I would choose the CTR in 6.5

If you're really looking to penny pinch, which I don't knock at all, then you may consider the Tikka varmint instead. I believe the only difference between it and the ctr is the stock as it relates to the magazine. It can be like $100 or more difference.

We have one on 223 and love it. I too have shot, not quite 3/4" at 200, but a little over 1.0" the same 200 yards. You've addressed the possibility of not liking it, but there is the chance you'll like it. A varmint action in some aftermarket stock/chassis would instantly by something u can shoot 200 rounds in a long shooting day. That's where I'd like to go next with ours. Honestly, mostly for ergonomics and tacticoolness. Seems "accurate enough" for me as is now.

I never had an issue with my CTR mags feeding. They are expensive but they are the best feeding mags I've ever had in a bolt action.

Thanks for the input everyone. Unfortunately the more i have thought about it, the more I realize that I don't really have time to do this endeavor justice. So hopefully someone else can use this thread for some information and i will not have completely wasted everyone's time.

Thanks again

RJH1 glad you put this project off for another day.
Long range shooting isn't just buying a gun mount a scope and start sling lead across the canyon. First off it's expensive let me list a few items.

Gun 1K to well you name it (paid 3500.00 for one of mine used)
Scope quality nightforce 1500+
G7 Range finder or similar 1500+
Spotting scope 1000+
Quality loading dies 200.00 Redding dies (you won't optimize your gun with off the shelf ammo)
Tri pods for spotting scope and range finder 300.00
Reloading setup 500.00+
Shooting mat 120.00
Bi pods 150.00+ each
Rear shooting bags 25.00 each
AR 500 steel targets if you have your own place to shoot 18"X18" are 150.00 each I have 2 of them
Custom cleaning rods and bore guides 200.00
ETC, ETC,

Please add what I've missed. My family does it and it's what we like to do.

Good luck.

Forgot the Kestral wind meter 125.00+.

^^Not all of that is absolutely necessary. No disrespect meant.

$1000 rifle
$1000 scope
$200 base and rings

$40 dies will make good ammo, so will a $300 RCBS Rock Chucker kit. It's just a bit slow.

$10 app on your phone will give you a good ballistic calculator

$500+ will provide a good laser, that is if you even need one. Shoot at a place with known distance targets, and you won't need a laser.

Tripod, and spotting scope I went without for a very long time. A quality rifle scope can see most of what needs to be seen. Wind meter? As A-10 pilots say "Mark-1 eyeball". I don't even have a wind meter device anymore. Mirage reading is the best wind meter there is.

Agree.

I’ve done it both ways. Swear I can bust 1000 yards under a $1000.

Shouldn’t be hard to do. SWFA fixed 12 or 16x, Savage rifle, decent match ammo. Easily under $1000.

Yep lots of systems out there and different ways to do it.

What ballistic phone app do most of you use or like. In 2012 when I got the LR bug most phone apps didn't exist. Top of the line range finder with profiles was the G7. I bit for one for $1500.00 OUCH!

^^Yup

If I was building the cheapest long range of good quality, here's what I'd buy. I would have no problem making hits past 1000 yards with this rig.

Ruger American Predator 6.5 Creedmoor- $375
Athlon Talos BTR 4-14x44- $299
TPS 30mm rings- $95

Total- $769

My budget build, but I'm not even a long range shooter. I probably won't be until I get a chance to take Jason's class.

Lefty Predator in 6.5 - $475 (seriously, can we get lefty rifles for the same prices please?)
Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27 - $429
Seekins .87 rings - $126

So I'm at $1030. Subtract the premium for the lefty action and it is under budget. Bi-pod, ranger, bags, and other accessories were not part of my budget; as those were items I already had.