Rifle setup

[mdfanatic1980]

I have a question about your rifle and setup. I'm just starting to look into this type hunt,; I've always been focused on mule deer and elk.

My question: what is a good setup these days? I have a 6.5 prc and 7 prc, but they're both equipped with NF scopes, turrets, etc. Is that what people are using for this type hunt, or is a lightweight Leupold with less magnification a bit more popular?

I'm just in the early stages of planning.

Thank you.

 

[rkcdvm]

I switched to NF and Zeiss after I had several scopes lose zero after me losing footing, slipping, sliding, overall being a clutz. I don't notice the weight difference at all. If 5 oz difference is going to bother me I will eat my granola bar earlier in the day. However, I am certainly not saying anything bad about other scopes. NF's ability to keep zero was made for people like me.

 

[krisschmied]

Your setup is fine. Almost identical to a few guys in our group that killed 4 caribou this year. They aren’t particularly difficult to hunt. (Once you’re at your destination)

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I shot 2 last year with my 30-06. It has a basic nightforce shv 3-10 on it, nothing fancy.

This year I’m just going to take my tikka 6.5 creedmoor.

 

[sierracharlie338]

I’d run one of the setups you have and just get comfortable with it at your ranges you want to hunt. They sound like solid setups.

 

[kwackkillncrew]

I got 2x7 Leopold of some variety. Caribou won't care if it's a 200$ scope or 2000$ use what ever you got.

Sent from my SM-S921U using Tapatalk

 

[ReddingArcher]

I killed one this year with a 6.5 prc and a Nightforce 3-10. Put 3 rounds in him at 300 yards and was able to watch him in my scope the whole time.

 

[Davyalabama]

Get the right ammo for your gun and animal, practice, field practice --- either setup should be fine -- me I lean toward the 7, I like more energy. You will have enough clothes on, you want even feel that extra 7-8 lbs. of force.

Another factor, which one do you shoot the best? That's where to start.

 

[Mvaughan]

My advice would be if you’re comfortable and confident shooting your current setup, then I’d bring it. If it is coming down to ounces, there are plenty of other areas to shed weight vs potentially losing confidence in the piece of equipment that is going to bring the entire hunt together.

 

[FOS373]

Boring 308 with a NF NXS 2.5-10

 

[adventure907]

Boring 308 with a NF NXS 2.5-10


View attachment 829557

Helluva nice Caribou. Did you happen to put a tape on him?

 

[j3h8]

Probably my last worry is what rifle everyone would recommend for a caribou hunt. There are way more items that need attention prior to swapping your gun to something new. Use what you love. Or if you want an excuse to buy a new gun, "Because I wanted too" is an A+ reason.

 

[FOS373]

Helluva nice Caribou. Did you happen to put a tape on him?

A tad over 400”

 

[SloppyJ]

Literally any centerfire you own and shoot well should work. The two you listed will be just fine.

 

[KChunter71]

Take the 6.5

 

[buffybr]

Boring 308 with a NF NXS 2.5-10


View attachment 829557

Great Caribou, welcome to the Boone & Crockett Club!

To the OP's original question, your caribou won't know the difference if he is killed with your 6.5 or 7 PRC, use the one that you're most comfortable with and shoot the best.

I've shot 4 different species of caribou; my first, in Alaska with my .30 Gibbs (an improved .30-06) with a 3-9x40 Redfield scope, and a 180 gr Nosler Partition bullet; a Northwest Territory Mountain caribou with my .257 Ackley with a 6x Leupold scope, and a 117 gr Sierra GameKing bullet; 2 Canadian Barren Ground caribou with 7mm Rem Mag with a 3-9x40 Weaver scope,and each with a 160 gr Accubond bullet; and my Quebec Labrador caribou with another 7mm RM with the 3-9x40 Weaver scope, and a 160 gr Accubond bullet. All were shot at less than 200 yards.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I have heard that people even kill these animals with bows and pointy sticks....Your PRC/NF will be fine.

 

[YellCoAR]

Just make sure to check Zero if you fly with your rifle. When I went. I was able to see my rifle loaded on the plane in Seattle. Saw the handler toss it in the air and heard it clunk when it landed. Don't assume they handle your firearm with care.