do a show specifically on putting together a .22 long range rifle. Thanks.

[@24revealer]

I'd go with a 243 winchester if I was reloading my own ammo.

[@THEBOSS-vn2ky]

Or a 22.250 ?

[@lumpyzx2645]

I went from 1moa with a factory ruger american predator 6.5 creedmoor to .25moa with an ICD chassis, timney trigger, and vg6 gamma 65 brake (thats with factory ammo, I now only use winchester deer season xp 125gr)

[@lumpyzx2645]

Also, that was with a cheap 105 dollar UTG 4-16x44 scope, I now have a 4-16x44 ffp mrad vortex on it which is definitely a huge upgrade but ive been very impressed with almost all UTG products, my UTG scopes have taken an absolute beating and never lost zero, and they zero easily, their scope mounts and rings are very good, and their ar parts are also good, as are their flashlights, their only "not very good" products imo are their holsters, honestly they suck, but I like their stocks, buffer tubes, etc, their flashlights are super bright and seem very durable as well, haven't tested the waterproofing because I don't want to risk my 70 dollar flashlight but it has been exposed to rain and moisture and extreme cold

[@sandych33ks1]

6.5 ammo is more expensive.. The 308 is cheap and available. It may not be the best all around but the 308 is the top of the hill especially in these ammo shortage times and price gouging.

[@MrT13]

308 will still make you a better shooter than the rest. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SoccerVJ2011]

And Barrel life for 308 is around 8K 6.5 is about 2K before it starts losing accuracy

[@Hammerback972]

Used Savage Axis 2 Precision, UTG bipod and cheap brake was on it when i bought it, gave 600 for it, had a cheap optic i put on just because i was itching to shoot the rifle (Millet) and burris rings. Lightened the trigger, only took it to 400 yards, but ive only had it 2 weeks

[@rustyshackleford2723]

Good point, the next gen scopes will have everything for 500 or less. Even the that latest scope will be outdated shortly

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

I bought the Vortex Diamondback Tactical, new for 400 bucks and it is doing great. 400 was my budget and it is perfect for that.

[@WRA838]

I run nightforce Leupold pst gen 2. I just brought the venom exceptional scope with rev stop in it’s only got 47 moa but that gets you a fair way. For the price unreal even tracks on tall target test.

[@VortexNation]

Right on - thanks for the support, Ollie!

[@tomlongbow]

I missed FFP / Milrad ranging. Width of target in meters x 1000 divided by width of target in mils = range in meters.

[@1FAST91SONOMA]

long range is getting easier and cheaper. 1000 yards is super easy these days for $1000. 1000 yards is the same challenge these days 1500 yards was less than a decade ago. Rifles, scopes, and ammo just keep getting better. Triggers too, those have gone crazy in the past decade.

[@luloadventure]

Great Podcast, very helpful conversation to new long range shooters like me. When a interview with Nick talking about his new Book?

[@richard5547]

Must be nice to call a 1500 hun rifle a low budget gun!!!!!

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Best factory rifle that I’ve shot which already ticks all boxes is the Tikka TacA1. It’s close to £1800 now here so not cheap but has the best action of the lot, a very good two stage trigger, an AR type rigid chassis with folding but stock and full length rail with a barrel shroud to take custom rails and attachments. Adjustable lop and cheek piece too. The only problem with it is unlike the Ruger PR the barrel is not in line with the folding but stock but it still shoots bug holes. Optics wise I would argue that the optic quality matters a lot more than you guys suggest. Maybe not for hitting steel but for observation and long range shooting it matters a lot. Repeatability of turrets tends to be less accurate or consistent on cheaper optics too. Eyebox and eye relief matters a lot for rapid target acquisition as well as fov. That pretty much means min scope cost is probably still around a thousand for something decent. I use a PM2 and an NSX and my budget scope is a Tactical Elite which is a great scope, does everything you talk about well but compared with the PM2 it’s a night and day difference.

[@saltycowboy8900]

Glass quality really matters if you’re talking about 1k. If you can’t see what you’re aiming at you’ll rarely hit it. You’d be better off with quality glass at 24* than 50* with crap glass.

[@jonathanbennison9220]

1:43 That. Thank you Mark.

[@MrT13]

Nowadays a ruger American predator. Or mossberg mvp lr and a arken optics with some good heavy rings and a swivel Harris is really not the wrong answer. Especially in 6.5cm yea I said it lol. The 1000 yards for under 1000$ is definitely definitely the world we live in.

