Mountain Rifle Caliber

[hawk45]

Splitting hairs, but that's what we do. Agree on the SA cals. If could go to a LA and don't want to get into custom dies, etc, then standard 280 or 270. But since you reload a 280AI could be perfect. Maybe go with a 22-24" barrel in a slimmer profile to add some FPS and keep the weight down. Not great for range sessions, but on a Mt. light is right.

 

[nathank]

i agree, .270 wsm is pretty great all around mountain cartridge

 

[GoatHerder]

7mm08 AI see below
https://www.jarrettrifles.com/pet-calibers.html

Thoughts?

 

[HARPERC]

.....i agree, .270 wsm is pretty great all around mountain cartridge......

If the barrel is ordered with enough twist to stabilize some of the newer bullets, this would be a good choice.

 

[ramrod79]

The 270 is a great MR cartridge can't go wrong. But a 6.5 Super LR on a short action with some Hornady 143or 147 would be awesome too

 

[D Gold]

Agree 100%with Hawk. 280ai . Straight-up 280 will do for med game at 500

 

[sconnierider]

My 7SAUM with 168GR Berger VLD hunting projectiles is great medicine. In a Rem Model 7 makes for a light and not very expensive package. Vortex PST Gen 2 glass.

 

[FIGJAM]

I'm researching my next build. I'd like a light weight deer rifle, titanium action carbon barrel and stock. Shots will be under 500 yards but practice to 1000. I have 20 plus years reloading so over the counter ammo isn't needed. I'd like this rifle to be short (around a 20 inch barrel) so it is very packable. Also I don't want a magnum caliber. Any insight is welcome.

My vote is 260 or 260 AI. If you can spare a couple inches in a long action the 280 AI will be badazz.

 

[Rem7mm08]

That would be a 7mm08 build for me. My .02 worth.

 

[hthunter]

308. Plenty for what you need. If wanna make super light I'd go 6.5 or 7mm08.

 

[pqmaloney]

I know not many people talk about the 270 much but that round in either regular or WSM is great. Availability is good and the hardware is plentiful, and it's great for young in time not age hunters. : )

 

[Tidus56]

Looking at a Lone Peak Fuzion TI.

Nice! Same exact pick I would make. Sounds like you're on it.

 

[Doc Bacon]

At the risk of attracting supporter status, I'd suggest the 6.5PRC chambering.

Good options for SA bullets if you reload, and a solid factory option of 143gr ELD-X if you don't - with MV at 2960.

 

[jebel]

I know you're intent on building it, which sounds fun. But the Barrett Fieldcraft checks all of these boxes. It can be had in 7-08 with 21" barrel, 1:8 twist, and weighing 5.2 lbs.