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Posted: 12/3/2018 1:51:35 PM EDT
Hey guys, after getting the snot kicked out of me at the range yesterday by my model 70 featherweight 30-06 I’d like to get something more suitable for practice but also that I can hunt deer, elk and moose with as well. Whatever I end up with, I know it will need to be heavier than a featherweight rifle and I want that to reduce recoil. I also want a threaded barrel to use a brake and or my suppressor.
I currently have a decent amount of ammo and lots components for 30-06 and 6.5x55. I’m thinking I want to stick with 30-06 if possible. So far I have looked at the Ruger 77 FTW 30-06, the Bergara rifles and the Remington 700 LR. What else would you guys recommend I look at? |
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Posted: 12/3/2018 7:25:18 PM EDT
[Last Edit: HighpowerRifleBrony]
[#1]
Is your position loose or tight? As in are you getting moved a lot, or is the force concentrating in your shoulder?
Loadwise: 10-13gr Red Dot, <175gr bullet. A little dirty, at least run an oil and dry patch through before using other loads. I'm not a hunter, but a softer bullet might work just fine within 100yds. 60% max charge of H4895. Go up until you reach a node of expansion, accuracy, and comfort threshold. |
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Posted: 12/3/2018 8:13:58 PM EDT
[#2]
A practice load is easy enough. Like above, or cast bullet.
Dropping down a bullet size. A deer is easy to kill with a 150, no need for the 165 or 180 or bigger. |
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Posted: 12/3/2018 8:15:33 PM EDT
[#3]
I think the force is being concentrated in my shoulder or, at least it sure feels like it.To be honest, I've never had any formal rifle training beyond a few carbine courses. I was shooting prone and sitting with no sling on improvised rests. Interestingly, I shot my Lee Enfield with Greek surplus and irons better than the hunting rifle I was trying to practice with!
Thanks for the great load info! I'll have to try those sometime. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 12/3/2018 8:48:47 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Reorx]
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 870Fan:
I think the force is being concentrated in my shoulder or, at least it sure feels like it.To be honest, I've never had any formal rifle training beyond a few carbine courses. I was shooting prone and sitting with no sling on improvised rests. Interestingly, I shot my Lee Enfield with Greek surplus and irons better than the hunting rifle I was trying to practice with! Thanks for the great load info! I'll have to try those sometime. They are also available in 1/2 inch thickness if you don't want as much added length... 
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Posted: 12/3/2018 9:20:06 PM EDT
[#5]
Recorx, thanks for the great suggestion. My wallet might than you as well!
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Posted: 12/3/2018 11:31:21 PM EDT
[#6]
Why don't you just thread your barrel and install a muzzle brake?
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Posted: 12/4/2018 12:08:34 AM EDT
[Last Edit: SuperDutyMikeMc]
[#7]
Originally Posted By 870Fan:
Hey guys, after getting the snot kicked out of me at the range yesterday by my model 70 featherweight 30-06 I’d like to get something more suitable for practice but also that I can hunt deer, elk and moose with as well. Whatever I end up with, I know it will need to be heavier than a featherweight rifle and I want that to reduce recoil. I also want a threaded barrel to use a brake and or my suppressor. I currently have a decent amount of ammo and lots components for 30-06 and 6.5x55. I’m thinking I want to stick with 30-06 if possible. So far I have looked at the Ruger 77 FTW 30-06, the Bergara rifles and the Remington 700 LR. What else would you guys recommend I look at? Any rifle that is traditionally associated with Deer/Elk/Moose isn't going to be the most friendly rifle for target practice. While you may have the components now, those don't last forever if you're shooting with any level of regularity. As a result, the larger calibers aren't really optimal from an economic, recoil, and blast fatigue perspective; hence why a lot of folks are moving towards the 6mm-6.5mm offerings for dedicated target work. Secondly, rifles that are fun for targets are generally heavy SOBs, so if you're choosing a rifle for both, you're really choosing a "jack of all trades, master of none" type rig. If it were me, I'd be looking at a dedicated target rifle, and a dedicated hunting rifle. My 2c. 
