This. Excellent answer.
Build or buy your hunting rifle.
Build or buy a PRS rifle. You could use the same scope.
With careful shopping, you could buy two RPR's and be maybe 500 over the 2000 dollar mark.
They are very accurate, you would have the benefit of identical operation and fit but they are not light (I believe the later gens are lighter than the gen 1).
The RPR is available in .300 WM, there isn't a thimbles full of difference between the WM and the PRC as far as ballistics is concerned, there is far more ammo available for the WM.
I think you are trying to do to much with one rifle. A lightweight 300PRC would be awful for PRS. You would want a heavy, smaller caliber rifle (which would be bad for elk hunting)
I think you would be better off prioritizing one function over the other instead of having a compromised rifle that's not good at either.
I am usually guilty of this line of thinking....
I was originally wanting a 6.5 creedmoore, but after this hunting season with my 308, I decided i wanted something with a bit more punch. So Ended up on the PRC... The ultimate plan is to get a 6mm as well, that would be a coyote/match gun.
Also, my level of match shooting is around 2-3 a year. And all local 1 day matches so far. Realistically I'm not going to be real into it. Just don't have the time as I have a family and several other hobbies.
I just enjoy shooting a match or 2 as I like the competition, always great people to learn from, and it helps keep my skills a bit more honed.
So far i have shot around 3 matches, all with my 16" AR-10 with an Athlon scope (Around $1300 into my entire kit). Won the tactical class at our last match - Kinda a fluke, as I was 31/37 overall, but beat the other 2 308 shooters...
But clearly saw the weakness of my platform.
I understand 300 PRC isn't leaps and bounds over a 300 WM - But It seems to be gaining popularity, and has a few advantages over 300WM, even if subtle.
I do like the RPRs, but lots heavier than i want for hunting, even though they do make it in 300 PRC. If they made an American, predator in 300 PRC, I'de be all over throwing that into a basic MDT with a folder.
Thanks for the ideas.
Straight jacket looks pretty sweet, fairly local, and pretty reasonable prices.
Any other 700 LA footprints actions, that are 3 lug and cheaper?
Ryan