Savage 111 Long Range Hunter vs Savage 116 Weather Warrior

[SavageScott]

I currently have a Savage 116 Weather Warrior in 30 06. It's a very accurate rifle; it shoots great out to 300 yards.

I have been intrigued by the Savage 111 Long Range Hunter, however (in 300 win mag). I am very seriously cashing-out the Weather Warrior and buying the 111 Long Range Hunter......

I wanted to know what everyone thinks about this. Recoil has never been an issue for me (and the 111 comes with a break anyway). Cost of ammo increases a bit, but I am willing to have that trade-off. Is this a good move? I'd like to be able to stretch my reach out a bit with a rifle that will shoot accurately down range. And yes, I spend plenty of time on the range.

 

[timmay]

Personally Id keep the 116 30-06. You can hot rod that sucker to almost 300 win mag speeds if you want to. If its accurate, then for sure keep it and play around with hand loads. 30-06 brass is cheap(ish) and everywhere

 

[D.ID]

I would upgrade the one you have. Call PTG and order a magnum bolt face, go gage. Call northland shooting supply and order a barrel and recoil lug. Change stocks If you want and you are well on your way to a custom. AND you can reassemble your 06 if you ever feel the need.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

Personally Id keep the 116 30-06. You can hot rod that sucker to almost 300 win mag speeds if you want to. If its accurate, then for sure keep it and play around with hand loads. 30-06 brass is cheap(ish) and everywhere

I wouldn't hot-rod it. I'd go to rl22 and 180's. It'll do 2800-2900 fps depending on the barrel with normal pressures. I got my ruger '06 to 2800 with a 180 with rl22, and I wasn't quite topped out(another grain or two). Some rifles in '06hate that slow a powder, but it worked for me. Or do like the other poster said and buy the parts(barrel, bolt, etc.) to really get 300 performance, not kinda-sorta get it.

 

[SavageScott]

Thanks guys.

I'm leaning toward keeping the Weather Warrior and just flat-out buying the Long Range Hunter. It will take a while until I have the $$$ to scope it, but I guess it's just a project to look forward to. This way I have the 06' to beat up, and I'll have the Long Range Hunter when I want to "reach out and touch something" !

I've also thought about grabbing a Savage Axis ($275) in .308 for a nice backup rifle, but that's a whole 'nother post