Long range mule deer rifle

[John 264]

 

[L.Sherm]

But then I also bow hunt and then you have to get REALLY close.

I've heard plenty of bow hunters brag about 80-100 yard shots so is that unethical?

 

[Lee Goodwin]

Over the past twenty years or so a new community of hunters have emerged; they derive their pleasure in hunting by seeing how far they can effectively shoot their quarry. In short they view the challenge in terms of distance. Old school hunters view shooting an animal at 1,000 yards as unethical, there is no sport in long range hunting. Us older hunters believe that an essential element to hunting is the stalk, being able to get as close as possible without your quarry knowing. Two very different types of hunters. I think there's room for both types of hunters in our sport. Part of it is recognising both points of view. It takes a great deal of skill to build a rifle and master one that's capable of efficiently killing at 1,000 yards, and do it consistently. It also takes a great deal of skill to hunt your quarry, to be able to stalk your quarry and get within fifty feet without the animal knowing. The key is respecting the different types of hunter and accept that both forms of hunting have merit.
I don't have the skill set to still hunt and get within 20-30 yards without the animal seeing me. Something bow hunters perfect. I also lack the skill to consistently hit a target at 1,000 yards. 300-400 yards is my limit. We have enough anti hunters attacking us without hunters splintering into different groups. Respect for each type of hunting is needed. Animals are not targets, they're living creatures that deserve humane hunting. Just as a bow hunter needs to perfect his shooting skills to consistently hit their prey consistently at 20-30 yards, long range hunters need to perfect their shooting skills to ensure they can kill effectively at 800-1000 yards before going afield. The hunting community grows smaller every year, we need to encourage people to engage in our sport. The last thing we need is infighting.

I got in with a group of older gentlemen who are well versed in the sport and spirit of long distance shooting. First day was 300, going out 200 yards a month. 1000 yards is more attainable than ever at present. The equipment and ammo is exponentially getting better as time goes. The time to learn how to shoot well up to your ability is now. Ain't but one way to get it done. Then that 600 yard shot on an antelope becomes more doable.
Throw some rocks.

 

[James L Holzhauer]

I shot my last one with a 7mm mag. I do have a one hole rifle in 6.6x284 Norma that I am dying to try.

 

[nickj]

Lots of good info here

 

[257 Blackjack]

25x284 or 25-06 at 3140-3225 fps, 25 SAUM at 3380 fps, 257 WBY at 3420+.

With the 131 ACE that's going to be flat, hit hard to 1000+, and you won't pay for it in excess recoil. Wind certainty and hit probabilities of these fast 25's are truly impressive.

 

[Heavyiron]

I'm going with the 270 winchester. With 150 grain bullets and reloader 26 you get 3000 fps. That is 7nn rem mag territory.. the old 270 can deliver. I have a 270, 280ai, and 7 mm rem mag. There is some difference all shooting the 150 grain bullet, but not as much as you think.
You can get ammo at any hardware store that sells ammo, for the 270. The 150 grain ballistic tip is my choice for extended range hunting. Long live the 270...!!!

 

[nicholasjohn]

I'm going with the 270 winchester. With 150 grain bullets and reloader 26 you get 3000 fps. That is 7nn rem mag territory.. the old 270 can deliver. I have a 270, 280ai, and 7 mm rem mag. There is some difference all shooting the 150 grain bullet, but not as much as you think.
You can get ammo at any hardware store that sells ammo, for the 270. The 150 grain ballistic tip is my choice for extended range hunting. Long live the 270...!!!

I'll second that, Sir. These newer powders are giving us about a 100-150 fps turbo-boost in the old favorite cartridges, and it does make a difference. That, and using a high-BC bullet kinda puts the 30-06 class of cartridges into the next performance level.

I've noticed that a lot more guys are using "full-length" barrels these days, which is how you maximize that performance boost. That helps a lot with the older powders, too - but the new slow-burners benefit more from using a longer barrel. I've never understood the thinking behind putting a 22" barrel on a 270 or 7mm magnum, but that practice is being pushed aside. I think this is mostly due to the increase in popularity of long range shooting, both for target work and hunting. We can also thank that trend for all the advances in handloading and in optics. It's all GOOD STUFF.

 

[Lee Goodwin]

I'm going with the 270 winchester. With 150 grain bullets and reloader 26 you get 3000 fps. That is 7nn rem mag territory.. the old 270 can deliver. I have a 270, 280ai, and 7 mm rem mag. There is some difference all shooting the 150 grain bullet, but not as much as you think.
You can get ammo at any hardware store that sells ammo, for the 270. The 150 grain ballistic tip is my choice for extended range hunting. Long live the 270...!!!

150 grain Nosler partition going 2900.!

 

[WSM]

I have a 7mm rem mag built by Krieger. Best shooting rifle I ever owned. Only 68 rounds shot. need to sell to pay some surgery bills. PM me if interested.

SOLD

 

[spindrift307]

Looking to either buy or build a long range mule deer rifle. I have an older r700 30-06 and am thinking about rebarrelling it to something. Not quite sure yet so I need some help. What are your thoughts on a rifle cartridge that can reach out and kill a deer at 800-1000 yards?

Go with a 300 WM, you wouldn't regret it.

 

[spindrift307]

Looking to either buy or build a long range mule deer rifle. I have an older r700 30-06 and am thinking about rebarrelling it to something. Not quite sure yet so I need some help. What are your thoughts on a rifle cartridge that can reach out and kill a deer at 800-1000 yards?

Go with a 300 WM, you won't regret it.

 

[longrangebob]

Consider a 280 Ackley Improved ... less Recoil even with Heavier 7mm. Bullets .. and you won't have to change the Bolt Face

 

[jpope02]

6.5/06 or a 280 AI.