Help me choose a caliber

[Migolito]

I've build a 6.5 PRC on a Defiance XM. It is un believably accurate and the nicest rifle I have ever owned. However, I find that I'm hunting with my 280AI and not the 6.5prc. So, I can either sell the 6.5prc, or chamber. I'd like to chamber it in a 338 caliber so when I'm in Alaska I have something a little more stout than the 7mm. Suggestions? I reload.

 

[mongo chicago]

What do you anticipate using more? If it were me, I would rechamber the 280. I would keep the 6.5 if it's accuracy is so good and use that for target shooting. But that is my preference.

 

[Kurz]

I've build a 6.5 PRC on a Defiance XM. It is un believably accurate and the nicest rifle I have ever owned.

However, I find that I'm hunting with my 280AI and not the 6.5prc.

Obviously we're not getting the information we need to help with your decision.

Why would you ignore the one rifle you shower with accolades for another rifle which you offer no information about other than the chamber yet claim it for your hunting rifle? Somethings not right...

Personally, I would grab the 6.5 PRC and run for the woods first time and every time! The .280AI has been an also ran as far as I'm concerned. I would sell the .280AI and get something like a .300 PRC in a long action which would be useful at longer ranges and for elk.

 

[Migolito]

My 280AI is also a custom rifle. I'll actually be hunting Elk next week with it because I can shoot 145LRX and 150TTSX and I like the penetration of both. Starting next year I'll be doing many more hunt's in Alaska. The 280AI is great for Caribou, moose, Black bear, etc. However, it isn't imo a first choice for Brown bear protection.
I built the 6.5 to shoot in Comp and hunting. However, times have changed and I wont be doing matches/comp. So, I can either rechamber, or sell and buy/build something else. I was looking at 338 Ruger Mag because it would fit hand/glove with the current rifle set up. But, I am now kinda leaning @ a long action Magnum.
Also, the wait on the Defiance was very very long and I really didn't want to wait that long again. But...

 

[K22]

If I'm reading you most recent post correctly, you want a heavier caliber, not for hunting, but for "protection" in case you encounter a brown bear but for the game you will be hunting your current rifle is adequate.

If that is correct, then that may not be a good reason to go with heavier caliber if the current rifles are performing well and meeting your needs. I don't know the game laws in Alaska but shooting a brown bear without a tag might be messy. Of course, if your life is on the line, it's a moot point.

If you are going on a guided hunt, your guide should have enough knowledge on how to deal with an unwanted encounter with a Brown Bear and will undoubtedly have a backup rifle suitable to deal with a potentially deadly encounter.

If you indeed are going to hunt brown bear, then a suitable heavier caliber is definitely warranted. My rifle smith has hunted brown bear in Alaska and took one. To quote him, "when you see one up close and personal, you'll wish you had a cannon." He took his with a 338 Winchester Magnum. When you're hunting something that can kill you, I would think you'd want a caliber with proven history of taking these critters.

Having to stock for a new caliber with dies, components, etc. could be costly and unnecessary to meet your current needs so I'd carefully evaluate your true needs.

 

[wwbrown]

I would look at a 375 Ruger for Alaska in case a brown bear decides you look a lot like lunch. The big Ruger will help you dissuade a big hungry bear from making you its next meal and the recoil is surprisingly easy to handle. The 375 will easily handle the rest of the game you are seeking in Alaska at reasonable ranges. I think the 375 makes an ideal gun for black bear, it will make two good size holes in most any black bear with the right bullet choice.

 

[Loudenboomer]

My 2 cents
Hang on to the rifles you own.
Find your self a good .338 win mag. for Alaska
Your all set.

 

[lawman29]

Also, the wait on the Defiance was very very long and I really didn't want to wait that long again. But...

Bugholes in stock...

Defiance rifle actions, Defiance Deviant hunter, Defiance Deviant tactical, Defiance Deviant, Defiance Deviant ruckus, Defiance ruckus, Defiance Anti, Defiance AntiX, Defiance Tenacity, Defiance GA Hunter, Defiance Elite,

Defiance rifle actions, Defiance Deviant hunter, Defiance Deviant tactical, Defiance Deviant, Defiance Deviant ruckus, Defiance ruckus, Defiance Anti, Defiance AntiX, Defiance Tenacity, Defiance GA Hunter, Defiance Elite, Defiance Elite X, Defiance Outcast, Defiance Rebel, For Sale, Biggest US...

www.bugholes.com

 

[joshb]

My 2 cents
Hang on to the rifles you own.
Find your self a good .338 win mag. for Alaska
Your all set.

