Looking for some advice, I want to build or buy a “truck gun”. I want a bolt action rifle to carry around the ranch, toss in the truck when I head out to the ranch. Will primarily be used to shoot coyotes, pigs, exc. primary range will be inside of 300 yards. I want a short barrel around 16”. I know I am going about this a little backwards but I am looking for suggestions on what round to chamber it in and if anyone has any rifle suggestions.
- Thread starter Mchase85
- Start date
Sounds like you just need an AR15 with a 16" 223 barrel.
For everything you want to shoot I’d go .308. 308 is readily available in game loads and it won’t be $3 a round every time you pop a shot at a coyote. Lots of resources for 308 shorty bolt actions out there everything from ground up build to a 700sps chopped and rattle canned.
Remington makes a few 700s with 16in barrels ready to go in the aac-sd line had one in .223 just slapped a reddot on it was a handy little rifle
Im in CA and just don’t want to deal with an AR. I have a AR10 with a 16” barrel, a lot of muzzle blast. I am not worried about round availability or cost, I reload and will for this rifle as well. I am looking for a round more suited for the short barrel. So here is what I have looked at so far. 300 Blackout, not a huge fan of the round and is really better suited for barrels shorter then 16. Looked at the new 350 legend but it’s a little too new no lead free bullets. Speaking of new, the 8.6 creedmoor looks promising but not really out yet. On that line the 338 fed may be an option with faster burning powder.
I have two rifles in 300Bo and I don’t think you will be happy if you realistically expect to be making many shots to 300yards. The round is more than capable(don’t flame me here) but your drops at distance will be way less forgiving than something faster.
Depending on the ranch layout, a .45-70 in a lever is an ideal truck, horse and tractor gun. If it’s a large open area, then perhaps something much flatter shooting. If you are dead set on a bolt action, the ruger American ranch is cheap and easy and light. The rem 700 tactical comes in a 16 inch barrel, but usually is heavier.
It’s not fancy, but good ‘ol 308 is great for killing stuff at those distances.
Remington Model 700 SPS Tactical Bolt Action Rifle Ghillie Green .308 Win 16.5 inch 4 rd Heavy Barrel
Remington 700 Special Purpose Synthetic Tactical, Bolt Action Rifle, 308 Win, 16.5" Threaded Barrel, Black Finish, Hogue Ghillie Green Stock, 3Rd 85538
grabagun.com 
This right here. Put a 1-4x scope on it.
We farm for a livin. In my work truck is always a bolt 223. Coyotes, stray dogs, those big black birds that bother cows when calvn. Buy cheap bulk 55gr soft pts. 1moa plenty good for what ur wantn to do. I had Ruger 77 for yrs, now carry Tikka I have $325 in.
Ok so I think for my purpose I like the rem 700 SPS or the rem 783 synthetic heavy barrel. I really like the price and the weight of the 783 also I can get ether the 6.5 or the 308 in this model. For what I am doing the 6.5 may be a decent choice though the 308 should be more efficient. the big complaint on this rifle seems to be the stock and there are not many options out for these. In fact I really could only find Boyd wood stocks or MDT chassis. Neither fit the bill for what I want, if anyone has found a better option please let me know. On the 700 SPS, stock seems to be the week link as well but it should be fine for what I am doing and if I want to make a change it’s a 700. Also if I decide I don’t like something about it again it’s a 700. Downfall is for the price I could have the 783 complete.
I mean for a truck gun try what it comes with can always switch it out later id go 700 over 783 just for the parts and i think there is a $50 rebate in the 700 currently
Hare to say it but a magpul stock may be good for that, there not expensive.
If you really wanted an inexpensive chassis you can find the dreaded mcrees cheap
If you really wanted an inexpensive chassis you can find the dreaded mcrees cheap
The 223 rem is plenty effective on pigs with bullet choice and construction wisely chosen and as with anything shot placement.
The sweet spot at the back edge and bottom of the ear canal will drop them every time if you can wait for the shot.
The last nice sow I killed I used a 22wm with rem 32 grain ballistic tip right below the ear at 80 yards, she was dead before she hit the ground.
To the OP
The 308win or a 338 federal since you reload would be an excellent do all chambering for the criteria you listed.
If you intend to stretch it out a bit more a shorty 6.5 Creedmoor would do everything you need and more.
Take a look at the Ruger American Ranch rifle. I have one in 223. It takes AR mags, has a 7 twist, and is very handy. Also available in other calibers.
