Ultimate Hunting Rifle?

[DynamicAccuracy]

If you were going to build the ultimate hunting rifle what would the specs be?
After having a few custom match rifles built I've been thinking of building a dedicated hunting rifle since I'm also an avid hunter. I'm thinking of a defiance ruckus action or bighorn tl3, proof carbon sendero 26" in 25SST, manners eh1, hawkins m5 bdl bottom metal, jewell trigger, thunderbeast ultra9, and either a NF nx8 2.5-20 or a leupold mk5.

 

[stello1001]

It depends what game the rifle will hunt...
Moose, pronghorn, bear, prairie dog, etc.

I'd probably do a Tikka T3X or Win70 in either 3006 or 280AI in a McMillan A3 or Manners PRS1 and a carbon fiber barrel at 24 inches.

Maybe top it off with a mark5 or LRHS/LRTS!

 

[niteshooter]

You got it mostly. Add rail for night vision/thermal clip on.
Change caliber to 30-06 or similar for worldwide ammo availability.
We’re talking worldwide 24-7 365 hunting. Versatility and availability.

Hold on, maybe switch barrel set up.
Why limit to one cartridge. Same bolt face etc.
25-06, 30-06, 9.3x62. Follow?

 

[PBWalsh]

Zermatt TL3
24” Proof Sendero Light
30-06
Manners Eh1/T, 2 QD cups on left side, bipod rail
Atlas CAL gen 2 on an ADM mount
KMW or Badger M4 bottom metal with an extended internal box
Bushnell LRTSi 3-12x44mm or similar
ARC rings
CG Xtreme Trigger

If Africa is a consideration, bump up to an ARC Mausingfield in 375 H&H.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Winchester Model 70 CRF in either 30-06 or 338 WM, topped with scope of choice.

 

[krw]

I see your from MO. Custom action, kreiger small taper, 7mm-08, bbl finished 22”, lightwt Manners stock, Leupold 4.5x14x50. Forget the suppressor! I have them but do not hunt w them. If I’m gonna add that length to the bbl, I’ll just utilize a longer bbl

 

[Secant]

My “ultimate” hunting rifle consists of

LPA Razor Ti Action
Triggertech Special
Proof Sendero barrel-24”
Manners EH-1 with mcs-dbm

I’m now actually looking at selling all my other hunting rifles because I like this setup so much.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Q The Fix with a 20” Proof CF 6.5 Creed barrel launching 127gr LRX’s and topped with a S&B 5-20US.

Light, compact and easy to pack, carries and handles like an AR, but shoots like a badass precision bolt gun.

 

[HolyCity73]

Trick question!
Did my wife put you up to this? Who sent you?
Savage axis with a used Simmons!
Stay outta my safe!

 

[346ci]

I'm looking forward to the Sig Fury, could replace my old Tikka for the few times I use a bolt gun hunting.

If it is as good as the paper specs, it will be nice.

 

[LRI]

If you were going to build the ultimate hunting rifle what would the specs be?
After having a few custom match rifles built I've been thinking of building a dedicated hunting rifle since I'm also an avid hunter. I'm thinking of a defiance ruckus action or bighorn tl3, proof carbon sendero 26" in 25SST, manners eh1, hawkins m5 bdl bottom metal, jewell trigger, thunderbeast ultra9, and either a NF nx8 2.5-20 or a leupold mk5.

After making a lot of these, far more than "gamer guns", I've come to the following conclusion(s):

A hunter demands a light weight rifle. A shooter who kills stuff doesn't really care how heavy it is. When I am approached, this is the litmus test I use to start the conversation. There's no correct answer, its merely gauging what needs to go in the box and out the door.

A light gun:

I typically use a titanium M700 for the receiver. I choose that because I can get them easily and I've yet to see a "brand x" outshine it. I typically don't make a big effort to push a Proof barrel when chasing a super light platform. Our new "pattern X" fluting will weigh less than a Proof barrel of the same contour. We've proven it again and again and when used as a hunting rifle, I don't care about a 20 round group. It's a hunting rig, not a PRS rifle. Again, the application of the gun. . .

