Sportsman004
FNG
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2024
- Messages
- 2
I grew up hunting in the era when (and wherein) 30-06 was king, and no one ever shot beyond 300 yards.
Over the past few years, I’ve passed on some good opportunities (40” moose, trophy deer, elk) because the critter was out of my comfort zone of 300 yards or less.
I’m thinking about doing the following: (1) first, develop proficiency with my X-Bolt 30-06 until 500-750 yards is not a concern (which I’m guessing is going to be a quick development that I can get to by the end of 2024); (2) I then want to get very comfortable with shooting targets (not hunting) at 800-1,200 yards; (3) I also want to get a more modern caliber (and currently am thinking about a hunting rifle chambered in 7mm PRC as my first choice although I haven’t ruled out the .300 Win Mag.)
With regard to #2: although I’m not too recoil sensitive, I’m in my 60s and am wondering if I really want my shoulder to deal with the cumulative impact load of shooting my 30-06. I’m thinking about the .308 or the 6.5 Creedmoor. I like the idea of learning long-range skills with the .308 because it really will make me work to become an excellent long-range shooter who understands his equipment. However, I also understand that the bullet might go subsonic well before reaching 1,000-1,200 yards with a 20” barrel. If I got a 24” barrel, I then have to worry about harmonics. (In terms of rifle, maybe the Tikka CTX, which comes in both barrel lengths and chambered to either cartridge). What brand and grain bullet would you recommend for that type of training? I don’t do any reloading. Practicing with my muzzleloader is enough of a time-filler for me!
With regard to #3, I initially was intrigued by the .28 Nosler, but am worried about barrel life while I work on developing my D.O.P.E. card. The 7mm PRC seems like a good fit for the kind of Western hunting that I want to do in the future (elk, mule deer, antelope, moose). Also, while developing my D.O.P.E. chart, I’m again wondering about developing recoil sensitivity.
Lastly, I’ve got a SFP scope for predator hunting with my .223 Remington and a FFP scope for my 30-06. I use both well for their different situations. I’m assuming that I’d want a FFP for the future 7mm PRC.
I look forward to what folks think of my plan for the December (#1) and for first half of next year (#2 & #3)!
(Hopefully, my thought processes are outlined fully enough that no one needs to answer my questions with more questions.)
Over the past few years, I’ve passed on some good opportunities (40” moose, trophy deer, elk) because the critter was out of my comfort zone of 300 yards or less.
I’m thinking about doing the following: (1) first, develop proficiency with my X-Bolt 30-06 until 500-750 yards is not a concern (which I’m guessing is going to be a quick development that I can get to by the end of 2024); (2) I then want to get very comfortable with shooting targets (not hunting) at 800-1,200 yards; (3) I also want to get a more modern caliber (and currently am thinking about a hunting rifle chambered in 7mm PRC as my first choice although I haven’t ruled out the .300 Win Mag.)
With regard to #2: although I’m not too recoil sensitive, I’m in my 60s and am wondering if I really want my shoulder to deal with the cumulative impact load of shooting my 30-06. I’m thinking about the .308 or the 6.5 Creedmoor. I like the idea of learning long-range skills with the .308 because it really will make me work to become an excellent long-range shooter who understands his equipment. However, I also understand that the bullet might go subsonic well before reaching 1,000-1,200 yards with a 20” barrel. If I got a 24” barrel, I then have to worry about harmonics. (In terms of rifle, maybe the Tikka CTX, which comes in both barrel lengths and chambered to either cartridge). What brand and grain bullet would you recommend for that type of training? I don’t do any reloading. Practicing with my muzzleloader is enough of a time-filler for me!
With regard to #3, I initially was intrigued by the .28 Nosler, but am worried about barrel life while I work on developing my D.O.P.E. card. The 7mm PRC seems like a good fit for the kind of Western hunting that I want to do in the future (elk, mule deer, antelope, moose). Also, while developing my D.O.P.E. chart, I’m again wondering about developing recoil sensitivity.
Lastly, I’ve got a SFP scope for predator hunting with my .223 Remington and a FFP scope for my 30-06. I use both well for their different situations. I’m assuming that I’d want a FFP for the future 7mm PRC.
I look forward to what folks think of my plan for the December (#1) and for first half of next year (#2 & #3)!
(Hopefully, my thought processes are outlined fully enough that no one needs to answer my questions with more questions.)
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