PVA John Hancock vs Nucleus barreled action vs Christensen MPR

[j741]

Tax refund was bigger than expected and I have a NF ATACR 7-35 sitting around unused so time for a new rifle. The JH or Nucleus and the MPR are calling my name.

I thought I was settled on going with a John Hancock in 6.5CM as a range rifle upgrade from my CTR. But after shooting my Tikka CTR 6.5CM more last weekend I'm less convinced I really need another 6.5CM. The CTR I have is plenty accurate for me (3/4" groups today at 100 yards).

I also have a nice shooting Fury 7mm Mag that I know I'll use for Elk hunting.

I hope to do African Safari for Gemsbuck & Kudu in 2019. The outfitter I'd use does state 7mm Mag is one of the recommended rounds but I still wouldn't mind having a 2nd rifle that could work for safari big game as well.

The JH is likely going to be a great range rifle. Just not sure how much it adds for me over the CTR since most calibers are pretty similar to 6.5CM.

Going with the nucleus barreled action I'd get either a 300WSM or a 6.5PRC. 6.5 PRC seems it work well for range trips and possibly for elk hunting. And 300 WSM would absolutely work for Elk & Safari game, though likely not too enjoyable as a range gun for extended sessions.

On the MPR - 6.5CM if focused as range gun, 6.5PRC for range and Elk, or 300 Norma for just about anything I'd want to hunt.

Out the door costs are within $400 range, so not a factor there.

 

[stello1001]

If I understood correctly, you already have a tikka in 6.5 creed, you have a 7mm mag, and now you want to buy a new rifle. Why complicate things? Use the 6.5 as your fun range rifle, the 7 for elk, and build a new rifle chambered in a magnum 30 cal or bigger (depending on what you plan on hunting in africa). Are you planning on taking down giraffes, hippos, elephants??? What you plan on hunting in 2019 will pretty much decide for you what chambering you'll need for your new rifle.

 

[j741]

Yeah, I was a bit verbose. I have 6.5 CM and 7mm Mag rifles that I am very happy with. I have an opportunity to get a new rifle and trying to decide what to get. The John X Safari site includes 7mm Mag as a recommended round for larger plains game animals. My goal would be to shoot Gemsbuck & Kudu, maybe a Nyala.

 

[stello1001]

Gemsboks, Kudus, and Nyalas are all not any bigger than is an elk, at least from what I found on Google. This leads me to conclude that as long as you can stalk your game well enough to determine it's activity, you might be able to strategize a plan where you can come in close enough for an ethical shot. So long as you have good shot placement, I think 6.5 MM bullet will be fine. As a safer choice, just because of its increased energy, the 300 wsm might be a tad bit better. I have no idea how spooky those critters are so in case you cannot get close enough, you'll be best off with the 300. I read that the largest of those 3 you listed is the Kudu, it can grow up to 600 pounds. Do some research and see how close others have gotten up to them before taking the shot, give it some thought.

 

[j741]

Yeah, I got the 7mag because I wanted a bit more power for taking Elk. I know others have used 6.5 on them but I didn't want to risk it,

That's good advice to read up more on the intended game usage and shooting situations. I'll have to start doing some research.

Thanks for suggestions & help!

 

[stello1001]

You'll probably be fine the PRC assuming your shot placement is fine. However, on a trip like that down to south Africa, I wouldn't want to regret anything. Good luck on your decision. Hopefully others can chime in with some real world experience.

 

[308Gunner]

I have a friend that went on a safari for plains game, he used the outfitters guns and for the big antelope he used a 30-06, he stated that the longest shot was 150 and that was on a Zebra. so I think you will be good on with whatever you choose, he said the PH's prefer calibers because the majority of the hunters don't practice enough to be able to place a shot when it comes down to it.