Boss's Hunting Rifle

[DShortt]

Last week my boss asking me he was thinking of getting into hunting. Several of us guys at work talked about our hunting stories and he said he was intrigued. I ask him what game he wanted to try hunting and he said he would try deer at first and maybe elk down the road.

The next day I told him a 280 AI would be perfect for what he wants. I told him a 280 AI could be loaded for coyote, deer, and elk. He doesn't know this cartridge but said to find him a good gun. I asked him what's his budget and he said he doesn't have a budget.

Now I know he said he said he doesn't have a budget but I figure I want to start from the bottom of the list and work my way up. My first thought was I didn't want to tell him to just go in the store and buy what ever they had on the self. I want to go through the hold build process with him and hope he'll have a better understanding for his rifle. I want to put together the rifle, find a load for the rifle, and show him how to reload more bullets.

For all the options, this part that will remain the same:
- Short Action Customs FL die - $295
- Midsouth RCBS seating die - $125
- my spare press (still new) - $40
- Brownell's Shilen barrel blank - $202
- Arken EPL-4 6-24x50 FFP - $412.40
- N560 Powder Valley - $64-410
- Gunsmith cost - $300
- Total - $1438.40

My first low end of the rifle build will be on a Savage 110 action. I've built many rifles off a Savage so I'm very familiar.
- Savage LA top bolt release (Northland Shooter's Supply) - $490
- MDT Oryx chassis - $365.46
- Timney Trigger - $125
Total - $980.46

Next option is from a Tikka action. I have no experience with Tikka but everyone seems to like this action.
- Tikka T3x LA lite (JA Outdoors) - $780
- Oryx MDT chassis - $365.46
- TriggerTech special - $225
Total - $1370.45

Next option is from Mack Brothers
- Mack Brother's Ego 2 - $775
- Oryx MDT chassis - $430
- TriggerTech special - $270
Total - $1473

The last option is from Defiance
- Defiance Classic - $980
- Oryx MDT chassis - $430
- TriggerTech special - $270
Total - $1680

The last expenses are brass, bullets, and primers which totals to about $250 - 300

Now if he doesn't freakout about the these prices and he is willing to go higher, I will suggest other chassises and other actions but I figure to start at these options. I'll tell him he can always buy reloading equipment and rifle parts here and there over the course of several months. I have all this information written out on a sheet of paper and will give it him tomorrow morning after our safety meeting. I noticed most hunters use blind mags and not chassises and I'll ask him if he prefers a stock. What do you think of my thought process? Any other suggestions?

Has your boss been shooting?

If not, there's a learning curve to go through before worrying about the 'perfect' rifle.

 

[DShortt]

Ok. Thanks for everyone's suggestions but after talking with my boss, he told me he already bought a 7mm RimMag this past weekend. He went into Sportsman's Warehouse and the sales person talked him into a Savage Axis 7mm Rim Mag. As for reloading, the sales person told him factory ammo is just as good or better then anything reloaded. So that's that.

Ah, well nevermind about shooting skills then.
This action by your boss already answered that question.

Next year, it'll be a different rifle because the first one was not accurate.

 

[ClayM]

Ah, well nevermind about shooting skills then.
This action by your boss already answered that question.

Next year, it'll be a different rifle because the first one was not accurate.

You'll be able to buy that 7Mag CHEEEEP!!!!!

 

[Gary in MD]

Ok. Thanks for everyone's suggestions but after talking with my boss, he told me he already bought a 7mm RimMag this past weekend. He went into Sportsman's Warehouse and the sales person talked him into a Savage Axis 7mm Rim Mag. As for reloading, the sales person told him factory ammo is just as good or better then anything reloaded. So that's that.

Probably told him that the cheap Vortex that they offered was the best scope available also.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

I think you’re way overthinking it.

Tikka

Seekins

Off the shelf “custom” from Altus or Mack Bros

- reasonable caliber with quality brass.

Agreed 100%.

We all meet these people. Just tell them to get a tikka, chambered in something like a creed so he can buy factory ammo that shoots.

If the hobby sticks, come back at them with what you’re saying.

Think about if you’re wanting to mentor someone. It takes time away from your shooting, trust me, a lot.

 

[dryhumor]

Ok. Thanks for everyone's suggestions but after talking with my boss, he told me he already bought a 7mm RimMag this past weekend. He went into Sportsman's Warehouse and the sales person talked him into a Savage Axis 7mm Rim Mag. As for reloading, the sales person told him factory ammo is just as good or better then anything reloaded. So that's that.

