Kinda new here, so sorry if this has been asked before. Is there a good option for a dual purpose hunting/long range bolt gun? I'm looking for something preferably in .308 that's accurate to up to 500-700 yards, but still light enough to hump around the mountains elk hunting. Any ideas on a gun and optic combo?
- Thread starter gatorfan605
- Start date
I have a GAP non-typical chambered in 300wsm, mcmillan hunters edge stock, badger m5 dbm. It shoots groups under 1/2 minute and weighs 8.1 lbs.
I put a premier light tactical scope on it, and she is deadly as far as you need her to be. Last year i shot an antelope with it at 625 yds. One shot in prone position with just a sling.
For me, you just cant beat the non-typical, i just love that damn rifle. Whenever i go anywhere i have it with me. Its truly my go to rifle.
I put a premier light tactical scope on it, and she is deadly as far as you need her to be. Last year i shot an antelope with it at 625 yds. One shot in prone position with just a sling.
For me, you just cant beat the non-typical, i just love that damn rifle. Whenever i go anywhere i have it with me. Its truly my go to rifle.
Looks like a great rifle. However I should have mentioned, I'd like to keep it around $1000.
Rem 700 LTR
I'm currently building the same type of rifle, and have the parts mostly acquired or ordered. It's a 700 308 AAC-SD, Seekins 20moa base and rings to keep it light, Leupold mk4 3.5-10 mildot (19oz-ish and rugged as hell), and all laid up in a McMillan A3 Sporter made to be as light as possible (roughly 2lbs or less). For me it's a good compromise between weight and capability.
Any gun you are proficient with, will make a fine hunting rifle.
I know a few guys who hunt LR for elk, popular cartridges are .300RUM, .338 Lapua, and .408 CheyTac.
A .308 Win (IMHO), isn't near enough for elk at 700 yards. I have killed a fair number of elk and are a strong animal. My minimum for a 700 yard would probably be a .300WSM, but I would probably prefer something a bit bigger. I like heavier bullets and more velocity for LR Hunting. One of the biggest problems I have seen is that Mr. Murphy is there and likes to work his magic. A bigger bullet with more velocity even on a poorer shot is going to give you enough time for a follow up, as it will do a greater amount of damage.
A .308 Win (IMHO), isn't near enough for elk at 700 yards. I have killed a fair number of elk and are a strong animal. My minimum for a 700 yard would probably be a .300WSM, but I would probably prefer something a bit bigger. I like heavier bullets and more velocity for LR Hunting. One of the biggest problems I have seen is that Mr. Murphy is there and likes to work his magic. A bigger bullet with more velocity even on a poorer shot is going to give you enough time for a follow up, as it will do a greater amount of damage.
Remington 700 LTR (as mentioned above), P or Sendero. Assuming your budget for an optic is also around 1,000.00, I would look into getting a Leupold Mk 4 or VXIII with a mildot or TMR reticle as they are great for range estimation, especially if your laser range finder goes on the fritz or conditions prevent its use. They can often be had for between 600-1000 on eBay. Vortex Viper scopes are also an option - great glass and features at a similar price point. Zeiss conquest and/or some of their 1" Diavari scopes provide excellent glass and are of good quality. A decent set of rings and high quality base (Leupold, Nightforce, Badger Ordnance) should complete the ensemble.
