It's time for me to move beyond a single conversion for my A2 Covert...and I'm looking for some validation of my choice...
I currently run a 16" 308 (ES-Tactical), it's a laser and I love it (1/4" groups on paper at 300, bangs steel at 1k all day, super handy in the woods and drops hogs & deer just fine).
However, I just competed in my first long-range match (NRL Hunter), and it did me no favors on unknown distance targets (furthest was 1025 yards) in 20-25 mph wind, from less-stable positions. I've learned a ton about wind with my shorty 308 but I'd like something that cuts through it now.
So I'm looking for a good compliment to my current setup, with the following priorities:
- Hunting NA big game (mostly deer, pigs, hopefully elk at some point).
- Occasional field-style matches.
- Access to a range (a few times a year) with steel out to 1 mile.
I reload. I would prefer a shorter barrel (in the 18-22 inch range) to keep it handy in the woods/mountains (and it's an SRS Covert so go short or go home). If possible I'd skew a little more towards barrel life over maximum velocity, but this isn't critical.
As of right now I'm leaning towards 300 PRC or 300 Norma. Does anyone have any strong opinions between these two, given the above context? Anything else I should be considering?
Pic for fun.
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