What should I do?

[Dhughes]

I'm going to be going mule deer and elk hunting this fall and can't decide what to do about a gun. I have a 30-378 weatherby mark V accumark that I did some trading for. It has a 4-14x40 leupold mk III on it and I already have the dies, brass, 210 grain bergers and some 230 grain berger hybrids. I shot it the other day after a good cleaning and it shot under an inch(after it was fouled) at 100 yards.

I can't decide wether I should sell the 30-378 and build or buy a different gun, or just keep it.
If I keep it I will sell the leupold and either put a nightforce on it or a vortex.

I'm not sure how far I will be able to shoot on the hunt yet, but I want something that can/will reach out there. I have a range set up at my house of steel targets out to 1100 yards and can go farther. I run my 6x47 out that far all the time.

So should I run with the 30-378, or buy/build a 300 win, 338 edge, 338 lapua or ????

Thanks for the help,
Daniel

 

[SavageShtr]

I would say stay with what you have, since you already have everything!! Definatly upgrade your glass and fine tune a load for it. You could always rebarrel if need be to a heavier contour in the same caliber. The 30-378 is going to do what you want out past 1000 yards especially with the 230gr Berger's!!

 

[WildRose]

I'm going to be going mule deer and elk hunting this fall and can't decide what to do about a gun. I have a 30-378 weatherby mark V accumark that I did some trading for. It has a 4-14x40 leupold mk III on it and I already have the dies, brass, 210 grain bergers and some 230 grain berger hybrids. I shot it the other day after a good cleaning and it shot under an inch(after it was fouled) at 100 yards.

I can't decide wether I should sell the 30-378 and build or buy a different gun, or just keep it.
If I keep it I will sell the leupold and either put a nightforce on it or a vortex.

I'm not sure how far I will be able to shoot on the hunt yet, but I want something that can/will reach out there. I have a range set up at my house of steel targets out to 1100 yards and can go farther. I run my 6x47 out that far all the time.

So should I run with the 30-378, or buy/build a 300 win, 338 edge, 338 lapua or ????

Thanks for the help,
Daniel

You certainly have more than enough gun to do the job and the Accumark is a fine weapon.

The only thing I'd suggest is move up to a 50 or 56mm objective scope in the same power or higher with adjustable turrets.

Then get out there and shoot it at multiple ranges working up drop cards with your most accurate load and you'll be ready to go.

 

[ChrisAtl]

Like the others have said... keep the Accumark and just get a scope that you are more happy with. That big Weatherby will put a hurt on either an elk or mule deer at long range. It is a huge plus that you already have the reloading gear for it as well.
You have plenty of time to work up a load and develop a chart. If you switch to a different rifle (especially if you are going to have something custom and built up) you will be more pressed for time.
I am really jealous that you have easy access to 1000+ yard range!

 

[Broz]

I shot the same rifle for a few years and it did fine. The only draw back is it will have a shorter barrel life than others like the 300 win. I would go ahead and use it too. Does it shoot the 230's well? If so you should be able to get them to 2950 or maybe 3000 fps. At 3000 with a 230 shooting under 1 moa this would be a great LR elk rifle. Many get along with the barrel life just fine. It all depends on the number of rounds you shoot a year. I would load the 230's, keep the barrel cool during practice and go with it.

Jeff

PS: that elk below is holding my 30-378 accumark for me and also a Berger.

 

[Dhughes]

Thanks guys. I was kind of thinking the same thing. I will definitely be ditching the leupold. I have a nightforce 5.5-22x56 on my 6x47 and the leupold is like looking through a piece of pipe compared to it.
Running the 30-378 should save me some money too. Since I still need to buy a nightforce and a better rangefinder, I will need all the savings I can. Looks like a terrapin or a G7 is in my future.

Broz, if you don't mind, could you tell me what load you were running with the 230's? I think that is the bullet I want to run after I get these 210's that were already loaded used up. How many rounds did you get out of a barrel?

Also, did you run the factory break, or did you put a different one on? I shot it prone for the first time the other day, and got tired of eating dirt real quick.

Here's the first and only group I have shot with it. It is with the 210's and some handloads that the guy a got it from already had loaded. I shot them a little fast and it was getting warm thats why it was stringing them up. The two in one hole is the first shot and the last one after I let it cool.

 

[Broz]

Start with 92 gr of H-1000 and work up watching for pressure. Seat them at 3.800" OAL.

I would bed the rifle. Take the action screws out and the bottom metal off and I bet you have close to .100" fore and aft movement. You will probably be able to see where the action is moving against the aluminum bedding block by gaulding marks. They fit the stock like a sack on a sow. Bed the front lug area and 1 1/2" of barrel in front of the lug.

Then change the trigger spring and lower it to 2 lbs.

I suggest a good quality rail base and a 20 moa cant with some good rings. This is not a place to cut costs with a 2 lb scope on top.

I did use the factory brake, but a nice side discharge would be much better like a JP tactical compensator.

Jeff

 

[Broz]

Oh, and quit shooting 5 shot groups.

2 or 3 would be best. This is a large magnum and you are wasting barrel life and getting it too hot.

Jeff

 

[Dhughes]

Thanks Broz.
The trigger already has the different springs in it. I'm not sure if the action is bedded or not. I'll have to check it out. When I shot the 5 shots I shot 3 then let it cool for a few minutes then shot the other two. I will stick to the 2-3 shot groups though. What did you get for barrel life?

 

[RMulhern]

Go here....and stay happy!

The Rifleman's Journal: Cartridges: Accuracy Secrets of the .30-06 - Part 3

 

[Broz]

Thanks Broz.
The trigger already has the different springs in it. I'm not sure if the action is bedded or not. I'll have to check it out. When I shot the 5 shots I shot 3 then let it cool for a few minutes then shot the other two. I will stick to the 2-3 shot groups though. What did you get for barrel life?

I did wear one out at about 1200, but was hard on it. My other two I sold before they were gone. I know one of them has about 800 or so through it and still shoots good. The new owner only shoots about 50 rounds a year so it will last him a long time.

Jeff

 

[Dhughes]

Ok. This one is supposed to have about 300 rounds down it, so I should be good for a while.
Where's a good place to get a rail for one of these?

Thanks again for all of the help.

 

[Broz]

The top of the line for a Mark V is Near Mfg. Expect to pay $150 to $174 for the rail. But the fit will be second to none.

Jeff

 

[Dhughes]

I just got more good news. I emailed the guy I got it from, and he said it is already bedded and free floated.