If you were me

[BuffCyclist]

Not that I know anything about long range shooting, but I'm planning a build that probably won't come to fruition for at least 6mo to a year.

Rem 700 SPS Varmint - .308
H-S Precision Stock

I've read lots of things online and that rifle is basically the Rem700 Police for a couple hundred cheaper. It also has an excellent barrel/receiver. I'll probably do that until I really get into long range stuff before I consider building a fully custom rifle or get a 5R or similar quality barrel (as in if I start shooting for groups at 1k and the factory barrel is only good for hitting steel...)

[Hoser]

I would get the 308 and have it re-barreled to 260 or 243 at a later date or sooner.

I am shooting a 243 (actually a 6 Competition Match) with 115gn DTAC bullets and H-1000 powder. I pulled my last 6CM barrel around 3,800 rounds and it still had lots of life left in it. I just didnt want it to die in the middle of the season.

260s will go over 3,000 rounds and 300 Win Mags maybe 2,000 rounds. It all depends on how hard you run them.

[dtbighit]

I would get the 308 and have it re-barreled to 260 or 243 at a later date or sooner.

I am shooting a 243 (actually a 6 Competition Match) with 115gn DTAC bullets and H-1000 powder. I pulled my last 6CM barrel around 3,800 rounds and it still had lots of life left in it. I just didnt want it to die in the middle of the season.

260s will go over 3,000 rounds and 300 Win Mags maybe 2,000 rounds. It all depends on how hard you run them.

so the 260 or the 243 is there a good platform to start with? What about availability of good match 260 ammo or reloading components? Same question with the 243 thanks for the help