Sheep rifle attributes?

[Yellowknife]

rfurman is correct re: calibers. As mentioned in an "ideal" sheep set up, I would go for a high BC option, which doesn't include the 270 or 25's.

However, that does bring something up. If I'm going short action, I'd give purchase consideration to an action that allows 2.98"+ OAL rather than the traditional 2.8". There are several good sheep calibers that fit fine in a 2.8", but a little longer gives more options.

 

[FURMAN]

rfurman is correct re: calibers. As mentioned in an "ideal" sheep set up, I would go for a high BC option, which doesn't include the 270 or 25's.

However, that does bring something up. If I'm going short action, I'd give purchase consideration to an action that allows 2.98"+ OAL rather than the traditional 2.8". There are several good sheep calibers that fit fine in a 2.8", but a little longer gives more options.

I agree, so much that I really do not like short actions at all.

 

[Wapiti1]

My sheep rifle ended up being my Ruger M77 Mk2 that I reworked in my shop. .300 Win Mag, Brown Precision stock, new barrel that I custom contoured, lengthened magazine box to 3.6", lots of fat trimmed off the action by my milling machine.

It sits at 7 3/4 lbs with scope, sling and a full magazine. It is more of a general use rifle, than a dedicated sheep rifle, though. When I built it I was going on a sheep and grizzly hunt, so I wanted more horsepower for the bear. I am not recoil sensitive, so it works fine for me.

If I was to build a sheep only rifle, I would give serious consideration to a small falling block action like a Hagn. 5lbs would be achievable in a short and accurate package while allowing a longer barrel for better ballistics. Probably in a 6.5 or 7mm caliber of some ilk.

It would be a cartridge that would have a high likelihood of being stocked in a local store, though. I have to fly to hunt sheep, and losing my ammo is entirely possible (and supremely annoying).

Jeremy

 

[oenanthe]

I agree, so much that I really do not like short actions at all.

Other things being equal, a long action weighs about 8 ounces more, right?

Some may not mind that extra weight, but I'll take a short action every time. A 6.5 CM, 7mm-08, or even a .308 - all can be fine sheep rifles.

 

[FURMAN]

I would say closer to 2-3 oz.


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[jhm2023]

-Accuracy is the first requirement, .5 MOA or better under normal range conditions. I feel this gives more room for error on my part under less than ideal shooting situations.
-Lightweight. Must be under 7lbs scoped w/covers, loaded, and sling installed.
-Weather resistant. Stainless with cerakote to dull the color and add even more resistance, plus makes it look more of my own than like all the others. Quality synthetic stock(kevlar or carbon fiber) that isn't slick when wet.
-Handles well. Well balanced and shoulders quickly(think fine over/under shotgun vs cheap pump shotgun). I feel this also includes a level of trim or slimline so as to not make packing through alders difficult i.e. no fat stock, huge tactical style bolt handles, no bipod, etc. Barrel length is less concerning to me as I prefer 7rem mag and don't want to neuter my rifles capability.
-Addequate cartridge to handle a problem grizz. Most cartridges can handle a grizz fairly easy when broadside and calm. I'm talking about enough cartridge to convince an angry up close bear offering a frontal shot that he is dead. At the same time I'm not going to carry a 338 or something. 7mm rem mag is the cartridge that balances MY needs very well and still pleasant to shoot from a light rifle with a properly designed stock.
-A bonus if it says Cooper Model 92 on the action.

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[Miahjera]

I have what I thought was the perfect sheep rifle. It is a kimber montana in 6.5 CM with a titanium bolt handle and a VX-5HD on top. It ticked all the boxes, except for one... It was super light at 6lbs 3oz scoped, it's compact, has a dull finish, and is impervious to adverse weather. The only problem is I can not get it to pattern! I've tried 7 different kind of factory ammo as well has numerous different hand loads. The best I could get was around 2.5-3moa which is crazy because I know there are other montanas out there that shoot great! Just not mine apparently. So, In the end, I am compromising on weight for accuracy. I picked up a Seekins Havak PH1 that shoots lights out! Sure it's heavier right at 9 pounds scoped, but an extra 3 pounds is worth its weight in gold for the peace of mind that it is going to do its part when the moment of truth comes.

 

[roadrunner]

Neither 270 or 25 calibers have high bc bullets available. What he’s describing is a 264 or 284 but I’m not interested I discussing caliber as an attribute to a sheep rifle. If we want to say minimal recoil with good velocity energy and ballistics that’s fine but any caliber is capable of providing that within reason. The focus of the question is on the rifle. Caliber itself has little effect on the rifle.

Nope. .270 150 gr ABLR has a pretty high BC. It would be an excellent sheep round and caliber. The .264 would be a smaller belted magnum unless you're meaning a Creedmore. Regardless, it's a 6.5mm just a shy over the .257. To say a .277 or .257 is inadequate is nonsensical at best...

