Build Critique: Seekins PH3 .300 Win Mag – Montana Elk Rifle

[Rayland]

Hello everyone!


I picked up a Seekins PH3 in .300 Win Mag last year and have put about 130 rounds through it so far—I absolutely love it. This is my first hunting rifle, and at 25 years old, my goal is to make this a "buy once, cry once" setup for long-term elk hunting in Montana.


Below is my current progression plan. I’ve noted which items I already own and which are still on the wish list. I would appreciate any advice or feedback you have on the components!


The Build


• Rifle: Seekins Havak PH3 (.300 Win Mag) (Purchased)


• Scope: Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 with Impact Reticle (Purchased)


• Suppressor: Thunder Beast Ultra 9 (Gen 2) – 5/8x24 Direct Thread (Planned)


• Bipod: Tricer-RP with swivel stud or Arca adapter (Planned)


• Binoculars: Leupold BX-4 Range HD 10x42 Gen 2 (Planned)


• Note: I currently carry a Vortex monocular rangefinder and Leupold Mackenzie HD binos, but I’m looking to consolidate to save weight/space.


Optic Accessories


• Scope Rings: Seekins Precision 30mm Medium Height (Purchased)


• Objective Cover: Leupold Alumina #117608 (44mm) (Planned)
• Eyepiece Cover: Leupold Alumina #117611 (Large EP) (Planned)
• Question: These are pricey for what they are—are they actually worth the investment?


• Bubble Level: Vortex 30mm Anti-Cant Level (Planned)
• Question: How critical is this for long-range hunting scenarios?


• Throw Lever: Leupold VX-5HD Throw Lever #172369 (Planned)


• Turret: Leupold Custom CDS-ZL2
• Note: I just finished building my reloading bench, so I'll be ordering this once load development is complete!

 

[schmidty3]

Ive got an ultra 9. Quiet can. No complaints other then length.

id take a look at the unknown suppressor reflexed cans. They won't add much length. Most of the time the length isnt that bad, but sometimes it is.

And rokslide guys dont like Leopold scopes they won't hold zero (ive never had one so cant personally confirm)

Id put the bubble level on your pic rail.

If your a rifleman first and a glasser second. Then a dedicated RF bino might make sense (like if you want to play NRL). But for the money a dumb ~$3k leica or swaro will last your lifetime. My guess is that RF bino's will continue to be obsoleted every 2 years or so. And wouldnt count on any electronics to last 5+ years.

Ive got the leica geovid pro AB. Not a recommend. But the glass/glassing experience is amazing. The RF features suck. I dont know what the glassing experience is like for the bx4, the comp guys are starting to trickle out with positive reviews on the laser features.

 

[Kooziehiker]

I'd also say unless it's totally needed - stick with regular binos - last forever. Rangefinders are constantly improving, and I'm not certain you actually save weight - certainly space. 30+ years of hunting at all ranges, and I wouldn't change to a an all in one, but its certainly up to you. Cheap plastic Butler creek scope covers have worked for me for 30 years - not sure what the new ones cost.
Look at the AB Raptor can -
I've use multiple leupold scopes for 30 years - zero issues, but I will say my scopes are older, so any manufacturing changes in 20 years I can't comment on.
Good luck, and get after it!

 

[Rayland]

Ive got an ultra 9. Quiet can. No complaints other then length.

id take a look at the unknown suppressor reflexed cans. They won't add much length. Most of the time the length isnt that bad, but sometimes it is.

And rokslide guys dont like Leopold scopes they won't hold zero (ive never had one so cant personally confirm)

Id put the bubble level on your pic rail.

If your a rifleman first and a glasser second. Then a dedicated RF bino might make sense (like if you want to play NRL). But for the money a dumb ~$3k leica or swaro will last your lifetime. My guess is that RF bino's will continue to be obsoleted every 2 years or so. And wouldnt count on any electronics to last 5+ years.

Ive got the leica geovid pro AB. Not a recommend. But the glass/glassing experience is amazing. The RF features suck. I dont know what the glassing experience is like for the bx4, the comp guys are starting to trickle out with positive reviews on the laser features.

Hey man, I really appreciate your input on this! I’ll check out the cans you suggested.

I’ve been reading a lot of bad things about Leupolds on here, haha. I’m invested now, and it’s been a great scope for me so far. If I have any issues, I’ll send it in for repair and sell it, but for now, it gets the benefit of the doubt. Great clarity.

I didn’t take the aging of tech into account long-term. I’d much rather invest in an excellent set of binos that will last forever, rather than a good set with expiring tech for an extra $1000.

I think I’ll update my list based on that. Thanks!

 

[Rayland]

I'd also say unless it's totally needed - stick with regular binos - last forever. Rangefinders are constantly improving, and I'm not certain you actually save weight - certainly space. 30+ years of hunting at all ranges, and I wouldn't change to a an all in one, but its certainly up to you. Cheap plastic Butler creek scope covers have worked for me for 30 years - not sure what the new ones cost.
Look at the AB Raptor can -
I've use multiple leupold scopes for 30 years - zero issues, but I will say my scopes are older, so any manufacturing changes in 20 years I can't comment on.
Good luck, and get after it!

