Andrew Homan said:
I'm getting to the point where I hate rifles threads.:banghead:
Everyones thinks they know what you need but have never carried one in the field in real life situations. Find a Marine or SF sniper who just got done with a tour and ask him what works.
Im not sure I agree - what works for some might not work for others. My only advise is to get a rifle that has a wide variety of factory loads available for it. I suggest handloading but know that its not always a viable option and the ability to buy bulk factory ammo at your local store is always nice.
If you ask an operator what rifle / caliber they would choose their answer will be different if the intention is deploying with the weapon.
I used to shoot .338 Lapua but lacked the range distance and time needed to perfect handloads for it so I punted and bought a .308, which has served me very well.
Buy a rifle and shoot it until you outperform the rifle and then upgrade / modify it according to your personal preferences / needs.
Just my .02
In the future I hope to build out a 6.5x47 or 6.5x.284 and then maybe a 7mm RM