Long range mule deer rifle

[Quintus]

Pretty hard to beat the .270 in the real world. If you want something different the 6.5x284 or 6.5/06 are splendid. If you spend the same $$ on the rifle and the same time at the range with the .270 WCF it will match in results...dead mule deer. This may also be hard to read, but with a little care W-W, RP, Nosler, or Hornady brass can turn in a decent group and run through 10 to 15 loadings in the .270 Winchester. That said, the 6.5-06 is one of my favs and would be my first choice. I never bothered to improve any of mine.

 

[436]

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?

Have your gunsmith open the bolt face and rechamber to something like .308 Norma Mag, .30-338, 300 RSAUM, and 30-284 Win (however it runs pretty close to the .06 in performance but very accurate,) then you don't bother with the bolt face'..., I could go on but I've always liked these four, as a fifth I'd look hard at the 7.5x55mm Swede pretty much a .30-284 Win when you bring out the calipers, and keep the barrel if it's in good shape.

 

[muleskinner1]

Last fall bear hunting N/E Ca. I was talking to a deer hunter with my rifled over my shoulder facing him. He says to me is that a new 7mm my answer no that is my 55 year old 30-06. He says can I look at that sure I said. My goodness he says I haven't held one of these in forty years. That guy got the biggest kick out of that and by the way she still has a good barrel. Good luck with your project.

 

[dfitz7604]

If you are going to rebarrel, I'd go with 280ai. I love the 7mm bullets. 160s to 180s will serve you well.

Also like many said before if the gun shoots well and the barrel isn't shot out make it a 30-06ai to pick up the extra speed and extend your range.

 

[Bill Peet]

I didn't read all the reply's but have you looked at the 6.5 PRC . Will fit in a standard action and you can buy ammo over the counter

 

[IdahoHunter208]

I hunt in Nebraska every year for mule deer.
Mule deer are tough and you want a heavy long bullet if you want to shoot at 500 plus yards and humanely kill the deer. These heavy long bullets retain muzzle energy at longer ranges and buck the wind better reducing wind drift.
You already have good action.
I would build a custom 7mm Remington mag, 338 win mag or 30 nosler with fast twist barrel to stabilize the heavy bullets.
Use a proof research barrel if u want light weight.
I like the 338's because of heavyweight bullets and retained kinetic energy on longer shots. The 7mm with 180-195 grain berger bullets kill like lightening
Dixie precision rifles out if Mississippi build affordable tack drivers
Call me and l can help u save some money.
Dave Lindler 864-941-6643

Thanks Dave. I might be giving you a call.

 

[OzRanger]

7mm RUM. For the amount of deer you'll probably shoot it will last a lifetime...

 

[Greyfox]

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?

My 6.5x284 built off of a early 70's vintage Remington 700 BDL LA in 30-06. Used a Bartlien 26", 1:8, Sendaro/Varmint profile. Very accurate and flawless feeding with no mods.

 

[33RANGER80]

Why all the fancy cal. stick with what you got ! My best shot was 308 M-14 730 Yd's !

 

[33RANGER80]

My bad WAS NOT It was M21 Heavy

 

[JohnCZ]

Don't waste it, Rem 700 action is a proper long action and you are already thinking of a barrel. Go fast twist 30 cal. Since the smith cutting the chamber should also be able to ream the bolt face no drama, make it a nice 26" 300 win mag sporter.
More high BC bullets in 30 are going to be happening sooner than later so you may as well be ready.

 

[Lenny Foffa]

Hi Idaho Hunter!! My favorite Long Range Mule Deer Rife is a Weatherby Mark V Delux, in .270 Weatherby Mag with the 26 inch #2 barrel . Super Flat Trajectory. and with the new Low Drag 150 Grain Nolser bullets it should be even better that it was in 1979. Very accurate , Recoil not terrible, and easy to make handloads for . H 4831 and Fed 215 mag primers worked vey well . I had a Leupold 3.5 to 10 power Vari. X 3 on it when it was new , today at age 70 , I would need to upgrade the optics. Just my 2 cents !!! Lenny

 

[tlsmith22]

I'm with the 300wm crew. Put a 26" barrel on it, custom ream the chamber and load around 80 grains of VV N570 behind a 215 Berger and you can kill anything in North America. A 215 Berger at over 3000 FPS is a devasting round.

 

[cjl2010]

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.

If you are going light for cal with the 30s and 7mm you need to drop down to the 130s for the 6.5-06.