Your Ultimate 500 Yard Rig

Inspired by John Spadaro's thread found here:
https://longrangehunting.com/threads/help-chosing-an-elk-cartridge.211198/

What is your ULTIMATE rifle outfit for ~500yds on North American big game? Think packing WAY back/up in there with a shot of a lifetime on a trophy animal that has never seen a human.

Long/short action? Caliber? Action? Stock? Optic? Trigger? etc. Overkill is fine; what is your ULTIMATE dream rig for out to 500?


Same rifle I've used for almost 30 years. At an ounce or 2 over 9 pounds (fully loaded, scoped, and slung), it's getting heavier for a "sheep type" hunt.....but, I ain't planning on changing. Semi-custom, Win. Model 70, light contour Douglas Match Grade SS barrel,chambered in .375 AI, barrel mounted front sling swivel, express sights, McMillan stock, Pachmayr Decelerator, Leupold 3.5-10 in Leupold QD bases/rings and a Leupold 2.5-8, zero'd and on standby. I had it built in '89, it is and hopefully forever will be....my "only" hunting rifle! Presently running, 250 grain, TTSX's @ 3130 fps muzzle velocity.

My last kill, a Pronghorn @430 yards, good placement. I think an elk @ 500, should be pretty easy! If need be....I can stretch it's range to 600+, pretty easily, with good shooting conditions! memtb
 
Last edited:
Inspired by John Spadaro's thread found here:
https://longrangehunting.com/threads/help-chosing-an-elk-cartridge.211198/

What is your ULTIMATE rifle outfit for ~500yds on North American big game? Think packing WAY back/up in there with a shot of a lifetime on a trophy animal that has never seen a human.

Long/short action? Caliber? Action? Stock? Optic? Trigger? etc. Overkill is fine; what is your ULTIMATE dream rig for out to 500?
Up to Elk and the Largest dangerous game in the country any of my 6.5's or 7mm STW's.

Bigger than that, my .300 Rum's and .375 Rugers.

There are so many variables you aren't including it's really hard to give a more specific answer intelligently.
 
Well. Right now my good old ruger m77 .300wm. It's been my go too meat gun for years and has never failed me. It ain't pretty but it'll get the job done out to 500 yards pretty easy.

Dream gun? Maybe a Proof research model in .300 WM with a nice Leupold VX6
Pretty don't much matter as long as it fills the freezer.
 
Inspired by John Spadaro's thread found here:
https://longrangehunting.com/threads/help-chosing-an-elk-cartridge.211198/

What is your ULTIMATE rifle outfit for ~500yds on North American big game? Think packing WAY back/up in there with a shot of a lifetime on a trophy animal that has never seen a human.

Long/short action? Caliber? Action? Stock? Optic? Trigger? etc. Overkill is fine; what is your ULTIMATE dream rig for out to 500?

Out to 500yards - Elk

Tikka T3X Lite stainless, 3 lb trigger
30-06
180 grain Hornady Interbonds - hand loads 1/2" @ 2750fps
2-10x42 Burris Veracity - 52ft to 11ft view
or a Leupold VX6 2-12x42 - 57ft - 10ft view

backup rifle

Reminton 700 Stainless - 24 inch barrel
HS Precision stock, 3 lb trigger
270 Winchester
150 grain Hornady Interbond - handloads 1/2" @ 2900fps
Leupold VX6 2-12x42
 
Last edited:
Warning! This thread is more than 5 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.

Recent Posts

Top