best calibre

[GazMorris]

Getting back to an ACTUAL good calibre though - 6.5x55, or one of the modern (shorter) incarnations, such as the .260 Rem (a .308 case, necked down to take a 6.5 bullet, so available in Short Action receiver rifles)

Glad to see that you've said this Saddler, as I've just bought a Tikka T3 Lite in 260 Rem for pretty much exactly the same purposes as the original poster. It'll be used for fun target shooting until I've got some more guided stalking experience and some land to shoot over, then will become a dual purpose deer / fun gun. (Range report to come...)

Gaz

PS - http://scottishlaw.blogspot.co.uk/2012/ ... ms-as.html

[Mattnall]

Another +1 for the 6.5-08/260Rem.

The 6.5mm bullets can be ballistically so much better (or should I say forgiving) than the equivalent .30cal bullets, I say this from personal experience and side-by-side comparison. Personally I have a 260Rem, but I have been told that the 6.5x55 and the other long action 6.5s are also very good.

If you reload then the 260 is great and no more expensive than 308, but if you buy factory rounds that is a whole different kettle of fish and then I would go with the cheaper and easier to feed 308/7.62.

[nearly there]

At the moment i buy factory ammo but looking to reload.once i do ill look into the 260 rem.thanks

[ordnance]

Can you consistently hit a fist size target at 800 yards. ?

[Swamp Donkey]

Can you consistently hit a fist size target at 800 yards. ?

Once he's practiced at 800 on paper, like quoted a little further down in the replies, maybe so, but I guess you didn't read anything but the OP ?

[ordnance]

Once he's practiced at 800 on paper,

Good on him if he can, I personally think trying to shoot deer at that range is irresponsible. If he is gets that good that he can consistently hit a 6 inch target in different weather conditions at 800 yards he should be shooting at the commonwealth games or similar. But not live animals IMO.

[Mattnall]

Once he's practiced at 800 on paper,

Good on him if he can, I personally think trying to shoot deer at that range is irresponsible. If he is gets that good that he can consistently hit a 6 inch target in different weather conditions at 800 yards he should be shooting at the commonwealth games or similar. But not live animals IMO.

Good job he never even suggested it then.

[ordnance]

Good job he never even suggested it then

I see I wonder how I got confused my mistake. No one would want to shoot a deer at that range would they. ?

Hi just want to ask you folk your opinion on the best calibre for upto 800yd shootong.(id like to shoot animals and paper with it.)what make of rifle and calibre do you suggest.thanks

For both animal and paper targets,not animals at 600yds but i can understand the confusion

The animal would be deer,

[nearly there]

Once he's practiced at 800 on paper,

Good on him if he can, I personally think trying to shoot deer at that range is irresponsible. If he is gets that good that he can consistently hit a 6 inch target in different weather conditions at 800 yards he should be shooting at the commonwealth games or similar. But not live animals IMO.

I think we have crossed wires.i did not say i was shooting animals a 800yds.i simply said i was looking for a good dual rifle for animals and paper.id only shoot at that range into paper

[Swamp Donkey]

Once he's practiced at 800 on paper,

Good on him if he can, I personally think trying to shoot deer at that range is irresponsible. If he is gets that good that he can consistently hit a 6 inch target in different weather conditions at 800 yards he should be shooting at the commonwealth games or similar. But not live animals IMO.

I think we have crossed wires.i did not say i was shooting animals a 800yds.i simply said i was looking for a good dual rifle for animals and paper.id only shoot at that range into paper

It's not crossed wires buddy. It's people reading the first post, and jumping in with an answer without reading other posts that clear up any confusion. Easy done with such an emotive subject of long range shots on live quarry.

If you are going to do it, it needs to be freehand standing, headshot with amax with a busy picnic area just behind the quarry


Now, where did I put my tin hat ? Lol