Currently have been hunting with a Weatherby Vanguard S2 in 7mm-08. Decent rifle but I’ve been bit by the upgrade bug so I thought I’d come here for a this or that thread for some input.
As for caliber, I really wanted to stick with a 7mm-08, however, it seems like my two main rifles I have narrowed it down to aren’t chambered in it. I’m also a fan of 6.5 Creedmoor, however, so that will be the caliber of choice most likely. As for my purpose, I want an accurate (hopefully .75 minute or less) rifle for whitetail and pigs. I hunt stationary for the most part so while I don’t want a super heavy rifle, a little weight won’t hurt. Also want it to be threaded for brake and/or potential suppressor use. Trying to keep things somewhat affordable as I would rather put bigger money into target rifles. On to my two picks:
First choice- Bergara B14 HMR 6.5CM
I love that it comes ready to go with a nice stock, and the accuracy potential is reportedly great. The value for what you pay seems phenomenal as well. Slightly heavy but like I said not a biggie. Downside is that to my knowledge there are no prefits for Bergara rifles just yet.
Second choice - Ruger American Predator
This would be paired with a magpul Hunter stock. Definitely drawn to the lower price point and ability to use a profit in the future to get me back to 7mm-08. Stupidly Ruger offers a RAP in 7-08 but it’s left hand only...It seems like this would be a slightly lighter rifle as well. Downside would be less refinement (really not much of an upgrade from my vanguard) and potentially slightly less accuracy with factory barrel.
Curious what experiences y’all might have had with these platforms and which direction you would go.
As for caliber, I really wanted to stick with a 7mm-08, however, it seems like my two main rifles I have narrowed it down to aren’t chambered in it. I’m also a fan of 6.5 Creedmoor, however, so that will be the caliber of choice most likely. As for my purpose, I want an accurate (hopefully .75 minute or less) rifle for whitetail and pigs. I hunt stationary for the most part so while I don’t want a super heavy rifle, a little weight won’t hurt. Also want it to be threaded for brake and/or potential suppressor use. Trying to keep things somewhat affordable as I would rather put bigger money into target rifles. On to my two picks:
First choice- Bergara B14 HMR 6.5CM
I love that it comes ready to go with a nice stock, and the accuracy potential is reportedly great. The value for what you pay seems phenomenal as well. Slightly heavy but like I said not a biggie. Downside is that to my knowledge there are no prefits for Bergara rifles just yet.
Second choice - Ruger American Predator
This would be paired with a magpul Hunter stock. Definitely drawn to the lower price point and ability to use a profit in the future to get me back to 7mm-08. Stupidly Ruger offers a RAP in 7-08 but it’s left hand only...It seems like this would be a slightly lighter rifle as well. Downside would be less refinement (really not much of an upgrade from my vanguard) and potentially slightly less accuracy with factory barrel.
Curious what experiences y’all might have had with these platforms and which direction you would go.