[@dougmorehouse7035]

You're not wrong ... I'm actually a fan of a Savage Accu-triggers, but that Mossberg MVP trigger is a very good trigger as well... I'm eyeing a 6.5 PRC as my next long range build, currently have 3 1000 rifles I've done up, but the 6.5 PRC should be able to get to the "Mile." 👍 Arken is really probably the best"bang for the buck" I've seen.

[@MrT13]

@@carolinausedmachinery I can put my old fclass stuff in the hands of some of these ppl and it’ll group 5” too…. But pretty much everything does under 2” nowadays with pretty much all ammo. I recently got a friend into reloading and showed him how to tune a load one step at a time. And he’s got some dirt cheap 260$ Remington something in 270 that shoots .6-.7 all day long every day now with good cases good powder berger bullets with a good load good seating on bullet and primer etc etc. It really all depends but 2 moa will get you on a milk jug after a few rounds at a thousand no problem. I’ve got a mossberg mvp lr in 6.5c that shoots .3-.4 all day too. It’s just a cheap spray painted long range pig gun.

[@MrT13]

@@dougmorehouse7035 yea I’ve gone two I think they are very decent glass. And I’ve cheaply got into the prc now with a ruger. I started shooting the berg 153 out of it and 4350 lapua cases good load worked out and that thing is a pretty nice deal to shoot. It gets about .4-.5. Boringly predictable… it’ll get to 1800 any day of the week except hurricane season… lol. I wanna say if I remember right it’s right at 7 mill to get to 1000. I think I settled it somewhere around 2880 fps. Pretty decent gun to shoot….

[@ForestxWalker06]

@@carolinausedmachinery I have a mossberg patriot in 30-06 paired it with a vortex optic,some 180 gr federal fusions and I can get groups better than that.sometimes it’s the equipment for sure but other times it’s the operator.

[@Bigwals]

@@MrT13 do you even know what your talking about? 2 moa at a 1000 is over a 20 inch group, not sure how big your milk jugs are

[@airpower7692]

I'm going be seeing how far these airguns will shoot. so far I've only shot out at 100yards with them no problem

[@ME_white5419]

Tikka mimics the savage with reloads. 1/2” to 1-1/4” groups

[@Kman31ca]

I found a Tikka varmint for a great deal just after X-mas. Spent some money on optics, used factory ammo and I can get out to 1000 yards pretty easy (if I do my part and the wind isn't crazy.) It's a great coyote rifle and I've even used it on deer.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

I do use a ruger american compact in 7mm08 for my long range training rifle using magpul stock

[@Inboundlight]

Jimmy is practicing to be a Sith Lord… we never see his eyes in this podcast due to his flat bill hat… I dub thee “Darth Vortex”

[@VortexNation]

Ahhhhhh yes...you've caught him😂

[@gcanaday1]

@@VortexNation maybe paint his rifle in blocky red and black tribal designs "At last we will have our revenge on the whitetail"

[@nathanbean2499]

Remington 700adl in 30-06, piller bedded into a Boyd's At-One stock. Having picked the trigger yet but getting a Vortex Diamondback to throw on it this weekend.

[@jamesfarmer63]

I not only shoot compatision with my 338Lapua magnum,but i hunt with it too, anything from deer to brown bear& if i don't want use that then i also use my Henary 45-70 with a 500gr hard cast bullets it's almost at the same power as a 458wm😊

[@mattreardon5648]

14:45 "Just the way it is... Like an Aspen" 😂😂😂

[@trentsnaza3372]

Brass prep jim!! Brass prep!! Places a huge part

[@bmstylee]

If you would bring back the ebr1 in the Razor Gen 2 I would buy it in a minute. Grid reticles are just too busy for my eyes. I guess I'll keep saving for my Nightforce ATACR.

[@rossespiritu5064]

Everything Vortex, I love it! I'm looking at your spam by the way

[@VortexNation]

🙌🙌Keep your hands off our spam 😉😂

[@mikefinley4367]

Thanks guys, you solved my rifle issues. Wanting to get into precision but having no rifle and a interest in small game ...a 22 with a scope I can transfer to a 6.5 later is how I'm going at things. Thirty videos later I get resolve, ha!

[@Oneofthetwelve]

Hi Mike. Look for a Swedish rifle in 6.5 Swedish. 👍🏻

[@thrivealist9458]

I love blade as well

[@warrengreen3217]

I like the BCD for my scopes sighted in at 200 yards instead of 100

[@VortexNation]

Definitely a solid option!