Ya I looked at those, I want to larger then 223 I know they can take down a pig just fine this rifle I am looking for something larger caliber, at least 6.5 and definitely smaller them a 450 BM. Did just get back on the Ruger site and looks like they just released a 6.5 Grendel. May have to look up the ballistics on that round.
Ya I would of already gotten it if I could get lead free ammo for it. Even reloading the bullets just are not there yet. I’m crossing my fingers that Ruger picks up the 8.6 creedmoor in the ranch rifle. That would be a really cool match up. Doesn’t help me in the short term though.
- Nov 3, 2010
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Second the 350 legend. I have a 16 inch bolt gun and it is a pretty good shooter. Ammo is available and fairly cheap as well.
How much drop does the 350 legend have at 300yds?
Ruger American Ranch rifle in 308 or 6.5 Grendel would be my choice. I just bought an American predator in 243 for my truck rifle
- Nov 3, 2010
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According to my rifle and billet info this is the drop for 350 on the 350. That was. 145 grain bullet doing a tad over 2100fp. 3.5 mils @ 350yds if you don’t like moa 
A 22-250 bolt rifle would be perfect. A .223 bolt gun would work as well but the 22-250 has a little more ass to it an is very tame to shoot. I have shot stock remington 700s in this caliber and they all have shot well with factory ammo.
AR15’s suck fora truck/four wheeler gun. Not handy at all @aslrookie
AR15’s suck fora truck/four wheeler gun. Not handy at all @aslrookie
I don't know anything about the 350 legend, but that ruger in 6.5 Grendel would be a very capable little 300 yard package with a 123 grain bullet
I’m in the process of building similar. 16” barrel suppressed AR-15 with a 2-10x Vortex PST. Aren’t many critters I’d shoot at that a fast and accurate GMX bullet wouldn’t drop. 2-10x seems like a great optical range for anything 0-500+ yards.
The Remington 700 AAC-SD's with the 16.5" barrels are awesome. I have had 2 in .308 (sold one) and they have been some of my all-time favorite rifles. I think it would serve your purpose of a farm truck gun perfectly.
You didn't really state a budget cap but yes, the factory stocks need to be replaced for tuck-ruggedness and more so, accuracy.
There are many HS Precision stock on eBay for short money +/- $300 or if you can spend a little more a basic non-adjustable A5 form the McMillan retail store which is the best bet.
Another suggestion is to get an R700P (Remington Police model) that will already be in an HS stock and consider cutting the barrel down to 18".
You didn't really state a budget cap but yes, the factory stocks need to be replaced for tuck-ruggedness and more so, accuracy.
There are many HS Precision stock on eBay for short money +/- $300 or if you can spend a little more a basic non-adjustable A5 form the McMillan retail store which is the best bet.
Another suggestion is to get an R700P (Remington Police model) that will already be in an HS stock and consider cutting the barrel down to 18".
I’d go w/ the Remington 700 in 6.5 CM for the given purpose. If you go .308 you'll have more bullets from which to choose, such as the Nosler E-tips.
Save a buck or two on the stock & pick up a KRG Bravo or Greyboe Renegade. Optics? I’d go Vortex or SWFA for this application.
Save a buck or two on the stock & pick up a KRG Bravo or Greyboe Renegade. Optics? I’d go Vortex or SWFA for this application.
I grew up on a farm. We carried around a .30-30 lever action. If I didn’t do that, I’d get that Ruger American Ranch in .223.
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I'd be looking at the Grendel. Good performance with a 16" barrel, ammo seems fairly available, 120TSX is effective and lead-free and with a 200yd zero you should only drop about 3MOA at 300. When I read truck gun i think low cost, so a Ruger American Ranch would be my pick. AR mags, 16" pipe, and then either a cheek rest and LPVO or a red dot and you'e good to go with a low-cost low-recoil compact rifle.
If you decide you need more gas the Hill brothers seem to like the Ruger Scout riflesin .308 with an LPVO.
If you decide you need more gas the Hill brothers seem to like the Ruger Scout riflesin .308 with an LPVO.
They’ve been calling my name as well
Was my truck and pig gun for awhile. Solid choice.
243 would be great for that.
This seems to fill all your needs and does not break the bank.
243 would be my choice if you have pigs. Flatter and faster than the 308 but still packs a punch. A lot of companies make compact models in 243 including ruger m77 line. Also 22-250 in a ruger american compact. Both option are 18" barrels
Ruger just released a 16” American ranch in 6.5 grendel.
That is what you seek
That is what you seek