The latest version of this was first shown at Safari last week and its in Vegas for Shot as I type this. 4lb, 12oz is the all up weight of the rifle. (no glass) Chambered in 7-08 for a nice, light weight gun capable of putting down anything "alpine" at an ethical distance with one shot kill capability.

The bigger thing I try to encourage people to think about is the application. I find more and more that nailing that down far exceeds fretting over every last screw and pin. That's the stuff you pay guys like us for.

 

[Boatninja]

If you were going to build the ultimate hunting rifle what would the specs be?
After having a few custom match rifles built I've been thinking of building a dedicated hunting rifle since I'm also an avid hunter. I'm thinking of a defiance ruckus action or bighorn tl3, proof carbon sendero 26" in 25SST, manners eh1, hawkins m5 bdl bottom metal, jewell trigger, thunderbeast ultra9, and either a NF nx8 2.5-20 or a leupold mk5.

I like it all, but would probably go with ARC Mausingfield, very curious have you totaled up cost without Optic?

 

[KAIFS]

and here is me - Ultimate hunting caliber is 6.5x55 for just about anything out there, unless you are heading to Africa and need a Nitro Express type of a cartridge....
if you are going with a switch barrel design - well, 6.5x55 will be same LA as your 270 and 30-06, same bolt face (yes, same one, no need to open up ) - magazines interchangeable without modifications....

 

[Boatninja]

I like it all, but would probably go with ARC Mausingfield, very curious have you totaled up cost without Optic?

oh yeah, switch barrel w Bar Loc and spare hot rod small caliber barrel

 

[HolyCity73]

After making a lot of these, far more than "gamer guns", I've come to the following conclusion(s):

A hunter demands a light weight rifle. A shooter who kills stuff doesn't really care how heavy it is. When I am approached, this is the litmus test I use to start the conversation. There's no correct answer, its merely gauging what needs to go in the box and out the door.

A light gun:

I typically use a titanium M700 for the receiver. I choose that because I can get them easily and I've yet to see a "brand x" outshine it. I typically don't make a big effort to push a Proof barrel when chasing a super light platform. Our new "pattern X" fluting will weigh less than a Proof barrel of the same contour. We've proven it again and again and when used as a hunting rifle, I don't care about a 20 round group. It's a hunting rig, not a PRS rifle. Again, the application of the gun. . .

The latest version of this was first shown at Safari last week and its in Vegas for Shot as I type this. 4lb, 12oz is the all up weight of the rifle. (no glass) Chambered in 7-08 for a nice, light weight gun capable of putting down anything "alpine" at an ethical distance with one shot kill capability.

The bigger thing I try to encourage people to think about is the application. I find more and more that nailing that down far exceeds fretting over what brand of scope base screw I'm using.

View attachment 7228969

You bring up that great and under appreciated point, it’s a hunter not a PRS gun.
That is a beautiful rifle. I’m always interested to see what y’all are up to.

 

[DynamicAccuracy]

In my original post I decided to go with a 25sst because I havent left the state of missouri to hunt and so I can take 5-10 handloads with me when I go out deer hunting. I like the 25sst because its fast and has more than enough energy for longer range kills if I want to kill one at 700-800y. Alot of you have mentioned a switch barrel setup but really any rifle is a switch barrel if you have a barrel vise and action wrench. If it's a shoulder barrel then it can be spun off and another barrel be screwed on pretty quickly.

 

[krw]

In addition to my first post, I sent 700SA to LRI for their “Stage II” Blueprinting. Had a Brux #5.5 bbl chambered in 260. Bbl is Fluted. Stock is Manners MCS SL. Trigger is Rifle Basix set at 2.5lbs
This has made a good very accurate hunting rifle. If I had to do over, I would go with a smaller taper bbl, and would chamber in 7mm-08. Would stay at 22” finished cause it is a Hunting rifle

 

[moosemeat]

Tlr 3. Bartlien 3b cut to 22". Manners MCS-T Elite with mini chassis. Iron sights fitted to barrel. Caliber? I hunt deer, coyotes, pronghorn and may go after elk so 2 barrels, 1 in 6x47 and 1 in 308 cause, well, it 308. Scope would be as Bushy LRHS 3-18.

