Hunting & Fishing Your “go to” hunting rifle?
- Thread starter rookie7
- Start date
Where I hunt, my 300wsm, running 208 eldm’s at 2700fps, hold 1000 ft/lbs to about 1300 yards.
Another year and it still works, no changes just grab it and go. Though I’m considering a switch to ffp if I can find a scope that convinces me to tear apart a proven combo.
Origin SA
6.5 PRC 24” Proof CF Sendero
Trigger Tech Diamond
KRG Bravo
Vortex Razor AMG 6-24x50
ARC M-Brace rings
Ckye-pod standard length
6.5 PRC 24” Proof CF Sendero
Trigger Tech Diamond
KRG Bravo
Vortex Razor AMG 6-24x50
ARC M-Brace rings
Ckye-pod standard length
24in pipe and my load is 63 gr of H4350 with a 2k jump
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Blaser R8 300 win 21” bbl tbac 7 c461 NF
kills everything here in WY and AK 10-800yds
kills everything here in WY and AK 10-800yds
I mean, it’s pretty similar to 260 and 6.5creed. I haven’t killed or even tried to kill an elk with it, but it has certainly worked for people with good shot placement. I’m generally a fan of bigger bore diameter and heavier bullets, so 30-06 would get my vote.
I just received the stock and bottom metal last night from Oregunsmithing/Pendleton Stocks. Set it up for my Father as a light weight/low recoil Deer/pig/coyote rifle.
Howa 1500 Mini
6.5 Grendel
1:8 factory sporter barrel
Pendleton Custom Stock 18oz Olive with
Black web
Leupold VXF 3-9x40 CDS
Leupold Standard Rings and 2pc bases
Total package came in at 6lbs 2.9oz
Using once fired Hornady brass, Federal SRGMM primer, 27.5g H335, and a 99g Hammer Hunter it is delivering comfortable Sub-MOA groups at 100m with an average velocity of 2517fps.
Howa 1500 Mini
6.5 Grendel
1:8 factory sporter barrel
Pendleton Custom Stock 18oz Olive with
Black web
Leupold VXF 3-9x40 CDS
Leupold Standard Rings and 2pc bases
Total package came in at 6lbs 2.9oz
Using once fired Hornady brass, Federal SRGMM primer, 27.5g H335, and a 99g Hammer Hunter it is delivering comfortable Sub-MOA groups at 100m with an average velocity of 2517fps.
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Usually a Winchester model 70 feather weight in 3006 with a leupold vx 2 (i think) 2-7…
This year out of boredom….
This year out of boredom….
+1 for 6.5 PRC and/or 300 WSM. Lightweight, rigid short action and capable of taking anything in America.
20 inch 308 Bartlein heavy Palma spun my Deep South. Terminus Zeus in MDT XRS and Triggertech special. Also Rugged Razor suppressor. Pig saddle and pig tripod in this picture. I have now upgraded to a Fatboy tripod with their ball head. Below is a solo boar I saw creeping around my property.
Hope to get some blood for this one this coming deer season. 18 inch benchmark barrel chambered in 6 creed from TS Customs, ARC Archimedes action with Triggertech 2 stage, KRG bravo. Not pictured but now has dead air nomad L suppressor and meopta Optika 6 3-18x56
18” canned .308 here in the southeast.
R700 VTR (yes it was cool when I was in college) in a KRG Bravo. Chopped and threaded by the magician @unclemoak
New glass this year, but previously used one of the original PST 4-16x50s.
R700 VTR (yes it was cool when I was in college) in a KRG Bravo. Chopped and threaded by the magician @unclemoak
New glass this year, but previously used one of the original PST 4-16x50s.
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Expect to be shooting 30-06 a LONG time. Barrel life should be between 7,500 and 10,000 rounds, I’d think.
My favorite is a beautiful old Browning BAR in 30-06 that my dad bought before I was born. Used it to take my first deer. Used it a few years ago sitting in the blind with my dad when I shot my coolest buck.
My current white tail hunting rig. 18.5” REM 700 6.5 Creed. Shooting. 130gr Sierra tipped game kings @ 2647 fps. Will be in Oklahoma next month for the first week of gun season.
