Panhandler80
WKR
So, I've been toying with the idea of new rifle. Don't really need one, but just getting the itch. Right now I do zero dialing, and most shots are within 200 yards. I've done a little shooting at 300 and am pretty consistent with the two rifles I have (more on that later). If I were to get something new, I'd like to put some glass on it that's more capable of frequent dialing. I'd also like the rifle to be just a touch on the lighter side of average, and capable of clean elk kills with some room for error, which obviously is never the intention, but as we all know... real world angles and circumstance don't always present textbook opportunities. As such (the slightly less-than-average weight aspect), I'd like to try and tame recoil best I can. I've read that suppressors can help with that, but is that true? If they can really help, I'd prefer that over a muzzle break, and again. Of course everything is a compromise, but if the goal is keep package a bit on the lighter side and convenient side in the field, the lighter and smaller the suppressor, the better. Same goes for the scope, although I know purpose built scopes for dialing are going to be a bit heavier than average.
Currently have a 270WSM and a 300 WM. Neither barrel can be threaded. Both topped with Leupold VX5HD 3-15 x 44m. Can easily zero either one (270WSM with 140 grains, and 300WM with 180 grains) to point-and-shoot out to 300 yards, and then to 400 is just a little hold over on deer sized game. At least according to ballistic charts, which have proved pretty accurate. Have NEVER shot on targets past 300 though. Also have never done any dialing with the Leupolds due to internet chatter, even though both guns have CDS. Cheapest answer would be to try the CDS out. Both rifles are obviously capable of elk, and scopes are pretty lightly used and relatively new. The 300 is a bit big in the field and kinda heavy. Also isn't quite as accurate as the 270wsm, but it is more consistent with various off shelf ammuntion. The 270WSM is fairly picky. It really likes 140 accubonds, which fortunatley, I have plenty of on hand.
While trying the CDS system on those leupolds and forgoing the suppressor or brake on a new rifle would be the most economic and simplest, I'm still tossing around the idea of a new set up.
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1. What cartridge?
2. Suppressor vs Muzzle Break for help with recoil on lighter gun. Which mfg / model should I consider?
3. Rifle suggestions. A) Not featherweight, but lighter than average. B) The more traditional the look the better, but if looiking at longer distances, would consider more modern features if there's truly an added benefit. C) Short action / compact for easy of carry in field would be good.
4. Optics? Would like to be able to easily dial? What about electronic scope / rangefinder deals? Anything out there that's reliable.
5. No idea on budget. Was thinking like $1k on out-of-box rifle. Then whatever it takes on optics and recoil help on the pointy end.
Thanks!
Currently have a 270WSM and a 300 WM. Neither barrel can be threaded. Both topped with Leupold VX5HD 3-15 x 44m. Can easily zero either one (270WSM with 140 grains, and 300WM with 180 grains) to point-and-shoot out to 300 yards, and then to 400 is just a little hold over on deer sized game. At least according to ballistic charts, which have proved pretty accurate. Have NEVER shot on targets past 300 though. Also have never done any dialing with the Leupolds due to internet chatter, even though both guns have CDS. Cheapest answer would be to try the CDS out. Both rifles are obviously capable of elk, and scopes are pretty lightly used and relatively new. The 300 is a bit big in the field and kinda heavy. Also isn't quite as accurate as the 270wsm, but it is more consistent with various off shelf ammuntion. The 270WSM is fairly picky. It really likes 140 accubonds, which fortunatley, I have plenty of on hand.
While trying the CDS system on those leupolds and forgoing the suppressor or brake on a new rifle would be the most economic and simplest, I'm still tossing around the idea of a new set up.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. What cartridge?
2. Suppressor vs Muzzle Break for help with recoil on lighter gun. Which mfg / model should I consider?
3. Rifle suggestions. A) Not featherweight, but lighter than average. B) The more traditional the look the better, but if looiking at longer distances, would consider more modern features if there's truly an added benefit. C) Short action / compact for easy of carry in field would be good.
4. Optics? Would like to be able to easily dial? What about electronic scope / rangefinder deals? Anything out there that's reliable.
5. No idea on budget. Was thinking like $1k on out-of-box rifle. Then whatever it takes on optics and recoil help on the pointy end.
Thanks!
