Help me spend $2500

[fishbone821]

If I was buying now it would be Seekins PH3

I actually had one on back order from EuroOptic but talked myself out of it so I cancelled that. The PH3 does have some cool new features but the PH2 with more barrel length choices and perhaps an adjustable cheek piece would have made a lot of people happy. While I think the PH3s are well thought out and designed rifles it seems like you're going to run into some speed bumps if you change multiple things at once. I hope I'm wrong. I honestly think I am heavily leaning towards the PH2 Element based on the excellent reviews and the fact that Seekins takes care of their customs if there are ever any issues.

 

[Clem Bronkoski]

I have 2 Bergara HMRs, a 6.5CM and 300WM and both are real shooters. My 6.5 shoots 1/4 MOA. Still working on loads for the 300 but lots of promise. They make it in the 7 PRC. Or if you want lighter you can go with the Bergara Sierra Wilderness.
Hmmm....the Element! A 6 lb rifle (7 with scope) in 7PRC will let you know it went off. What are your intentions with the rifle. Steel, hunting, both?

 

[Panthers59]

Seekins ph3 hands down, Or a Barreled action with a Stock and trigger you can find for a deal on here or elsewhere

 

[Window]

I'm sure the newest MkV's are better, but I've owned 5 and only 2 were legitimate sub MOA for 5 shots; and those 2 were finicky. None liked heat and had to have the shots spaced out in order to squeeze the best accuracy out of them. The ones I had were produced early 90's to early 2000's. Smooth working, beautiful rifles, though, and certainly they were all sufficiently minute of deer to as far out as I used them. To be fair, it seems that all rifles have gotten more precise these days, but I'll just say that the MkV's I had/have couldn't quite hang with many of the Tikkas, 700's or X and A-bolts I had/have from the same vintage.

As far as the OP, for hunting rifles I greatly prefer low bolt throws and safeties that lock the bolt down. As such, I'd buy a Tikka action from JE, pick up a pre shouldered 7 PRC barrel from maker of choice and then select the stock that best fits your sensibilities. Triggers are generally good as is with a little adjustment and or a new spring. IME, the Tikkas group as tight as anything out there and they are exceedingly tough and reliable. Spend the rest on ammo and get to hammering away!

Never had one that i couldn't pillar bed and work up a load that wouldn't shoot. More than a hundred at this point and love the mark V actions. I get that everyone has their preferences but I'll keep recommending the old school and will open up to anyone who will take me up on anyone who will shoot for cash or bragging rights on any cold bore shot at any reasonable hunting distance out to 700 or so.

 

[Starbuck]

Never had one that i couldn't pillar bed and work up a load that wouldn't shoot. More than a hundred at this point and love the mark V actions. I get that everyone has their preferences but I'll keep recommending the old school and will open up to anyone who will take me up on anyone who will shoot for cash or bragging rights on any cold bore shot at any reasonable hunting distance at 700.

Certainly can't fault a guy for loving MkV's. They are a classic that everyone should own at least one of.

I'm sure I could've done more on a few of mine to massage more accuracy out of them. I didn't float them all and my load development wasn't near as extensive as it could've been. Good enough being the enemy of better and such.

I still have a couple LH models I plan to work with more extensively at some point. Was just recently thinking of picking up a peak 44 stock for a 300 WM ULW I have that's never hit it's likely potential.