My go-to woods rifle. Factory Ruger GSR in 308, 16” barrel, fairly compact, versatile, and lightweight, and a decent (but heavy) trigger. I mostly use either 130 Shock Hammers or 168 ELD-M’s for hunting, both work well. Shots are normally inside of 125 yards around here, this one was around 75 the other day.
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Good combo. Do you tend to leave the scope on it's brightest setting for dawn and dusk hunting?
It depends on what I am hunting. I am more likely to hunt feral hog with either my AR-15 in 5.56x45 mm NATO or my AR-10 in 7.62X51 mm NATO.
Otherwise, my best bet is my 7 PRC. Unless I know am going to a short distance, like a blind near a feeder. Then, one of the 308s will do and is cheap to shoot. And I have one of those that performs well.
Otherwise, my best bet is my 7 PRC. Unless I know am going to a short distance, like a blind near a feeder. Then, one of the 308s will do and is cheap to shoot. And I have one of those that performs well.
This little Model Seven has become my go-to rifle. 16" 308
Perfect for the thick FL-GA-AL areas I hunt.
I've beaten this thing up, and it instills confidence.
Perfect for the thick FL-GA-AL areas I hunt.
I've beaten this thing up, and it instills confidence.
My deer hunting rifle for the last 20 years has been a 20" Howa 1500 in 308 with Hornady 150g SST. I gifted it to my son on his last birthday. I've built myself a new one with a 16" threaded heavy barrel as well as one in 6.5 creedmoor, yet to hunt with it.
From what I have seen and heard, it will be good, especially on deer. But it also works on moose, though I would not.
I have often referred a video of a guy who got a moose with a 6.5 CM with Hornady 143 gr ELD-X. Now that I look back at the video some more, I think he shot the critter twice. Which is maybe not bad? I have seen another person take 3 shots at an elk with a 7 RM.
I have watched Rogee Productions from New Zealand where they hunt red deer and big sheep with a .300 WSM and they have two shooters to make sure the game goes down. But a .300 WM can be good.
My boss brought down an Aoudad Sheep with a .300 WM. But even with tha slamming round, the ram turned and charged in his direction. By the time my boss chambered another round, he dropped. But he ran 30 yards on that last heart beat.
Me, personally, I would shoot at least 7 RM or 7 PRC at a moose, though a .300 WSM or .300 WM might be better. The weight and size is more forgiving of error than the smaller diameter projectiles.
My deer/elk gun in 6.5cm. Win M70 proof barrel, HTG edge stock, built by LRI.
My elk/deer gun in 300wsm. Win M70 Proof barrel, HTG edge stock, built by LRI
My kids Howa Mini in 6.5grendel in a Stockysstocks VG Carbon stock.
My elk/deer gun in 300wsm. Win M70 Proof barrel, HTG edge stock, built by LRI
My kids Howa Mini in 6.5grendel in a Stockysstocks VG Carbon stock.
Of the different optic setups you used, which was your favorite?
I'm really digging that NF.
I like the NF and the baby Swaro about the same for a general purpose setup. I have the NF is on a 6.5G right now [I'm more likely to use the reticle and turrets on that rifle].
The red dot was simple, light, and fast. It has it's place, but kills my confidence during low light.
I'm still experimenting, but I like all for them for different reasons.
Weatherby Vanguard. Base model. Can’t hurt it, shoots three shot groups into one inch at point of aim, starting from a cold barrel. With the next two shots following as quickly as the action can be worked and the scope put on the target. I have killed the most deer and the two biggest deer using this rifle. $550.00 is all it cost. This is a very early picture, not shown is the VX5HD that is almost three times the rifles price. But well worth it.
20 yr old Ruger 77 with paddle stock in 6.5x55 wearing a 20 yr old Leupold 3-9x33 compact scope. Killed at least 50 deer including a BC deer and a BC black bear. Its rattled around in numerous trucks, jeeps and UTV's and been used as a walking stick through 5 feet of snow for 10 hrs to get off a 12k mountain when I stayed up there one day too long.
