I've read through all of the 'snipers hide google search' threads and have still come up with some unanswered questions and concerns regarding my next build.
So before you reply, with something like 'use the search function', .... Please read my questions
I've already been down the road to 1500-2000 yards, between 338 lapua, 338 Edge and 300 Hulk, etc.... We had a great thread on here a few years ago, and lots of thanks to Tom Sarver for helping me go in the right direction. But now it's a new game.
I want to engage targets out to 2500 yards, maybe 3000 if my other equipment is up for the job. Mostly steel and rock targets. Possibly North American big game, but more on that later.
After quite a bit of homework, I've decided either 375 or 408 Cheytac. I know the 338's can reach out there, but I'm really thinking in an 'overkill' thought process, with regards to wind bucking and consistency.
Without finalizing the decision of 375 vs 408, it's probably premature to pick the rifle, but I think we can get close, based upon some of my conditions.
Condition 1: Size. We already know we can build a custom rifle with 30" or so barrel, And have consistent accuracy out to 2500 yards, heck, they're becoming quite common. But, along with that, in most cases, they weigh 20lbs plus. Now, I get, the weight kinda needs to be there, for strength and integrity, but adding the weight to an almost 6 foot stick, is just too much for me to lug around, etc... I'm thinking by going to a take down style, like DTA HTI or an EDM, that I will deal with the weight if I can get it in a smaller package.
Condition 2: Accuracy. I hope I don't have to explain this to you guys. But, lets face it, without repeatable, consistent accuracy, what's the point? If these removable barrels change the zero more then 'how much'?, then I'm not interested. I would be frustrated with .5 moa changes. I'm a fairly consistent .5moa shooter, add in the elements, inconsistent reloads, etc... The last thing I need to add to the equation is an inconsistent rifle.
I originally had my sights on an EDM in 408. I love the idea of the take down, the back pack portability and the overall cool factor(feel free to make fun of me here) but, I figure by the time this rifle, optics, accessories, reloading equipment, spotting scope and range finder is all done, I'll be pushing $15k invested. I'm sorry, but I'll need some cool factor to help justify that, lol.
Then, I started doubting the repeat ability of the removable barrel. The last thing I want is to go out to my favorite ELR spot, and engage on the same rock that I hit every week at 2000 yards, and be off an moa!!! Way too frustrating for me to think about...
So, I started considering the DTA HTI, as of now, only available in 375, but soon will be available in 408. This package would allow me to have my 'Condition 1:Size' , and really, since its a pullpup design, I could probably get away with not taking it down, ever, which may not effect my Condition 2. So I'd still have a smaller set up, and more portable then fixed long guns, with my concerns of repeat ability addressed by never taking it down.
It's hard to ignore the take down capability of the EDM, but if there's anyone out there that has experienced loss of zero from barrel swap, please reply!!
The HTI does seem tougher, like it can be dropped in the desert, picked back up, and continue the battle.
Please don't hesitate to chime in. Any help, and in any point of view, even semi off topic or different ideas, I am all ears!
Mostly I'd like to hear from owner/shooters with real world experience. I'm all ears for opinions and speculation, but any end users out there that can help steer a fellow shooter in the right direction would be much appreciated.
So before you reply, with something like 'use the search function', .... Please read my questions
I've already been down the road to 1500-2000 yards, between 338 lapua, 338 Edge and 300 Hulk, etc.... We had a great thread on here a few years ago, and lots of thanks to Tom Sarver for helping me go in the right direction. But now it's a new game.
I want to engage targets out to 2500 yards, maybe 3000 if my other equipment is up for the job. Mostly steel and rock targets. Possibly North American big game, but more on that later.
After quite a bit of homework, I've decided either 375 or 408 Cheytac. I know the 338's can reach out there, but I'm really thinking in an 'overkill' thought process, with regards to wind bucking and consistency.
Without finalizing the decision of 375 vs 408, it's probably premature to pick the rifle, but I think we can get close, based upon some of my conditions.
Condition 1: Size. We already know we can build a custom rifle with 30" or so barrel, And have consistent accuracy out to 2500 yards, heck, they're becoming quite common. But, along with that, in most cases, they weigh 20lbs plus. Now, I get, the weight kinda needs to be there, for strength and integrity, but adding the weight to an almost 6 foot stick, is just too much for me to lug around, etc... I'm thinking by going to a take down style, like DTA HTI or an EDM, that I will deal with the weight if I can get it in a smaller package.
Condition 2: Accuracy. I hope I don't have to explain this to you guys. But, lets face it, without repeatable, consistent accuracy, what's the point? If these removable barrels change the zero more then 'how much'?, then I'm not interested. I would be frustrated with .5 moa changes. I'm a fairly consistent .5moa shooter, add in the elements, inconsistent reloads, etc... The last thing I need to add to the equation is an inconsistent rifle.
I originally had my sights on an EDM in 408. I love the idea of the take down, the back pack portability and the overall cool factor(feel free to make fun of me here) but, I figure by the time this rifle, optics, accessories, reloading equipment, spotting scope and range finder is all done, I'll be pushing $15k invested. I'm sorry, but I'll need some cool factor to help justify that, lol.
Then, I started doubting the repeat ability of the removable barrel. The last thing I want is to go out to my favorite ELR spot, and engage on the same rock that I hit every week at 2000 yards, and be off an moa!!! Way too frustrating for me to think about...
So, I started considering the DTA HTI, as of now, only available in 375, but soon will be available in 408. This package would allow me to have my 'Condition 1:Size' , and really, since its a pullpup design, I could probably get away with not taking it down, ever, which may not effect my Condition 2. So I'd still have a smaller set up, and more portable then fixed long guns, with my concerns of repeat ability addressed by never taking it down.
It's hard to ignore the take down capability of the EDM, but if there's anyone out there that has experienced loss of zero from barrel swap, please reply!!
The HTI does seem tougher, like it can be dropped in the desert, picked back up, and continue the battle.
Please don't hesitate to chime in. Any help, and in any point of view, even semi off topic or different ideas, I am all ears!
Mostly I'd like to hear from owner/shooters with real world experience. I'm all ears for opinions and speculation, but any end users out there that can help steer a fellow shooter in the right direction would be much appreciated.
