Building a back country /backpacking hunting rifle

[larueminati]

Good info, thanks. I'd love the rundown, I'm definitely trying to get my head around what factory options are out there.

Sent you a PM

 

[Newtosavage]

I watched a guy teaching his 10-12 year old kid how to shoot a 7mm mag in the prone position. By the third shot, the kid was in tears and dad thought it was funny. A great way to lose a potential hunting buddy.

Most likely a 'weekend dad' at that.
Anyone who thinks it's funny to watch someone else get hurt by excessive recoil needs to have their head examined.

My Tikka 7mm-08 spits 162-grain ELD-X's out at 2650 with a 22" barrel and puts them into 2" groups at 300 yards all day. That's pretty good medicine, especially when you consider the BC of that bullet and look at the retained downrange energy.

 

[gdcpony]

Wont play calibers with you, but a rifle that is easy to break down and pretty accurate is a Handi-Rifle if you can get one used. They came in about any caliber you want and one screw breaks them down. The name says it all about handling it in the field too.

Here is one with my gear for a desert hunt using a TW200. Easy to pack in, easy to pack out right in the backpack literally.


This one is a .243 youth model (my son will get it this X-mas). I can keep it on a 'yote size target out to 400ish, but haven't had one line up for that yet.

Out in the field:

 

[sage5907]

Most of the discussion on this thread has been about super light rifles. If you shoot a cartridge that is capable of taking an elk at 300 yards out of a light rifle you're going to get recoil. Some of the worst kicking rifles I have ever shot have been light rifles or rifles with poorly designed stock. Rifles are like dogs. If you own a dog you need to be smarter than the dog.

 

[gdcpony]

The one I just posted isn't too bad on LOP for me either. But I am 5'7" so take that for what it's worth.

 

[cazwell]

gdcpony- Cool rifle. What kind of accuracy are you getting out them? Cool TW as well! I'm a long time dirt bike and mountain bike rider. I'm 6'2", so length of pull and comb height are often an issue. That's what got me looking at chassis systems or rifles like Savage with the accu-fit.

 

[cdb1]

I didn't think of the managed recoil ammo. I was ruined on the 30-06 for a long time when I tried shooting my brother's as a kid. It was a Rem 700 Sporter with 180gr handloads. I will never let my children shoot a gun that doesn't fit them. It will also have loads that are tailored to their liking.

This.

 

[cdb1]

If you really want just one rifle I’d look at a Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic Compact in 7mm-08. It comes in 6.5 Creedmoor too but for elk I think I’d want 7mm-08. The rifle has a sub-moa guarantee and comes with a spacer to make the stock full size. We have one in the family that I really like.

The other option I’d consider would be a M70 Featherweight Compact 7mm-08. You could have a spacer made or just use a slip on pad to get a full length stock.

Recoil and kids has been mentioned by several posters. There is no way I’d have my kid starting out with a 6.5 pound rifle in 7mm-08 or 6.5 Creedmoor, much less .308.

As a side note it was a right of passage for the grandson’s to shoot my grandmothers single shot 10 gauge goose gun. We were all eager. I think in some ways kids are smarter today because none of her great grandkids ever expressed a desire to shoot it.

 

[gdcpony]

gdcpony- Cool rifle. What kind of accuracy are you getting out them? Cool TW as well! I'm a long time dirt bike and mountain bike rider. I'm 6'2", so length of pull and comb height are often an issue. That's what got me looking at chassis systems or rifles like Savage with the accu-fit.

With the factory fodder this cheapo version does 1.5" at 100yds. My loads do about 1.1"

My son will grow so an m-4 style adjustable stock for it (yep, they make them) will be in the future. This thing has been super convenient in about every way.

The biggest thing one of these would save you is cash and length. There is no real action to them. So that length is gone even when assembled. And you used to be able to pick one up for under $200 as well.

I don't know your budget, but if I had to do this for a child and me, I would go either Handi-rifle with the adjustable or your mentioned Savage option. I never like handing an expensive option off to a kid though. Basic rule to me is "Will I cry if that gets dropped out of a tree stand?" I guess you can sub in "off a ridge" for elk. 3 kids have taught me that.

For a caliber that will do what you want, but be recoil "friendly" I have little to say. If you didn't mind the reloading and were building a rifle the 7x57 (can be just a touch hotter than the 7-08) and .257 Roberts -maybe the AI version (think .243 Win on serious steroids) might suit. You have that as a taller order to keep in play.

Maybe consider a muzzle brake option? That gives me an idea! A gas gun!

