The easy button to press on a light weight build is definitely a T3x Lite with an SHV 3-10.
Tikka 7mm08 cut to 18"
Sportsmatch T084 Rings
T3x Lite stock with vertical grip
Waters Rifleman Bottom Metal
T3x Plastic Mag
Lumley bolt handle.
NF SHV 3-10
Just over 7lb.
Like Antares suggested, a fatter and fluted profile at 18" can get you right down their in weight and still be super stable to shoot.
This is a 7lb 223AI (not scoped) with a Swan fluted 18" SS barrel, the contour is very close to a PBB .850.
The added recoil of a 338 or 35 cal for such a reduced BC compared to the 180gr ELDM really doesn't do it for me but it may scratch an itch for some folks, it does have a cool factor.
I'd say 18" would still be fine. Put it this way, an 18" 280AI with a 180 would still be quicker than a 24-26" 7mm08 with a 180. If it was my build, I'd finish it at 22" + MB (we can't get suppressors easily in Aus).
280AI is the way to go here. I'm sure you could find a company that could supply you with the 180gr ELDM loaded. Just make sure you build it with a 1:8" twist.
For what it's worth adding to an old thread, my LR 4.5-18 died on the first range Day on my 257wby. Recoil alone killed it. I've since replaced it with a DMR3.
Yes definitely but only if I can get it here in Australia. Realistically, I think anything below 4x is pointless for 99% of applications. I'd be happy if it was just a better 4-16 ATACR.
Aussie here as well. Predominantly a deer hunter, but definitely enjoy getting out to the range every other weekend.
I'm super jealous of the terrain in the US. I don't much like the Aus bush here, love hunting in pine whenever I can.
I've been contemplating upgrading my binos and vortex 3000HD to a dedicated set of LRF binos. As a new dad, funds are a bit tight, so I've been looking at secondhand Sig 3000BDX LRFs as a friend is using them at the moment and rates them highly. My only concern is that they are now nearly 5yo...
I had an extreme case of this happen 3 years ago. I hit a fallow doe at about 500m from memory with a 156gr Berger from a 6.5PRC. The animal dropped instantly. We had to navigate some terrain to approach the animal, so it was >15min until we walked up on it. As I approached it, it jumped to its...
Ended up returning the MDT Field Stock and replaced it with a Carbon Stocky Stocks. Rifle balances well but it's still not the right fit for me in a prone position. It's a pity we can't get the stocky's VG in Australia, as I think a vertical grip is a must for this to work for me.