long range build

cwhuntsalot · #1 03-05-2012, 05:21 AM

I am contemplating building a light weight rifle for high desert Coues Whitetail, Sonoran Muleys, Desert Bighorn etc. To help buck the wind and carry downrange energy, I am looking at a 7mm of some configuration. I told a Coues guide I was leaning toward the 280 Ackley, He said he had a .284 Win on a long action that he swears by. Can anyone lend any advice, pros, cons, suggestions or NO-DON"T DO THAT's for me. I.ve narrowed the list to (140 gr bullets)
270WSM-3200fps
280Ackley-3249fps
7mmSTW-3500fps
7mmWSM-3390fps
7mmGibbs-3400fps
I understand Nosler has brought the 280 Ack out of the closet and standardized it. I'm looking at the Gibbs or the WSM for the sheer velocity. The STW burns way too much more powder for only another 100fps. I still have a couple years before I will put this baby to the test, but I would appreciate any and all info anyone could provide. Thanx Curtis

ICANHITHIMMAN · #2 03-05-2012, 07:26 AM

I think they are all good choices and I dont think one will serve you better than the other.

Here is my suggestion email Kirby Allen and ask his opnion. Im sure there are other rifle smith/hunters out there. But for some reason I remember him posting about a hunt out that way. He could make suggestions based on brass life vs powder consumption over cost etc.

I also suggest what ever rifle smith you pick you get your build started asap. If you factor in build time, load work up and practice 2 years is a very short amount of time.

Jon

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Joker · #3 03-05-2012, 11:14 PM

I recently did a build using a remington 700 action,the caliber is 6.5x.284.I used a long action so the extended rounds(140 Bergers) would work properly in the magazine.Used a Krieger barrell,Jewell trigger,had the action trued/blueprinted,etc.This gun is a tack driver at longer ranges and a pleasure to shoot.One of my favorites is a 300 win.mag.,but 6.5x.284 is one of the sweetest shooting,most accurate shooting rifles i've ever shot.Check it out on this site and the web,its also very capable at taking all sorts of game at impressive distances.Just my humble opinion,though.

rscott5028 · #4 03-06-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwhuntsalot

I am contemplating building a light weight rifle for high desert Coues Whitetail, Sonoran Muleys, Desert Bighorn etc. To help buck the wind and carry downrange energy, I am looking at a 7mm of some configuration. I told a Coues guide I was leaning toward the 280 Ackley, He said he had a .284 Win on a long action that he swears by. Can anyone lend any advice, pros, cons, suggestions or NO-DON"T DO THAT's for me. I.ve narrowed the list to (140 gr bullets)
270WSM-3200fps
280Ackley-3249fps
7mmSTW-3500fps
7mmWSM-3390fps
7mmGibbs-3400fps
I understand Nosler has brought the 280 Ack out of the closet and standardized it. I'm looking at the Gibbs or the WSM for the sheer velocity. The STW burns way too much more powder for only another 100fps. I still have a couple years before I will put this baby to the test, but I would appreciate any and all info anyone could provide. Thanx Curtis

If you're set on 140gr bullets, go with one of the many great 6.5's. ...unless you're talking all copper or guilded metal which presents a different set of conditions.

Otherwise, use the 168's for a 7mm to do better in the wind.

Make sure you have the right twist for the bullet you choose.

You should also consider the 7RM and 7RSAUM. But, any of the ones you've listed will get the job done although there's no free lunch. The big cases will burn barrels faster for the most part.

-- richard

grit · #5 03-07-2012, 12:33 AM

For a lightweight /mountain/ sheep rifle I would suggest a 7RSAUM. Keep it in a short action with an extended mag box. You start with a more compact action. Keep the barrel to a #4 or 5 24". You'll have a compact, package with great balance, and all the performance of the 280AI. Put it in a Manners MCS-t. Run the 160 accubond or168 Berger.

For a long action, I suggest the 7-300WSM. 180 Bergers at 3000fps.

The long action and big bullets give you a couple hundred yards of extra reach. Either way 1000 yards will be comfortable.

If you want to run 140 bullets step down to a 260 or similar 6.5.

roninflag · #6 03-07-2012, 08:26 AM

a 140 berger or balistic tip is a good choice for the coues and desert bighorn. for muleys i would use an accubond. get a 7wsm or a 7 rem mag. how often are you going to hunt bighorn? every year? it is hard to get drawn and pretty expensive to just get a tag. also the sonoran muley hunts are nice but a little pricey also. what ever you get; i would use a krieger barrel.

azgutpile · #7 03-07-2012, 12:01 PM

I'm in the process of building a rifle for coues hunting as well. I gave up on building an ultra light rifle because of the consistincy required to shoot good groups so now I have a target weight between 8-9lbs. Here is a list of what I'm using.

Stiller Predator short action
Krieger # 5 fluted 24",or Schneider poly #5 fluted 24" (Arizona Co.) (1:9 twist in both)
Seekins WSM DBM (bottom metal) allows 3.14 OAL
McMillan HTG or A-3 (2lbs) with Edge Tech.
Jewell 1lb trigger

I'm going to have the barrel chambered in 7mm SAUM which has a very similar powder capasity to the .280 AI, but I'm able to use a short action. I will be shooting the 168 or 180 Bergers.

Hope that helps