Now, if you are will to give on some power, want a decent rifle that can adjust pretty well and grow with you take a look at these. DPMS Oracle 7.62. The first pic is it's trim when bought and my oldest dropped whitetail deer out to 400 with it. I did as well. The second it has been...optimized for smaller targets at longer range (.260 Rem-close to a 6.5CM). I watch the bullets trail as they fly and spot my own impacts. Put just the brake and adjustable gas block on and you will cut recoil tremendously and keep it low weight/length.


You may end up with a few though....

 

[cazwell]

On a semi relevant note, I came across this blog today and enjoyed this writeup regarding 7mm08/ 7mm08imp

https://tacticalgunreview.com/7mm-08-ackley-improved/

 

[Newtosavage]

On a semi relevant note, I came across this blog today and enjoyed this writeup regarding 7mm08/ 7mm08imp

https://tacticalgunreview.com/7mm-08-ackley-improved/

Great article and nothing he wrote surprises me one bit. I get an easy 2650 with 162 ELD-X's all day.

I've toyed with rechambering my 7mm-08 to .284 or 7mm-08 A.I. for a while now but just can't really justify the expense at the moment because the biggest thing I've hunted with it has been whitetails. If I eventually move to an area where I will hunt elk with a rifle, it will probably get AI'd

 

[HB]

A very accurate 22 that weighs what your hunting rifle does. And a major hunting caliber rifle with a reloading press.

 

[cazwell]

What all is involved with that and what's the cost that you've found?

Great article and nothing he wrote surprises me one bit. I get an easy 2650 with 162 ELD-X's all day.

I've toyed with rechambering my 7mm-08 to .284 or 7mm-08 A.I. for a while now but just can't really justify the expense at the moment because the biggest thing I've hunted with it has been whitetails. If I eventually move to an area where I will hunt elk with a rifle, it will probably get AI'd

 

[Newtosavage]

What all is involved with that and what's the cost that you've found?

There is a local smith with a great reputation for accurate 1K yard rifles who will do either rechamber jobs for $300. He has reamers for both 7mm-08 A.I. and .284 and has great things to say about both calibers.

 

[Varminterror]

For my hunting rifles - as in those rifles and revolvers which will be imbued with cherished memories - I have never understood a philosophy in which a budget rifle makes sense. For freezer filling whitetail harvest, sure, some $300 Axis or ADL is fine, but when I make opportunities to cross state lines after larger game, I’m reminded of the MasterCard commercials: the memories cataloged on a stylish and high grade rifle, albeit a bit expensive, are “priceless.”

 

[cazwell]

There is a local smith with a great reputation for accurate 1K yard rifles who will do either rechamber jobs for $300. He has reamers for both 7mm-08 A.I. and .284 and has great things to say about both calibers.

I'd love to talk to him.

For my hunting rifles - as in those rifles and revolvers which will be imbued with cherished memories - I have never understood a philosophy in which a budget rifle makes sense. For freezer filling whitetail harvest, sure, some $300 Axis or ADL is fine, but when I make opportunities to cross state lines after larger game, I’m reminded of the MasterCard commercials: the memories cataloged on a stylish and high grade rifle, albeit a bit expensice, are “priceless.”

When it comes to tools and grear, I subscribe to the "buy once, cry once" philosophy. Most of the time anyways.

That's part of why I'm having a little heartburn on the caliber decision. If it was just a $300 to $500 rifle I'd grab the first decent deal that came up regardless of caliber, and if I get a hunting opportunity that comes up before the project is done or the rifle is purchased I may go the cheap route just to get the hunt in.

However if I am going to buy a higher end rifle or Source parts for a custom build and have a gunsmith put it together then I want to be sure I am choosing a caliber that meets all of my needs but is versatile enough that I don't limit or hamstring myself.

 

[Varminterror]

@cazwell - multiple cartridges will suit your needs. For many of them, changing cartridges would simply mean ~$500 for a new barrel later on - for example, a 6.5 creed could be rebarreled to 7-08, or 308, or 338federal, 243win, 284win (short), etc etc. If a Remage set up were chosen, you can get this done even cheaper, and change your own barrels within 20min.

