suggestions for small woodland rifle (calibre and make)
- Thread starter Charlieh
- Start date
Tackleberry270
Well-Known Member
I would also go for a larger caliber than most are suggesting. .308 shortens to 16" without drastic loss of performance. An FLO should have no problem at all given the reason behind it. Those very tough muntjac needing to be dropped in thick woodland and AOLQ. That would cover it.
So you want short as possible and it'll be used for muntjac so you need 1000 ft-lbs minimum. Check out the pistol section of the Hodgdon load data page and have a look at the rifle cartridges in there:
Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading
223 out of a 15" barrel is struggling with that. Not saying it can't be done like but why fight to get it up there?
The 30-30 is easily small deer legal out of a 14" barrel.
So similar to this:
View attachment 64645
Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading
223 out of a 15" barrel is struggling with that. Not saying it can't be done like but why fight to get it up there?
The 30-30 is easily small deer legal out of a 14" barrel.
So similar to this:
View attachment 64645
howa243
Well-Known Member
I thought 30.30 was struggling even out of a normal length barrel?
Not small deer (muntjac and cwd) legal it isn't.
It'll do large deer legal, powder choice is more important s'all.
It'll do large deer legal, powder choice is more important s'all.
Last edited:
Cut+Squirt
Well-Known Member
If I remember correctly Bewsher500 had a lovely wee Brno Fox in .222 for sale not that long ago.
I'm not sure if it sold or not, might be worth dropping him a PM
I'm not sure if it sold or not, might be worth dropping him a PM
Reiver Boy
Well-Known Member
300 Blackout, 12" min 16" max (16 only if you need to ensure 2450fps) barrel on a Remington 700.
bewsher500
Well-Known Member
It did!
worst thing I have done in a long time!!
19" barrel
very pointy tack driver
5 shot mag
screwcut with foresight thread protector
trigger lets it down but it is tolerable
now what you want is an 18", single shot, break barrelled Hand rifle rechambered from 22 hornet to .222
now that would be great..
wait...what....one exists?
hybridfiat
Well-Known Member
Woodland rifle implies trees, shrubs = twigs and leaves and short distances. Even though I am a plains shooter and like the long range capabilities of a high velocity small caliber rifle I recognise the need to match the caliber with the terrain. A small fast bullet just does not belong in the woods. It is easily deflected or stopped dead by small stuff in the way.
So I'd go with a lever-action rifle in 30-30 or larger. A short barreled bolt action in .308 Win or .35 rem. 7mm-08 as a minimum. A snap shot requires something decisive to compensate for a badly placed shot and the ability of a deer to run a surprising distance even when shot in the right spot.
I've shot many roos here in WA and although the vast majority were clean kills I'm ashamed to say I have seen a twig detonate a 55gn projectile before it got to the roo leaving the roo with shotgun like injuries.
So I'd go with a lever-action rifle in 30-30 or larger. A short barreled bolt action in .308 Win or .35 rem. 7mm-08 as a minimum. A snap shot requires something decisive to compensate for a badly placed shot and the ability of a deer to run a surprising distance even when shot in the right spot.
I've shot many roos here in WA and although the vast majority were clean kills I'm ashamed to say I have seen a twig detonate a 55gn projectile before it got to the roo leaving the roo with shotgun like injuries.
Although I suggested the CZ 527 in .223, I have to agree with hybridfiat on a larger bullet, not too fast, if the woods are not open and the game is larger than a roe deer. Make that a CZ 527 in 7.62x39mm.
I like my Winchester Model 70 Compact in 7mm-08 with its Burris 1.25-4x22mm scope for a handy woods rifle that has reach, as well. A Remington Model Seven is another good one for the 7mm-08.
I like my Winchester Model 70 Compact in 7mm-08 with its Burris 1.25-4x22mm scope for a handy woods rifle that has reach, as well. A Remington Model Seven is another good one for the 7mm-08.
+1
I'm another fan of BBFs. I've one in .222/20g -my preferred choice if only muntjac are expected- and another in .243/12g -which I take when there's a chance of roe. Both are handy and versatile, and more than accurate enough at woodland ranges. They can't be moderated, but their shotgun-like handling makes up for this.
If you're interested, I'm thinking of selling my .243/12g, a Brno 502.6 as it's now playing second fiddle to my drilling. Details on request!
Hornet 6
Well-Known Member
That is what I did, nice and compact, accurate and easy to load for.
The only shame is I now have no use for it so it sits in the cabinet unused
Neil.
thanks for all the responses some great ideas and pointers on here. Glad I asked,
I like to look of the 6x45 and 7.62x39 as I think the latter would be especially good for the purposes im after. Out of interest is the brass for the 7.62x39mm easily available as I like the idea that with the 6x45 I can use .223 brass which is easily available. I suspect the 7.62 would be better for the muntjac in bramble and young woodland.
Lots to think about so thank you
I like to look of the 6x45 and 7.62x39 as I think the latter would be especially good for the purposes im after. Out of interest is the brass for the 7.62x39mm easily available as I like the idea that with the 6x45 I can use .223 brass which is easily available. I suspect the 7.62 would be better for the muntjac in bramble and young woodland.
Lots to think about so thank you
Brass is easily available for the 7.62x39 but bullet selection is less as its a .311" bullet not a .308". However some barrels suit .308" which opens up the choices.
Reiver Boy
Well-Known Member
^^^300 blackout is a good choice. Nice and small deer legal out of a 16" barrel and moderates lovely.
Similar threads
