Barrel/rifle build to shoot most hunting bullets acurately

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kaceyx73

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Ok so here goes. I have a Sendero in 300RUM and a stockpile of various 30 cal hunting bullets of various styles and weights, though most are 180gr and down. Most are 150s. I have no real need of the RUM, and with the sleeved barrel on it, too heavy for anything practical. While I don't mind the RUM, Im looking at dropping back to something more practical, 30-06, 308, ect, that will make best use of the hunting bullets and powders I have. Got plenty, needless to say. Have plenty of 30-06 brass, and currently no rifle so leaning that direction. LIkely to be a 20-22" sporter type barrel.

Is there a barrel type, rifling, etc, that will shoot hunting style bullets of various types with enough accuracy for hunting? This isn't a match build. Accuracy first, but not looking to use target bullets. I have them, and a 308 that loves them, but its a heavy barrel I keep for target shooting and long range. Ive seen several rifles that shoot hunting rounds well, and plenty of others that don't. Listening to any recommendations, from caliber to rifling style to manufacturer.

Just a sample of whats on hand.
180 Accubond
150 Partition
125 SST
150 Mega
150 SST
150 Triple Shock
cant remember the weight, but have Lapua Naturalis... 180 I think
165 Gamekings

Hope thats enough info.
Ken
 
Almost every rifle out there is plenty accurate for your needs.

Back in the dark ages when I worked behind the gun counter factory rifles with factory ammo were 2 moa rifles if you were lucky. People hunted with them and took plenty of game.

Any rifle that can shoot to 2 moa is good enough for hunting at normal ranges.
 
If you already have a 308 target rifle I'd go with a 308 hunting rifle. It will simplify your loading, for best performance you need a different powder for 30-06 and 308. Nothing at all wrong with 30-06, I used one from the 1970's up until about 10 years ago. I still have a couple of 30-06 rifles, but haven't hunted with one in 10-12 years and rarely even shoot them at the range.

Modern 308 loads are shooting the same bullet weights faster than most factory 30-06 loads, certainly faster than any 30-06 loads prior to the 1980's. I'm talking actual chronograph speeds, not the numbers printed on the box. You can handload 30-06 about 100-150 fps faster, but inside of 500 yards no game animal will ever notice, at least with those bullet weights. If you plan to shoot 200gr or heavier bullets 30-06 will be an advantage. Above 180 gr you reach the point of diminishing returns with 308.

Most 30-06 rifles will come with a 1:10 twist to shoot the heavier 200gr+ bullets. Most 308's have traditionally had 1:12 twists to handle bullets on the lighter end, but a 12 twist will easily handle any 180 gr hunting bullet. The trend is for many newer 308's to come with 10 twist barrels to take advantage of the longer high BC bullets. I have 10, 11, and 12 twist barrels and with 180 gr and under bullets cannot tell any difference. But that is something you may want to consider when shopping. For the bullets you list either a 10 or 12 twist will be fine. I'd only specify a 10 twist if I planned to shoot longer target bullets.
 
What is the rim diameter of a RUM? Most magnum cartridges use a larger bolt face.

Just looked. Has a mag bolt face so you’ll need to look at a magnum replacement. My personal choice would be a 7 mm Remington mag, which is what I have. There are gazillions of high quality.284 bullets.

If you really want to stick with.30, obviously a .300 Win Mag

Unless that particular rifle has a special meaning it would be cheaper to trade it. There are a lot of current rifles that shoot extremely well for hunting
 
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Almost every rifle out there is plenty accurate for your needs.

Back in the dark ages when I worked behind the gun counter factory rifles with factory ammo were 2 moa rifles if you were lucky. People hunted with them and took plenty of game.

Any rifle that can shoot to 2 moa is good enough for hunting at normal ranges.
Ive seen many rifles that were Minute of Pie Plate as we called it. As I first got into shooting, that was many cheap rifles unless you opted for the $1000 mark, without scope. Occassionally youd hear of a cheap Savage (old reputation) that was a real shooter. Actually have a 243 old model that is under 2" @100yds with factory ammo. Havent shot many new factory toys. Spent the last few years building ARs and such. Just happen to be left with lots of 30 cal bulets and a RUM that is jst for fun, heavy as a tank, and would like to rebarrel.
 
If you already have a 308 target rifle I'd go with a 308 hunting rifle. It will simplify your loading, for best performance you need a different powder for 30-06 and 308. Nothing at all wrong with 30-06, I used one from the 1970's up until about 10 years ago. I still have a couple of 30-06 rifles, but haven't hunted with one in 10-12 years and rarely even shoot them at the range.

Modern 308 loads are shooting the same bullet weights faster than most factory 30-06 loads, certainly faster than any 30-06 loads prior to the 1980's. I'm talking actual chronograph speeds, not the numbers printed on the box. You can handload 30-06 about 100-150 fps faster, but inside of 500 yards no game animal will ever notice, at least with those bullet weights. If you plan to shoot 200gr or heavier bullets 30-06 will be an advantage. Above 180 gr you reach the point of diminishing returns with 308.

Most 30-06 rifles will come with a 1:10 twist to shoot the heavier 200gr+ bullets. Most 308's have traditionally had 1:12 twists to handle bullets on the lighter end, but a 12 twist will easily handle any 180 gr hunting bullet. The trend is for many newer 308's to come with 10 twist barrels to take advantage of the longer high BC bullets. I have 10, 11, and 12 twist barrels and with 180 gr and under bullets cannot tell any difference. But that is something you may want to consider when shopping. For the bullets you list either a 10 or 12 twist will be fine. I'd only specify a 10 twist if I planned to shoot longer target bullets.
I learned to reload on 30-06. Very familiar with it. Plenty of brass, bullets, and powder, only need more brass if I go 308. I like both. Also wont be only hunting rifle. Bullets not mentioned: 208 Amax and 210 VLD. No hurry, its a project.
 
What is the rim diameter of a RUM? Most magnum cartridges use a larger bolt face.

Just looked. Has a mag bolt face so you’ll need to look at a magnum replacement. My personal choice would be a 7 mm Remington mag, which is what I have. There are gazillions of high quality.284 bullets.

If you really want to stick with.30, obviously a .300 Win Mag

Unless that particular rifle has a special meaning it would be cheaper to trade it. There are a lot of current rifles that shoot extremely well for hunting
Correct, it is a magnum bolt face and that will require some work. Stock will likely be replaced as well. Only issue with Win mag is its really bigger than I need, like the RUM. Would need brass, and I think it fits the gap between 06 and RUM as far as powder goes. Would love to have rifles in every flavor, all things being equal.
 
So, you’re going to toss the barrel, bolt, and stock, and if you’re looking for accuracy probably the trigger. Kinda like lifting up the radiator cap on a car and driving a new car under it

For less money than you’re looking at doing all those changes, you could buy a new .30-06 and keep or sell the RUM
 
Sell the Sendero.
Buy a 30-06
Smile.

Get an nice Savage, heck, get an inexpensive one, shoot small, hunt hard and use up the rest of your bullets.:)

300PRC is more like 30/375Ruger Magnum. It could belt those 212s out above 2900fps.

That hurts thinking it.
Solid pass from me!:D
 
I'd swing for a 300WSM. I have one and it shoots like a dream. I might even build a target rifle in the cartridge one of these days.
 
And that can be made from the rifle, with nothing more than a set back and re-ream. Good thinking!:thumbup:

Yup. My little Weatherby Vanguard shoots most 150-180 grainers in 3/4 moa groups at 100 with no more that a 3 inch shift in POA from my pet load. But then again I roll my own because $35+ a box can get pretty spendy after a bit.
 
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