What's the consensus on T/C Pro Hunters for big game hunting?

[AustinL911]

My ultimate desire for a backcountry rifle that I have to pack in is a Kimber Adirondack in 6.5c, however, I'm not quite ready to drop the coin on one + an optics setup for it. What I'm thinking instead to get me by for a few years is to buy a barrel for my T/C Pro Hunter muzzle loader that I purchased from Haus of Arms. It's already been tweaked, has a fantastic trigger that they worked over, and is relatively light as it is.

I was thinking about having them ream out one of Bellm's .30-06 barrels to 300wm and chop it to 22" to maintain the handiness that I have now with the 20" muzzleloader barrel, and maybe port it. Yea, I know 22" isn't ideal for a magnum caliber, but I think it will be sufficient for what I want it for (and extremely loud...), which is for most North American big game <600yd.

The single shot could prove to be a pain in the ass, but for a temporary setup (and maybe a future Alaska moose/griz gun), I think it will work for the time being.

I searched, but couldn't find much discussion on these rifles being used. Anyone use one and how do you like it? I love it in muzzleloader mode, so I'm hoping that carries over in centerfire mode.

 

[Axlrod]

I used an Encore in 280 AI for Elk and Mule Deer hunting for 5 or so years. 26" barrel. Having a single shot hasnt ever been issue for me. it is still pretty compact with a 26". Many years ago i packed a 30 Herrett contender pistol. I also have an Encore in 416 Rigby 28" ported unbelievable recoil!
I have all Bellm parts in all my t/c's, they go 1/2 moa with handloads.

 

[Axlrod]

I would see how long for Bellm to rechamber the 06 for you. My Nephew had him do a 270 AI and it shoots very small but it was about a 9+ month wait.

 

[unsuccessful]

I really enjoyed hunting with my Pro Hunter. I will be putting a slightly more custom TC together in the future to serve as my primary hunting rifle.


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[bruno59]

I came out to Montana from Virginia about 8 years ago and all I brought with me was a two encores, 264win mag and a 25-06 and have killed everything with them elk,deer,antelope,mt.lion and lots of coyotes the single shot has done me well I did pick up a lighter bolt action to hunt in grizzly areas and carry in the mtns. mine are heavy barrels and weigh about 9lbs. my tikka t3x in 308 weighs 7lbs.

 

[backcountry_hunter]

I would call Mike bellm and see if he has any 300wm in stock. The last one I bought from him was a Bergara barrel accurized by mike/kurt. I don't think i could have had a new chamber cut for what he charged for a complete tube
He used to have a pretty good inventory, even a bunch of oddball stuff. Bellm was a great guy to work with .... I'm certain he'll take care of you.

As far as the platform it's solid, and probably doesn't get enough credit in the hunting community.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I really enjoyed hunting with my Pro Hunter. I will be putting a slightly more custom TC together in the future to serve as my primary hunting rifle.


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Not to hijakc the thread, but how much do these things weigh without glass?

 

[LIWolverine]

LOVE my pro hunter. Got 308, 223, 22-250, 7-08, 409x50. Definitely one of my favorites and very underrated in big game hunting. Except the muzzle loaders. They get lots of publicity.

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[Axlrod]

Not to hijakc the thread, but how much do these things weigh without glass?

Here are some I weighed before i put scopes on. All include scope base in the weight
Encore:
280AI 26" custom shop hvy BBL 7lb 4oz
416 Rigby 28" factory hvy w/ non removable break 7lb 3oz

Contender carbine:
20 Vartarg 23" mgm sporter 5lb 11oz
375 JDJ 23" factory hvy 5lb 15oz