Thanks for the input!

I never considered the technology holding up long-term, but it makes sense. I’m going to update my list and put that money toward better glass instead.

Leupold wants about $125 for their magnetic flip covers, and that’s per lens! I'm definitely going to check out Butler Creek instead.

As far as Leupold scopes go, this is my first one and it’s been holding zero just fine. It’s easily the best scope I’ve used so far (which might not be saying much, haha) and the clarity is great. I’ll keep giving it the benefit of the doubt, but if things go downhill, I’ll swap it out.

Thanks!

 

[schmidty3]

Hey man, I really appreciate your input on this! I’ll check out the cans you suggested.

I’ve been reading a lot of bad things about Leupolds on here, haha. I’m invested now, and it’s been a great scope for me so far. If I have any issues, I’ll send it in for repair and sell it, but for now, it gets the benefit of the doubt. Great clarity.

I didn’t take the aging of tech into account long-term. I’d much rather invest in an excellent set of binos that will last forever, rather than a good set with expiring tech for an extra $1000.

I think I’ll update my list based on that. Thanks!

The argument your gonna see on scopes is that clarity doesnt matter in relation to its function as a sight. If it cant do that no one cares how good the glass is. One of the reasons you dont see a lot of love for European scopes on here. Great glass, but not durable.


It really just depends how you see using your optic. Rf binos are definitely faster to get a solution. But in cases where i need to shoot far enough where I need a solution I generally have time.

But what I do know is I'll spend 99% of my time glassing and spotting deer/elk at 3-4 miles.

Like I mentioned ive got the leicas. Leica is allegedly dropping a new version that addresses a lot of the issues, ive got a 40% NRL cert ready to go. But that's just over a year on a $3800 optic .

Id definitely get my hands on a bx4 before dropping the cash.

 

[PredatorX]

I would ditch the bipod! Save the weight and bulk and shoot off your pack and wiser sticks or a tripod if you will be glassing from one.

 

[wind gypsy]

I wouldn't want a 9" can on a hunting rifle. How long is the barrel on your 300wm?

SAW Orev, US Reaper, DA nomad XC is probably what I'd be looking at, with a brake end cap.

Bubble level can be important depending on how far you're trying to shoot. I thought some of those Leupold VX models had internal illum level indicators, yours doesn't i'm assuming?

 

[Rayland]

I wouldn't want a 9" can on a hunting rifle. How long is the barrel on your 300wm?

SAW Orev, US Reaper, DA nomad XC is probably what I'd be looking at, with a brake end cap.

Bubble level can be important depending on how far you're trying to shoot. I thought some of those Leupold VX models had internal illum level indicators, yours doesn't i'm assuming?

Thanks for the input.
I’ve just read such great things about the Ultra 9 regarding repeatability, sound suppression, and having almost zero POI shift. I figured the performance might be worth the extra 3 inches.

My barrel is 22”, which would put the total length at 31” with the can. I’ll definitely look into the hunter options you suggested, though.

My scope doesn't have that feature, unfortunately. I honestly didn’t even know that was an option, but it sounds badass.

 

[schmidty3]

Thanks for the input.
I’ve just read such great things about the Ultra 9 regarding repeatability, sound suppression, and having almost zero POI shift. I figured the performance might be worth the extra 3 inches.

My barrel is 22”, which would put the total length at 31” with the can. I’ll definitely look into the hunter options you suggested, though.

My scope doesn't have that feature, unfortunately. I honestly didn’t even know that was an option, but it sounds badass.

I must've read all of the same things. The ultra 9 is a great quiet can. The ultra 7 gets you most of the way there.

But the new reflex stuff really makes a lot of sense. And the dead air nomad, and US cans are gonna save you a bit of cash.

Max suppression really isnt the goal. Stand downrange or off angle from people shooting suppressed. The bullet Crack going by is louder then the gun report. For me I want a hunting can to be light. I want it to be hearing safe (more or less). And i want to be able to hear the bullet hit the animal.

 

[wind gypsy]

Thanks for the input.
I’ve just read such great things about the Ultra 9 regarding repeatability, sound suppression, and having almost zero POI shift. I figured the performance might be worth the extra 3 inches.

My barrel is 22”, which would put the total length at 31” with the can. I’ll definitely look into the hunter options you suggested, though.

My scope doesn't have that feature, unfortunately. I honestly didn’t even know that was an option, but it sounds badass.

My opinion - "repeatability" and "not having a zero shift" come off as largely bullshit metrics to me. What does that functionally mean to you and why do you think it's a benefit? If you're expecting POI to be the same with the can on and off, prepare to be disappointed. I'll concede that there is probably something to TBAC machining better and more concentric than some others but any acceptably made can should be "repeatable".

 

[Rayland]

My opinion - "repeatability" and "not having a zero shift" come off as largely bullshit metrics to me. What does that functionally mean to you and why do you think it's a benefit? If you're expecting POI to be the same with the can on and off, prepare to be disappointed. I'll concede that there is probably something to TBAC machining better and more concentric than some others but any acceptably made can should be "repeatable".

