Long story short. A friend of mine called me up today after an elk hunt in Idaho and said he is looking for a factory rifle in 300 Win Mag that will allow him to shoot Elk at around 600 yrds. and he wants the rifle to weight in at around 8.5lbs. with scope. And he wants to accomplish this using factory ammo. IMO, I told him I didn't think it was very feasible to do this with out being able to handload to accurately make a humane shot on an elk at that distance. What do you all think. Is it possible, or is he wishful thinking?
Elk @ 600 yrds
- Thread starter fredhorace77
- Start date
wvlongshot
Gold $$ Contributor
Tikka t3 or sako a7. Sako also has a couple of other models
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
I guess we could consider this to be an experiment in 'what if'.
Most of these 'requests' come from folks who lack the most basic understanding of firearms and ammunition with regard to accuracy over long distances. They make the request for a lighter than normal rifle which will perform like a premium built tactical rifle because they don't want to have to carry the extra weight.
Too often there are discussions on several 'long range hunting' websites lauding someone's adventure with successful shots at extended ranges. This can have the effect of giving false confidence to shooters who don't necessarily have the ability to accomplish that same event but believe they do.
For the sake of discussion though, it's possible to examine the possibility for a potential candidate if we ignore the costs. This is just for the sake of discussion in the spirit of examining what is available, not what the shooter is capable of. I do not support any contention that long range shots should be made without regard for the game.
Browning introduced the Hell's Canyon Long Range McMillan featuring the X-Bolt action, designed specifically for long range accuracy and hunting. It has a 26" barrel, chambered for the .300 Win. Mag. and weighing in at 7.5lbs without the scope an mounts.
Couple this with the highly regarded ABM ammunition for hunting using the 168 Grain Match Hunting bullet from Berger. At normal hunting velocities it should have just about 1600 ft/lbs of energy at 600 yards.
I think you could also consider either a Sako or even the Tikka for such a project given all the accolades they garner from many shooters.
Now the trick is finding a GREAT scope specifically for precise shooting at long ranges but in a lighter weight conformation. I'll leave that part for the folks who are more attuned to the lighter scopes and mounts.
Tell him to buy some knee and elbow pads and crawl about 300 yards closer.
The lighter the gun, the harder to shoot accurately at long range. I know some guys doing well with Remington Sendero's. As far as scopes go you need repeatability. The lightest scope I would use is a Leopold 6.5x20 or 8.5x25 LRT. They have been repeatable and come in at 20 ounces. Then the person needs to get the gun shooting and practice. Solid rests are needed. Also a good laser rangefinder. 600 yard groups could be had in the 2 to 5 inch range. Matt
Alex Wheeler
Site $$ Sponsor
Yep, if you get a sendero that has a good barrel it will do that pretty easily. Id go with the 300 win. Being a factory rifle, it may shoor 1/2 moa or 2 moa.... thats the chance you take. Edit, re-read your post. A sendero will be too heavy and if doesnt reload, that will make it harder. Have him pick up a tikka and practice with different ammo. If he can shot 1 moa at 600 then it wont be an issue so long as he pays attention to the conditions and doesnt take the shot unless they are right.
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hogpatrol
Gold $$ Contributor
Agree 100%. It sounds like he's been watching too many heavily edited (fake) long range TV hunting shows.
Never hunted there, how's that wind in Idaho?
WyleWD
Silver $$ Contributor
+1 on this post.
While it is possible, it's not very likely. Especially if he's still wanting to do the hunt yet this season. JMHO. WD
CharlieNC
Gold $$ Contributor
The primary consideration is not finding a rifle, scope, and ammo that will do the job; that is easy to do for a reasonable price. One must put in the trigger time in a stable position (prone for me) to become proficient. Upon hunting the wind must be within your comfort zone. My old Tikka 300WM and Nikon rig is more like 10lb, but lighter options are available. Shooting prone and no wind, dropped a cow elk at 550yd last year and going back in a few weeks. In the meanwhile I will practice 300yd weekly, and at least one long range session.
He forgot to say also under $500 .00 . Yes it possible but very unlikely. Larry
Your friend should contact GunWerks. They build rifles that are capable of MOA@ 600 yrds and they sell ammo to go with it. They are a no BS company, two of my friends have their rifles, one guy killed his WY moose at 512yrds one shot kill. The same guy killed his antelope at over 700 yds and the antelope was watching him face on. The game warden of that area watched it and came down to complement him on the shot, he also helped him get it to his truck. They use NightForce scopes on the rifles and the G7 range finder.
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ab_bentley
I fix stuff, sometimes....
Factory gun, probably not. I built a 8.5lb 300wm for a customer a few years ago, who last week took a 600yd elk freehand with factory Trophy Bonded Tip ammo. The gun loved the stuff, would shoot 3" groups at 800yds with it. Again, factory gun, probably not, factory ammo, absolutely.
hogpatrol
Gold $$ Contributor
Fred, Here's my regimen for LR hunting preparation. Two or three days a week, 500 to 800 meters, winds blowing everywhichway (there's one for the English police) up to 20mph, 30 degree swings in temperature, off a bipod and a shaky bench for two months before the hunt. Then I feel "relatively" confident at making those long first shot kills. As far as crawling closer, if you don't mind cobras, puff adders, scorpions, bugs and thorns, I'll be on that rock over there watching you with a backup shot at the ready. 
Having said all that, getting closer depends on many variables such as the terrain, game, wind, time to move, direction the game is moving, and distance.
Having said all that, getting closer depends on many variables such as the terrain, game, wind, time to move, direction the game is moving, and distance.
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nmkid
Gold $$ Contributor
Very nice picture!!
Fred, if you were to go over to Long Range Hunting forum and ask this question you will get excellent information, from experienced LRH's. They are very successful in their hunts.
hogpatrol
Gold $$ Contributor
Is that 8.5 pounds with scope?
Alex Wheeler
Site $$ Sponsor
This is true. The rifle, scope, and rangefinder will set you back 12k though. I do like the g7 rangefinders..
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