Most of the deer shots around here are within 100 yards as it's pretty heavily forested.  I want to play with longer shots eventually, the range I go to is 300 yards and I know a few places where I can go longer if needed.  Not confident enough to shoot an animal at that range yet but m definitely going to practice.

I'm planning to start with 140 grain, though I did order a box of 120 also to see how it behaves.  I don't hand load yet, but I've been toying with the idea and saving brass from my AR in case I decide to take the plunge.  Winters get long here so I have time to tinker, and my boss is big time into reloading so I have someone experienced to work with. 

Got my rifle and all the accessories yesterday.  Took it out to the range today, in 3 shots I was within 1/2″ at 50 yards, then I moved out to 100 and finished breaking it in.  Didn't get a chance to shoot any groups as I was taking my time breaking the gun in, but I did get a chance to play with the 8″ gong at 300m.  Now to get back in practice and get my form tightened up.

Thanks!  From everything I've read a 6.5mm should get the job done very nicely. 

Today I backed off the trigger to its minimum, added a Harris 6-9″ swivel notched bipod and a vortex level, and tightened the action screws to 52 in/lb with my new wheeler torque screwdriver.  Re-zeroed my scope and then out of curiosity pulled out a box of 130gr Hornady match ammo.  Was shooting at 85 yards, can completely cover three shot groups with a dime.  Top left is mine, bottom right is my buddy, center we were zeroing with federal 140gr hunting ammo.  Also stuck a couple of ear plugs to the board and hit them on the first shot. 

Loving this rifle, going to start scouting for deer this weekend when I'm partridge hunting.