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FL, USA
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Posted: 12/4/2018 8:34:11 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Reorx]
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 870Fan:
Reorx, thanks for the great suggestion. My wallet might thank you as well! Yes it is a very reasonably priced and easy to apply & remove (make sure you get the right size). Report back with results/experience...
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Posted: 12/4/2018 10:03:47 AM EDT
[#9]
Sinister I don't want to thread the barrel on my hunting rifle, it's a pre 64 model 70 otherwise I totally would. I end up getting another rifle of any type it will have a threaded barrel for sure for a brake and or a suppressor.
SuperdutyMikemc, you raise a very good point about trying make 1 thing, all the things. Thanks again for all the great input guys. |
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Posted: 12/6/2018 8:23:43 AM EDT
[#10]
Same rifle in .223.
Shoot to your heart's content for pennies on the dollar. And you get a new rifle. |
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Posted: 12/12/2018 12:54:30 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By flinch08:
Same rifle in .223. Shoot to your heart's content for pennies on the dollar. And you get a new rifle. I drive around a lot for work and so far, I’ve fondled the Tikka CTR, Bergera HMR 14 and Remington 700 long range. There are also a couple NIB 700 Sendero II Custom Shops in 6.5x55 on Gun Broker but Remington’s issues over the last couple of years are a concern not to mention they are very pricey. On the plus side for the 700, the after market is huge. Right now I’m leaning towards the Tikka CTR in 6.5 creedmoor with the Bergera right behind it. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 12/12/2018 1:19:29 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Reorx]
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 870Fan:
...On the plus side for the 700, the after market is huge. Right now I’m leaning towards the Tikka CTR in 6.5 creedmoor with the Bergera right behind it. 
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Posted: 12/12/2018 2:42:34 PM EDT
[#13]
Reorx, hope your rifle shoots great! The only thing holding me back on the Bergera is that the safety doesn’t lock the bolt. I’ve had bolts get snagged out of battery while hiking with a pack and want to avoid it.
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Posted: 12/12/2018 4:39:33 PM EDT
[#14]
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FL, USA
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Posted: 12/12/2018 4:46:46 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 870Fan:
Reorx, hope your rifle shoots great! The only thing holding me back on the Bergera is that the safety doesn’t lock the bolt. I’ve had bolts get snagged out of battery while hiking with a pack and want to avoid it.
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 12/12/2018 6:38:11 PM EDT
[#16]
I use my CTR for hunting and target. Total weight loaded with sling and bipod is 13 lbs. it sucks carrying that thing in the mountains. But it is accurate and easy to shoot all day.
308 ctr Krg bravo stock Leopold mk 6 3-18 Tbac ultra 7 Harris bipod |
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Posted: 12/12/2018 7:01:33 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AKSnowRider]
[#17]
This is my hunting rifle..also use it to shoot rocks way out there just for fun...
 Attached Fileweighs about 16 pounds... MPA chassis R-700LA 300RUM 28" Bartlein medium palma Atlas PRS Razor gen2 4.5-27-56 |
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Posted: 12/12/2018 7:21:12 PM EDT
[#18]
I don't carry a round in the chamber big game hunting. I don't put a round in the chamber until ready to fire so doing so with the safety off isn't a big deal to me. A bolt that doesn't lock closed drives me nuts. I would prefer Tikka had a 3 position like Savage, but it doesn't sooooo........