Just as good or better… dang. Wonder if he sold him a box of every available 7mag ammo to determine which was the “as good” stuff.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Ok. Thanks for everyone's suggestions but after talking with my boss, he told me he already bought a 7mm RimMag this past weekend. He went into Sportsman's Warehouse and the sales person talked him into a Savage Axis 7mm Rim Mag. As for reloading, the sales person told him factory ammo is just as good or better then anything reloaded. So that's that.

You dodged a bullet. Close one!

Anyone who needs this in their life, have fun. The people who know zero, ask questions, then argue. Plus it’s your boss!! What does winning this battle look like? You’re gonna be prepping his brass, then yours, and all the other undesirable parts of this hobby, hopefully for a promotion? Who has time for this hobby times two? I barely get my own done.

Nope.

The genius at sportsman’s wear house saved your bacon. Go give him $20.

 

[DShortt]

BTW - what's a '7mm RimMag'?

 

[ebb]

This is the best possible outcome for you!!! He made all the decisions and you are off the hook. I tried to get my boss to send his rifle to my smith Col Billy and he sent it to Jarrett rifles and spent about 3 times the money. When this doesn't perform as expected, you may or may not get the call on the next one. If it were me, I would be glad and have no opinion on the next one.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

This is the best possible outcome for you!!! He made all the decisions and you are off the hook. I tried to get my boss to send his rifle to my smith Col Billy and he sent it to Jarrett rifles and spent about 3 times the money. When this doesn't perform as expected, you may or may not get the call on the next one. If it were me, I would be glad and have no opinion on the next one.

Take a nephew, niece, your kid, girlfriend, someone who you want as a girlfriend maybe, and go shooting. For fun.

Someone who will listen and enjoy it.

Then if they like it, make them do all the work, see if it sticks.

 

[wyshadow]

BTW - what's a '7mm RimMag'?

It's a .22 mag bored out to 7mm. Everyone knows that.

 

[DShortt]

It's a .22 mag bored out to 7mm

Interesting. Do you have a cartridge image to post?

I'd like to see that.

Any terminal velocity data?

Rimfire Magnum......

7mm .......

 

[ELR LVR]

Ok. Thanks for everyone's suggestions but after talking with my boss, he told me he already bought a 7mm RimMag this past weekend. He went into Sportsman's Warehouse and the sales person talked him into a Savage Axis 7mm Rim Mag. As for reloading, the sales person told him factory ammo is just as good or better then anything reloaded. So that's that.

Wow, that sales person was really looking for his christmas bonus huh?
(I once went into my local gun shop looking for some H1000, the guys kind of laughed at me saying
Psh, aint nobody uses that powder for anything haha)
Then I was looking for some Burris Signature Zee rings
They steered me to Leupold
I said Nooo, I want the rings with the plastic inserts so I can adjust cant etc etc
They said "PLASTIC?" why would want PLASTIC?
I left the store
---
Many guys that work at the gun store are clueless
After your boss misses his first Elk, and realizes the costs of trip, tags etc
maybe he will listen to you, instead of a salesman
---
BTW
the 280AI, is a great choice, as is the standard .284
As I was reading the only thing I wanted to add in there was a good side ported muzzle brake
2nd choice, 6.5x284 (savage even used to put out some rifles in that caliber)
3rd choice 260 Rem (we have High BC bullets in the 150 grn range now and 308 brass can be used to reload so its a very "ecenomical" choice)
I dont know who else may still put out a 6.5x 284 but I think its also a good choice for a first time hunter due to much less recoil than any Magnum
See how his shoulder feels from a light hunting weight 7 Mag after sighting in lol
Regardless - a Muzzle brake will help WORLDS in a 7 Mag
(Wonder if his barrel is threaded or not)
---
And as far as a factory Tikka goes - aint nuthin shooting along side a custom chambered custom barreled rifle with handloads - Especially at long distances
Buddy of mine got a Tikka Tac A1 in 6.5 Creed, AFTER I told him I could build a custom for him for close to the same cost
I feel so bad for him every time we shoot that he didn't just listen.

 

[DShortt]

Wow, that sales person was really looking for his christmas bonus huh?
After your boss misses his first Elk, and realizes the costs of trip, tags etc
maybe he will listen to you, instead of a salesman
---
BTW
the 280AI, is a great choice, as is the standard .284
As I was reading the only thing I wanted to add in there was a good side ported muzzle brake
2nd choice, 6.5x284 (savage even used to put out some tifles in that caliber)
I dont know who else may still but I think its also a good choice for a first time hunter

Still think some practice *might* be in order.