[@nk-dw2hm]

Last summer I threw my dad's 30+ year old 22-250 in a chassis with a ffp diamondback tactical. With his old handloads I was getting .5 moa at 100 yards. Factory ammo was anywhere from 2 to 4 inches depending on manufacturer. Considering bumping up the scope (even though that was a splurge for me) because I know that cartridge will get me to 500+ with no trouble

[@VortexNation]

That is super cool! If you need a recommendation for an optic, we know a guy 😉

[@leehrvyoswld]

Yes

[@Megames2012]

Yes. With my T/C Compass Gen 1, I shot a 1.25 inch group at 100 yards with 150 gr 308 Federal PowerShok. Also, one of our best selling scope is the Vortex 4-12x44 Crossfire 2; most prefer it over the 4-12x40 and 3-9x40 Diamondback.

[@dalemyers9045]

I have the original TC Compass in 6.5CM with Vortex Diamondback 4-12. I get close to one inch groups and I'm no great shooter. I'll keep working on my fundamentals then will step up to Vergara HMR.

[@brinkee7674]

Used to self build rifles off of Savage action. Usually getting very cheap at pawn shop and selling barrel. Would either replace stock or reinforce stock fore end with arrows. For around $500 to $700 I would have a rifle capable or well under 1/2 MOA. Never spent more than $1000 on rifle but that had new stock, barrel, bipod and trigger and would shoot with three bullets touching each other or smaller. Many folks say they have a 1/2 MOA gun because they shoot a 1/2" group now and then. A true 1/2" gun will always shoot 1/2" or better unless due to the nut behind trigger

[@Goudney]

My buddy recently got some kind of budget Remington in 6.5 creedmoor and I was very sceptical at first but once we sighted it in, despite having an awful trigger, I managed to shoot a 0.6" 5 shot group at 100 yards

[@miamislice3280]

Well, if it works, it twerks.

[@georgewhitworth9742]

@@miamislice3280 *works. Twerk doesn't work, only siphens.

[@Emil-hx6fq]

Great discussion. I just purchased a Bergara B-14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor, and I am having a difficult time deciding on which scope to use. I got a Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x 44 for Xmas but I am leaning on returning it to get the 6-24x50.

[@VortexNation]

Right on! What do you primarily plan to use it for?

[@Emil-hx6fq]

After a lot of thought and YT reviews I ended up getting the 6-24x50. I plan on using my set up for recreational long range and possibly a hunt or two.

[@chevyon37s]

@@Emil-hx6fq great choice on scope, as that’s what I would and have went with on my B-14 ridge as for me that’s my target rifle and I put a Leupold 4.5-14x50 on my B-14 terrain wilderness that I use for hunting

[@Big222Dog]

Just bought a Bergara B14 308 Rem today. for some range work and stalking red Deer Stags. live in N. Ireland.

[@parkerkimber2446]

Preferred Barrel Blanks has Tikka Prefits, the Boyds at 1 stock is a great price for a Ridgid stock too.

[@jamessutherland5107]

Planning out a 26" 30-06, Yugo 48 action, probly Shaw fluted barrel, and BT-25 scope, all on a magpull tactical style stock. Seems to be coming in around 1100 for parts(I've had the action for a while). Unsure of 'Smith costs or cerakote yet. Feelin like 2K, with a "cheap" scope.

[@normankaster917]

I did the same build Yugo Brno large ring Mauser (K98).... Timny trigger, Gentry 3 position safety, and placed it into an archangel chaise with a Douglas 26"#4 barrel chambered in 30-06, threaded and put a EC tuner muzzle break this thing is crazy, absolute shooter I ring steel at 1000 yards running factory ammo.... Actually Remington core lock tipped 165gr to be exact. You will be happy with your project mine ran me just under 1100 because I did allot of the work my self

[@jdmbraceyourself695]

Would love to see this one on 22lr

[@Big222Dog]

Have you any reviews on Vortex scopes??? Something for the range but could be use well for deer stalking.

[@deltaecho2621]

Saw tons of 300 WinMag and 50 BMG just this weekend on the shelves too.

[@fivex4756]

and 6.8 Western

[@jacobivy2854]

I run a Tikka T3x CTR in 6.5CM with a 24” stainless heavy profile barrel. I think it’s a fantastic, budget friendly starter. If you can’t afford a MDT chassis, the KRGs are nice. That plus a APW muzzle break will bring you in around or maybe a little under $2,000 USD. You can then spend as much or as little as you want on the glass. My total build with bipod and all is a little north of $3,000, and I think it competes well with truly custom builds that can be far more expensive.

