Precision rifle for hunting

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wpala

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Just curious how many folks that use their expensive and accurate rifles for paper punching also use them for hunting, I'm considering it but don't have a hunting load ready so far I was using 308 for target precision shooting and 30-06 for hunting but after almost a year in the gun save for 30-06 when I took it to the range I don't like the lousy groups with (off the shelf) hunting amo started to consider to use 308 that I have a lot more experience but no hunting load developed anyone with the same dilemma ??:confused:
 
I use a 30.06 (Rem. 7600) for hunting big game, and I'd never want to haul a heavy barrel target rifle around on a hunting trip.
I've posted this load a couple times in the reloading forum, but my hunting load is-
165 gr. SP(Hornady)
45.4-45.7 gr. H-335 (Lee Mod. Reloading)
Win. LR primer.

Enjoy.:)
 
i weighed my 700 5r lastnight for giggles with butt pad, base, rings, and nightforce 5.5-22x56 on there, she weighs in at 12.4lbs, thats without ammo loaded or the bipod on, one heavy pig IMO.
 
Yup, my custom 700 in 7-08 , I do pretty much everything with it, big game, paper, varmint , 14lbs , but that is minor when i have 30lbs of clothes and gear on.

OR

get a custom barrel with a sporter contour from Adams Lake and do some tuning. Stay the same weight and improve accuracy.
 
JaysonCraig said:
i weighed my 700 5r lastnight for giggles with butt pad, base, rings, and nightforce 5.5-22x56 on there, she weighs in at 12.4lbs, thats without ammo loaded or the bipod on, one heavy pig IMO.[/QUOTE

I took my 10BAT-S/K out on a trip earlier this month, total weight is about 17 pounds and it is not very ergonomic for hiking. I kept it on the quad most of the day until I found a good spot to set up close to the road. Once I was set up it was great but I don't think it would be my first choice forma long hunting trip...
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Depends on where and what you hunt. Ask yourself two questions. First, what sort of accuracy do I need? 100 yards shots through the brush don't require a sub MOA gun. Second, how much weight am I willing to carry? Driving in the truck or sitting in a stand don't really require a light rifle. When you're sheep hunting every ounce counts.

Also, your group size does not matter for hunting. What does matter is the location of a cold bore shot. If your .30-06 places that first shot in the same place every time, but starts walking after a few shots, it's still excellent for hunting.

My main hunting rifle has an average group of .6" with the load it likes. If you start putting more than 3 shots through the bore too quickly the shots wander and groups open. It makes a pretty poor target rifle because of this despite good groups. It makes an excellent hunting rifle though because it's light and can take a beating.
 
Up until this year I have been using the same rifle for all my shooting; hunting, local matches, PRA matches and fun shoots, I have a remington with a custom barrel topping out at 14.8lbs. is it heavy sure but it what i is. if i don't take this gun i don't hunt....

As for ammo i am more practical between competing and hunting. I don't spend the time and energy to get top tier ammo for hunting when the furtherist i will shoot will be inside 400 yards and a highly probability it will be inside 150yrds.
 
You better believe I hunt with my expensive accurate rifles. Why not? I spend alot of time at the range shooting them, developing loads and being able to hit what I aim at at all distances.
The 1 in the photo is a 338 LAI that weighs 18.5 lbs and is worth about $8000.00 with optics.
But it WORKS real well on game. At that weight however it is NOT a gun to be humping around the bush with. I find a likely spot then set up and wait for Mother Nature to reward me:D
Africa121.jpg
 
Ummmmmmmmmmmm, that is a funny looking critter for western Canada bushes!! :p



alberta tactical rifle said:
You better believe I hunt with my expensive accurate rifles. Why not? I spend alot of time at the range shooting them, developing loads and being able to hit what I aim at at all distances.
The 1 in the photo is a 338 LAI that weighs 18.5 lbs and is worth about $8000.00 with optics.
But it WORKS real well on game. At that weight however it is NOT a gun to be humping around the bush with. I find a likely spot then set up and wait for Mother Nature to reward me:D
Africa121.jpg
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I agree with You 100% I just got so cut-up with paper punching that I have never developed a hunting load with the proper hunting bullet, most of the target bullets are no good hunting; just wondering if the weight of the hunting bullet is the same as the target would it behave similarly ? shape is different though
Paul.W
 
The only way to me that they would behave the same is if they had the same velocity and BC.Even then it isn't a guarantee. Others can correct me if I am wrong.


wpala said:
I agree with You 100% I just got so cut-up with paper punching that I have never developed a hunting load with the proper hunting bullet, most of the target bullets are no good hunting; just wondering if the weight of the hunting bullet is the same as the target would it behave similarly ? shape is different though
Paul.W
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I do. I don't understand why everyone thinks a hunting rifle needs to be light or lack a muzzle break. I can understand the weight if you are elderly or handicaped - but whats the excuse for the break? Glad to see I am not alone.
 
LloydM said:
I do. I don't understand why everyone thinks a hunting rifle needs to be light or lack a muzzle break. I can understand the weight if you are elderly or handicaped - but whats the excuse for the break? Glad to see I am not alone.
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Weight - come with me on a sheep hunt and then tell me how much weight matters. This coming from a young 20's guy who climbs up 11 000 ft peaks on days off in the summer.

Muzzle break - great for the range, unscrew it for the hunt. Not too bad for the guy shooting, but it can cause serious hearing damage to the guy standing beside the shooter.

Nothing to say target rifles can't hunt, they just arn't the best choice in most situations.
 
cam1936 said:
Weight - come with me on a sheep hunt and then tell me how much weight matters. This coming from a young 20's guy who climbs up 11 000 ft peaks on days off in the summer.

Muzzle break - great for the range, unscrew it for the hunt. Not too bad for the guy shooting, but it can cause serious hearing damage to the guy standing beside the shooter.

Nothing to say target rifles can't hunt, they just arn't the best choice in most situations.
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It all depends on how and where you hunt.
My 338 would be my 3rd last choice for sheep or goats, the other 2 being significantly heavier. Agreed a lighter rifle for humping about in the hills for sheep and goats makes sense. Glad I got my 3 sheep and the goat 30 years ago when I could get around better.:D
However as I am no longer in any condition to pursue sheep or goats see no need for a light rifle.
Only an idiot stands beside someone else who is shooting ANY center fire rifle, regardless of whether it is equipped with a brake.
Brakes are damaging to hearing even for the shooter, hence the use of hearing protection being a wise idea.

I DO agree that for typical hunting situations a target rig is not the best choice, but in the more specialized hunting situations they can be a great advantage.
 
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