I don't have much centerfire rifle experience, other than shooting M16's in the Air Force, which I really enjoyed. Now that I live in N. AZ. there are plenty of places for long range shooting and hopefully hunting, if I ever draw a tag. I've shot a 300wm (w/o hearing protection, stupid I know) a couple of times and realized that I quickly began to flinch from the recoil.
I'd like to use a Savage action to build a 600 yard elk rifle. The gun will also be used to hunt deer and antelope. I recognize that I need to practice ALOT to shoot 600yds, so it makes sense to put on a muzzel brake, probably one of Nate's.
I just found this site a few weeks ago, but I've been thinking about doing this for about a year. I've searched all over the internet and read most of the hunting and shooting books in my local library. I've found that I really enjoy looking at ballistics tables and reloading data and pondering what would be the best cartridge for my scenario.
I came across a good deal on a basic reloading set which I bought, so I wouldn't be limited to factory ammo. I think I will enjoy working up a load for my new gun.
I was thinking probably something in the 7mm caliber would be ideal, while trying to avoid something belted.
I look forward to hearing suggestions from more experienced shooters.
Let's see; Savage action, non-belted case, muzzle break installed and 7mm with sufficient killing power to 600yds for elk. Not sure you would want the 7mm SAUM or WSM as the heavier/longer bullets invade on their powder space. Unless barrel is throated for these type bullets.
I would probably go with the 7mm RUM or check into the Allen Mag. I know the RUM can be had on the Savage action but not sure about the AM. I suppose Kirby can work his magic with just about any action. He has more experience than I behind the trigger with the BIG 7's, long range and killing big beast....JohnnyK.
Well, I'd suggest getting something on the order of a model 12fvss and get the 300WSM barrel (it will handle heavy enough bullets for 600yd elk). Since you don't have much center fire experience and you'll have the Savage action, I'd then order a 223WSSM barrel (with the large shank). the 223WSSM has the same bolt face as the 300WSM, so switches are easy. Get a Barrel Nut wrench and the go gauges for the 223WSSM and 300WSM. Switch to the 223WSSM barrel and shoot it a ton. The 223 will have almost no recoil and will be very cheap to shoot, its a great coyote rifle (and I know you have those in AZ). You will get all kinds of fun cheap practice shooting and reloading.
The model 12 is the varmint rifle and it has the lighter Accutrigger (which is surprisingly good), so you won't need to invest in a better trigger.
While you are getting comfortable with the rifle and reloading, you can get a little heavier stock (one of the laminates would be perfect). Then you can put the 300WSM barrel on it and get serious about long range. With experience, the heavy barrel of the model 12 and a laminate stock, you wont need a muzzle brake at all. However, if you do need a brake, you can mark your barrel, ship it off and have one installed; meanwhile you can be shooting the 223.
Hope this helps,
AJ
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If some is good and more is better, then too much is just right.
Last edited by AJ Peacock; 11-08-2007 at 07:31 AM.
AJ posted some great advice - the Savage action is a great one for the home hobby gunsmith as it's relatively easy to swap barrels. Savage also makes a couple of excellent factory rifles with laminated stocks & heavy barrels - in suitable cartridges.
A 600 yard shot, in good conditions, is surprisingly easy to make with a decent rifle and a good scope. Heck, highpower competitors do it all the time with iron-sight AR-15's...
Muzzle breaks are very loud. Plan on wearing ear protection every time you shoot a rifle so equipped.
I do a lot of longish-range shooting but have only taken one nice big bull elk - and he was only 180 yards out or so. A 175 Nosler partition from a 7mm Rem mag worked just fine, penetrating completely and making a clean, quick kill. The more I've hunted, the more I've come to realize that there is no one perfect cartridge/bullet combo for this sport - there's about a zillion different choices, many of which will work just fine.
An accurate rifle. A cartridge that tosses an appropriate bullet with enough zip to get the job done. A bullet that is accurate, sheds velocity grudgingly, penetrates to the vitals and makes a mess of the heart/lungs... A scope that lets you see your target clearly, and lets you compensate for range...
There are as many possible combos as there are hunters. I think your 7mm WSM idea has merit. So does the good old 7mm Rem mag, the 7mm STW or the RUM version. Or the .30's... Heck it could be done with a long-barreled .30-06 shooting Berger 190 or 210 VLD's... And done well.
Seeking the "perfect" LR hunting rifle I've gone through several candidates. One thing I keep coming back to is that it's got to be a rifle that is both portable (those mountains are steep and rugged) and also fun to shoot. I like to practice a lot and a rifle that just beats the snot out of me is not something I enjoy anymore.
I like the 7mm bullets better as well. If Savage offered the laminate long heavy barrel in the 7wsm, it would be perfect. A lot of the non varmint rifles that savage offers have shorter lighter barrels that would not help the recoil issue nor the long range capabilities (less velocity on shorter barrels). The Varmint rifles also have the lighter Accutrigger.
AJ
__________________
If some is good and more is better, then too much is just right.
Last edited by AJ Peacock; 11-08-2007 at 11:35 AM.
If you keep it at 600 yards, how about the 280 AI? It is deadly accurate, has low recoil and will kill an elk.
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Michael
Watching those hunting shows is a little like reading Playboy. Those big racks are out there but they're few and far between, easier to spot than to get one of your own, and if you do get one, it usually costs quite a bit to mount it.
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