I am new to both hunting and shooting a rifle. I bought and started shooting my first rifle this July. It is a savage ultralight in 6.5 creedmoor with an oryx chassis. The rifle is certainly more capable than I am, but also it weighs 12lbs. I am considering something a bit lighter, with a bit more authority. Being completely new to shooting a rifle, I also don’t want to go too light. Another complicating factor is I shoot left handed. At the top of the list currently is a Weatherby High Country in 280AI. From my research that seems like a good step up with a bit more energy, but with more manageable recoil in a lightweight platform vs the 7prc. The High Country is a little lighter than I would like, but I think I could get it to a manageable weight once bipod, scope, and arca rail are considered. I live in Idaho and will primarily be hunting deer and elk, but I would like to have something that is applicable for caribou, moose, etc as well.
From all the reading and podcasts I have listened to, the 280AI sounds like a good choice for me, just seems to be less readily available ammo choices in stores. The Boise Scheels has tons of variety for 7prc ammunition for example and one choice for 280AI. I would not be opposed to reloading in the future.
My current rifle certainly gets the job done. I just got back from my first hunt in Wyoming and was able to harvest a buck, drt first shot. Last week of October I’ll be going out with a deer, elk, and black bear tag in Idaho.
For a do it all rifle in the future, which would be more applicable for a new hunter/shooter? 280AI or 7prc? Also, the high country can be custom ordered with a carbon barrel as well. Any benefits there from an accuracy or weather resistance standpoint vs the steel barrel? The negative I see is the only barrel length available in carbon is 22” vs the 24” stock steel barrel. Research seems to indicate that the 24” barrel length is the sweet spot for peak performance with the 280AI (I will be shooting with a brake vs a suppressor)
From all the reading and podcasts I have listened to, the 280AI sounds like a good choice for me, just seems to be less readily available ammo choices in stores. The Boise Scheels has tons of variety for 7prc ammunition for example and one choice for 280AI. I would not be opposed to reloading in the future.
My current rifle certainly gets the job done. I just got back from my first hunt in Wyoming and was able to harvest a buck, drt first shot. Last week of October I’ll be going out with a deer, elk, and black bear tag in Idaho.
For a do it all rifle in the future, which would be more applicable for a new hunter/shooter? 280AI or 7prc? Also, the high country can be custom ordered with a carbon barrel as well. Any benefits there from an accuracy or weather resistance standpoint vs the steel barrel? The negative I see is the only barrel length available in carbon is 22” vs the 24” stock steel barrel. Research seems to indicate that the 24” barrel length is the sweet spot for peak performance with the 280AI (I will be shooting with a brake vs a suppressor)