I could probably use it as a pry bar then as a hammer and shoot a deer with it later in the day. Availability is the best ability. I like shit that doesn't break.
I could probably use it as a pry bar then as a hammer and shoot a deer with it later in the day. Availability is the best ability. I like shit that doesn't break.
Not gonna lie, I have a serious hard on for a 6.5x55 build. Knowing me it will be a Mauser action.
They should be in a Mauser or Mauser like action. Kind of sacrilegious to put a 6.5x55 in a Savage or like action. Until you get up to a 30-06 or 300 mag there's really nothing a Swede can't do with a 120-160gr bullet within the distance most people can shoot.
My gun with sling and 5 rounds in it weights a cunt hair over 7lbs. Carry all day anywhere.
Build you one on a sweet Mauser action. You won't be sorry.
I have an older Tikka Sporter (the one with heavy barrel and laminate stock} that I shoot to 1200yds with any 140 match bullet and usually keep 5 shot 10 inch group if wind is below 10mph.
Pretty hard to beat the Swede in overall usefulness.
I’ve made most of my recent kills, and the longest (550yds on a pig at night) with this one. It either has a 16” proof cf or 22” bartlein 6.5 barrel any given day and a nomad ti now instead of the standard one. Also a 2.5-20nx8 instead of the Vudu 5-25. It’s a polarizing gun/company but it just does everything pretty well, I like the ergonomics and even kitted out for night time it’s still a manageable weight.
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Depends on where and what I'm hunting. Usually it is my PA-10 in .308.
There are times that I like my Marlin 336 30-30 or at the other end of the spectrum, my Sako L691 300 Wby..
There are times that I like my Marlin 336 30-30 or at the other end of the spectrum, my Sako L691 300 Wby..
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It is pretty simple on my end, Deer, Remington 788, 243….( 18 inch carbine ). Model 700 243…back up rifle. Varmints, Tikka, 22-250, Tikka CTR 223… hand load for all my rifles, I have had the 788 since the early 80’s,,, killed a few Bucks… the Tikkas absolutely are my finest varmint rifles.. take a lickin and keep on ticking,,, snow, mud , sleet.. stumbling the fk around in low light…. Geeezz
Be a bit,, pics later…..Charlie112
Be a bit,, pics later…..Charlie112I leave my scopes on the lowest power. I have a Bushnell 3200 Elite SA 3-10x 40mm which isn't illuminated.
This is a strong endorsement; I have an old m77 that is also my go to shes chambered for 30-06 . Now wears a thumb hole stock and is about as hardy and durable as you mentation- minis of course mine is in wood no synthetic.
Deer bear boar elk . Only ever missed one big game animal with it - mountains blizzards southern swamps - northern cedar swamps .
20 or so years ago Hill Country Rifle did some work to it and she’s a keeper
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Depends on what I’m doing, if I’m in the fields I bring a riffle that’s good for 1200yards, usually my ar10 6.5 creed. If in the woods I take my 6.5 Grendel and once build is complete I’ll probe take the 6arc
OK, so now for something a little bit different...
This fantastic piece of hunting equipment is just a few months old in my stewardship but it left the factory in Münnerstadt, West Germany, in 1954. This is a 16 gauge shotgun drilling with an 8x57 IRS (8 mm Mauser rimmed) rifle barrel.
I had my gunsmith open up the shotgun chokes significantly and also attach an Aimpoint Acro C2. The automatic rear iron sight that pops up when you switch to the rifle barrel still works perfectly (this serves as a good visual indicator for the rifle barrel being activated) and the Aimpoint is useful both with the rifle barrel and with the shotgun barrels. The rifle barrel shoots exceedingly well but this is not a weapon that you use for long strings of shots at the range as heat buildup changes the POI significantly. First shot perfect, second shot high. Third shot looks like you're trying to put the bullet into orbit. So chose your shot wisely, this is not an AR.
It has 23 inch barrels and handles like a competition shotgun. Everybody should own a drilling. This one weapon handles everything from rabbits and birds to moose without issue. Sure, it is not the ideal weapon for open plains coyote hunting or the vaporizing of ground hogs, but I know y'all here got the tools for that part covered already.