[@davidandre886]

Not even close. The rifle, maybe somewhat, but 1000 dollar scope compared to a double or more? Who are you trying to convince

[@jacobivy2854]

@@davidandre886 That’s why I said you can spend as much or little as you want on glass. You can extreme quality for $1000, especially if you wait for deals and sales. There is a law of diminishing returns. The difference between a $1,000-$1,500 and a $2,000-$3,000 scope is significantly less than the difference between a $300 and a $1000 scope. You end up paying for glass clarity ultimately. There are plenty of scopes under $1000 that will easily get you out to 1000 meters and beyond.

[@davidandre886]

Agree that there are diminishing returns, but I would say you are still getting a ton of extra performance up to 2 grand. I’d rather have a better scope on a cheaper gun.. can’t see it can’t hit it.

[@outdoorsythings2573]

some of the best triggers iv used have been on cva single shots, henry single shot, my zastiva lk m70 bolt action, and lymans great plains muzzle loader with double set trigger.. a few other rifles with double triggers. those doubke triggers or set triggers are probably the best. there like glass breaking.

[@nataliedeyton6829]

I have a brand new bergara HMR-pro that’s in need of a optic I think I’m gonna try out the new venom scope. I just can’t spend big money on a scope but 500 ish range is where I’m ok with

[@davidandre886]

This is the wrong attitude for long range shooting. Should have bought a cheaper rifle.

[@mik55tv22]

I built a 1000 yard rifle for 480$ you just gotta know what to buy there are many cheap very accurate rifles out there and cheap precision scopes like the vortex cf and others

[@jtjackson365]

Is that 480 recently? I am having a hard time finding just a rifle, no optics for that much.

[@matttraxler3567]

@@jtjackson365 It’s possible to by a used gun, have the barrel bedded and find a used optic for 500 but realistically you’re going to have atleast 800 in it for a quality build

[@The340king]

I would suggest that any new rifle be tested with several different types of ammo to find the factory load that works for it, then buy the case of ammo that works. In my AR 15, the Fiocchi Match Grade 77 bullets performed at less than MOA. The lighter bullets were increasingly worse than the as they got lighter, including the lighter Fiocchi Match Grade ammunition. More varieties are available since I last did a comparison and I need to have another range day to see what else may be as good or better.

[@nk-dw2hm]

1:7 twist on that? I've found with 55 to 62 grain factory ammo mine does fairly rough, but those are usually cheaper rounds also

[@The340king]

@@nk-dw2hm mine was 1:8 twist.

[@nk-dw2hm]

@@The340king I kinda wish I had gone 8 or 9 instead of 7 for mine, good luck out there!

[@benfernance4936]

@vortex nation podcast I'm a new shooter and a big fan of the podcast but I have noticed a trend with what you guys talk about : Ruger,tikka and savage rifles .223,.308 and 6.5 creed Open it up a bit, more rifle manufacturers and calibres Yes I did watch the 10 minute talks on calibres and loved them

[@FEARY888]

Absolutely what I needed to hear. Thanks

[@Oneofthetwelve]

Carl Gustav CG96 heavy barrel with Elite Diopter sights 6.5x55 Swedish cartridge. Under 1k and beautiful

[@ME_white5419]

$450 for rifle, &300 for scope, probably $900 total. Savage axis 308 Stainless steel bolt and barrel. Shoots with a Tikka T3 lite in 308 my brother has. We are both happy with both rifles and reload various bullets. Both are performers. No regrets on either rifle. I guess I got lucky with savage shooting above average but savage is known for accuracy. 1/2” to 1” groups are regular, with 1-1/4 inch groups also. But we reload so we keep them under 1” regularly by load development. The savage prefers Hornady factory loads in 125,150, 165gr SST superformance. Tikka likes Remington core lokt 150gr.

[@traylorpark4life962]

Honestly, if you spend enough time with your weapon and understand your ammo you can make that shot

[@lukethibodaux790]

I have two pre-accustock Savage rifles in 30-06 and 270WSM with super flexy stocks that shoot half MOA with hunting bullets (150gr TTSX and SGKs), which is really funny because one of them is badly warped and pressing against the right side of the barrel, not sure how Savage makes them shoot like that with absolute crap stocks but they do, granted not 1,000 yard match rifles but plenty good enough for hunting.

[@jesseg6708]

Swfa ss good budget scope

[@bmstylee]

They are solid. Just a bit outdated. Small objective lens and no zero stop kinda hurts them. I had a spare one and it was a hold over till I bought a proper long range optic for my 6.5 Creedmoor. Almost 5 years later I still haven't replaced it. 10x is plenty of power to hit 1000.

