One new rifle or two?

[Jud96]

Also, you have a solid budget. You will be able to get a very nice full custom built with a top notch scope on it with the budget you have.

 

[Erich Lep]

At this point I'm shooting factory ammo. My grandfather left me some of his reloading stuff, but I never learned how to use it. I'd like to learn at some point though. I have heard there are companies that can make reloads for you at about the price of factory ammo, so that might help in the short term.

Since you are going to be shooting factory you might want to look into Tactical Operations. They are built specifically for factory ammunition and are guaranteed 1/4 moa accuracy at 100 yards with match grade factory ammo. They are also coated with birdsong green t/black t that would give you an advantage in the wet Alaskan climate. He will build them heavy or light, with or without a muzzle brake and suppressor. . https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/tac-ops-rifles.7003557/#post-8531106

 

[Lightnin08]

Since you are going to be shooting factory you might want to look into Tactical Operations. They are built specifically for factory ammunition and are guaranteed 1/4 moa accuracy at 100 yards with match grade factory ammo. They are also coated with birdsong green t/black t that would give you an advantage in the wet Alaskan climate. He will build them heavy or light, with or without a muzzle brake and suppressor. . https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/tac-ops-rifles.7003557/#post-8531106

And now I want one, haha!

 

[Erich Lep]

Well if I could pm you I'd send you his number, but I guess there is a post limit before you can start a private conversation with people. As of the last time I heard he took about five months to build it. He will do it on a rem 700 or a surgeon receiver.

 

[northhunter]

Seems there are a bunch of posts missing.

 

[Ricky C]

Hey Lightnin08, put a good brake on that 300 Wby and you have a great moose gun. Since you don't reload currently you can spend some of the money you would have spent on a new rifle on some custom ammo. I shot a 300 Wby for about 30 years without a brake, got to the point that I only shot it once or twice at the range to verify zero before a hunt. I put a brake on it and it's very comfortable to shoot. I've had two right shoulder surgeries (need another one) and have a jacked up neck. Have fun in AK
Take Care

 

[John Klingenberg]

You can do one rifle. You could get one of the actions that switch barrels easily. Use a steel bull barrel for the range and swap in the carbon barrel for hunting. I always side with buying two or more guns any day though.

 

[john k]

Hey Lightnin08, put a good brake on that 300 Wby and you have a great moose gun. Since you don't reload currently you can spend some of the money you would have spent on a new rifle on some custom ammo. I shot a 300 Wby for about 30 years without a brake, got to the point that I only shot it once or twice at the range to verify zero before a hunt. I put a brake on it and it's very comfortable to shoot. I've had two right shoulder surgeries (need another one) and have a jacked up neck. Have fun in AK
Take Care

That's what I would strongly consider. 300 Wby great moose cartridge and you are very familiar with your rifle. Then you will have a larger budget for another rifle and will not be in a rush. Enjoy the process!

 

[Backcountry sports]

I have a need for a new rifle and I'd like help determining if one rifle would fit my needs or two? I know I need a light weight rifle to take on mountain hunts. I also would like an additional rifle to bring to the range with one mile being my max range. Can this be the same rifle or better to get two?

Here's my situation and uses.

I currently have a Bergara HMR pro in 6.5 creedmoor that I love. I live in the South and have access to shoot 500 yards at home or up to a mile within a 3 hour drive. So I don't really have any business trying to spec out a rifle for more than a mile.

The HMR is a little heavy for a hunting rifle to carry and hike with, but works fine for deer hunting from a stand or short walks. I enjoy shooting metal targets with it, but can see how having a second range rifle would be fun. Maybe something higher powered or just different to focus more on the 800-1800 yard distances?

I have a hunt lined up next year for moose in Alaska. The guide is telling me to be ready for 300-500 yard shots. Thinking .30 cal and up? We'll be hunting from a Sherp but with some hiking up ridges being possible. I only plan on moose hunting once, so maybe I can get away with a heavier rifle for one hunt? Elk is a more normal game target for me, and that requires quite a bit more hiking and I'd want something light.

I'm younger, but I've had 3 shoulder surgeries, so unfortunately recoil does matter. For reference, I have a .300 Weatherby mag that doesn't have a muzzle break that I've shot elk with, but don't enjoy it for target practice. Will a lightweight rifle in .30 cal or bigger be fun to shoot at the range? Or will it be necessary to have a large caliber for hunting moose, but too much recoil in a light weight rifle to enjoy target shooting up to a mile as well?

Currently I'm considering the .300 PRC, .300 WSM, .30 Nosler, .300 WM, or .33 Nosler. Or maybe something 7mm or .28 Nosler if it's meant for target or game (elk and smaller). I'm newer to this, so I appreciate any advice the community has! If you have specific recommendations, please give them. Sorry for the long post, just trying to be thorough.

Light weight 300wsm is what I use

 

[Hotrod617]

.338 Edge with Suppressor. Very comfortable to shoot.

 

[skipglo]

Probably comfortable spending 6500, but if there's something highly recommended above that, I'd stretch that to 8000.

I'd delete this part...you are going to have every lunatic in the country calling to get your money! Spread it out and buy 3 guns!

 

[skipglo]

Well with the fact you don't reload I'd say 300 prc is the winner without a doubt for both the 1 mile shots. For hunting there's plenty good calibers.

If you were reloading I'd probably do a 300 Norma mag

Not with 3 shoulder surgeries!

