Not sure if it qualifies, and it's not on your list, but my preference, and my hunting rifle for a number of years, was an Israeli Mauser that they had rebarreled to 7.62. It had been sporterized and D&T for bases. Stock was fugly so it got a new one. Barrel had been cut about 2", so it got recrowned. That gun would shoot!! Second choice would be a .303. Grew up with one. It was my first hunting rifle, and did the job out to my personal limit (300 yards)
Which Bubba'd milsurp for hunting?
- Thread starter ratherbefishin
- Start date
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
Here's a close photo of my 1st big game rifle, a 'Bubba'd' Lee Enfield.
But, in 'some' cases, don't 'Bubba', just use it as is!!
Sans bayonet.
But, in 'some' cases, don't 'Bubba', just use it as is!!
Sans bayonet.
Had a little 'snot nose' in a gun store comment that the nice Swiss k19 I picked up in near perfect condition for $100 because someone drilled it for a scope that it was 'bubba'd'....funny,it SHOT just the same,but for a fraction of the price.I just wanted a 'shooter' not a 'collector' and it seems to me these 'bubba'd ' milsurp fill that need...would I chop one today?absolutely not, why deliberately ruin the value when there's so many other ones already available?
pisces-guy
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- West Kelowna, B.C.
30.06 first....303 second...
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
That would normally be my question as well, but if the .30/06 is chosen, it really doesn't matter.
Agreed.... and it would be my pick hands down if I liked any of the .30-06 milsurp rifles as a hunting platform...
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
A Husqvarna 8X57 should prove to be a viable hunting rig; the only downside is that the choice of .323" bullets pales when compared to .284" or .308; that doesn't matter if you find an appropriate bullet to fit your needs.
If it is modified milsurps, your choice should be a BSA type P17 or the rarely seen sportered Springfield (one should read up on "low number" Springfields). I've hunted with a Norwegian surplus 98 that they converted to 30-06 and it worked just fine. Garands are interesting, nearly a must have IMO, but too pricey lately. Springfields are hard to come by. There are also Colombian rifles that are affordable and the Mexican Model 1954. One occasionally sees Argentine or Peruvian rifles that have been reamed for 30-06 but these should have oversized (for 30-06) grooves of .313".
If you reload, the 8x57 is hard on the heels of the 30-06, especially with the heavier bullets. No animals is likely to ever tell the difference. Nosler makes a 200 gr Partition that I've used from coyote to elk. Barnes makes a 160 TTSX.
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Tradeex has a good supply of 8x57's for about $250 ....nice rifles in very good to excellent condition.From what I read the 30/06 is a tad better at longer range,but the slightly larger diameter bullet might make up for it in energy dispersed on an animal at typical hunting ranges.Ballistics are only part of the factor in hunting,an example of which is the high SD of the 65x55 swede which is very efficient for lethality
I agree, there are plenty of choices. There just isn't the massive variety as the 30 cals. For example, the diehard Nosler fan only has 1 partition to chose from. I like the 8x57 and am more than happy with the available bullets.
Efficiency in lethality is just as important as ballistics...and that includes,terminal shock,SD, bullet expansion,retention of weight...none of which count for target shooting.Bullet drop over 400 yards is also pretty irrelevant when your rifle is sighted in at 150 yards and you are hunting in an area where 100 yards is a long shot..I don't feel the slightest bit 'handicapped with my 9,3x57 'short range' moose rifle that chucks a 285 gr soft nosed bullet at around 2000 fps...there's not a lot of animals that are going to take that in the boiler room and walk too far..
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.303 Lee Enfield is the proper choice for any red blooded canadian looking for a bubbed hunting rifle. However most of my bubbas are 98 mauser's 7X57 , 8X57 and always wanted a 9.3X57. I love the 98 action and 100rds of accessories are available for it and will take a scope real well. If you already have a 9.3 and are a short range hunter you my already have the best.
303 Brit, many choices from beat silly and rather nice wood and commercial refit. I'd choose a No4 for the peep sight and would drill and tap is a scope was needed. However buying one with scope mount and nice wood is one of the best choices out there.
