Posted on 12/17/2011 9:34:30 AM PST by rabidralph
I am looking to buy a rifle that would serve two purposes: primarily a long-distance shooter and secondarily a larger game taker downer :-)
I like to shoot beyond 600 yards and I want a rifle to suit that purpose. From info I've gathered, I should get a larger-calibered rifle, with at least a 24" barrel. I would like to keep the rifle below 10lbs because I also want to hunt with it some day. I am interested in hunting elk and moose, eventually. So I am thinking of a .308.
I've fired a friend's Model 70 7mm and I have a Browning .270 for deer hunting but I'd like to get another rifle for this upgraded purpose. I'd appreciate FReeper comments on pros and cons of these rifles where my goals are concerned and your experiences with any of these firearms and other recommendations.
Thanks and Merry Christmas to you all!
I recommend the 300 Weatherby Magnum . This rifle is exacty what you want.
Taking shots at animals beyond 250 - 300 yards is not good sportsmanship.
You are not a sniper. You are not at “war” with wildlife.
600 yards is the outside limit for trained USMC “Dedicated Marksman” with some of the best most expensive & excellent equipment.
I have had met people over the years that bragged about their long shots taken; how many feet high and in front they had to lead the animal. Ridiculous.
Stalk within range or wait for a better opportunity. Or perhaps you just like to play sniper...
For elk and moose I’d recommend something with a bit more punch than .308, especially at those distances.
You may want to think about something like a .300 Weatherby or .300 Win Mag. The .308 certainly has 600 yard range and good accuracy but may be marginal for elk and moose, particularly at longer ranges. As always bullet placement is critical.
PS:
Long distance shooting is NOT hunting.
Not for shooting at large game at 600 yards, you're not. .338 Lapua is more in line with your requirements. Or a .416 Barrett.
I also should mention I want a rifle that is reasonable to buy ammo for and/or reasonably priced to reload, if that makes a difference in recommendations.
I agree...yet am still loyal to my old Winchester model 100 .308
You are about to get a million replies.
To meet everything you’ve said, I thin you would be just fine with the .30-06. Especially with the new Hornady factory loads that put it on par with the .300 mags without the additional recoil (longer pressure hold without greater peak pressure).
Well, none of the cartridges that you need to do what you want will be cheap. Either as a factory load or reloading yourself.
I would recommend against shooting beyond 600 yards. You have a duty to give the animal in question a clean kill. An error of a few inches is enough to wound, and give an animal a painful lingering death. Over 600 yards, wind can give you such an error.
If you intend to shoot beyond 300 yards, at game, you have to use a heavy bullet to reduce the effect of wind. the .50BMG or .510DTC a commercial equivalent, would give you the best chance, but be cautious about shooting such a round from a 10 lb rifle. You would absolutely need a blast compensator, robust shooting glasses, and double hearing protection.
I am not shooting at animals beyond 250. I want a rifle with a large enough caliber to shoot Moose and Elk at reasonable distances but I also want to use it for long distance targets. Two different purposes with one rifle. I don’t have money to buy a rifle for every purpose. Thanks.
Here we go. I love it when someone posts one of these “What kind of gun should I get?” vanities. Lots of fun—I learn so much. Let’s see if we can make it one of those 500 post threads!
My apologies.
I am with coyote and feral pigs.
If it takes a 400 yard shot to get them, then that's what it takes.
/johnny
I hope you don't use anything other than a club, as that would be bad sportsmanship.
Hunting is harvesting, whether someone finds "sport" in it is secondary, and I guarantee you meaningless to the animal getting shot. Indeed, I'm sure they would prefer a clean, surprise kill at 600 yd to being chased down and clubbed to death.
If the individual is capable of making a good shot at 600 yards, there isn't a thing wrong with taking it. Taking your preaching somewhere else, where people like to be told how to live their lives by people who profess to know better.
1. I like to target practice at long distances.
2. I want to shoot larger game, but not at 600 yards--150 yards at the most.
But I want one rifle that can serve two purposes.
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