Big Brown Bears? I’ll call your 338 and raise ya. 458 Win Mag.
Wait....my memory just kicked in! 460 Weatherby Magnum!

 

[TTE]

IMO ... 338 - 06 is the lightest energy level I would go with.
If there is an AI model, that would be a bit better.

I have used a 35 Whelen (250 grain bullets) with very good success (Africa), it hits a ton under 150 yards.

358 Norma Mag, better yet.

You need quality bullets in any situation against a Brownie

 

[Bill K]

Buy a Ruger 375 R or 416 R and you will be set for any Alaska game. Keep the other two, for when you want a lighter shooting rifle, especially when you like, enjoy and know them so well.

 

[Migolito]

 

[Migolito]

Ok, you've talked some sense into me. Tomorrow I'll load up some 153.5 Hybrids and play with the 6.5(above) some more. In the mean time I'll look for a Ruger Alaskan in 375.

I'm a solo hunter generally and will be bush plane dropped next August into the 40 mile herd. I have zero intention of screwing with a bear. However, I've met a big Grizzly up close and personal once who wanted to eat me and based on that encounter, I want a caliber big enough to end future encounters.
Thank you all for the advice.

 

[rockhound78]

I would take either my 375 H&H or 350 Rem mag. if I was headed to Alaska to hunt.

 

[Edd]

..... Suggestions? I reload.

I think you already have it figured out. A 338 RCM or a 338-300 RCM is the logical choice.

 

[Ray123]

A standard 338 Win mag will do the job for everything you need. ..reload or not, you can find ammo in most any remote hunting camps in an emergency....and if ya reload, RL26 and a 275 gr bullet at 2675 fps the standard 338 Win mag will take care of large angry critters, and tiny deer.

 

[joshb]

Ok, you've talked some sense into me. Tomorrow I'll load up some 153.5 Hybrids and play with the 6.5(above) some more. In the mean time I'll look for a Ruger Alaskan in 375.

I'm a solo hunter generally and will be bush plane dropped next August into the 40 mile herd. I have zero intention of screwing with a bear. However, I've met a big Grizzly up close and personal once who wanted to eat me and based on that encounter, I want a caliber big enough to end future encounters.
Thank you all for the advice.

I would rethink that “solo” thought. Find a buddy for a minimum of two. 4 is better. Hunting alone in an “air dropped” location is.......what’s the right word......foolish.

 

[outasite`08]

I would rethink that “solo” thought. Find a buddy for a minimum of two. 4 is better. Hunting alone in an “air dropped” location is.......what’s the right word......foolish.

That`s a good point. Bears have been known to travel in groups. And fight over lunch. Jeff

 

[Migolito]

I would rethink that “solo” thought. Find a buddy for a minimum of two. 4 is better. Hunting alone in an “air dropped” location is.......what’s the right word......foolish.

Trust me, I understand some folks anxiety about doing things alone, or for that matter with others. The world to them is a very dangerous and frightening place. The way they live, the careers they choose, reflects that little boy who believes that the boogeyman resides under the bed. Their life is limited due to their embrace of cowardice. And they refer to others who don't believe in the Bogeyman as "Foolish".
I didn't ask for your opinion about solo hunting, not would I.

 

[Ray123]

Nothing wrong with solo hunting, did it myself in very remote areas....and many trappers and meat hunters who live way out in the bush all buy themselves, hunt year round "solo style" cause there ain't nobody else out there. My dad and brother did fly in fishing in Alaska's remote lakes, and the pilot gave them one 12 ga shotgun with slugs in the magazine...."see ya in a week if the weathers good, or few days later if it's bad". Your "new 338 rifle", should have hundreds of rounds through it, shot off hand at rabbits, squirrels, and such, with a light weight, low power, sturdy scope. A solo hunting rifle is not a "fancy tack driver", but a "well used tool," you can depend on... Up close and personal, where you must keep control of any situation, as you are alone. Just you and the animal you are hunting, your senses and awareness will become more pronounced. The most satisfying hunt you will ever experience....