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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Rifles, Bullets, Barrels & Ballistics
Walking or light rifle... elk at 600 yards
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<blockquote data-quote="4th_point" data-source="post: 342912" data-attributes="member: 13585"><p>Thanks for the ideas and photos guys. So many good suggestions.</p><p> </p><p>This is not an easy decision! You guys have brought up some good points about recoil levels and overall rifle weight. I was leaning towards a 338 Win Mag with 225gr bullets, but I'd like to keep the weight under 8 pounds scoped. My 300 WSM was 8 pounds scoped and it felt like an anchor after a day of hiking in the hills. Recoil with this rifle was not a problem with factory 180gr ammo, but 225 gr bullets from a 338 would be worse. I need to run some numbers on recoil energy.</p><p> </p><p>Beside recoil, Alan brings up a good point about accuracy with a lightweight rig. I'm not sure how accurate I would be shooting a lightweight 338 Win Mag. Free recoil, or tight against the shoulder? I didn't hold the 300 WSM too tight, but I'd imagine that letting a 338 free recoil could be painful. I don't want a brake for this rifle.</p><p> </p><p>Another thing to consider are the high BC bullets in .30 cal and 7mm like some of you have mentioned. These might extend the range beyond 600 yards if the rifle and shooter are accurate.</p><p> </p><p>Another monkey wrench is the 210gr Scirocco from a 338 Federal. This combo should have 1800 to 1900 fps at 500 yards from a 5 pound Kimber. I'd have 100 yards less range, but save 2 pounds in rifle weight. But counting on the Kimber to shoot the Scirocco, or any bullet accurately at this distance seems like a crap shoot.</p><p> </p><p>Based on JE Customs last post, I've thought about my requirements some more.</p><p> </p><p><strong>1. Animal</strong>: up to elk</p><p><strong>2. Range</strong>: 600 yards (more is better if still accurate)</p><p><strong>3. Terrain</strong>: from flatlands to canyons. Glassing right next to the truck or 12 mile hikes in the mountains, hills, and breaks.</p><p><strong>4. Ammo</strong>: will load my own.</p><p><strong>5. Recoil</strong>: 8 pound scoped 300 WSM with 180gr factory ammo was no problem with Limbsaver. I don't know how high I can tolerate though. The 300 WSM was the hardest recoiling rifle I have owned, but I could shoot it well.</p><p><strong>6. Barrel life</strong>: I like to shoot alot! I could shoot 40 rounds in the 300 WSM in one session easily. Cost of factory ammo (didn't have a press then) kept me from shooting more, not pain. Given that, I'd like something with decent barrel life or another Savage so that I can just install the barrels myself.</p><p><strong>7. Future purchases</strong>: probably none in the immediate future after this purchase due to family growth. But I'd like a 338 RUM at some point.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="4th_point, post: 342912, member: 13585"] Thanks for the ideas and photos guys. So many good suggestions. This is not an easy decision! You guys have brought up some good points about recoil levels and overall rifle weight. I was leaning towards a 338 Win Mag with 225gr bullets, but I'd like to keep the weight under 8 pounds scoped. My 300 WSM was 8 pounds scoped and it felt like an anchor after a day of hiking in the hills. Recoil with this rifle was not a problem with factory 180gr ammo, but 225 gr bullets from a 338 would be worse. I need to run some numbers on recoil energy. Beside recoil, Alan brings up a good point about accuracy with a lightweight rig. I'm not sure how accurate I would be shooting a lightweight 338 Win Mag. Free recoil, or tight against the shoulder? I didn't hold the 300 WSM too tight, but I'd imagine that letting a 338 free recoil could be painful. I don't want a brake for this rifle. Another thing to consider are the high BC bullets in .30 cal and 7mm like some of you have mentioned. These might extend the range beyond 600 yards if the rifle and shooter are accurate. Another monkey wrench is the 210gr Scirocco from a 338 Federal. This combo should have 1800 to 1900 fps at 500 yards from a 5 pound Kimber. I'd have 100 yards less range, but save 2 pounds in rifle weight. But counting on the Kimber to shoot the Scirocco, or any bullet accurately at this distance seems like a crap shoot. Based on JE Customs last post, I've thought about my requirements some more. [B]1. Animal[/B]: up to elk [B]2. Range[/B]: 600 yards (more is better if still accurate) [B]3. Terrain[/B]: from flatlands to canyons. Glassing right next to the truck or 12 mile hikes in the mountains, hills, and breaks. [B]4. Ammo[/B]: will load my own. [B]5. Recoil[/B]: 8 pound scoped 300 WSM with 180gr factory ammo was no problem with Limbsaver. I don't know how high I can tolerate though. The 300 WSM was the hardest recoiling rifle I have owned, but I could shoot it well. [B]6. Barrel life[/B]: I like to shoot alot! I could shoot 40 rounds in the 300 WSM in one session easily. Cost of factory ammo (didn't have a press then) kept me from shooting more, not pain. Given that, I'd like something with decent barrel life or another Savage so that I can just install the barrels myself. [B]7. Future purchases[/B]: probably none in the immediate future after this purchase due to family growth. But I'd like a 338 RUM at some point. [/QUOTE]
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Walking or light rifle... elk at 600 yards
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