Seekins Havak PH2 vs Win 70 EWMB.. Also, more caliber talks!

[allstajacket]

I am in the planning stages of another Montana elk trip, and also just want another rifle!

Last time I took a Weatherby Mk V Hunter in 300 win mag, but have since moved on from that rifle because a friend wanted it more than I did

While this won’t be a backpacking/camping hunt trip, there is still plenty of elevation gain and loads of moving around every day. So weight is a factor. Also a threaded barrel is a requirement as I plan to direct thread my Harvester Evo.

I’d like the rifle to be close to 7lbs or less ideally, and my top two contenders currently are:

- Seekins Havak PH2 in 6.8 western, 7mm mag, 7 PRC, or 300 win mag. ~$1600

- Winchester Model 70 Extreme MB in 6.8 Western ~$1500


I currently have the Winchester EWMB in .308 and love it, and have taken a few deer here in MI with it. That is a strong point for another Winchester, however the Seekins seems like it’s well liked and would be an interesting addition. I’ve handled the browning X-bolts and never really liked the overall feel of the stocks.

Any other suggestions? I originally wanted to try out a 300wsm but I’m having a hard time finding a good option that I like in my price range (under $2k, but prefer closer to sub-$1500.) I do reload, but also don’t mind hunting with factory ammo.


Here’s this year’s harvest with my .308. Absolutely LOVE this rifle. Accessories are Zeiss Conquest 3-12x, and SiCo harvester evo. Shooting 165gr interlocks. This one was coming straight at me so hit her in the chest. She ran about 15 yards before expiring.

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[Fightswithbadgers]

Have you considered using the .308 Winchester that you already own and enjoy?

 

[HandgunHTR]

Have you considered using the .308 Winchester that you already own and enjoy?

This!

I realize you may just want another rifle, but if that is the case, I would go smaller for the new rifle, not larger. The 308 you have is familiar to you, and is more than capable on elk out to most hunting distances.

 

[hereinaz]

Always Seekins.

7 PRC because high BC 7mm bullets are slippery and lethal.

6.8 western would be cool, if you are OK with a new caliber getting traction. They are high BC bullets too.

I think I saw a Tikka 300 WSM Europtic on sale that you could upgrade/customize.

 

[allstajacket]

Have you considered using the .308 Winchester that you already own and enjoy?

Yes, absolutely. But I also want something with a little bit more oomph. I know the .308 would do the job just fine, and it would likely come along in the truck for the journey as a backup.

I enjoy using different guns and trying out new calibers.


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[allstajacket]

Always Seekins.

7 PRC because high BC 7mm bullets are slippery and lethal.

6.8 western would be cool, if you are OK with a new caliber getting traction. They are high BC bullets too.

I think I saw a Tikka 300 WSM Europtic on sale that you could upgrade/customize.

I eventually want to do a custom Tikka, but for now it’s not really something I want to start. There really aren’t any good gunsmiths near me so everything would have to be sent out, not to mention it would end up costing 2-3x as much I’m sure


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[thinhorn_AK]

I have a Seekins and a Winchester EWSS not the exact same things as you are asking about but close enough.

Those are completely different rifles, so I’d think it all comes down to weather you want a more classic hunting rifle (Winchester) or if you want something a bit more modern (Seekins). With the Winchester, you know what you are getting since you have one.

The Seekins rifles have some nice features straight from the factory, good bedding, good trigger, built in rail, aics patter bottom metal, good barrels, already threaded, free floated and all that. The problem with those ph2 rifles is that they have like 26” barrels which is super long to use with a silencer. Seekins can throw any barrel they make on it so you might be able to get them to put a 22” barrel on but that’s about it.

The main problem with the Winchester extreme weather rifles is some people complain that the stocks feel too clubby or chunky, I don’t really feel like that but others might, I also didn’t like the trigger so mine got a Timney. Other than that, it’s been a solid rifle that’s been easy to work up loads for, my 30-06 also seems to like bullets on the heavier side so I just load up 200-220 and some 190 grain bullets for it.

My Seekins was also easy to get shooting well with 3 or 4 different loads all shooting well under 1” from it. That included lighter bullets like the 124g hammer hunter all the way up to the 150gABLR. I had those hammers going like 2940fps and shooting .6” groups.

 

[allstajacket]

I have a Seekins and a Winchester EWSS not the exact same things as you are asking about but close enough.

Those are completely different rifles, so I’d think it all comes down to weather you want a more classic hunting rifle (Winchester) or if you want something a bit more modern (Seekins). With the Winchester, you know what you are getting since you have one.

The Seekins rifles have some nice features straight from the factory, good bedding, good trigger, built in rail, aics patter bottom metal, good barrels, already threaded, free floated and all that. The problem with those ph2 rifles is that they have like 26” barrels which is super long to use with a silencer. Seekins can throw any barrel they make on it so you might be able to get them to put a 22” barrel on but that’s about it.

The main problem with the Winchester extreme weather rifles is some people complain that the stocks feel too clubby or chunky, I don’t really feel like that but others might, I also didn’t like the trigger so mine got a Timney. Other than that, it’s been a solid rifle that’s been easy to work up loads for, my 30-06 also seems to like bullets on the heavier side so I just load up 200-220 and some 190 grain bullets for it.

My Seekins was also easy to get shooting well with 3 or 4 different loads all shooting well under 1” from it. That included lighter bullets like the 124g hammer hunter all the way up to the 150gABLR. I had those hammers going like 2940fps and shooting .6” groups.

Very valid points, thanks! What caliber is your Seekins?

I don’t mind my Winchester trigger. I also have an XPR in 30-06 that supposedly has the “same” trigger. My xpr trigger is unbelievably good after a couple hundred rounds. Wondering if my M70 will break in the same. But I don’t really have any complaints either, I shoot it just find and don’t mind the trigger at all.

I also have a Weatherby vanguard talon which I believe is almost a midway point stock-wise between the Winchester and the Seekins. I like that one a lot too.

The Seekins in 6.8 has a 24” barrel which I wouldn’t mind. I was also looking at an X-bolt pro SPR with a 20” barrel (6.8 western) but I never liked the xbolt speed when I felt them in person. I know it’s different but I wish I had the opportunity to feel it first..


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[thinhorn_AK]

Very valid points, thanks! What caliber is your Seekins?

I don’t mind my Winchester trigger. I also have an XPR in 30-06 that supposedly has the “same” trigger. My xpr trigger is unbelievably good after a couple hundred rounds. Wondering if my M70 will break in the same. But I don’t really have any complaints either, I shoot it just find and don’t mind the trigger at all.

I also have a Weatherby vanguard talon which I believe is almost a midway point stock-wise between the Winchester and the Seekins. I like that one a lot too.

The Seekins in 6.8 has a 24” barrel which I wouldn’t mind. I was also looking at an X-bolt pro SPR with a 20” barrel (6.8 western) but I never liked the xbolt speed when I felt them in person. I know it’s different but I wish I had the opportunity to feel it first..


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My seekins is a 6.5 creed moor.