Fair enough. To be honest, I’m not the most experienced with suppressors this would be my first one, and I’ll likely keep it dedicated the rifle.

My definition of repeatability is that when I remove the suppressor for travel and put it back on later, I want it to hold the same suppressed zero it had before. I totally get that the point of impact will shift when the can is off, I'm not expecting them to be the same. Consistency while the suppressor is on is my #1 concern, and sound reduction is #2.

I might budge on those a bit to save a few inches, but I don’t want to compromise much. Like I said, I’ll check out those other options; I still have a lot to learn before I finally send it.

 

[schmidty3]

Fair enough. To be honest, I’m not the most experienced with suppressors this would be my first one, and I’ll likely keep it dedicated the rifle.

My definition of repeatability is that when I remove the suppressor for travel and put it back on later, I want it to hold the same suppressed zero it had before. I totally get that the point of impact will shift when the can is off, I'm not expecting them to be the same. Consistency while the suppressor is on is my #1 concern, and sound reduction is #2.

I might budge on those a bit to save a few inches, but I don’t want to compromise much. Like I said, I’ll check out those other options; I still have a lot to learn before I finally send it.

If you get a can the recesses back over the barrel and only adds 3" to the length, then you'll not need to ever take it off

 

[jjordan355]

I don’t have any experience with the Leupold BX4 range binos but I do have experience with good rangefinders separate from my binos and I do not regret not having range finding binos. Especially when using good glass like Swaro, Zeiss, Maven, or Leica.

I personally would spend just a little more money and upgrade your binos to something like Swaro SLC, maven b1.2, Zeiss Conquest HDX, Leica Trinovid. And I would upgrade my rangefinder also with one that has ballistic solutions in it. Also look at used stuff on here. Some good deals can be found on good glass and that is paramount to me when I’m doing early morning/late evening glassing when it’s very critical to have clarity and light transmission. I spend a lot more time glassing than I do ranging.

Picking up any mid level glass from what you have right now is a big jump in itself. Whether you want image stabilized or traditional binos.

 

[wind gypsy]

Fair enough. To be honest, I’m not the most experienced with suppressors this would be my first one, and I’ll likely keep it dedicated the rifle.

My definition of repeatability is that when I remove the suppressor for travel and put it back on later, I want it to hold the same suppressed zero it had before. I totally get that the point of impact will shift when the can is off, I'm not expecting them to be the same. Consistency while the suppressor is on is my #1 concern, and sound reduction is #2.

I might budge on those a bit to save a few inches, but I don’t want to compromise much. Like I said, I’ll check out those other options; I still have a lot to learn before I finally send it.

All my hunting rifles (22" and shorter barrel) fit in cases without removing the suppressor but none of them are 9" long either. I quit using cans hunting for a couple years after using an ultra 7 on a 22" barrel for a season because the length was annoying. Your hunting style and tolerance may differ though. Ive never had an issue with return to zero (after screwing on/off) with any can but I'd prefer to just leave them on.

 

[Rayland]

I don’t have any experience with the Leupold BX4 range binos but I do have experience with good rangefinders separate from my binos and I do not regret not having range finding binos. Especially when using good glass like Swaro, Zeiss, Maven, or Leica.

I personally would spend just a little more money and upgrade your binos to something like Swaro SLC, maven b1.2, Zeiss Conquest HDX, Leica Trinovid. And I would upgrade my rangefinder also with one that has ballistic solutions in it. Also look at used stuff on here. Some good deals can be found on good glass and that is paramount to me when I’m doing early morning/late evening glassing when it’s very critical to have clarity and light transmission. I spend a lot more time glassing than I do ranging.

Picking up any mid level glass from what you have right now is a big jump in itself. Whether you want image stabilized or traditional binos.

Yeah, this seems to be the play, I really appreciate the advice! I’m going to plan on investing in a high-quality pair of binoculars that will last a lifetime.

Do you have any recommendations for rangefinders with ballistic solutions?

 

[jjordan355]

Yeah, this seems to be the play, I really appreciate the advice! I’m going to plan on investing in a high-quality pair of binoculars that will last a lifetime.

Do you have any recommendations for rangefinders with ballistic solutions?

I have the sig Kilo 4k right now and it’s pretty good. Uses Applied Ballistics for the ballistic solution calculator and they all line up with my Applied Ballistics Quantum app and have killed animals out to 400 with them so far and have shot out to 780 with them and they’re accurate to my holds. I can also have multiple guns in the selection from the app to pair with the rangefinder and input weather and wind conditions in from the app and that seems to be fairly accurate so far.

I know the Leupold RX5000 rangefinder is pretty good too.

 

[schmidty3]

Yeah, this seems to be the play, I really appreciate the advice! I’m going to plan on investing in a high-quality pair of binoculars that will last a lifetime.

Do you have any recommendations for rangefinders with ballistic solutions?

Ive got the revic BR4. Its been ok. I did well with it in NRL until I got the RF binos.

The leica crf max looks intriguing.