Lemonaid Wrote:Is your precision shooting interest just an individual pursuit or entering into matches? A good scope could go on either rifle so I would get one for your savage and see what it can do. If you want to compete, go to a match and see what others are using. The Precision Rifle Blog is an excellent site, it has a category "What the pro's use." check that out. https://precisionrifleblog.com/category/what-the-pros-use/

7kings Wrote:As far as my goals for precision shooting, initially I'm really interested in it as an individual pursuit. Of course, that's not to say that I wouldn't eventually be interested in matches, but that's not what's driving me right now. I know the .243 is a great cartridge for long-range and precision shooting in general, and has a long history behind it, so I feel good about the caliber.

Thanks for the advice.

Brian

biodsl Wrote:Brian...I'd be inclined to start with what you have. It might be fun to maximize your performance with what you have right now.
Do you reload? You could start by trying to develop an accurate load for 300 yards. You don't even need high BC bullets at that distance. I suspect you could shoot some small groups with the right bullet in your current rifle.
You can always spend more money later

Klem Wrote:Brian,

For paper punching, if it is results you are after I would stick with the 243 in the bolt gun. If it is comfort and semi auto fun then go the Grendel in an AR.

Look at your barrel, scope and trigger either way.

Rosecrans1 Wrote:Hi Brian,

Without investing much in the Savage 243, just see how it shoots with the mossy oak stock on it. See if that barrel free-floats first while in the stock. (dollar bill should slide up to the forward lug at the chamber without impeding).
I have a SA 110 and a 16 savage in 7mm08 for hunting. Both barrels are thin-profiles and are very very accurate UNTIL the third shot then they start to gap quite a bit.
300 and 600 yard shooting of a 6.5 Grendel AR or bolt rifle is a breeze with the right barrel, trigger and optics. If the Savage is all over the place on 5 shot groups, you may want to look at a Grendel upper or look at a replacement barrel for the Savage with a heavier profile. (but if it has no accu-trigger, that would need upgraded also along with the stock most likely). :p

VASCAR2 Wrote:You can always paint a stock or use a wrap to get past the appearance. If you decide to get another AR-15 upper you might consider the 6 MM ARC. The 6 MM ARC uses the same .243 bullets as your 243 Winchester Savage but uses a necked down 6.5 Grendel case to 6 MM/243. At least you’d have commonality of bullets.

For hunting I think the 6.5 Grendel has an edge of performance over the 6 MM ARC on medium size game. For purely target shooting and varmint hunting I think the 6 MM ARC is a little better than the 6.5 Grendel. I have several 6.5 Grendel rifles but no 6 MM ARC rifles but it is worth considering.

I think you’ve gotten good advise and think buying a different scope and start shooting your 243. If you like target shooting maybe add another cartridge for the AR-15. With either the 6.5 Grendel or 6 MM ARC you can use your 5.56/223 lower. If your lower has is a mil spec single stage trigger you might consider a better trigger. On an AR-15 the most important items are a Quality barrel, good optic or sights and a good trigger.

A5BLASTER Wrote:Honestly the 243 you own now will be the cheapest route to go but it will never give you Precision out to 600 yards without handloads, a better stock and then it's not going to be very good at 600 yards due too a barrel with to fast of a twist too use the better long distance bullets needed to beat the wind.

Since your wanting it for your own training and enjoyment shooting to 600 yards. I say go grendel but understand dont go rack grade on the barrel. Have your barrel made custom, go with a 24 inch barrel to get the most speed you can get with factory ammo.

In fact my best advice is to call Mark at Precision firearms and tell him what your wanting to do and what he suggest from his products to get that best fits your budget and gives you the accuracy/ precision your hoping to have.

I think Mark still gives his new member first order discount.

A5BLASTER Wrote:Honestly the 243 you own now will be the cheapest route to go but it will never give you Precision out to 600 yards without handloads, a better stock and then it's not going to be very good at 600 yards due too a barrel with to fast of a twist too use the better long distance bullets needed to beat the wind.

Since your wanting it for your own training and enjoyment shooting to 600 yards. I say go grendel but understand dont go rack grade on the barrel. Have your barrel made custom, go with a 24 inch barrel to get the most speed you can get with factory ammo.

In fact my best advice is to call Mark at Precision firearms and tell him what your wanting to do and what he suggest from his products to get that best fits your budget and gives you the accuracy/ precision your hoping to have.

I think Mark still gives his new member first order discount.

Mesa1978 Wrote:Savage.

You can change the barrel out on the 11 with the nut system, if the current barrel isn't satisfactory, as long as the barrel channel can accommodate the new barrel, or be made to fit, for less than a new precision Grendel, to see if you like the game.

Mesa1978 Wrote:As an aside, i purchased a Savage 110 Precision and cheap Vortex Diamondback Tactical for the price of a premium Grendel AR upper. The stock Savage bolt shoots tighter groups, but the Savage isn't too popular in PRS because of feeding challenges of the 110 action, some actions are better than others. I beveled the ejector and have reliability now.

drewthebrave Wrote:Let's see how the Savage shoots! A cheap bolt gun is often more precise than an expensive semi-auto, and Savage has a pretty good reputation for accuracy with the excellent Accutrigger. If you're just looking dip your toes in the precision shooting world, I think you have the perfect entry level tool for the job.