Just for comparison: Tikka T3X Lite 6.5CM No-name stock pack Sportsmatch rings SWFA 3-9X42 9-13 Harris bipod =9.08# I considered the CTR but just couldn't justify the added weight on a rifle intended for hunting. |
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Posted: 12/14/2018 10:05:19 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By flinch08:
Same rifle in .223. Shoot to your heart's content for pennies on the dollar. And you get a new rifle. I hunt with a Tikka T3 in .30-06 and have a second T3X in .223 for practice. Its the same stock, same trigger, same bolt handle, and I put the same scope on it. The only differences are the length of the bolt throw and the recoil. I can go to the range and shoot 50-100 rounds at 30 cents a piece and have no discomfort from recoil. |
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Posted: 12/15/2018 10:01:26 PM EDT
[#20]
Since I started this thread and got all the great input from you guys, I’ve looked at a bunch of guns and did some thinking, I agree that my initial plan was not a good one.
Realistically, I’m unlikely to shoot at game past 400 yards and much more likely to shoot at 250 yards or less. Putting a slip on limb saver on my 30-06 and practicing with it a couple of times a year should work just fine. Also, something in 223/556 or 6.5 Grendel (can use for deer and antelope in CO) makes a lot more sense for practice and fun. Tomorrow, I’m going to try my hand at steel with a 20” AR15 topped with a 2.5-10 out to 400 yards or so and see how it goes. |
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Posted: 12/15/2018 11:45:33 PM EDT
[#21]
Take a look at the Weatherby Vanguard. I think the Synthetic stock version is available in most all the common calibers and cost is under 600.00. I have 2 of them. One is .308 and one is a 270. Both are capable rounds for most large game. They are guaranteed to shoot sub moa on factory ammo and mine do.
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Posted: 12/17/2018 6:39:58 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 870Fan:
Since I started this thread and got all the great input from you guys, I’ve looked at a bunch of guns and did some thinking, I agree that my initial plan was not a good one. Realistically, I’m unlikely to shoot at game past 400 yards and much more likely to shoot at 250 yards or less. Putting a slip on limb saver on my 30-06 and practicing with it a couple of times a year should work just fine. Also, something in 223/556 or 6.5 Grendel (can use for deer and antelope in CO) makes a lot more sense for practice and fun. Tomorrow, I’m going to try my hand at steel with a 20” AR15 topped with a 2.5-10 out to 400 yards or so and see how it goes. |
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Posted: 12/17/2018 8:21:47 PM EDT
[#23]
It went really well! The wind got pretty gusty and unpredictable towards the end of our session which made getting hits on the 10” plates we had out there challenging. The AR we were shooting was a budget build A4 type clone I built years ago which was grouping about 2.5” at a 100 yards with PMC bronze 55 grain 223. I also shot my CZ 550fs 6.5x55 hunting rifle when the wind picked up and it was easier to hit with but is not a gun I could run box after box of ammo through like an AR even in mild mannered 6.5x55.
I think overall the most exciting thing was putting a plan together that involved learning how to use the mil reticle on the Burris XTR II 2-10x on the AR prior to going out, confirming zero 1st when we got to the range and then using a laser range finder to put steel out quickly at known distances to practice with. I’m definitely hooked and chomping at the bit to get out again! |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 12/18/2018 7:57:20 AM EDT
[#24]
If you don't reload
https://www.remington.com/ammunition/centerfire-rifle/managed-recoil https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1001696960/hornady-custom-lite-ammunition-30-06-springfield-125-grain-sst-box-of-20 If you do, you can also use Trail Boss, it's fun http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-education/tips-and-tricks/low-recoil-loads |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 12/19/2018 4:55:48 PM EDT
[#25]
If you haven't fondled a Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon LR, you owe it to yourself to do so. The bolt throw is great, the recoil pad is nice, standard side bolt release, two position safety, threaded muzzle with radial brake installed, and it looks great.
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Posted: 2/5/2019 8:46:40 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By areeves08:
If you haven't fondled a Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon LR, you owe it to yourself to do so. The bolt throw is great, the recoil pad is nice, standard side bolt release, two position safety, threaded muzzle with radial brake installed, and it looks great. |
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Posted: 2/5/2019 8:47:25 PM EDT
[#27]
I also think a backup rifle of 223 is an excellent idea. With a Tikka T3, might even be able to justify the relatively low cost.
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