Long range mule deer rifle

[Rudolph Ferdinand]

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?

Many years ago, I did the improved cartridge route, it's not bad but fire form is time-consuming. Fire formed the 30-06 to the improved, picked up 200 fps, not bad, but if you can buy a cartridge already made, go that route. Also, I only used 1.5 grains more for the improved cartridge over the standard '06 case.

 

[David Lindler]

Great info here for you !

6.5x 284 is amazing I hear .
Then again the 280 Ai has a great following !
Tough choice for you !
Best of luck

I'm staying with my 338 Edge 30" Proof and the 300 bergers !
I will be up high this fall chasing Mule Deer !

Rum Man

300 Berger's knock them flat at anything out to 1500yards.
I shot the 270 eld-x last year with good results.
Do u have a accurate load for the 300 Berger's.

 

[David Lindler]

338 edge with 270 grain eld-x at 490 yards. Exited the bc size of a baseball.

 

[archeratlrg]

With your gun I would do a 280 ackley or a 6.5x280 ackley
Just buy a 280 ackley Nosler Brass neck it down to 6.5.
I have a 280 ackley now and anther one on the way. I love it!
I have a 6.5saum too, trying to decide if I want anther 6.5saum or if I should go 6.5x280ackley. I think they are the same? The ackley version seems like it would be a great choice. Not sure how popular it is.

I would opt for either the 280 AI or the 280 Sherman with the bid going to the Sherman since you are going to need dies anyway. Sherman is running right in the heals of the 7mm Rem mag with the 06 size boltface.

 

[DRock]

You can't go wrong with the 280AI. Very fine cartridge design. You can buy brass from Hornady and Nosler or fire-form standard 280 Rem brass (just load them like normal and they shoot very accurate). If you're going to remake the barrel, have them throat it so you can seat the bullet out to maximize case capacity with heavier bullets. Nothing wrong with the 6.5-284 either.

 

[sable tireur]

Some numbers as information for comparison at 1,000 yards:

.30-06 AI w/ 180 Ber Elite HTR
Vel= 1563...ft/lbs= 976...Drop= 238.9"...Drift= 62"

.300 Win Mag w/ 180 Ber Elite HTR
Vel= 1677...ft/lbs= 1124... Drop= 209.8"...Drift= 57"

.280 AI w/162 ELD-X
Vel= 1717...ft/lbs= 1060...Drop= 208.4"...Drift=54.5"

.280 AI w/168 Ber VLD
Vel= 1724...ft/lbs= 1109... Drop= 209.7"...Drift= 53.1"

6.5-06 AI w/155 Ber EOL
Vel= 1782...ft/lbs= 1093... Drop= 205.5"...Drift= 49.1"

OOOOPS... I added it on. It's the newest rendition of the Berger heavy for caliber.

 

[fmuguira]

Sable, what bullet you using in 6.5 calcs ...? ELDM 147 or???

Just curious.

 

[Lee Goodwin]

280 or 280AI if you reload.
308 26 inch barrel and practice F class.?
30.06 or 30.06 AI and look at New powders that add 100 to 200 fps.?
6.5 ? something if you wouldn't mind reduced recoil with great bullet selections.
Or, find the most exotic caliber out there in 6.8 and be a rebel.

 

[Ward Thurman]

Nothing really wrong with the 30-06 as long as you have it set up right with a lighter bullet. However, if it were my gun, I would seriously consider the 6.5x06AI as the others have noted. I think that is on my wish list too. I am thinking of buying an old Enfield and have it rebarreled to the above.

 

[fmuguira]

Not for larger game but I m dreaming of a 6-06AI when the 240 WB goes south... know barrel life would be limited but for a coyote/antelope/deer gun it'd be point and shoot to 400 yds +/- !!

A 6.5-06AI would be a dandy but got a 6.5 lb 6.5x55 that ll be my 'packing gun'.

 

[John 264]

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?

I would have it made into a 7rem mag as a gunsmith with 20 years experience I would have known problem opening up the bolt face and installing a m 16 extractor I would put a barrel with a 1-7.5 twist so you can shoot the 180 -195 Berger's the 180's should be around 2950 and hit like a sledgehammer

 

[highflyer]

I would have it made into a 7rem mag as a gunsmith with 20 years experience I would have known problem opening up the bolt face and installing a m 16 extractor I would put a barrel with a 1-7.5 twist so you can shoot the 180 -195 Berger's the 180's should be around 2950 and hit like a sledgehammer

Take John 264s advice. The 7 Mag is great for long-range hunting AND you can buy ammo for it off the shelf just about anywhere. If you get away from home and something happens to your ammo your rifle will not be crippled and your hunt will be saved.

 

[KurtB]

B series 700 BDL in 30-06 shooting 155 grain scenars. Only change was bedding in McMillan stock and ptg firing pin. Rolling the dice that it will work.

 

[Rflshootr]

If it shot good, I'd keep my money in my pocket and shoot 200 grainers out of the '06 at 2700 fps.
Over 900 ft/lbs of energy at 1000...........
I'd spend a few dollars for a real nice recoil pad and a few boxes of bullets. Maybe even some better optics for that 1000 yard shot.
No new dies $$ No new brass $$ No new barrel $$$ No paying anyone to install it $$$.
But that's the way I think.....