7mm Remington mag $4k and the way forward (help)

[Asquared]

I have started to get into the addictive world of long range hunting and shooting and have come to a point where I would like some more advice from those that have been there and done that, and that are overall more experienced.

I will list the current set up I have and then would like to know what everyone else would do in my situation. My overall goal is to have a rifle that I can confidently shoot game (elk/deer) out to (max) 1000 yards.

For my next purchase I was thinking of the Swarovski EL 10x42 range finder/binoculars combo that runs about $3k, however, I am hesitant to pull the trigger (ha ha) on the purchase because I am wondering if there is another purchase that should take priority given my current set up, and the direction it should go.

What I have/ have done so far....

Remington 700, 7mm Mag BDL, Walnut stock. (everything is factory).

Barrel is free floated, done by me. Gun shoots 3/4 MOA at a 100 yrds. (factory barrel, but it is good).

Up graded the scope to a 5.5 x 22 x 56 Nightforce, with MOAR.

I still need rings and proper long action rail (suggestions?).

I invested in the Nightforce Xball ballistics program.

I have a Harris Bi pod, a good back pack and that's about it.


So what do the experts think? in a priority list? Stock?, barrel?, reloading equipment? optics? I just want some advice on where I should spend some money next? If this is your set up and you had $4k to put into it what would you do next?

Thanks,

Asquared

 

[Asquared]

Sorry I accidentally posted this twice, apologies!

 

[MMERSS]

My overall goal is to have a rifle that I can confidently shoot game (elk/deer) out to (max) 1000 yards.

My .02.

First, invest some of your saved money so you know what will be required to achieve your stated goal. It's fairly easy to say "I want to shoot deer and elk at 1000 yards." Initially, this often ends up being a much more difficult and demanding process to achieve this end without a good plan on how to get there and with consistent results. By this I'm referring to educating one on the details of what is required to achieve this goal, accuracy and precision. Precision tends to be more equipment based. Accuracy combined with precision is the goal. Invest up front with learning as much as possible about accuracy. You can achieve this by attending a shooting school, finding a competent companion to assist along the way, or simply investing in a few good books. Accuracy and Precision for Long Range Shooting, by Bryan Litz is a good start. This book in simple terms applies both accuracy and precision using a scientific analysis with establishing the probability of a first round hit at various ranges under different environmental confidence levels for a specific sized target. The book includes a section specifically for hunting big game.

For suggestions on your equipment.
1. Many accomplished long range elk hunters use a 30 cal or larger with ranges approaching and exceeding 1000. Will a 7mm work? Yes. Are there videos showing the success of the 7mm on elk past 1000? Yes. Are there more capable options when you run into trouble with a misplaced shot at those ranges other than the 7mm? I absolutely believe there is and many posts by members proclaim this. I'm one of them. Consider a different chamber for your 700 LA if you intend to rebarrel and include a muzzle break. Your intended max gun weight will drive decisions for the other aspects of your rifle to include stock and barrel length and contour.

2. Invest in the NF 20 MOA 700 LA base with NF rings. Include a level bubble.

3. Leica 1600 is a great range finder.

4. Consider reloading if possible or borrow a friend's equipment. Reloading match ammo for your rifle provides a more flexible means with achieving the best precision possible.

 

[dogdinger]

Ditto a lot of what EMMERS said, mostly on the reloading part. accuracy expectations come with practice. spend a thousand bucks to get set up reloading and start practicing. It does not take a lot to figure out your limitations. when I started I set myself a goal of hitting milk jugs at ranges I would hunt. I have since made it to 1K yds, but it took a lot of practice. nothing wrong with your rig. it is well capable of your goal. Good luck. AJ