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Hi folks, I'm looking for my first bolt action rifle and I'd like a few ideas please! So far I have these criteria:

1) bolt action
2) I will go brand new for my first
3) budget up to £1500 for rifle. Maybe a bit more for something really nice...

So what would you have and why?
It'll be used out to 1000 yds at Bisley
I Quite like 'sniper' style stocks for want of a better word, but I wouldn't mind buying an after market stock.
I would prefer something magazine fed....

Cheers...

Custom 6.5x47 using a T3 in an LSS chassis?

As above. T3 in 6.5 x 55.
The problem may be finding one. Try Sportsman`s or MacAvoys.
I just got a AICS bottom metal off the bay for my pending T3.
It was about £100.
Tony

New, for a first rifle?

I'd suggest shop around & get nearly new.
You'd be surprised (or maybe not) at how many new shooters come into the sport, spend £$£$££ on new kit, then realise they don't like the caliber/sights/stock/discipline/club they're in & sell it at a hooge loss, in order to fund something else.

Buy 2nd-hand, get used to the platform, shoot a few comps, get competent at reloading for it THEN treat yourself to a new toy. You'll appreciate it more as you'll have put some extra time into the finding of it.

And also try to budget as much again for a scope as for the rifle, plus don't forget that the mounts/bases are also important: £800 rifle & £800 scope & £20 rings/bases = erratic performance down-range, with much scratching of heads

Why the love for 6.5x55?
Is it particularly accurate?

StangGT wrote:Why the love for 6.5x55?
Is it particularly accurate?

FFS

Er, look at the ballistic co-efficient for a 6.5gr 139 SMK bullet, or a 6.5 Lapua

Aye, very accurate - better at 1000m than .308

With 6.5x55 you are getting the original chambering, the more modern options are .260 Rem (based on a necked down .308 case), 6.5x47, etc.
Use the same bullet, but in a shorter action. 6.5 Grendel is also one of the new options.
ANY of the above would not be a wrong choice & would serve you well in several scenarios

Is there really any need for the 'FFS' bit?

So terribly sorry I don't know as much as you. Maybe the 'first bolt action rifle' part could have given you a clue?

For Far Shooting perhaps?

6.5x47 is unquestionably a good round however to my knowledge you can not buy 6.5x47 ammunition off the shelf and would need to make your own - another hobby in itself along with the expence.

Stick with .308 and be realistic about how often you will shoot beyond 600 yards. A 26 inch varmint barrel will see you to 900 yards and will do 1000 yards plus if you don't mind missing the v bull every now and then..

You haven't mentioned if this figure includes a scope. You could easily spend 2/3rds of your budget on a scope and rings.
Do give serious consideration to buying second hand,

DM

Cheers for the input... figure is just for the rifle. I was hoping to get it 'right first time' and hence buy new. This is what I've done for clays/psg and gallery rifle, and I've been very happy with my buys having done plenty of research and asking around. Maybe you're right tho, second hand could be the right place to start for a 'proper' rifle...