Big Game Hunting Rifles

[JW@TRACT]

When hunting big game, what does your setup look like? And how does it change based on where you're hunting?

 

[Harvey_NW]

All of my hunting rifles are Tikkas with drop test approved rings and optics, and suppressors. They get dialed in with both AB software in the rangefinder and Revic app as a backup, and don't change once configured.

 

[wytx]

One rifle for all and no changes, just check zero after travelling. I might take the bipod off if I know I will not need it but rarely does it get taken off the rifle.

 

[Weldor]

Lightweight rifle 5.5 lbs, best optics I can afford and have to be reliable. A quality suppressor. All for around 7.5 lbs give or take. I use them for hunting. Might be different caliber but otherwise they are set up the same.

 

[Choupique]

I'm still stuck in 2015. Dragging around a model 70 .338 win mag in a fiberglass stock with a swfa scope. Use the same rifle for everything that calls for a centerfire rifle.

Weighs about 9 pounds and is about 18 feet long.

 

[Speaks]

I will semi interchangeably use my Tikka 6.5 CM, my Tikka 223, and my M70 270. All will be in rokstocks shortly, 2 of them wear Rs1.2s and one wears a swfa 6x. 2 have 22 inch barrels 1 has a 24 (may cop and suppress them all this year). All use qd swivel slings. All have an almost never used rail.

 

[bbckfh]

Depends what kind of big game. But smaller, lighter, sleeker. I don’t need big things sticking out when trying to slip through alders, whereas a saddle is a different story.

 

[HOCM60]

Ruger #1s are a classy solution. ARs have a brass deflector and work and Alex Tech does them in magnums.

 

[CRJR45]

28 Nosler for big big game ...
6.5 PRC for small big game

 

[madcalfe]

Have 1 rifle for everything.
Custom light weight 300wsm

 

[JohnJohnson]

For coues and antelope where I'm not that worried about carrying some weight, I use a 6.5CM Mausingfield action in a KRG X-Ray with a NF 7-35x56, single pull Ckye pod (wish I had bought the double pull), and a TBAC Ultra-9 suppressor on it.

I'm now putting together a Tikka build for all other big game hunting. Already bought the action and I'm having a 18" barrel with 0.75" taperless contour put on it now. Bought a SWFA 3-15x42 scope for it and will probably order a Rokstok next time they go up for sale.

 

[DaveBarrows]

My dad has a nice .270 that I am sure I could borrow, but there is something about having your own gun that keeps me thinking I should buy one. I think a .270 would be good, but I am not sure I want to buy my own when I know I'll eventually inherit dad's gun. So maybe I should get something else. But do I go with a .243 or a .223? In Illinois you can now use a limited number of rifles calibers in the firearm seasons, so maybe I should get one of those, although I am not a huge fan of the Illinois firearm seasons. Too many hunters in the field for my tastes.

 

[LightFoot]

This is a near perfect “budget” pair. I use “budget” very loosely. Under $3K each.

Tikka Wideland Veil 300 Win,
NF NX8 4-32x50, TBAC Ultra7
UM/SRS Hunter’s Rail

2. Tikka Roughtech Superlight 300 Win,
Trijicon 3-18x44, TBAC Ultra5
Limbsaver recoil pad


The suppressors could be interchanged or just one for both.

Both have new trigger springs and shoot Federal 185 Hybrid very well.

I could live with just these two for every hunt in North America (could… but don’t).

Only thing that would make these better is 20-22” barrels.

Open country, horseback, or truck/ATV… taking the slightly heavier Wideland Veil.

Long hikes, mountains, or float…. Taking the Superlite.

>>>——JAKE——>