Rifle weight

[RedRaider]

I am planning to get a 280 AI for larger critters than I normally hunt (whitetail) when we burn our points in a couple years. Most of my rifles are a bit on the heavy side an wondering how critical rifle weight is going to be hiking around Colorado for instance. What weight should I be focused on (without scope) or does 1 or 2 pounds not really matter at the end of the day.

I am sure hunting in forests is much different than stand hunting which is all I do today...

 

[DoneNOut]

If I am walking to sit over a water hole or canyon 11lbs max, 300WM (Rifle might be slung at times)
If I am going distance, spot & stalk, 7lbs max, 7mm-08 (Rifle will held in hand)

 

[sierracharlie338]

I'm not like most here I think 9-9.5 pounds is the sweet spot for me from hiking to stand hunting. I've also toted my 20 pound MRAD to the deer stand so I guess I'm a glutton for punishment. IMO it also heavily relates to what caliber you are shooting. If you're shooting a sweet little 7-08, 260 or god forbid a 6.5 shemoor you can get away with a lighter platform where a big boomer would be more pleasant with more weight.

 

[FEENIX]

I am planning to get a 280 AI for larger critters than I normally hunt (whitetail) when we burn our points in a couple years. Most of my rifles are a bit on the heavy side an wondering how critical rifle weight is going to be hiking around Colorado for instance. What weight should I be focused on (without scope) or does 1 or 2 pounds not really matter at the end of the day.

I am sure hunting in forests is much different than stand hunting which is all I do today...

I know what you mean, most of my LR rifles are between 10-12 lbs hunt ready. I have Kimber 84L Hunter in .30-06 that I had re-chambered to .30 Gibbs; it is currently my lightest rifle at under 8 lbs scoped.

An 8 pound rifle set up is definite very pleasing to carry, for a change.

 

[RedRaider]

Charlie makes a good point about caliber - i hunt with short actions (7mm-08) and there is no real consideration for me on recoil. The 280 AI is clearly going to have a bit more punch. I should say that I also reload and enjoy target shooting and working up loads so trying to find a compromise between easy to hike with but not so lite that it rattles my teeth after 20-30 rounds is important. I am wanted the best compromise weight or.... the best of both worlds which is impossible.

 

[sp6x6]

Going to relate to fitness some and your personal tolerance for weight and gun carry option.If i dint have to pack rifle Id go heavier,like on a horse or rig.But i front carry alot,which puts weight on my neck shoulder area and hike many miles in mountains so I prefer 6-7 lb rifle,which end up 8-9# ready to roll.

 

[RedRaider]

Sounds like around 8 pounds with scope would be ideal and try to stay under 9 pounds total. really appreciate the insight fellas!

 

[26Reload]

Something else to consider...the heavier projectile increases more recoil.....so in a liteweight rifle I tend to shoot lighter weight bullets that get the job accomplished....
My 280ai will shoot 140ab or 150lrabs when I find some....
168s were way overboard...

 

[RedRaider]

I was planning ongoing with 160 or so grains in the 280. Do you have any reservation with 140/150 on larger critters? I am shooting 140AB out of my 7mm-08 already.

 

[Mark37082]

I'm no expert, but I find myself reaching for a six and one half lb. rifle anytime I am planning doing any considerable walking while hunting. The 11+ lb. rifles are perfect for controlling recoil while at the range or hunting from fixed positions with a good rest. You can get caught up in the speed vs. mass debates when choosing a bullet. Both will work given a proper shot placement. I really can't discern the difference between a 168 gr vs. a 140 gr. when shooting at a game animal. Try them all and pick the one your rifle likes the most.

 

[Greyfox]

My rifles for LRH run 10.5-13.5 pounds, fully equipped. I'm generally 70:30, stationary:carry. If carry time dominates, I will keep weight closer to 10.5 pounds, which is about as light as I prefer for LRH.

 

[dogz]

I am planning to get a 280 AI for larger critters than I normally hunt (whitetail) when we burn our points in a couple years. Most of my rifles are a bit on the heavy side an wondering how critical rifle weight is going to be hiking around Colorado for instance. What weight should I be focused on (without scope) or does 1 or 2 pounds not really matter at the end of the day.

I am sure hunting in forests is much different than stand hunting which is all I do today...

If you don't mind, what do you have in the gun safe as of now?

A kimber Ascent in 280 Ack or .270 would be an incredible beast. Or if you have a bit more cheddar have Melvin of NULA build you one with a #2 barrel cut to 24".

I have a Montana in .308 with a 6x36 Leo on it, it shoots 3/4" at the bench but is too light for me for killing on demand at 400 yards plus. Point being, I've found I shoot my NULA/270 mucho better. It's about a pound heavier and that really helps with my crappy technique...

My NULA with a 2-8 Leo with M1 on top weighs right at 7 "all up" (scoped, rounds, sling). With the #2 barrel @ 24" it's incredibly user friendly and I feel like I can kill on demand to 500 (which is plenty darn far for me anymore........).

I've carried the heavier magnums quite a bit but didn't like them to be over 8.5 lbs "all up".

Lastly, I do find that the heavier barrels out front help me to settle down when the chips are down and I have to make it happen right now!

For myself, I like the stock to be 28 ounces or less, the barrel to be between .62" and .65" at 23-24" and I like the scope to be no more than 16 ounces. Lastly, the sling with hardware no mas than 4 ouces.

Just my way and something to consider, if you ever get out this way let me know and we'll go put a couple thru the wringer so to speak.

 

[dogz]

I was planning ongoing with 160 or so grains in the 280. Do you have any reservation with 140/150 on larger critters? I am shooting 140AB out of my 7mm-08 already.

Nada, no reservations........

I shot a rather large cow a couple mornings ago @ 449 yards in a high wind. She was about to step into the timber, I ranged her, hit the turf and stuck a 140 Berger (from my NULA/270) just in behind the last rib as she quartered away. The bullet went up into the chest and turned it into soup. She went 8 short steps and tipped over........

Within reason, as long as you have enough speed to open the bullet and don't take crazy stupid angle shots there just isn't that much critter even on an elk that you have to penetrate before you bullet needs to go to work.

Point being 10 to 20 grains of bullet just doesn't matter!

 

[Mad Minion]

My son and I did an Elk hunt in Colorado this year, back country abv 9000 ft. my rifle was 12.5 lbs. RTS. All I carried was rifle and personal water, he carried all of the other gear (spotting scope, puffies, meals, tarp, tri pod, and kill kit). We were able to navigate any terrain without reserve or thought of our pack weight. If I were solo, I would try to find something featherlight.