 

[lewislance13]

I have a need for a new rifle and I'd like help determining if one rifle would fit my needs or two? I know I need a light weight rifle to take on mountain hunts. I also would like an additional rifle to bring to the range with one mile being my max range. Can this be the same rifle or better to get two?

Here's my situation and uses.

I currently have a Bergara HMR pro in 6.5 creedmoor that I love. I live in the South and have access to shoot 500 yards at home or up to a mile within a 3 hour drive. So I don't really have any business trying to spec out a rifle for more than a mile.

The HMR is a little heavy for a hunting rifle to carry and hike with, but works fine for deer hunting from a stand or short walks. I enjoy shooting metal targets with it, but can see how having a second range rifle would be fun. Maybe something higher powered or just different to focus more on the 800-1800 yard distances?

I have a hunt lined up next year for moose in Alaska. The guide is telling me to be ready for 300-500 yard shots. Thinking .30 cal and up? We'll be hunting from a Sherp but with some hiking up ridges being possible. I only plan on moose hunting once, so maybe I can get away with a heavier rifle for one hunt? Elk is a more normal game target for me, and that requires quite a bit more hiking and I'd want something light.

I'm younger, but I've had 3 shoulder surgeries, so unfortunately recoil does matter. For reference, I have a .300 Weatherby mag that doesn't have a muzzle break that I've shot elk with, but don't enjoy it for target practice. Will a lightweight rifle in .30 cal or bigger be fun to shoot at the range? Or will it be necessary to have a large caliber for hunting moose, but too much recoil in a light weight rifle to enjoy target shooting up to a mile as well?

Currently I'm considering the .300 PRC, .300 WSM, .30 Nosler, .300 WM, or .33 Nosler. Or maybe something 7mm or .28 Nosler if it's meant for target or game (elk and smaller). I'm newer to this, so I appreciate any advice the community has! If you have specific recommendations, please give them. Sorry for the long post, just trying to be thorough.

There are two trains of thought here. You can compromise some on both ends and go with one rifle to buy or build to your exact specs for each task. If you do this and go the semi custom route I would suggest you look at the HS Precision PHL, Fierce, or Cooper Backcountry. I have owned all three and they all make a fine rifle. My personal preference is the HS Precision PHL (It just fits me the best and is unbelievably accurate) or a Fierce Edge CT ( I like the features on these…. bolt locks with 3 position safety, good detachable mags, stocks) If you go the one gun route I would really look at a Fierce CT Edge (carbon barrel with a titanium action). I believe they also have a long range model with a respectable weight. Again this is just food for thought.

 

[lewislance13]

I have a need for a new rifle and I'd like help determining if one rifle would fit my needs or two? I know I need a light weight rifle to take on mountain hunts. I also would like an additional rifle to bring to the range with one mile being my max range. Can this be the same rifle or better to get two?

Here's my situation and uses.

I currently have a Bergara HMR pro in 6.5 creedmoor that I love. I live in the South and have access to shoot 500 yards at home or up to a mile within a 3 hour drive. So I don't really have any business trying to spec out a rifle for more than a mile.

The HMR is a little heavy for a hunting rifle to carry and hike with, but works fine for deer hunting from a stand or short walks. I enjoy shooting metal targets with it, but can see how having a second range rifle would be fun. Maybe something higher powered or just different to focus more on the 800-1800 yard distances?

I have a hunt lined up next year for moose in Alaska. The guide is telling me to be ready for 300-500 yard shots. Thinking .30 cal and up? We'll be hunting from a Sherp but with some hiking up ridges being possible. I only plan on moose hunting once, so maybe I can get away with a heavier rifle for one hunt? Elk is a more normal game target for me, and that requires quite a bit more hiking and I'd want something light.

I'm younger, but I've had 3 shoulder surgeries, so unfortunately recoil does matter. For reference, I have a .300 Weatherby mag that doesn't have a muzzle break that I've shot elk with, but don't enjoy it for target practice. Will a lightweight rifle in .30 cal or bigger be fun to shoot at the range? Or will it be necessary to have a large caliber for hunting moose, but too much recoil in a light weight rifle to enjoy target shooting up to a mile as well?

Currently I'm considering the .300 PRC, .300 WSM, .30 Nosler, .300 WM, or .33 Nosler. Or maybe something 7mm or .28 Nosler if it's meant for target or game (elk and smaller). I'm newer to this, so I appreciate any advice the community has! If you have specific recommendations, please give them. Sorry for the long post, just trying to be thorough.

There are two trains of thought here. You can compromise some on both ends and go with one rifle to buy or build to your exact specs for each task. If you do this and go the semi custom route I would suggest you look at the HS Precision PHL, Fierce, or Cooper Backcountry. I have owned all three and they all make a fine rifle. My personal preference is the HS Precision PHL (It just fits me the best and is unbelievably accurate) or a Fierce Edge CT ( I like the features on these…. bolt locks with 3 position safety, good detachable mags, stocks) If you go the one gun route I would really look at a Fierce CT Edge (carbon barrel with a titanium action). I believe they also have a long range model with a respectable weight.
After you decide on one gun or two. Now comes calibers. There are so many out there that basically do the same thing. All I will say on this subject is this is what I chose
HS Precision PHL - 270wsm
Fierce Edge CT -300wsm
And just because you mentioned this caliber I also have a Montana rifle Co in 30 Nosler. I will just say that is a great caliber. Sold a 300 bee after I bought the 30 nos. 180gr Barnes ttsx or Nosler E top are amazing in the caliber.

Again this is just food for thought.