And the Boss is gonna practice with a '7mm RimMag', eh?

Well, if that's anything like a 7mm Rem Mag, the Boss is probably not gonna like that.
A Savage Axis. Light rifle.
Ooof.

My 'Google Fu' fails me. I can't locate a Savage Axis 7mm RimMag.

The 7mm Rem Mag weighs 6.3 lbs.

Ouch.

 

[alf]

Personally, I would have steered him towards a 30-06.

 

[DShortt]

Personally, I would have steered him towards a 30-06.

Personally, I would have started with a .22lr bolt action and see if the Boss could shoot even 500 rounds at 30 yards over different outings and manage a group.

But that's no fun to talk about.

 

[ELR LVR]

Personally, I would have steered him towards a 30-06.

Actually, thats what I steered one friend to, since he doesnt reload and factory ammo can be had easy
A long forgotten about very solid choice
I said let me find you a decent used factory rifle as a FOUNDATION, to build on
Found a Win Mod 70 for $700 in 30-06
He was all prepared to let me custom barrel it for him
He kept asking "should we put a custom barrel on it yet?"
I installed a muzzle brake and that was it
After working up some loads - it makes first round hits at 600 yds with handloads and 208 A-max's
I was beside myself impressed with it
---
I said shoot it until it no longer does that then we'll rebarrel it

 

[DShortt]

Actually, thats what I steered one friend to, since he doesnt reload
I said let me find you a decent used factory rifle as a FOUNDATION, to build on
Found a Win Mod 70 for $700 in 30-06
He was all prepared to let me custom barrel it for him but
He kept asking "should we put a custom barrel on it yet?"
I installed a muzzle brake and that was it
After working up some loads - it makes first round hits at 600 yds with handloads and 208 A-max's
I was beside myself impressed with it
---
I said shoot it until it no longer does that then we'll rebarrel it

And I'm gonna guess this wasn't your friends first rifle, correct?

Show me someone who shoots 'first round hits at 600 yards' who never shot before.

Their name?

Nobody.

Ever.

What's that target size at 600 yards for a new shooter?

Minute of section? That's a quarter mile square around here.

Otherwise, why isn't that friend competing?

 

[ELR LVR]

And I'm gonna guess this wasn't your friends first rifle, correct?

Show me someone who shoots 'first round hits at 600 yards' who never shot before.

Their name?

Nobody.

Ever.

What's that target size at 600 yards for a new shooter?

Minute of section? That's a quarter mile square around here.

Otherwise, why isn't that friend competing?

No, he is my Captain, he is not new to shooting, he can alllllmost outshoot me in every discipline
From AR to Pistol, etc
--- but is new to "Long Range" shooting
While I have been long range shooting for 30 years, so being the intelligent guy he is
he listened to my advice for a first "Long Range Rifle"
---
and may I ask, Why is it, that every person who is an excelled marksman
MUST BE competing?
That takes, extra time, money, time away from family and other duties which are far more important than some trophy
People tell me I should be competing, Ok then what?
What if I do?
What do I get?
You gonna bow down?
probably not right?
A pat on the back and good for you
I dont need to pay money, spend driving time, time away from work etc for a pat on the back
And some trophy is gonna sit on a shelf and collect dust
I cant eat a trophy or pay my bills with a trophy
We dont even earn our entrance fees back plus the ammo, plus the rifle build cost plus the price of ammo to get us to that level of being able to compete.
So lets say I win first place?
Then what? So?
---
You don't know how many guys I know that are secretly, so good if they competed, they would be in top 10
My local Pastor being one of them in Pistol Discipline, the most unsuspecting guy can wipe the floor with most pistol shooters
So not everyone, needs to compete, to be good
For many of us, it is more of a personal accomplishment
like building a muscle car or bodybuilding or something
just cuz a guy has built a bad ass 51 Merc' dont mean there is some law stating he must enter car shows

 

[DShortt]

No, he is my Captain, he is not new to shooting, he can alllllmost outshoot me in every discipline
From AR to Pistol, etc
--- but is new to "Long Range" shooting
While I have been long range shooting for 30 years, so being the intelligent guy he is
he listened to my advice for a first "Long Range Rifle"
---
and may I ask, Why is it, that every person who is an excelled marksman
MUST BE competing?
That takes, extra time, money, time away from family and other duties which are far more important than some trophy

No beef with you.

Just question the skills of the 'Boss'.