[@jonathanbennison9220]

1:26 It is also, a sime thing that you see anywhere that an activity has a high priced premium price tag. Kayaking. Archery. Camping. Hunting of course. And naturally all things around shooting. It has become very accessible through KZbin and other online platforms, to the public to view the best of the best athletes in a field, demonstrating the best performance with the best equipment. But premium too shelf price tags make things prohibitive for many people either looking to get started, or, living on a modest budget for the 'fun extras'. So, entry level affordable, but quality, functional, and enjoyable? That has its own premium.

[@Rick-tb4so]

Went from a single stage to a double and made a world of difference....

[@simonstern3127]

Hi guys I’m coming from Australia and watching your show and wanted to comment myself and a good friend have both recently jumped into some longer range precision shoots he has a tikka tac a1 and I have a RPR and with hand loads are giving f class a real hurry up and don’t agree that that what you guys are calling budget guns there are not competitive because we are consitantly well below MOA at 900 meters or 985yards the current guns are doing this easy

[@armeddiver]

I personally prefer to build from the ground up, not “modify’ and “tinker” with a built gun. Please let me put out there Zermatt Arms with Proof Research Prefit barrels. I love this combo for the core of all my bolt guns.

[@davidandre886]

I agree. Especially if you have some direction on what to get.

[@NBKarmwrestling]

Bergara B-14 HMR in 300 WM. Athlon Midas Tac 5-25x56 Athlon precision rings Badger Ordinance 30 MOA base Harris bipod I will hit at one mile.

[@DJChrisArgueta]

If you’re going for “budget” precision, then you HAVE to get the longer factory heavy barrel. That’s when the price jumps way up. An upgraded precision trigger is less than $300, a decent aftermarket chassis to replace the factory stock is less than $500. OK, that’s north of $1K (haven’t even talked about glass yet) but you have better long range capability than most third world armies.

[@5redwine1]

What brand is the green stock on the rifle in the foreground of the video?

[@jonathonvandenberg2535]

KRG Bravo probably

[@jeff0nyschuk670]

Tikka T3..6.5 crem...6x24 Bushnell scope..and let's go..

[@russellgavin1820]

I might be reading into this but Jimmy sounds like he just eluded to a gen 3 razor coming soon.

[@doubleutubefan5]

stay tuned....

[@jonathanhayward3013]

Personal I think any off the rack rifle with match grade ammo (reloaded for that rifle ) will shoot lights out .

[@gatorred157]

ps did you ever try a rugar american plastic stock with 2 part glue stuff and weight added i manage kick & handles easy rifle i broke wrist and hurt my shoulder! i have a cz-usa 550 hunting rifle it a stiff stock & Mauser type bolt rifle 6.5 x 55se, verses a Remington 700 Sendero 25-06 and vortex scope, it replaced a savage edge 25-06 if i already have ranges figured out drop ammo in and shoot factory rounds for cases i rebarrel a savage 110 in 7mm mag a 284 and better scope a simmon better scope! shooting not my thing fishing boating and hunting is it!

[@flip66five]

When you have 3 kids and 3 dogs and make 30k a year, a 1000 for a 1000 is the only viable option...

[@jjw5165]

Also used

[@Mattie_Ice]

30k a year? Work harder for those kids. Forget ELR. 30k is table scraps.

[@traceyevans2757]

If you have 3 kids and you’re only making 30k a year you need to focus on making more and providing better for those kids. That’s fuqing pathetic. You may be a great father, but 30k is poverty. Forget spending a grand on yourself. You don’t deserve it. Focus on those children.

[@adamr9215]

@@traceyevans2757 Depends on where he lives. It may be nothing on either coast, but in the middle, there are places you can live very comfortably on that kind of money. In the rural area that I live in, people get by on less and aren’t poor.

[@2amichaelj]

A firearm is providing for his family... his family's safety is priceless.

[@stevenmike1878]

lmao if you bought a $100 mosin nagant back in the 2000-2012 apparently everyone was shooting a 1000 yards with those. you never saw the paper to prove it. but all the forums had around 12 dudes who said they did.

[@gcanaday1]

Mine did these fantastic 3" groups at 100. Haha.

[@eggbert191]

Tiborasaurus rex has a video of him hitting around 900 yards with a Mosin

[@Flyingcircustailwheel]

I've done it with a 1903, although it took 15 rds lmao

[@hotrod5969]

What are the specifications on the rifle use for the video? I may want to use it as a baseline for my own rifle.