Recommendations on new longer range hunting rifle

C

Cletus26

Member
Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
48   0   0
Location
Edmonton
I have the urge to get a new hunting rifle. Currently have 3 Remingtons -
243 -Model 600 Mohawk
308 - Model 660
350 Rem Mag- Model 7
And a Marlin 1895 SBL in 45/70

Budget- max 4k without optic

Cartridge- looking for something that will stabilize higher BC bullets at long range. Need to put more time in to extend my ranges put figure doing so on a more purpose built rifle isn’t a bad idea. My thoughts are towards something that has a little less recoil than the large magnums for a few reasons. 2 that stand out to me currently are 6.5 PRC and 280AI. Open to suggestions.

Rifle- really up in the air at this point. Liking the Fierce Arms (now Antler Arms). Not opposed to more chassis style rifles either but no real experience. Previously had a Tikka T3 in 7mm Rem Mag, loved the action but hated how cheap and flimsy the stock felt. Custom is an option but wouldn’t know where to start tbh.

Optics- I have a Leupold VX5-HD 3-15x44 with Firedot Duplex that will go on the rifle until the magnification becomes the limiting factor for the distance shooting.

Open to opinions and experiences. No rush so lead times aren’t too big of a concern.
 
6.5 PRC in a T3 with a YoDave trigger spring and an MDT chassis. Or get Insite to build something similar, but $4K might be a bit tight. Call them.
 
emerson said:
6.5 PRC in a T3 with a YoDave trigger spring and an MDT chassis. Or get Insite to build something similar, but $4K might be a bit tight. Call them.
Click to expand...

What chassis? Any experience with the HNT26? The Christiansen Arms MPR comes in at a similar price. Anyone have feedback on these? Quick search seems the quality and accuracy is hit and miss
 
Tikka T3X, 7mm Rem Mag, drop it into an AG Composites carbon fibre stock, will do everything you are hoping to do, plus leave you $1500+ left over for ammo or reloading supplies.
 
Maybe a completely different route …!but you could find the occasional very nice Tikka M65 in 7RM or 300 Win Mag for around a $1000 and it will look good and shoot darn well … maybe a little heavy but helps when shooting. Probably could find the same calibres in an older 700 BDL … they always looked good to me
 
Cletus26 said:
ICartridge- looking for something that will stabilize higher BC bullets at long range.
Click to expand...

This will narrow your search for rifles with a faster twist for the longer bullets you wish to use.

It's not the cartridge that will stabilize your long bullets, it's the bbl twist.
 
There is a tuned up Model 700 on the ATRS site right now just under $2K in 7 Mag, which is a great choice of cartridge.
20210205_130526.jpg


They also have a nice Bergara in 6.5 PRC
20211229_153047.jpg
 
I ended up ordering a custom 6.5 PRC with the components that I wanted. The 4K budget will be a limiting feature of a custom. Just now starting a load development for it, but it likes the 143 gr ELD-X factory rounds.

I was shooting a 300 WM fierce for the last 6 years, and will be putting it up for sale. Never had an issue with the 300 wm, but the 6.5 PRC just about has the same ballistics, with less recoil. No problem shooting 20 rounds of the 300 wm at a sitting on the range with their recoil pad and the brake, but decided a change was due, and I always wanted a custom.
 
I went with a christensen ridgeline in 300 prc from corlanes, it needed different ejector springs. That was the only warranty issue with it, no issues getting warranty work done. I have gotten moa and under with factory 212 gr from hornady and less than moa if I do my part with my handload 210 accubond lr's. This gun will out shoot my abilities. The reviews are hit and miss with christensen and fierce online so I just picked the one with a warranty dealer closest to me. So far I'm happy with my choice.
 
If you want to shoot lots at longer ranges I would go 6.5 PRC as recoil is manageable, just about every rifle maker chambers for it now, factory ammo is is a little harder to get right now but I suspect by years end with Hornady, Nosler, Barnes and now Federal loading ammo for it ammo should be more common place soon, lots of aftermarket brass if you hand load,

Ive had several 6.5 PRCs built and usually very accurate with factory ammo and easy to hand load for with R26, H1000, R23, lots of great long range high BC bullets available for .264/6.5mm caliber, 156gr Berger Elite Hunters have been amazingly accurate for me.
 
I've been very pleased with the xbolt pro long range in 300 win mag with a 1:8 twist. It's also available in the 2 calibers you are considering. That being said you used to be able to get them for 2k all-in. Other rifles may now offer better bang for the buck.
 
I’ve decided to order an Antler Arms Carbon Mountain in 6.5 PRC with their Mountain LR stock. There’s definitely lots of good options out there but I’m excited to try a Canadian built rifle.
 
Cletus26 said:
I’ve decided to order an Antler Arms Carbon Mountain in 6.5 PRC with their Mountain LR stock. There’s definitely lots of good options out there but I’m excited to try a Canadian built rifle.
Click to expand...

I see the website is finally live (en francçais) for now. You have to request a quote and they don't list calibers, what did end up costing?
 
ShrtRnd said:
I see the website is finally live (en francçais) for now. You have to request a quote and they don't list calibers, what did end up costing?
Click to expand...

Once you click on one of the rifles click on demander une soumission. There you will see the prices and options. Google translate was my friend as my comprehension of French is very limited.

Added a bipod rail for a total of $3395.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom