Explain why a sporter/precision hybrid rifle is a bad idea

[mljdeckard]

I can't think of any reason at all it would be a bad idea. It's probably the most commonly used rifle application. A little bit of everything, no bench resting or extreme duty.

 

[helotaxi]

Consider that the Swedes have hunted moose for decades with a 6.5x55 loaded to the low end of the spectrum, and think how it will fare for elk. Way too many "hunters" in the US think that they *need* a .30-06 for southern whitetails and anything less than a .300 mag is insufficient for elk. I'd argue that people that think that way need to work on their hunting and/or shooting skills and actually examine the reality of what a bullet of a given caliber and velocity can do in capable hands.

 

[RPRNY]

ACP makes a great summary above.

At the risk of a somewhat Jesuitical argument (how many angels would fit on the head of pin, etc.), I would argue 6.5x55 over 7mm-08 because:

a) I'm biased, and

b) whereas the original Swedish Mauser was made for the 160 gr RN bullet (and Sako keeps the 1:8 twist needed for the 160 RN) that will be great for elk (2600 fps; the Swedish word for moose is aelg btw and while they are slightly smaller than NA moose, 6.5x55 is regularly used to good effect), the 7mm-08 tops out with the 150 gr bullet and with 1:9.5 twist, as it starts slowing down, it may well be less stable.

So, while I agree entirely with shot placement over caliber in the 6.5 / 7mm vs 30 cal debate, I think the 6.5x55 holds an edge on 7mm-08 in top weight bullets. At 140 grs, I think 7mm-08 edges out 6.5x55 because of higher initial velocity.

As I said, this is a somewhat academic argument, but in that 200 yard elk situation, I would be marginally more confident with the Swede than the 08.

 

[KC&97TA]

here's a radical idea... Just about any off the shelf rifle and quality scope will do what's described here.

Remington 700 SPS 26" .308 or 30-06 + 3-9x40 Nikon Scope + one Piece Mounts.

Common 1 MOA set up from rest, Weight around 9-10 lbs.

The word "sporter" lends thought to "modernizeing" an older rifle to look like a newer rifle and "precision" is generally going to be a word reserved for 800 Plus.

There seems to be allot of thought being put into skinning some cats...

 

[shadow9]

...6.5x55 is regularly used to good effect), the 7mm-08 tops out with the 150 gr bullet and with 1:9.5 twist, as it starts slowing down, it may well be less stable....

All reload recipes I see for 7-08 go up to 175gr, and I've seen factory ammo at 168gr (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/94...tion-7mm-08-remington-168-grain-vld-box-of-20).

Technically, the 7mm/.284 line bests the .264 in the BC and weight department in most cases. If not 6.5x55, I'd recommend a 7x57 something, if only for those 6mm of case that gives you that much more neck-space...

 

[Rustle in the bushes]

@ ACP Sound advice sir- Im gonna study that post intently! Yeah I only want to play around with practical field shooting- not interested in bench groups at all beyond load development. I wanna push the distance that I can hit a vital sized target from a field position.

I didnt know much about calibres and was just gonna go 30-06 because its a good all arounder. I dont think I will be hunting out to serious ranges though- so for what I'm doing, especially the range work, perhaps I should look into something smaller.

 

[StrawHat]

Savage also makes a few rifles in the left handed configuration. Very accurate and often lightweight.

 

[helotaxi]

the 7mm-08 tops out with the 150 gr bullet and with 1:9.5 twist, as it starts slowing down, it may well be less stable.

Bullets don't get less stable as the velocity decays. Quite the opposite is the case, in fact. The 150gn is comfortably stable from the 1:9.5 though If I had the option I'd go with a 1:9 to bring the VLDs into the list of options.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

I just ran the numbers on JBM...just to see.

The 6.5 doesn't shoot flatter than the 30-06.

I used a 140 grain bullet (Hornady Amax) in the 6.5 and my favorite, 168 grain Ballistic Tip, in the 30-06.

Even if you launch the 6.5 bullet at 2,800 fps (I'm not sure thats possible, I don't think it is)...the trajectories are identical out to 600 yards.

That is with the 30-06 bullet leaving the muzzle at 2,850 fps...not even a max load, but warm. I can send it at 2,950 from my 30-06...that is a max load.

 

[helotaxi]

Look at wind drift for the two cartridges. Flat shooting does little for your ability to hit the target at a known distance. Regardless of your level of confidence on target distance, reducing wind deflection will increase your chance of scoring a hit since wind is extremely variable and essentially impossible to predict with certainty.

 

[elrowe]

Since i reload i can load my 30-06 way down for low recoil target practice. Then take advantage of the extra oomph when i need to go hunting by loading it fiercely. I would consider the 6.5 are there any advantages for me?

You could also do the same with .300 Win or Weatherby mags, which would give even more upside potential (both weight and velocity) from .30-06 if you have any inkling of bigger/dangerous game or reeeeeeealy long ranges.

 

[lefteyedom]

a 260 Remington with a 20" heavy barrel,Savage or Remington rifle will do what you want nicely,

unless your target shooting is going to be 800 + meters the 20" barrel works nicely. For the record my 308 has a 26" barrel and I have harvested many Deer and Antelope.

 

[d2wing]

I have had several Remington 700s in 30-06, 244, and 7mm. Most sporster weight 700's are more than able out of the box with a good scope. 1-1.5 moa is more than good enough out to 400 yards. More if you are up to it. 30-06 is a great all around caliber especially if you reload. Also many fine rifles are available in .308 from all the popular current gun companies in varmit and tactical versions. The popular cartridges are popular for a reason.