This would be my beginner setup for shooting targets and to hunt with. but mostly as an inexpensive rifle and 2 scopes to choose from Please understand I am not rich and welcome your opinions on both and the caliber. Thank you in advance.

Mauser M18 6.5 PRC

Swift Scope

Mueller Scope

Do you need the long reach of the 6.5 PRC? If not, go with a 6.5 Creedmoor as the ammo is about half the price.

I was going to say, pick a chambering that has inexpensive ammo. The only way to get good is to shoot as much as possible.

Another one to look at is the Remington 700 5R in 6.5 CM. For an off the shelf long range set up it's hard to beat. I have 2 of these and both shoot awesom.

I did have the following work done to make them even better.

1 trigger Tec trigger
2 added muzzle break
3 cheek piece added
4 glass bedding

Good luck.

I don't know about the rifle itself, but I too would question the caliber choice too. I got into shooting and hunting as a 25yo adult. I bought me a 300 win mag thinking roughly the same thing. It really isn't that reasonable. But then u might be smarter than I was.

This^^^^^^^^^^

RIFLE is great. look on Europtics for the gun

call Doug at Camera L:and. look at the Hawke scopes and Meopta

6.5 Creedmoor is a better option for a non hand loader.

It would really help to increase your scope budget. There's a fixed 10X SS for sale in the Trading Post. Sub $350 scope that can let you hit targets at long range.

X3

So get the 6.5 CM instead of the PRC is a general concensus so far.

Looked and could not find the scope. I do like a variable scope with 50mm or bigger objective. I used to handload for a gun I had built when I was younger and in the chips so to speak. Just trying to get the best bang for my buck at 64 years of age.

What ranges are you planning on shooting? Are you wanting to set up to go out to 800,1000 yards? Or are you just going to shoot 100 -200 yards. That will have a big impact on what suggestions you receive.

I would agree with 6.5 CM or .308 possibly. Lots of match grade .308 available.
As for the scope. Spend a bit more, you won't regret it. The fixed power SWFA scopes are bombproof.
Since they are fixed power they are easier to master for longer shots. And they won't break the bank.

Agreed

Where I hunt is rolling mesquite. I've had and made kill shots out to 411 yards. That is why I originally thought 6.5 prc to shoot flat. I loved handloading for my old gun, a custom 300 weatherby. So a 500 yard gun would be ok for now.

In your situation, I would suggest something with BDC that matches your rifle's trajectory, or something that you can dial. Neither of the scopes that you have mentioned match that criteria. I have a Burris Veracity that has the BDC. I generally don't like BDC because if your trajectory does not match the BDC, you are out of luck. I have it on my .308, and it just happens to match the BDC pretty good. It is also FFP, so it matches regardless of my zoom. But you would go way up on your budget there.
I also have a Burris Fullfield with MOA turrets. I have not used it much yet, but first impressions seem good. You might want to check out the Burris fullfield and new signature HD line. The signature HD line looks interesting.

A good Mil/Mil scope will make you happy. Hold or dial you can get your scope to make precise hits at any distance.

In fact, a good friend of mine has a combo, he uses weekly, that is something I've told lots of people they would enjoy. He has a sub-$400 rifle wearing a $1000 scope. He has been slaying hogs, deer, and coyotes with it for almost a year.

His is a Ruger American, my hand loads, and a high end Bushnell.

Burris XTR II, and Bushnell make some great bang for your buck rifle scopes.

I have low round count Tikka T3 Stainless Lite with composition stock that would serve you better for hunting.

This might be worth looking into.

Hudbone what caliber is your gun?

My bad here - .270, meant to include that.

It was the point of the post - geez.

When it comes to the target shooting you want to do, you will be handicapping yourself if you do not have a MOA or MIL reticle.
Also, for older eyes, I wouldn’t consider anything less than 16x....yes, you can definitely hit targets with less, but seeing your shots/groups at 100 (zeroing, checking groups/loads, etc.) becomes very hard with much less.

Haha Yes to the older eyes. Looks like I need to save more pennies for a good scope.


I'll keep that in mind. I had a left handed Tikka before since I shoot lefty. Didn't really care for it. It was a 270 wsm though.

.308's are a bargain right now.