Suggestions on LEFTY Antelope & Mule Deer Rig

Big_Red · #1 10-21-2010, 08:33 AM

Looks like I'll finally get to go on my first Wyoming mule deer and antelope hunt next year (if we get drawn for licenses) and what better excuse to buy a new rifle??? I have a .30-06 Browning A-Bolt which is certainly capable (along with .308, other .30-06's, etc), but I'm hankering for a magnum, likely a 7mm Rem Mag.

With a budget of 'factory' or 'modified factory', I was looking for opinions. Being a lefty my choices are a bit limited, but my initial thoughts were to buy a Remington 700 SPS in 7mm Mag ($500) and slap a McMillan HTG ($500) on it. My long range .308 bolt gun is based on the same action and A-5 McM stock and I am quite pleased with that rig.

This choice would leave me lots of options for down the road customization since it is a 700 action. Any other manufacturers I should look at? I know Browning, Tikka, Savage, and probably others make a lefty 7mm.

This Georgia boy can't wait to go out West for the first time!

Long Time Long Ranger · #2 10-21-2010, 09:26 AM

That will certainly do the job on deer and antelope and so will several other choices without so much bang an recoil. If you don't mind a muzzle brake the 300 ultramag in that rifle is about the best flattest shooting, hardest hitting rifle for long range you can get over the counter. Far superior over the 7mm rem mag, well not even in the same league. Many choices easily beat the 7mm rem mag but it will do the job just fine if that is what you want. If they make it in a 7mm STW that is where I would go in 7mm for the best long range. The 7mm ultramag eats barrels to bad but is great with heavy vld bullets. If Savage still sells the 300 ultramag in a left hand it is a good choice. It comes with a brake and everyone I have ever seen shot very well. No sense buying something then having to buy another soon after to beat it. Just get the 300 ultramag and you are on top already and no need for a custom down the road if it shoots well. If it doesn't you already have the ultramag action to do something with if you want a custom long range rifle.

Derek M. · #3 10-21-2010, 09:37 AM

Big Red,

The 7mm Remington Magnum will serve you well on any deer or pronghorn. You can shoot Swift Sciroccos, Nosler Btips or Accubonds, Bergers, Hornady Amax...lots of choices. I have 2 7mm mags. Your thoughts on it are spot on. You won't go wrong with it and you will be pleased. I also have other calibers, including a 300 RUM as mentioned above and it is a good choice as well. The funny thing is, when I was toting my 300, my pronghorn was only 65 yards away. That was in 2004. Seems like the luck at the time, but I've never taken a shot over 354 with the 300. At these distances, I would rather have had one of my 270s in hand.

Big_Red · #4 10-21-2010, 10:12 AM

Thanks guys. I forgot to mention I don't reload and prefer the old school cartridges that have been around for a while. Just personal preference, but that's why I'm leaning towards the 7mm Rem Mag.

benson821 · #5 10-21-2010, 11:09 AM

I just got back from an antelope hunt just a week or so ago and i am also left handed and you don't need a magnum round to take one of those suckes down. I bought a Left handedTikka T3 Lite in 270 win. and i dropped my antelope at 200 yards with it. So what i'm trying to say is you don't need a magnum round to drop one of those animals. Check out tikka it is a very nice rifle, smoothe action and amazing trigger pull.

benson821

Derek M. · #6 10-21-2010, 11:32 AM

my "designated" pronghorn rifle is a 270 with 110 TTSX.

Big_Red · #7 10-21-2010, 11:34 AM

I've thought about the .270 and I know it's a great cartridge, but not sure it is much different than my .30-06 overall.

I'll get out there and probably end up with 100yd shots but who knows. What worries me is Dad tells me they typically stalk all day taking free-hand shots. Free-hand shots no good when the buck fever is high!