 

[Healy]

Tl3 sendero contour chambered in 260ai cut at 18”s Hs stock just top it with a swfa 3-15

 

[tickridge]

well a rifle I would have used at 30 is not the same rifle I use a 74 weight is now a factor

 

[tickridge]

as a matter of fact I am building a 6.5PRC Krieger 22in barrel bighorn action and manners carbon fiber stock should be around 6.5 lbs mounting a Swarovski Z-6 3 x 18 x 50 should add another 20 to 22 ounces I hope that would be at 74 on last post getting old lol

 

[Oregonmuley]

Chad, unless its some sort of uber top secret - can you tell me how you are able to get Ti M700 actions?? I agree with you, the 700 Ti isn't a bad place to start if truly wanting a lightweight mountain hunting type rifle. I sure like my 7MM-08 Ti.

 

[Flatwater77]

My experience is with medium-sized game in conditions ranging from wooded bottomland to high prairie. The closest I have come to the perfect rifle across all conditions is a Remington 700 SA Mountain Rifle, Bell and Carlson Alaskan stock, Timney two-stage trigger, (take your pick) 2.5-10 scope, and lightweight hunting suppressor. The rifle/stock/scope combination is light, shortish and maneuverable. Hunting suppressed lets me hear hits. The two-stage trigger is a buffer against buck-fever jitters... trigger pull is two decisions, not one.

If I was going to build something, I would probably use a custom action with swappable bolt heads so I could switch between 6.5Creed and something like a 300WSM.

 

[5RWill]

I like Proof barrels the weight distribution that seems to accompany them is just awesome to me. Sample size of one right now buy loving my 7SS. I'm sort of thinking of a 30 sherman build right now. Can buy factory 300 PRC to fireform with so ammo getting lost wouldn't be an issue if i went on a hunt and it should be readily available everywhere.

Here are two medium weight hunting rifles dad's i had Mark at SAC build and mine that David at Deep South Tactical did. Both are roughly 9lbs without the can and bipod and 11lbs when loaded. The exception is i feel my rifle balances much better due to the proof. Love both of them though.

As for the build i just tend to lean toward medium weight than featherweight/ultralite rifles. I get the purpose but i like to have range sessions with my stuff as well. Not that it can't be done with light weight hunting rifles. It's just not that comfortable to take a 7lb magnum out to the range to go bang steel. Currently what i'm planning looking like this.
30 sherman magnum
Proof Sendero @ 24"
Lone Peak Fuzion
Foundation Revelation
TT Diamond
Vortex AMG/MK5/NX8 (haven't decided likely another AMG)

 

[tree man]

I had mine built this year, I went with a 6.5 PRC, Impact, proof 22”, manners eh1, TT diamond, and a APA brake and DBM,
And depending on where I’m hunting I swap from an Atacr to a Meopta scope.
The titanium impact wasn’t available at the time.
Killed a bunch of shit in the short time I’ve had it including some double head shot does!

Gradous built

 

[DynamicAccuracy]

I like Proof barrels the weight distribution that seems to accompany them is just awesome to me. Sample size of one right now buy loving my 7SS. I'm sort of thinking of a 30 sherman build right now. Can buy factory 300 PRC to fireform with so ammo getting lost wouldn't be an issue if i went on a hunt and it should be readily available everywhere.

Here are two medium weight hunting rifles dad's i had Mark at SAC build and mine that David at Deep South Tactical did. Both are roughly 9lbs without the can and bipod and 11lbs when loaded. The exception is i feel my rifle balances much better due to the proof. Love both of them though.

As for the build i just tend to lean toward medium weight than featherweight/ultralite rifles. I get the purpose but i like to have range sessions with my stuff as well. Not that it can't be done with light weight hunting rifles. It's just not that comfortable to take a 7lb magnum out to the range to go bang steel. Currently what i'm planning looking like this.
30 sherman magnum
Proof Sendero @ 24"
Lone Peak Fuzion
Foundation Revelation
TT Diamond
Vortex AMG/MK5/NX8 (haven't decided likely another AMG)
View attachment 7229124
View attachment 7229128

I agree. I'm so used to shooting 18-20lb match guns that shooting an 11-12lb rifle offhand is easy and feels pretty light weight.