Another consideration - you may benefit by deliberately choosing a switch barrel option. I built a pair of Ruger M77 Hawkeye’s for my wife and I, still a bit of a work in progress on the stocks. Hers is a 7mm Rem Mag, plus a .416 Ruger barrel, and a .338win Mag barrel. Mine is a .300win mag plus a .458 Win Mag barrel (working on .458 Lott conversion too). The philosophy here, of course, is the ability for my wife and I to pile more and more memories on the same two rifles together, without being stuck hunting deer with a cartridge suitable for Cape buffalo.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Save money, time.
Get a Marlin XS7 in 7mm08.
I’ve got a plethora of rifles, calibers, most in the genre you mention. (Mountain rifle).
Me, myself, and I prefer my Colt Lt. Rifle in .30/06, but a 180gr Nosler Partition at 2,800fps from a 7lb rifle isn’t for the timid.
My Rem. Mod-7 in 7mm08 w/20”bbl is exactly what you’re after, but the little Marlin is less than 1/2 the price and more accurate too. My XS7 .243 shoots 1/2” 5-shots with 100gr Sierra’s. My M7 is a solid 2moa (maybe slightly better) but a joy to hunt with. It’s taken elk in Colorado and Wyoming.
You can buy the Marlins from CDNN even though they’re been out of production for several years.
The difference in the’06 w/180’s and 7mm08 w/150’s is moot.
A Marlin 7mm08 with a Leupold VX1 3-9x will cost you less than $500 and outshoot $1,500-2,500 custom builds.
(Whoops, sorry cdnn only has .243’s; however Gunbroker will pull up some 7mm08’s).

 

[cdb1]

The X7 has been out of production for a while. I’ve never seen one but have heard from credible sources they are a cut above most budget rifles.

 

[Newtosavage]

Savage LWH in 7mm-08 is always an option as well. I love my Savages but after owning three Tikkas I have to say they are the lightest, smoothest, most accurate most predictable rifles I've ever shot.

 

[someguy2800]

Save money, time.
Get a Marlin XS7 in 7mm08.
I’ve got a plethora of rifles, calibers, most in the genre you mention. (Mountain rifle).
Me, myself, and I prefer my Colt Lt. Rifle in .30/06, but a 180gr Nosler Partition at 2,800fps from a 7lb rifle isn’t for the timid.
My Rem. Mod-7 in 7mm08 w/20”bbl is exactly what you’re after, but the little Marlin is less than 1/2 the price and more accurate too. My XS7 .243 shoots 1/2” 5-shots with 100gr Sierra’s. My M7 is a solid 2moa (maybe slightly better) but a joy to hunt with. It’s taken elk in Colorado and Wyoming.
You can buy the Marlins from CDNN even though they’re been out of production for several years.
The difference in the’06 w/180’s and 7mm08 w/150’s is moot.
A Marlin 7mm08 with a Leupold VX1 3-9x will cost you less than $500 and outshoot $1,500-2,500 custom builds.
(Whoops, sorry cdnn only has .243’s; however Gunbroker will pull up some 7mm08’s).

I believe those Marlin X7 rifles were made by Howa. At the time I think there were several US brands selling re branded Howa rifles. S&W had one, that Marlin, Weatherby of course, and I think there was one other as well.

 

[cdb1]

I believe those Marlin X7 rifles were made by Howa. At the time I think there were several US brands selling re branded Howa rifles. S&W had one, that Marlin, Weatherby of course, and I think there was one other as well.

I could be wrong but I’m pretty sure Marlin made the X7.

 

[herrwalther]

7mm-08 is a good choice. Very easy round to handload for. My first handloads were in this caliber and if I can do it, it is pretty darn easy. Only other recommendation that would fit your parameters is to build an AR-10 in .308.

 

[Varminterror]

Only other recommendation that would fit your parameters is to build an AR-10 in .308.

Except for lightweight and handy, and low recoil for kids...

 

[cazwell]

Marlin X7 is a great suggestion, especially for a very budget conscious option, thanks. Been reading reviews on them and seems reports are consistent that they are more accurate than they should be for the price. Not many around though, especially used.

ON the budget rifle not, I just had someone offer me a Ruger M77 Hawkeye (Synthetic stock, blued 22" bbl) in .280 Remington, in trade for one of my pistols. Trade value for my pistol is about $400 probably. I was leaning toward 7mm-08, but am kinda tempted by the trade. Something like that would let me get shooting/hunting and buy me some time to continue researching stocks/actions/barrels etc and then build an expensive custom just how I want..... hmmmmm, seems that's one of the rifles several of you said would fit the light/handy and pretty accurate role, right?

Varminterror, I had never heard of a remage barrel so I googled it. If what I read is correct, its a barrel fitted to a remington action, but with a custom barrel nut that is a variation or knock off of the savage switchable barrel system, correct? It looks like various custom barrel makesrs like Criterion and mcgowan have their own designs. I checked Lilja barrels site and didn't see one. I'll have to put a call in to him and see if he does that, as the idea sounds great.

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