Lightweight hunting setup

[samson7x]

I'm in the market for an elk rifle and would like some input. I've decided on 300wm and will be using a suppressor so threaded is a plus. I'd like to keep it in the 9lbs range and <$1500 if possible. I've been strongly considering the browning x-bolt series and they have a model in the $800 range already threaded and ready to go. I'm also interested in their hells canyon long range yet to be released. Anyone have experience with the x-bolts? From everything I've read, they are shooters.

Ive also looked at the kimbers, LAW, and Christensen arms but I see mixed reviews on all of them and they are more expensive. I don't see where tikka has an option in 300wm already threaded. Bergara doesn't have one in my price range either.

Ive also considered having LRI put together a barreled action for me as I already have a donor action and timney trigger waiting.

What other options have I not considered? I will be handloading for this rifle.

 

[jsthntn247]

Get a tikka and have someone thread it.

 

[2c1fr]

What barrel length are you looking at and why 300
wm? I am just curious not saying it's wrong or right just curious.

 

[samson7x]

What barrel length are you looking at and why 300
wm? I am just curious not saying it's wrong or right just curious.

No longer than 24" due to suppressor use. The can is already 9" so I'd like to keep it a little more compact. If I get a barreled action built, I intend to finish it at 23". I chose the caliber for greater energy downrange on elk. Distance could be up to 700yds.

 

[2c1fr]

Ok that makes sense keep us posted on the progress on what happens!

 

[Patton63]

What about the Bergara B14 in 300 Win Mag? I have one in .308 that is great. A really nice lightweight hunting rig that should be well under $1500.

 

[flyer1a]

I had Owens Armory spin me up a nice rig. Was a little more than your budget, but is a nice 300WM. Look em up. Grayboe stock, nice magnum hunter barrel. 700 action base.

 

[samson7x]

What about the Bergara B14 in 300 Win Mag? I have one in .308 that is great. A really nice lightweight hunting rig that should be well under $1500.

Do they have a threaded barrel version? I didn't see one on their website but I could have overlooked it.

 

[wapiti16b]

Check out europtic and their T3 sale , T3 Hunter for $498.00, the difference will buy a whole lotta threading for a can . $ 1,00.00 could get you a nice stock and barrel from a few outfits if the stock T3 doesn't suit your taste or needs .

 

[6point5CM]

Keep in mind the bullets you plan to run. I had a T3 and sold it due to inability to get anywhere close to the lands with the 215 Hybrids or 210 VLDs. In fact, the 185's wouldn't even reach the lands and still be mag feedible. You may be able to pickup a semi-used custom on LRH as well.

 

[Statusquo]

Have you considered a Winchester model 70? Extreme weather stainless weighs 7.25 lb. Needs cut from 26" and threaded. They make a coyote light (heavier 24" barrel and lighter stock) 7.5lb.

 

[conksarmy]

I went very similar. I did a tikka Super lite in 300 Wm it weighs 5.5 without the scope. With hot 180 gr it kicks like an SOB and I'm 6'3 and 350. Great gun though.

6 point 5 is right about the lands I pulled the metal strip in the front of my mag and filed it out as far as I felt ok about. Got to 3.43, lands are more like 3.55

 

[samson7x]

Keep in mind the bullets you plan to run. I had a T3 and sold it due to inability to get anywhere close to the lands with the 215 Hybrids or 210 VLDs. In fact, the 185's wouldn't even reach the lands and still be mag feedible. You may be able to pickup a semi-used custom on LRH as well.

Good point. I was planning on trying the 210 vld and 212 hornady eld-x. Tikka may not be a good option then.

 

[samson7x]

I went very similar. I did a tikka Super lite in 300 Wm it weighs 5.5 without the scope. With hot 180 gr it kicks like an SOB and I'm 6'3 and 350. Great gun though.

6 point 5 is right about the lands I pulled the metal strip in the front of my mag and filed it out as far as I felt ok about. Got to 3.43, lands are more like 3.55

What kind of accuracy were you seeing after that modification? I'm looking for sub MOA.

 

[6point5CM]

What kind of accuracy were you seeing after that modification? I'm looking for sub MOA.

I did the same thing, but got a hair less length. 3.42 in my notes. I was so far away I never got anything special with bergers. It shot a ragged hole with Nosler Partitions though. When I got bit by the long range bug however, and higher BC bullets caught my eye, I could never get it to shoot well or seat well. I'm sure some have however, and may have tips for you.

 

[samson7x]

I did the same thing, but got a hair less length. 3.42 in my notes. I was so far away I never got anything special with bergers. It shot a ragged hole with Nosler Partitions though. When I got bit by the long range bug however, and higher BC bullets caught my eye, I could never get it to shoot well or seat well. I'm sure some have however, and may have tips for you.

Thanks for the info.

So no one uses an x-bolt?

I know they don't have any aftermarket support so is that the reason most folks choose something different?

 

[Greg Langelius *]

My (now endowed to the next generation) tried and true deer rifle is a Win Model 70 Featherlight .30-'06. While most of my newer (here in AZ) acquaintances hunt with either a 300WM or 300WBY, I would feel totally confident going after big (not dangerous) North American game with this rifle, especially since I have little desire to stretch the shooting envelope beyond 300-400yd. I just don't need more than that in my life.

Greg