Long Range Hunting build

[Predator 22]

That depends on both how you are hunting and how you are carrying. If you have horses it doesn't much matter. If you are just setting up and glassing for an ambush shot it doesn't much matter.

If you're on foot and humping a lot of territory it can and does matter a lot.

Very true. If someone is the type to drive to a spot, get out of your truck and walk a few hundred yards and set up it doesn't matter at all. But it definitely doesn't work if you are putting miles on your boots. My personal preference for the type of hunting I do is a gun that weighs no more than ten or eleven pounds all up. Still packable, still steady, and heavy enough to soak up some recoil, but not so heavy its dragging you down.

 

[Barrelnut]

I have a 300 WSM that is right at 11 lbs. loaded. It is good place to be. Heavy enough to not need a brake and still be steady at long range and carry it all day.