Short range thumper suggestions.
- Thread starter Cbob
- Start date
OP, I don't see you going from that Kimber .284 to anything at Trade-Ex... you are going to be antsy with any Husky etc... Oh, they are good solid rifles, just very (too) different from what you are shooting now, although they do both go "bang." I think the whole "thumper" concept is defunct, although I am just as guilty as anyone for perpetuating the idea. Any cartridge with sufficient energy and an appropriate bullet is capable of being a "short range" or "thick bush" hunting rifle. Having said that, I do have a fondness for .35 cal cartridges, I like the bigger bullets that they throw, but not for some misguided belief that they can "cut brush" all the way to the target... I just like the effect of a big bullet at decent speed on game animals. I don't think that you need a second rifle that does essentially the same thing in the same way that your .284 does... so I think I would personally create a different shooting experience for yourself with this second rifle. I would look at .30 cal to .375 cal rifles, heavier than your Kimber, but compact and handy, and shoot 200 to 250 grain SP's out of it... top it with a Leupold VX-3 1.5-5X20 or perhaps a VX-R 2-7 giving you crosshairs and red dot options. Any cartridge .308 and up offers 200+ grain options and in reality a 200 grain SP from a .308 is essentially the same as a 200 grain SP from a .358... and it is much easier to find a platform in .308 if you want to buy off the shelf. Really this all points to a rifle like the Ruger GSR .308 Win... loaded with a 200 or 220 grain SP or RN it gives you the experience you are looking for, right out of the box.
I shoot a pair of Ruger rifles in .358 Win that fit the bill, but are no longer made and would be difficult to source... these are the M77 MKII Frontier with 16.5" barrel and M77 MKII RS carbine with 18.5" barrel.
Agreed, I am assembling parts for such a build. I have dies, brass, bullets and some loads and factory ammo already. Donor rifle is en route and barrel will be ordered later this winter.
Or Frontier Firearms. I got one from them at 40% 0ff during their Black Friday sale. I topped it with a Bushnell red dot TRS-25 1x . Nice light bush rifle with some knockdown power.
Drop the Scout in a Macmillan and get yourself a decent low variable scope, not a Leupold 1.5-5x20. Witha .308 you will have all the "thump" you need at 30 yards or 400. Hunting in the thick coastal forest for blacktails usually provide short 0-50 yard shots but more than once I've been glad I had a rifle that was easily capable of making 300-400 yard shots when opportunities presented themselves.
And it is typed somewhere awn the internet that the .358win made the grizzly capable list.
Nice set Rickey.
For GH... Looky interrupted... : )
Not much into the Rugger thing...but that is a nice set up! What scope is on there?
Thanks!
Oh, and for the OP... you'll most likely find out that when looking at this type of rifle, it becomes more about the package than the cartridge... short barreled, straight stocks, low power optics, weight and balance.
R.
Not much into the Rugger thing...but that is a nice set up! What scope is on there?
Thanks!
Oh, and for the OP... you'll most likely find out that when looking at this type of rifle, it becomes more about the package than the cartridge... short barreled, straight stocks, low power optics, weight and balance.
R.
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Hoytcanon! Those are beauties! How much for the stainless as is? EMT ready!! Kidding not kidding.
And Gatehouse. That’s scout is great. Will give them more of a loot for sure. Being 308 means I don’t need to buy any supplies which is a plus. Is that a SS scope?
I’ll be looking into the 358 win as a serious contender as well. And 338 fed. Both weren’t on my radar much.
And Rman. You’re right. All about the Setup. I really want it light and short.
And Gatehouse. That’s scout is great. Will give them more of a loot for sure. Being 308 means I don’t need to buy any supplies which is a plus. Is that a SS scope?
I’ll be looking into the 358 win as a serious contender as well. And 338 fed. Both weren’t on my radar much.
And Rman. You’re right. All about the Setup. I really want it light and short.
Scope is a SWFA 1-4, illuminated. Very fast to use at 0-300 yards. Works great in low light too. Im using QD rings and an XS rail, so if I wanted to slap on a red dot or use irons it's easy. But the illuminated diamond in the SWFA pretty much does the job of a red dot anyway.
Once you have it short and compact, you will find that you notice the weight less, with the weight between your hands on a shorter fulcrum. The Frontier Stainless .358 is not a lightweight, but really does pretend to be...
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Not what your suggesting, but.....How about a ported Marlin Guide Gun, 45/70....i have one and it.doesnt thump you. There is a B&L 4000 1.5 - 6 in the EE for $235. Its the predecessor of the Bushnell 4200 elite, without rainguard.
Somewhat the other extreme of your Kimber. Eat right up to the hole, best inside 100, max 200.
Somewhat the other extreme of your Kimber. Eat right up to the hole, best inside 100, max 200.
I have to agree with suggestions of the Ruger Model 77's in 338 Federal or 358 Win. These are great rifles and very good cartridges for what you are considering. Liking my Hawkeye in the 338 Federal!
The Browning BLR in 358 Win is also a great choice. Has served me well for almost 20 years.
Some guys really like the Rem 600 and 660 in 350 Rem Mag.
If wanting a little more thump, you could look for the 376 Steyr in either the Steyr Pro Hunter or Scout configuration. Basically downloaded 375 H&H performance in a shortened 9.3x64 case that fits in a long action, with a noticeable reduction in recoil.
Have used the Leupold VX-III 1.5-5 for years with great success. Also have a Trijicon 1-4 and a Kahles 1.5-6 on a couple of medium bores that are working well so far.
The Browning BLR in 358 Win is also a great choice. Has served me well for almost 20 years.
Some guys really like the Rem 600 and 660 in 350 Rem Mag.
If wanting a little more thump, you could look for the 376 Steyr in either the Steyr Pro Hunter or Scout configuration. Basically downloaded 375 H&H performance in a shortened 9.3x64 case that fits in a long action, with a noticeable reduction in recoil.
Have used the Leupold VX-III 1.5-5 for years with great success. Also have a Trijicon 1-4 and a Kahles 1.5-6 on a couple of medium bores that are working well so far.
