New Stalking Rifle

[Jack0106]

Any rifle I buy, realistically I'll have to order it in from the continent which is a pain in the but.

This should give you an indication:
.308 Win Barrel Cut-Down Test: Velocity vs. Barrel Length « Daily Bulletin

This is for the 308. For the 270, which you are also considering, the drop-off will most likely be higher.

So you're losing what like 44 odd fps from 24"to 20". I don't think the deer will notice anything

 

[Jack0106]

At the moment, I'm leaning towards a Tikka T3 CTR. 20 inch barrel chambered in .308

But there's something in the back of mind that's bugging me and I cant really figure it out.

I love the aesthetics of the Bergara B14 HMR but the weight (9.25lbs naked) is just insane. (The tikka weighs 7.5lbs)

That makes me ask the question - is 1.75lbs that much of a difference?

Then I see the Mausers (m12 and M18) and it puts me back at square one.

I just want them all haha

 

[jer]

Have you looked at the Sauer 101 forrest ?

 

[rem284]

Since you can not reload I would recommend that you check local rfd's for ammo availability of the desired cartridges. Personally I would favour the 6.5, 270 then 308 in that order. I would check out the 6.5 creedmoor and if local dealers stock ammo at a reasonable price then it would be at the top of the 6.5 list and after that the 6.5x55.

Since most of us will be carrying a rifle for many more minutes than actually doing the process of shooting one of the priorities for me it has to be comfortable to carry. For me I would only be considering rifles weighing less than 3.5 kilos. Preferably 3kg's.

One of the other personal requirements would be to able to extract an unfired cartridge and just flip it back into the mag without having to remove the mag. Also to be able to open the bolt with the safety left on.

 

[Jack0106]

Since you can not reload I would recommend that you check local rfd's for ammo availability of the desired cartridges. Personally I would favour the 6.5, 270 then 308 in that order. I would check out the 6.5 creedmoor and if local dealers stock ammo at a reasonable price then it would be at the top of the 6.5 list and after that the 6.5x55.

Since most of us will be carrying a rifle for many more minutes than actually doing the process of shooting one of the priorities for me it has to be comfortable to carry. For me I would only be considering rifles weighing less than 3.5 kilos. Preferably 3kg's.

One of the other personal requirements would be to able to extract an unfired cartridge and just flip it back into the mag without having to remove the mag. Also to be able to open the bolt with the safety left on.

I've seen 6.5 Creedmoor rifles but have yet to se any ammunition for it. My RFD said he'd order in anything that I want but I feel there would be a hefty profit margin on that.

Also why in that particular order?

 

[rem284]

I've seen 6.5 Creedmoor rifles but have yet to se any ammunition for it. My RFD said he'd order in anything that I want but I feel there would be a hefty profit margin on that.

Also why in that particular order?

Your local ammo availability and cost is a key factor. I have a 6.5-284 and a 6.5x47 both these work well esp. the 6.5-284 at distance largely because of high BC bullets BUT require home loaded ammo because of cost and availability. The 6.5 creedmoor is becoming common both in factory rifles chambered in it and hopefully factory ammo supplies too. It is also a modern case design. The next choice is the 6.5x55 which is time proven and still have the option of getting high BC ammo. The 270 for me would be next because I have one, it works well with factory ammo and I know it well. The 308 would be last on my list because I have never owned one and out of the lot it is likely to be the least ballistically favourably.

One other thing you should take into account is whether you are going to use a sound moderator or not. If you are then all of the above will be ok. If not I would favour the 6.5 creedmoor again because it is likely to have the least recoil. The 270 is quite a beast unless it's tamed with a mod. The last time I had to shoot one without a mod made me think f**k

 

[ejg]

I've seen 6.5 Creedmoor rifles but have yet to se any ammunition for it. My RFD said he'd order in anything that I want but I feel there would be a hefty profit margin on that.

Also why in that particular order?

For deer hunting at your 200yd max you would really be better off with a 308. Shooting buddies of mine who have a 7-08 also said next time round it will be a 308. Just more options ammo wise, especially in Ireland. We are located south of Cork City, you are welcome to look at my CTR or T3 sporter however they are well tricked up.
edi

 

[Cottis]

Can you get the m12 in a blued action?

I don't think so. They have a matt type coating (similar to ceracote) It is called Ilafon or something like that. It is very smooth and very hard and durable. It certainly is not a deep blued steel. It is a very very dark grey colour. You could almost mistake it for black. I quite like it. It seems to do what it is meant to.

Blueing is great and it is not great depending on the quality of finish. I have an S&L which has what I would call proper blueing. Very deep lustre and seems to be resiliant to whatever I throw at it. On the blued Anschutz's I have, the finish seems much thinner and the lustre is not deep. It is the same on both Annies i own, one of which I had from new and have treated well enough. Not all things are made equal and you get what you pay for really. The Anschutz's are relatively cheap (sort of) and the Schultz and Larsen is comparatively expensive. It is certainly made with more care than the Anschutz rifles.

They all do what they are meant to.

Probably best to shoulder a few variants and go with what feels good. Most rifles these days are pretty good. They have to be as competition is strong.

 

[stevenedwards]

1.75 lbs is a difference but how much really. My rifle is heavy and not comfortable to carry on occasion but when it comes to using it a steady comfortable accurate rifle in which you have confidence is what matters and if that is one which weighs a little more for you then so be it.