 

[MOshooter]

Rem 700 chambered in 7-08 LVSF barrel
700 TI take off stock.
Tuned Walker Rem trigger.
Talley ring base combo
Leopold FXII 6x42 scope with CDS elevation.

 

[DJL2]

I spent yesterday wandering around creek bottoms, swamp, and some forrest with a 9 lb rig. Honestly, I think that's about right, weight wise, if I am going to carry it - +/- 1 lb. There's lots of good feedback in this thread on DIY choices - a wealth of components to choose from.

My biggest challenge is stock design, honestly...there's leeway everywhere else. Nowadays, 13.5-13.75" LOP seems to be the standard. If my experience with the M1 and K31 is anything to go by, the "correct" LOP is actually ~12.5". If i could get a stock fit to me, that'd be even better. Otherwise, adjustable comb or guessing at comb/drop and maybe getting lucky.

If I could get a K31 action scoped and dropped into a custom fit synthetic stock, I'd be pretty happy...but, I'm not inclined to inflict such sacrilege on my own.

 

[DynamicAccuracy]

I spent yesterday wandering around creek bottoms, swamp, and some forrest with a 9 lb rig. Honestly, I think that's about right, weight wise, if I am going to carry it - +/- 1 lb. There's lots of good feedback in this thread on DIY choices - a wealth of components to choose from.

My biggest challenge is stock design, honestly...there's leeway everywhere else. Nowadays, 13.5-13.75" LOP seems to be the standard. If my experience with the M1 and K31 is anything to go by, the "correct" LOP is actually ~12.5". If i could get a stock fit to me, that'd be even better. Otherwise, adjustable comb or guessing at comb/drop and maybe getting lucky.

If I could get a K31 action scoped and dropped into a custom fit synthetic stock, I'd be pretty happy...but, I'm not inclined to inflict such sacrilege on my own.

I think a quick adjustable length of pull like the manners compact stock would be awesome to adjust between warm weather clothing and bulky late season clothing or to adjust between father and son. But the Manners CS isnt very lightweight compared to other non adjustable options

 

[300_BLK]

Lone Peak Razor action
Proof Sendero 28" 1:9 twist
Terminator T3 brake
Jewell
Manners EH1 Elite
RPS Bipod
Hawkins rings
ATACR 4-16

300 Norma Mag

215 @ 3280fps
225/230 @ 3100fps

That's a 35mm group at 300m...

 

[XTREM HTR16]

My ultimate hunting rifle just required a call to George at GAP to build this:

Xtreme Hunter

Flatter Trajectory; Light Weight; Minimal Wind Correction; Light recoil; Great Barrel life (2500+ rds); Exceptional cartridge component life 8+ reloads per case.

www.gaprecision.net

 

[Wyfox]

I built 2 Ultimate Hunting rifles.

First one is specifically built for long range hunting where I don't need to carry it for miles. So it's mainly my deer and pronghorn rifle.

Patriot Valley Arms
Bighorn TL3
6.5 saum
24" Proof Sendero
Surefire brake w/Socom 762RC
KMW Sentinel
Huber 2 stage
Schmidt Bender 5-20 Ultra Short
Spuhr mount
12 pounds

Second rifle is for high country hunting where I need to carry it for miles in elk, sheep, grizz country.

Altus Shooting Solutions
Defiance Deviant Hunter Nitrite
300 Norma
26" Proof Sendero 1-9"
Piercision Titanium 5 port brake
Huber 2 stage
Manners carbon MCS-T
Defiance Rigby bdl
Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42
APA .856" rings
9.5 pounds

 

[D2junky]

LRI has my Lone Peak Razor Ti now.
Fluted k&p #3 with short shank at 24” in 7rem mag (ever see a Walmart without one box of ammoMurphy fucking sits on my shoulder)
Going in an AG composites Privateer that just showed up. Hawkins bdl. Triggertech. I think Eric said the barreled action was right at 3lbs.

A Dakota 97 in 30-06 with irons is it’s backup and will go with me to Alaska if that ever happens. Need to stop building rediculous shit and hunt what I have