If you want to get one you can ask sellers on egun.de or vdb-waffen.de and ask if they are willing to export and help with the paperwork. I managed to find a very big company selling on egun and they sorted the paperwork and shipped it for 190 EUR.
This fantastic piece of hunting equipment is just a few months old in my stewardship but it left the factory in Münnerstadt, West Germany, in 1954. This is a 16 gauge shotgun drilling with an 8x57 IRS (8 mm Mauser rimmed) rifle barrel.
I had my gunsmith open up the shotgun chokes significantly and also attach an Aimpoint Acro C2. The automatic rear iron sight that pops up when you switch to the rifle barrel still works perfectly (this serves as a good visual indicator for the rifle barrel being activated) and the Aimpoint is useful both with the rifle barrel and with the shotgun barrels. The rifle barrel shoots exceedingly well but this is not a weapon that you use for long strings of shots at the range as heat buildup changes the POI significantly. First shot perfect, second shot high. Third shot looks like you're trying to put the bullet into orbit. So chose your shot wisely, this is not an AR.
It has 23 inch barrels and handles like a competition shotgun. Everybody should own a drilling. This one weapon handles everything from rabbits and birds to moose without issue. Sure, it is not the ideal weapon for open plains coyote hunting or the vaporizing of ground hogs, but I know y'all here got the tools for that part covered already.
If you want to get one you can ask sellers on egun.de or vdb-waffen.de and ask if they are willing to export and help with the paperwork. I managed to find a very big company selling on egun and they sorted the paperwork and shipped it for 190 EUR.
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It really depends. My general lightweight rifle is a pushfeed Winchester Model 70 FWT in a McMillan stock. LR elk rifle is a new Remarms 700 7mm RM 1-8" twist in a KRG Bravo. Close in coyotes out to mid range is my AR15 20". And my LR coyote rifle is a Rem 700 in 260 AI Rock Creek barrel.
@psinclair turned me on to GAP hunting rifles over 10 years ago, here is my latest:
6.5 PRC
Templar anTi action
Bartlein 20" CFW barrel
Manners UC+ stock
Hawkins Hunter DBM and mag
Berger 140 Elite Hunter over N560 at 2,950 works like a champ
6.5 PRC
Templar anTi action
Bartlein 20" CFW barrel
Manners UC+ stock
Hawkins Hunter DBM and mag
Berger 140 Elite Hunter over N560 at 2,950 works like a champ
This is my go to rifle for hunting now. Just stationary work off the tripod at night.
30-06 is one of the best all around deer rifles that you can buy, and you already have one. But, now that you started rifle hunting you have been exposed to a strange new disease whose number one symptom is getting the urge to go to the gunshop. And you should never leave a gun shop without a new gun. You will need a spare deer rifle, a .sidearm to finish off wounded deer, a backup to the spare rifle, a special long-range gun for beanfield shots, a carbine brush gun, and a magnum for bigger bucks. Also, an ugly spare to loan to your buddy who never has his own rifle, a cowboy lever gun in .32 special to hang in the back window of your pickup, and a rifle that you don't remember what's for but the gun shop owner talked you into it. And luckily there's no end and no cure for this craziness.
Dusted off this guy yesterday for some yote hunting. This is my spare-parts built, made entirely of stuff I had sitting around (aside from the suppressor).
- Upper - CMMG
- Bolt - CMMG
- Lower - Dragonman's (I must have gotten a lower that was built on a Friday. Tolerances aren't exactly great, it won't fit a one-piece trigger, and it has a lot of slop between it and the upper.
- Trigger - Geissele milspec
- Buffer - JP silent capture (all steel masses, no tungsten)
- Stock - Magpul CTR
- Barrel - Wilson Combat 16" (Wilson has a non-standard gas port positioning, so you need a non-standard gas tube)
- Muzzle - Surefire Warcomp
- Scope - SAI 1-6 (not optimal given the BDC isn't built off the loads I run for hunting, nor is the BDC built off the barrel length/suppressor, Armament was nice enough to provide me with BDC to MRAD conversions though)
- Grip - Magpul K2+
- Ammo - .308 hand loads w/150gr Hornady Interlock
