New Target Shooting / Hunting Rifle Recommendations

[KWResident]

Hi Members,

I'm looking to get recommendations on the best rifle (budget $2000 - $2500) that meets the following criteria:

- Used mainly for long range target shooting (possibly competitive), but also can be used for hunting big game in Canada (deer, moose, elf, caribou).
- Accurate up to 500m - 800m
- Durable and reliable in all outdoor weather conditions
- Synthetic / composite stock
- Ammo and gun repair parts are regularly stocked and readily available in Canada

As well as the ideal ammo for sharpshooting and hunting for the rifle you recommend.

Much appreciated.

[Bill Leeper]

You are kind of describing a rifle that most of us on this board might find somewhat interesting but would be unlikely to buy or use. there are numerous reasons for this but mostly that we carry specialization just a little further. We all load our ammo and strive for precision over all else. In other words, while we may find the level of accuracy provided by rifles such as you describe, interesting, it's unlikely we would be involved to the extent that we could make recommendations. There are some shooting sports which overlap into the hunting fields, but benchrest isn't one of them.
I should mention, I don't believe you can legally hunt elves in Canada. Bill.

[duceman]

does your budget include optics?
i would look for a rem 700 chambered in 308 win, with hs precision stock. have an extra nut put in few inches back from the front sling swivel so you  can run a bag rider during competition.
will be a 9 lb rig depending on your optic choice, which won't be pleasant to carry in the hills for long, or long strings of shooting on the bench; but sacrifices that will have to be made to allow dual purpose usage.
my .02 cents, but this advise cost you even less than that; so take it for what it's worth............good luck.