 

[FURMAN]

Nope. .270 150 gr ABLR has a pretty high BC. It would be an excellent sheep round and caliber. The .264 would be a smaller belted magnum unless you're meaning a Creedmore. Regardless, it's a 6.5mm just a shy over the .257. To say a .277 or .257 is inadequate is nonsensical at best...

Your opinion is duly noted. I WILL NEVER shoot a bullet with a BC under .6 for big game. So 6.5, .284, or .30 for me. Moving on.

 

[Yellowknife]

We seem to have an assortment of strong opinions here...

Can we just say that I didn't intend for the ideal rifle thread be turned into a ideal caliber debate and drop it? I didn't and wouldn't ever say that a .270 is inadequate, so no need to file me under nonsensical. Just have a different ideal, that is all. Considering I've killed four of them with a 30-06 (and will carry one this year) I'm not going to knock a .270 and you can tell how much real weight I put towards the "ideal".

The ideal caliber could be a whole 'nother thread, but I'm pretty sure a bunch of them work.

 

[FURMAN]

We seem to have an assortment of strong opinions here...

Can we just say that I didn't intend for the ideal rifle thread be turned into a ideal caliber debate and drop it? I didn't and wouldn't ever say that a .270 is inadequate, so no need to file me under nonsensical. Just have a different ideal, that is all. Considering I've killed four of them with a 30-06 (and will carry one this year) I'm not going to knock a .270 and you can tell how much real weight I put towards the "ideal".

The ideal caliber could be a whole 'nother thread, but I'm pretty sure a bunch of them work.

Exactly. As I already stated I am not concerned about anyones favorite cartridge or even caliber. I will say though I guess I am nonsensical.

 

[Jardo]

Cooper model 92 in 280 ai shooting Berger handloads with a zeiss v6.

Stainless, flat shooting out to 800 yards, lightest production rifle with a 1/2 moa guarantee.

That’s my sheep, deer, antelope, pig and goat setup.


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[FURMAN]

Cooper model 92 in 280 ai shooting Berger handloads with a zeiss v6.

Stainless, flat shooting out to 800 yards, lightest production rifle with a 1/2 moa guarantee.

That’s my sheep, deer, antelope, pig and goat setup.


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I am not looking for a rifle. I am looking for a list of attributes. Since you mention the M92 I have to ask how many others have you shot to compare? What is it about the M92 you like?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

We seem to have an assortment of strong opinions here...

Can we just say that I didn't intend for the ideal rifle thread be turned into a ideal caliber debate and drop it? I didn't and wouldn't ever say that a .270 is inadequate, so no need to file me under nonsensical. Just have a different ideal, that is all. Considering I've killed four of them with a 30-06 (and will carry one this year) I'm not going to knock a .270 and you can tell how much real weight I put towards the "ideal".

The ideal caliber could be a whole 'nother thread, but I'm pretty sure a bunch of them work.

Pretty much anything works on sheep, they aren’t that tough.

 

[North61]

light and handy
grizzly defense capable
accurate
reliable
stainless/synthetic

 

[Yellowknife]

I guess I'm not sure why a sheep rifle has to have too many specific attributes that other rifles don't have.

Which is basically the reason I keep using the same non-sheep rifle for darn near everything.

I honestly feel folks (myself included) spend FAR too much time worrying about their rifles/load/scope/gear and far too little time on actually getting out and hiking, learning about sheep, getting in shape, or even scouting on where they'd like to hunt sheep.

Fieldcraft and experience trumps all, no doubt. But if you have ever been to a European museum of ancient history, it's pretty clear that humans have been customizing their weapons they picked up the first one. Who am I to go again thousands of years of tradition?

At least that's how I justify it!

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Other things being equal, a long action weighs about 8 ounces more, right?

Some may not mind that extra weight, but I'll take a short action every time. A 6.5 CM, 7mm-08, or even a .308 - all can be fine sheep rifles.

This. I know this isn’t a caliber debate but I think 308 is pretty much the ultimate sheep caliber.

 

[MtGomer]

There’s some funny stuff posted throughout this thread.

 

[Outdoorsman12b]

What is the point of this thread?

 

[Jimss]

I bought a Sako Finnlight for my first dall sheep hunt several years ago.....just from the virtue of being relatively light weight and accurate. Those are the 2 most important factors to me. Having a rifle that I am confident will provide 1 shot kills is of prime importance! Sheep are wimps compared to other big game species once hit. With that said, if you plan to mt goat hunt in the future I would highly recommend a "sheep rifle" at least 30 caliber though!

For goats it's obviously nice to have a light rifle to haul around but goats can take heck of a pounding! Goats are where caliber, bullet, and ballistics are all pretty darn important! I've been fortunate to harvest several rams and billies over the years and all of them have been shot inside 200 yards.