Rookie long range hunter

[WyoRifleman]

Hey everyone!

I have recently found interest in the long shot. Last season a friend took me hunting with one of his rifles and I bagged a mule deer at 700+ yards! I am hooked.

Currently I am shooting an old rem 243, 100 grain bullet, with a new vortex scope, 6-24x50. I am still working on getting all my reloading equipment and would love to build a chassis rifle, one day. But I am still shooting factory rounds.

I know I won't be able to make any crazy shoots this year with my rifle, but any tips or tricks for a guy who is slowly trying to catch up to you masters would be great!

 

[Rick Richard]

Save your money for a new custom barrel. Nothing wrong with that 243 on deer/lope size game.

 

[nksmfamjp]

Do some experimenting with long bullets loaded to 3000 FPS or so.

 

[1894C]

If you have the fundamentals for 700 yard field shots on game, you should be good to go. I would get a krieger Hart lilja bartlein etc barrel put on your 243. You can keep it a 243 if that's what you're comfortable with. The 105 Bergers will do fine on deer and antelope.

 

[Canhunter35]

Long range rigs start as long range rigs. There's a lot of factory options, but it's easier if you start with a heavier barrel and appropriate twist rate with a cartridge suitable for heavy for caliber bullets that fit within your magazine. Rebarrel is also a good option, you can stick with ur 243 and get a faster twist barrel

 

[lancetkenyon]

If you decide to rebarrel, I would.suggest going up in caliber to a .257". Get a 1:7" and chamber it is something like 25CM, .250 Savage (or .250AI),.257 Roberts, and run the 131 Blackjack Ace. It will give you a lot better downrange energy, still be light recoiling, and the BC on them is phenomenal. It will turn your 600 yard deer rifle into an 800+ yard rifle.

If you stick with your .243 Win for now, depending on year of manufacture, it is probably a 1:10", 1:9.125", or maybe a 1:9". That limits the bullet weight and design you would want to stretch it out.
I would be looking at the Berger 87 VLD, 95 Classic Hunter, if it is a 1:10" twist. And limit shots to 600 on deer.
I shoot a 105 Hyb in my 1:7.5" 6CM @ 3101, and still only consider it an 700-750 yard mule deer rifle, 850 yards for pronghorn depending on where I am hunting.

 

[LVJ76]

Welcome to LRH.

 

[Hand Skills]

If you decide to rebarrel, I would.suggest going up in caliber to a .257". Get a 1:7" and chamber it is something like 25CM, .250 Savage (or .250AI),.257 Roberts, and run the 131 Blackjack Ace. It will give you a lot better downrange energy, still be light recoiling, and the BC on them is phenomenal. It will turn your 600 yard deer rifle into an 800+ yard rifle.

That's a helluva idea Lance. I've been shooting long range for a few years now and have been considering a 6mm Creed for a volume gun, but that particular bullet puts .25cal in league with the 7mms.

.257 Bob-ai might be where it's at!

 

[Canhunter35]

That's a helluva idea Lance. I've been shooting long range for a few years now and have been considering a 6mm Creed for a volume gun, but that particular bullet puts .25cal in league with the 7mms.

.257 Bob-ai might be where it's at!

Especially since they've made their way to Canada

 

[ShtrRdy]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Heavyiron]

Welcome to LRH. Great to have you on board.

 

[hunter67wa]

welcome

 

[Outdrmn]

Welcome from the North West.
Your in the right place here, people eager to help with their wisdom and experience is truly amazing. I was where you are now 20 years ago when I found this site. From just searching all the topics for my inquiries I didn't need to post a question because it's packed with everything you can think of!
From all the knowledge here I was able to go from never reloading before to getting a rifle that wouldn't shoot inside 2" @ 100 yds to made my first attempt at a1000 couple weeks ago and it's due to all the great people here.
I should be the poster child for how great this site really is, I've never been accused of being the sharpest rake in the elevator so if I can learn here you'll do great.

 

[Outdrmn]

First 1k attempt ever.
Rem 700 300wm 24" Berger 215 hybrid
73 gr 7828 @ 2830fps
First shot gave me dirt signature, next two held for wind. Thanks to all here for your wisdom.