 

[Dawnrazor]

I agree about rifle weight.

A mate of mine has a Ruger M77 in .220 Swift and its a lovely rifle, super accurate but it is heavy. By his own admission he's said its fine down south when you might just be sat in a high seat for a few hours but try lugging it up a hillside in Scotland and you'll soon be wishing it was lighter.

I have also handled other peoples varmint barreled rifles in the past - I've had people saying "Yeah they're super accurate and take ages to heat up..." and yes of course they are. They are whacking thick heavy barrels designed for being accurate at distance (2-400m) when you're shooting coyotes, foxes and the like from a high seat, and are probably going to be getting a number of shots off in quick succession and therefore want a barrel that doesnt heat up.

The reality for stalking rifles is you are probably only going to be taking 1-2 shots at a time with them, probably at under 150y and at a bigger target, and you'll probably be lugging them around for hours before you take that shot, so your requirements are different.

Ultimately you want a rifle that fits you well in a caliber that is comfortable to shoot, that you can get ammo for and that you can shoot accurately.

The best advice you'll get

 

[VSS]

One other thing you should take into account is whether you are going to use a sound moderator or not. If you are then all of the above will be ok. If not I would favour the 6.5 creedmoor again because it is likely to have the least recoil. The 270 is quite a beast unless it's tamed with a mod. The last time I had to shoot one without a mod made me think f**k

It's not a mod you need with a 270, it's earplugs. Recoil unmoderated is a non issue under normal stalking circumstances, but it does make a big bang.

 

[macfarlane]

At the moment, I'm leaning towards a Tikka T3 CTR. 20 inch barrel chambered in .308

But there's something in the back of mind that's bugging me and I cant really figure it out.

I love the aesthetics of the Bergara B14 HMR but the weight (9.25lbs naked) is just insane. (The tikka weighs 7.5lbs)

That makes me ask the question - is 1.75lbs that much of a difference?

Then I see the Mausers (m12 and M18) and it puts me back at square one.

I just want them all haha

Recently just bought a tikka t3 in 308 I found it quite short in the stock so therefore it was a bit kicky, weigh wise I find it fine for lugging about. Quite difficult to keep weight down when you add a scope, mod, bipod etc, I stuck a limbsaver pad on mine to lengthen the stock fits a lot better and don't notice the recoil now.

 

[Jack0106]

Yeah I settled for a Tikka t3 CTR in .308. its on order now so hopefully it arrives soon appreciate all the responses

 

[norma 308]

So I'm in the market for a new stalking rifle.

I'm currently looking at a number of possible candidates al with synthetic stocks. These being:

- Bergara B14 HMR
- Tikka T3 CTR
- Mauser M18 Impact
- Remington 700 AWR

Out of curiosity what are your opinions on these? Ill be shooting Sika, Fallow and Red Deer and I'm leaning more towards getting one chambered in .270 or .308.

I've had some people swear by these calibers and others giving out stating that its too much gun. (they're 6.5 Swede shooters)

Thanks in advance for the help.

Jack

I have an m12 impact in 308 as a swede owner and 270 owner if I had to have only one rifle the 308 would be it the Mauser is excellent as for rebarrelling I doubt I’ll ever need too and I’m 52

 

[suburban bushwacker]

deleted

 

[Selous]

Personally I almost always stalk with a heavy barrel rifle despite having lighter rifles available. It all depends on your attitude to your rifle and how fit you are. The 308 and 270 will do what you need and are not too much gun at all. My understanding is that the Bergara is a Remington clone so will accept Remington pattern stocks, triggers etc

 

[Jack0106]

So I ordered the Tikka CTR and yesterday I was told it'll take 9 months to get here. F#@k that. Think I'll go for the Mauser M12 Impact

 

[Steff]

I have undertaken two attempts to spend some serious money on Sako rifles. I never succeeded because of ridiculous delivery times of up to a year which in the end where not even kept.
With Blaser three months are three months. Guess what I am shooting.

 

[Dan Newcombe]

I've got an M12 Extreme (off here actually) in 6.5x55 with a 3.5-15x50 Nightforce on it and its a great stalking rifle.

Light, balanced, nice trigger nice stock and works well - my wife loves it.

Also have an M595 .22-250 with a T8 and I actually prefer that for Roe but compared to the Mauser it is a gert big lump of a thing and that's not even with a heavy barrel - carry that one day and the Mauser the next and you appreciate the difference in the two.

 

[Cottis]

I have undertaken two attempts to spend some serious money on Sako rifles. I never succeeded because of ridiculous delivery times of up to a year which in the end where not even kept.
With Blaser three months are three months. Guess what I am shooting.

Indeed. I tried to buy a LH Sako a coupla three yrs back and was told it would be 6-9 months and despite being prepared to pay a deposit or even the balance if necessary, I was also advised the price might have gone up by the time it was delivered and that I would have to pay the difference.. Ha ha ha, I literally told them where to shove it and promised myself that I will never buy a Sako or Tikka rifle new. I would look at the older ones (which seem better by all accounts anyway) but no chance would I give them money when they quite clearly are only interested in their own business practices rather than actually looking after customers. They should be doing both, not just one.