Thinking about getting a 300BLK Rifle

[zerobarrier]

Ok so I am looking into getting a rifle chambered in 300 AAC Blackout for Whitetail Deer. I know Rem model 7 and Handi Rifle make them, any other manufactures make them? I live in PA where semi-autos are not allowed to be used for hunting. It will be used with a Specwar 762 and subsonic rounds, probably Serria Pro Hunter 220gr, but I will have to see which round works best in that rifle. I am leaning towards the Handi Rifle.

I hunt in thick woods and currently use a Ruger 77/44. All shots would be inside of 150yds.

I have a new Redfield Revolution 2-7x33 scope that is on the Ruger 77/44 that I will probably put on the 300BLK and use the iron sights with the Ruger. I was looking at the DNZ one piece rings for the Handi Rifle instead of using the picatinny rail and getting the hammer extension. I think the rail looks out of place on the rifle, thats just my opinion. I will also change the stock to the thumbhole stock they have on midway for $54.99. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/956614/h-and-r-handi-grip-stock-and-forend-h-and-r-rifle-polymer-black?cm_vc=wishList

The Rem model 7 is around $800 and the Handi Rifle is around $320

My question is does anyone have experience with a set up similar to this? Should I spend the extra and get the Rem? Is the Handi Rifle a solid rifle and not a cheap piece of junk?

I have never used a break open single shot rifle before. It looks nice and would add a different type of rifle to my collection. I already have Rem 700's. I like variety which is another reason I am leaning towards the Handi Rifle.

Any input, suggestions, or advice is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

If you plan on using subsonic rounds, you are going to have a LOT of drop between 50yds and 150yds. You will need to be able to range very precisely and a reticle that will let you adjust drop and windage on the fly (mildot or milrad) is also nice. Also keep in mind that the slower velocity means more windage as well.

Finally, the subsonic rounds are basically heavy pistol rounds, so you'll need good shot placement to make a humane kill.

While the subsonic rounds out of a Handi rifle would probably be crazy quiet and a lot of fun, you are probably better off using the Barnes 110gr TAC-TX or the Remington 125gr supersonic loads for hunting. Both of those will be more effective out to 150yds and still hearing safe.

 

[Tirod]

The .300BO subsonic isn't the best choice, and manual action guns aren't going to be commonly available in it. Even supersonic the round has less power and more limited range than a lot of traditional rounds - like the .30-30.

For deer, I'd look at a slightly larger intermediate cartridge with a point blank sighting range of at least 200m - meaning that it would hit inside a 4 inch circle regardless of where the deer was seen inside that range. Given they don't just stand there waiting for the shot, you get just enough time to put the crosshairs on them and squeeze without jerking the trigger. Adding in inches of holdover only complicates things and is less effective. And that means it's not as ethical a choice for a good first shot.

We may certainly be only talking a few percentage points difference, but the deer being down is the focus, not so much what current Caliber of the Month might be used. What works in the AR world as a suppressed round for close combat doesn't always translate to real life.

The .300BO started out as a way to get around the rules prohibiting the AR in 3Gun competition, and once the AR was allowed, it was found to be difficult to hold over at the longer ranges in the sport. 5.56 was more accurate, .300BO fell by the wayside as a wildcat until AAC came up with a suppressed use for it - to sell their products.

Bolt actions in AR alternate calibers are not in high demand, it would be better to look to something already in a dealer's rack to down those deer. Something like a .270 or 7mm-08 would likely do very well. Plenty of hunting ammo on the shelf, and rifles abound.

 

[Collector0311]

Hunting whitetail with a friend last season, I learned the value of a quick follow up shot. He was using a single shot 270 and made a good shot, the buck didn't go down, but rather started walking away slowly.
Watched him fumble to load a second shot before the deer made it out of the clearing.

Sorry for the tale, just meaning to say that if you're in a position where you can afford to get the Rem, there are times you'll be glad you did. That's the only reason for my Model 7 vote.
Love this round, really enjoy hunting with it, but you may consider going afield with a couple rounds both super and sub depending on your range application.
Best of luck

 

[zerobarrier]

I did not realize the subsonic would be a bad choice for hunting. After reading the posts here I did some google searches and it looks like the consensus is not to use the sub sonics and use the lighter and faster bullets. I guess I will just use the subsonics for fun.

 

[zerobarrier]

So pretty much either the 125gr Nosler ballistic tips, 125gr Serria Pro hunter, 110gr Hornady V-max all loaded to top velocities should work well right? I will probably try the Noslers first, I have good luck with their ballistic tips in the past.

 

[scaatylobo]

pump action AR

There is the option of a pump action AR/M-4 that is fairly new to the market.

If I lived in Pa,that would be a serious consideration as I am a fan of that action.

And going to a pump would be a preference to a bolt gun ---- IF there were the choice of using the 300BO.

I shoot that round and I am a fan of it,many will tell you to choose another caliber.

Follow your own path !!.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Depends on how big your deer are. Out here, deer are the size of large dogs and any of those rounds would work at less than 150yds. If you are hunting larger deer or hogs, you may want a round that has better penetration like the Barnes copper TSX line.