Short Barrel Hunting Rig?

[Defiance7mm]

So I have the Seekins Havak PH2 in 6.5 PRC. Going to swap the barrel to an 18 in proof carbon barrel. My question is, go 6.5 PRC 7.5 twist? Or 7 SAUM 8 twist? This is mainly my back country elk rifle. I took a bull this last weekend with the 156 Berger. The new set up I'll run either the hammers or hornady cx. Thanks for any input. Also if you have similar set up, what velocity are you seeing with what bullet powder combination. Thanks again

 

[hawk-i]

Hmmm, my personal thoughts are 18" is to short for both of those chamberings BUT of the 2 my pick is the 7 SAUM, only because of heavier bullet choice.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Hmmm, my personal thoughts are 18" is to short for both of those chamberings BUT of the 2 my pick is the 7 SAUM, only because of heavier bullet choice.

Same here

 

[7.62 Gunner]

So I have the Seekins Havak PH2 in 6.5 PRC. Going to swap the barrel to an 18 in proof carbon barrel. My question is, go 6.5 PRC 7.5 twist? Or 7 SAUM 8 twist? This is mainly my back country elk rifle. I took a bull this last weekend with the 156 Berger. The new set up I'll run either the hammers or hornady cx. Thanks for any input. Also if you have similar set up, what velocity are you seeing with what bullet powder combination. Thanks again

18" is not too short, I'm assuming you're running a suppressor?
I built an 18" 7-300 wsm improved and Im getting 2800 fps with 180 Bergers using RL26.
Stupid accurate load that I've verified beyond 1000 yards many times.
Why are you committed to shooting monos??

 

[CMP70306]

So I have an 18" 6.5 PRC, Below are some of the loads that I have personally tested in two carbon Six barrels.

130gr Berger OTM - 2980 fps with 54.5gr H4350 - fine in one rifle, 3150 and unsafe in another.

123gr Absolute Hammer - 3170 fps with 61.3gr N560, top end, shows pressure in once fired laupua but not with new brass so it needs a rework.

109gr Absolute Hammer - 3360 fps with 59.5gr H4350 - HOT LOAD but it was a first test load, will be backing down below 59gr for actual use.

Im thinking the one Carbon 6 barrel has an issue and needs a finish reamer run in it as I had the same issue with the other barrel. I'm going to send it back after the season cause I don't have enough time now.

 

[Defiance7mm]

18" is not too short, I'm assuming you're running a suppressor?
I built an 18" 7-300 wsm improved and Im getting 2800 fps with 180 Bergers using RL26.
Stupid accurate load that I've verified beyond 1000 yards many times.
Why are you committed to shooting monos??

Just not a huge fan of lead in game... And the 156 berger did way to much meat damage

 

[rellison312]

So I have the Seekins Havak PH2 in 6.5 PRC. Going to swap the barrel to an 18 in proof carbon barrel. My question is, go 6.5 PRC 7.5 twist? Or 7 SAUM 8 twist? This is mainly my back country elk rifle. I took a bull this last weekend with the 156 Berger. The new set up I'll run either the hammers or hornady cx. Thanks for any input. Also if you have similar set up, what velocity are you seeing with what bullet powder combination. Thanks again

My 20" barrel 7 SAUM shoots 180 Berger Hyb at 2,700 fps. Performs excellent on mule deer and antelope, haven't had the opportunity on a bull elk yet. I shoot 145 Barnes at 3,080 fps, never shot at game.

 

[Slick8]

Hmmm, my personal thoughts are 18" is to short for both of those chamberings BUT of the 2 my pick is the 7 SAUM, only because of heavier bullet choice.

I agree but depending on your max intended range it may work.

I have a 21 inch 7 saum running 180 hybrids at 2840, not much the 65 prc can improve on that except recoil perhaps.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Monos like speed.
18" is going to lose a lot of it compared to a 22-24".
Those 6.5mm 130 CX bullets have low BC, so are going to shed the speed quickly.

I would go 7SAUM if it were me. Especially with elk on the menu. I would also go 22" unless you are running a can. Then 20" at the shortest.

 

[Huntnpack]

7Saum with 22"-24" suppressed

 

[comfisherman]

Questioning someone's bullet choices today is about like telling someone their kids kinda dumb, their wife's not that nice and their boat is ugly..... it all may be true but you have to insinuate it not say it outright.

That said I like the cx monos almost as much as bergers.... for a backup elk gun with short length to work with 7 saum wins in my mind. Having played with wsms in this length from 6.5 to 300, little bit of diameter goes a long way towards speed. It may be overly bold, but I think the 7mms currently have the best high b.c. bullet selection. Not that the catalog of 6.5s isn't impressive and growing by the day, still think the gamut of 7mm heavies edges them out.

 

[CBH Australia]

I seem to like 7mm's .
My gunsmith uses a saum for F cLass but I built a .280ai for hunting.

So, my vote is a 7mm

There's a lot of talk about short rifles and "Bushpig" rifles on a New Zealand site.

I can't offer much wisdom or verified data on a short saum combo.

 

[BD1965]

What contour proof can u run in the ph2? I am gonna try a similar project In 7mm. Thanks for the info

 

[Defiance7mm]

What contour proof can u run in the ph2? I am gonna try a similar project In 7mm. Thanks for the info

I'm going with a Sendero light. The stock will have to be opened up just a bit.


So after reading everyone's responses... I am most likely to go 7 SAUM with a 20 in barrel. And yes I am running suppressed. I want to be a short as possible. Hate having the can catch on trees when hiking with it on my pack. Small and light is the goal