9lbs scoped 6.5 PRC shooting 156 Bergers. Fierce CT Edge with a Proof 26" barrel.
500 yards
I am probably done with proof barrels because they weigh more than Fierce barrels and HCA barrels.
I am sure I view things differently than many if not most. I will not take a rifle on a hunt of this magnutude that is not capable of making 1000 yard shots. I will not use a cartridge that does not have at least 1000 ft/lbs of energy at 1000 yards with the bc required to keep horizontal at a minimum . I have gone light and I have gone heavy. I think a 6lb rifle is about as light as you can go and maintain the shootabilty I demand. I think 24oz (March) is the lightest usable scope for my intended purpose. Add a few oz for mounts and you are at 8lbs. As a non resident this was a once if a lifetime hunt for me. If I do get another chance at a sheep hunt it will not be another dall. We were on those sheep mid day on day two. They were at 750 yards. I was confident that if the weather held and nothing spooked them I would kill my ram in the 10 days we had. On day three the one I wanted walked into 500 yards and I killed him. I have done essentially the same with all my gear. There is nothing about carrying weight on your back in this country but too light and your gear just will not cut it. I feel the rifle is no different. Yes I carried all that weight for days only to "use the rifle for 20 seconds" but that was the most important 20 seconds of my hunting "career".
Most important attributes to me. This does not change due to terrain.
Must meet the 1000lbs at 1k(arbitrary but my threshold and I am not willing to compromise barrel length).
Must be able to consistantly make that 1k shot.
Scope must be capable of supporting the rifle IE repeatable return to zero/dialing.
I am not trying to change your mind. Don't waste your time trying to change mine. I have tried pretty much every setup you can.