Animals killed with the heavy Norma
View attachment 663349
Also in 2023 I has Travis Stevens at TS Customs build me a 6 PRC. A heavy little bastard to. Because I was still after sheer accuracy at that point. Build was about 4 months after deposit.
6 PRC Specs:
Lone Peak Fuzion action. NOT TITANIUM
Adjustable KS1 stock
TT special
24" Bartlein Rem Varmint 1-7.5 twist
Hawkins M5 Oberndof
This gun shot lights out. And I loved the little fast 6mm bullets with no recoil. I used it to kill some coyotes and a decent buck. I liked this rifle a lot, but at this point I knew I didn't need 12lb rifles accomplish my more realistic hunting goals....
View attachment 663358
View attachment 663359
So after using HEAVY rifles for all of 2023 and really being honest with myself on if the extra slight edge in accuracy potential made a world of difference when it came to killing... it did not. Not actually at all honestly.
So for 2024, I'm picking a good middle ground, that I think is an excellent combination of accuracy potential, and killing ability.
I also found a badass local gunsmith within driving distance. He's remaining unnamed at the moment until he has the ability to scale and stay efficient with lead times.
But he did another 300 Norma Mag Improved Rebarrel for me. I went with a lighter contour benchmark steel barrel. #5 contour. As well as a 11oz lighter optic. Bringing the gun weight down below 10lbs. And for a big magnum, I think around 9-10lbs scoped is spot on for packability and recoil management. And it honestly shoots exactly the same, if not even better than when the platform was 12lbs.
View attachment 663365
View attachment 663366
I also sold the 6 PRC so that I can piece together a lighter weight build, but still in the 6 PRC cartridge.
RECAP:
I got away from TI actions for several reasons.
1. They don't save you any weight over some steel actions on the market now
2. They can be very rough to cycle in some environments
3. They seem to "pressure out" early when doing load development. Slower speeds, but still getting bolt click ect.
So there are zero benefits over a steel action.
I got away from carbon barrel for a few reasons.
1. They can be more finicky with accuracy than steel barrels
2. They don't really provide any weight savings over steel barrels, like a 3B, #5 & #6 contour barrel.
3. More expensive
So there really are zero benefits over a steel barrel, other than potentially cosmetic appeal.
I got away from ultra heavy "tack drivers" for a few reasons.
1. They can suck to carry
2. I didn't notice enough increase is accuracy (if any) to make a difference for hunting scenarios
3. I can still spot my impacts with a 10lb platform of the same cartridge
Going to continue with some recommendations and more pictures in one more post.....