Browning Hell's Canyon SPEED Vs. PRO

mpsteffens

mpsteffens

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Hi Folks!

I'm looking to buy a new hunting rifle, and I think I've settled on the Hell's Canyon in .308. Just trying to work out whether I can justify the extra $1300 for the PRO version. It's definitely ###ier but not convinced it's going to shoot any better. Would love you to convince me otherwise ;)

For context 90% of my hunting is in Whistler / Pemberton BC for mulde deer, in heavy bush would rarely need to take a shot beyond 100 yards so my basic Remmington 783 in .308 with a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 has been perfect for dragging through the thick, often wet undergrowth. But I'm going on a sheep hunt this year, and I really enjoy and am keen to learn how to shoot longer range. Hence the search.

Appreciate your input! Mark.
 
I own a pro in 300 win, I love it. It carries beautifully and is well balanced even with a long 26” barrel. I haven’t handled a hells canyon so I can’t compare the two. The rifle shoots great and is a pleasure to pack. I topped it with a swaro z3 to keep the weight down. I believe the pro has a stainless barrel that’s hand lapped where the hells canyon is a standard carbon steel barrel not sure if it’s lapped or not if that matters.
 
For practical hunting purposes I doubt you would ever notice a difference. Probably better to put that $1300 into your scope budget.

That being said, having handle the Pro model in the store myself, they sure look and feel great.

And hell, you sound like a nice guy so I say treat yourself!!
 
scd said:
For practical hunting purposes I doubt you would ever notice a difference. Probably better to put that $1300 into your scope budget.

That being said, having handle the Pro model in the store myself, they sure look and feel great.

And hell, you sound like a nice guy so I say treat yourself!!
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Haha thank you, yes the smart move would be to invest more in the glass. But there's something special about the look of that pro :) Perhaps I can do both. Justify it by calling it a family heirloom lol!
 
Gopher Slayer said:
I own a pro in 300 win, I love it. It carries beautifully and is well balanced even with a long 26” barrel. I haven’t handled a hells canyon so I can’t compare the two. The rifle shoots great and is a pleasure to pack. I topped it with a swaro z3 to keep the weight down. I believe the pro has a stainless barrel that’s hand lapped where the hells canyon is a standard carbon steel barrel not sure if it’s lapped or not if that matters.
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Thank you great to hear you're loving it! I appreciate the input.
 
If you are looking at the 2 rifles and one is $1300 more I would put $1000 into a good optic and $300 into practice ammunition to learn how to use the rifle and optic to it's optimum performance level. Trigger time and familiarity with your weapon from various hunting positions is what will bring home meat, more than anything else having to do with various different rifles.
 
For $1300 you are getting a carbon fibre stock and saving 4oz. The pro is stainless, but with the ceracoat, both are protected finishes.

That said, I enjoy a quality stock much more than plastic, so probably would do it, but not at the expense of my optic.
 
6 lbs 1 oz is light, but for that kind of money it is porky if weight is one of your top concerns.

A stainless Rem 700 in a Wildcat is lighter, and way less money, and possibly more accurate. I say more accurate because as part of finishing a Wildcat you (or your smith) will have to bed it, and that bedding job will be better than any factory bed job.
 
If I was going to spend an extra $1300 for a stock, it wouldn't be for a factory Browning stock. You can buy a McMillan for that price. As for the Browning Hells Canyon, it may not shoot any better than your 783.
 
You can't go wrong with either! If funds are tighter go with the Speed. If you can afford the Pro, go for it.
Buddy has the Pro and loves it! I've handled it and it's very nice. Myself I have the Speed and couldn't be happier...
 
What ever you do don't saddle a nice light rifle with huge optics... I see what look like 3 pound monstrosities mounted on small rifles all the time... as if it will really help...
 
I have a speed in 30-06. I love the rifle. They are very light. Shooting with the break on - virtually no recoil whatsoever. There is a significant difference in impact points between the break and without it. Its a great hunting rifle for sure.
 
Have the speed in 6.5 and the long range in 6.5 as well.

Both are amazing guns. 22” barrel way better for carrying and the 26” for accuracy.. can shoot under half moa witj factory premium ammo, I’ve done it several times and I’m not the greatest shot.

For the dollar I don’t think there is a better rifle at that price point than the hells canyon.

If you wanna spend 2600$+ on a rifle, there are better options than the pro, both lighter and better guns IMO, they didn’t Go above and beyond the hells canyon to really justify the price.
 
A between those prices very nice rifle to look at is the Christensen Arms mesa. Standard features are pretty much a custom rifle without the price tag.
 
Thanks everybody I really appreciate the input. I went down to the store on the weekend to handle both guns, loved them both, but they had a fresh trade in - Browning Xbolt SS Stalker Carbon in 300WSM with a Nightforce scope and custom muzzle brake for a steal so picked that up. The scope is a little on the heavy side but for less than the price of a new scope I got the whole package. Looking forward to hitting the range and then learning to hand load ammo!
 
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