?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory ammo?

[mjm0073]

Wanting to purchase a new custom rifle for hunting anything from coyote to Moose and need some help in choosing a caliber. Main thing I want is a gun/caliber that is fun to shoot and, for me, that means low recoil. I want something I can shoot all day. I plan on having a muzzle brake installed, and I do not reload.

I am considering GA Precision's Nontypical in .300 WSM or 6.5-284 Norma. I realize those are weird calibers to be torn between. But, my thoughts are that I like the high BC and long range capabilities of the 6.5-284, but I am a little concerned about its knock-down power on bigger game such as black bear, moose...etc. I know a .300 WSM will get the job done on bigger game, but I already have a Browning A-bolt in .300 WSM, and I never shoot it because I don't like having the crap kicked out of me. Also, I'm thinking shot distances on moose and black bear would probably be 300 yards or less, so my A-bolt would already work there. So, I am leaning toward the 6.5-284.

My intended use for the gun is antelope, deer, sheep, elk...etc out West, and of course, I want something that has long-range capabilities. I am new to long range hunting as it is dense and hilly where I hunt here in Arkansas, but I intend to practice out to 6-700 yards.

I have read a lot of great posts on the site and a lot of folks like the bigger 338's and what not, but I'm thinking something with lighter recoil is the thing for me. Any thoughts, advice, experience, and/or opinions are greatly appreciated!!!

 

[sp6x6]

Re: ?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory a

Recoil is different for everyone. I shot a unbraked 340 wm for 10 yrs, put 400 down the pipe first summer shooting gophers and stuff. I think of my 325wsm as a pee shooter. Brake your 300wsm or better recoil pad like a limbsaver. Then get the 6.5 -284, which sounds like it would work, for sure at those 6-700. A couple of my bench friends shot 300wsm, modified reamer, in 1000 yard for years. And have made some personal pack rifles also. My browning 325 is a easy 6-700 gun, with 200 NAB.Has a 4-14.

 

[bogger01]

Re: ?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory a

i would either advise towards putting a brake on the 300wsm you already have and shooting that or sell the abolt and put it towards a new 300wsm built to your specs.i like the 6.5x284 but for larger type game i feel more comfortable with a larger,heavier bullet.i know that there plenty of people with plenty of videos saying that the 6.5x284 is suitable for big game like elk ect. but i always liked a little more bullet mass.also,the 6.5 can be a barrel burner if you shoot alot where the 300 wsm will give you more shooting time.also,the 300wsm ammo is more readily avalible.hope this helps

 

[liltank]

Re: ?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory a

300WSM would get the nod from me. Here is some ammo that I would use for your application. Not to mention the GAP would be an awesome rig.

Federal Premium Vital-Shok Ammunition 300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) 180 Grain Speer Trophy Bonded Tip Box of 20 - MidwayUSA

Black Hills Gold Ammunition 300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) 180 Grain Nosler AccuBond Box of 20 - MidwayUSA

Cor-Bon Performance Match Ammunition 300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) 190 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Box of 20 - MidwayUSA

RWS Rap-X Deep Penetration Ammunition 300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) 184 Grain Power-Bonded Box of 20 - MidwayUSA Excellent brass for reloading when you get around to it.

Remington Premier Ammunition 300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) 180 Grain Swift Scirocco Box of 20 - MidwayUSA When they have it available.

Tank

 

[Mr.Moa]

Re: ?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory a

I too live down here in AR and looking into the 6.5x284 and and 300 win mag. I'm planning on the 300 win mag but if you already have a 300 wsm go for the 6.5x284. It's gonna kill every thing down here and you arent going to have to worry bout getting out of its range. Then whenever you go hunting for those larger game take the 300 wsm. If you dont like the recoil look into a break or recoil pad like the others said. But i would look into the 6.5x284 norma.

 

[Mr.Moa]

Re: ?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory a

Forgot to say if you get your practice in then the 6.5 shouldn't have any problem farther out on the elk might be a little under gunned but if its in the vitals its not going far.

 

[mjm0073]

Re: ?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory a

What about a .260 Remington instead? Still ok for elk, sheep...etc right? Shells are more readily available and almost 1/2 the price of the 6.5-284....

Thanks for all the input folks!

 

[SpencerSS]

Re: ?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory a

The Factory ammo thing is hurting you.

Check out HSM ammo you should find some good stuff there, and you might even get some ideas for chambering.

P.S. Most of the major ammo brands don't load stuff specifically for long range hunting. HSM and some others provide superior products in the long range field.

 

[mrclean5687]

Re: ?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory a

Wanting to purchase a new custom rifle for hunting anything from coyote to Moose and need some help in choosing a caliber. Main thing I want is a gun/caliber that is fun to shoot and, for me, that means low recoil. I want something I can shoot all day. I plan on having a muzzle brake installed, and I do not reload.

I am considering GA Precision's Nontypical in .300 WSM or 6.5-284 Norma. I realize those are weird calibers to be torn between. But, my thoughts are that I like the high BC and long range capabilities of the 6.5-284, but I am a little concerned about its knock-down power on bigger game such as black bear, moose...etc. I know a .300 WSM will get the job done on bigger game, but I already have a Browning A-bolt in .300 WSM, and I never shoot it because I don't like having the crap kicked out of me. Also, I'm thinking shot distances on moose and black bear would probably be 300 yards or less, so my A-bolt would already work there. So, I am leaning toward the 6.5-284.

My intended use for the gun is antelope, deer, sheep, elk...etc out West, and of course, I want something that has long-range capabilities. I am new to long range hunting as it is dense and hilly where I hunt here in Arkansas, but I intend to practice out to 6-700 yards.

I have read a lot of great posts on the site and a lot of folks like the bigger 338's and what not, but I'm thinking something with lighter recoil is the thing for me. Any thoughts, advice, experience, and/or opinions are greatly appreciated!!!

Got a mountain eagle 300WM fox river muzzle brake brushed chrome finish (very rare) never fired with a great nikon scope (new also) plus 200 rounds of Hornady custom ammo #8200 for sale great semi custom gun. will be listed shortly


Cliff

 

[WildRose]

Re: ?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory a

Either will work for your desired application. The wsm will do it with more authority however.

Personally, out to 600yds there's not much I'd even think twice about with the .260.

 

[Nimrod]

Re: ?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory a

I'm thinking he made his choice last May.

 

[WildRose]

Re: ?Caliber of custom, long rang hunting rifle: low recoil using brake and factory a

I'm thinking he made his choice last May.

I didn't even look at the date. I am beginning to wonder though how these threads mysteriously reappear on the front page after so long being dormant... .