Hunting rifle for my wife

[mattri]

LOL the op didn't refer actually going to Africa- nor would anyone be likely to suggest using the 7 Mauser if he did- just a mention of what the round has done.

 

[JRS]

LOL the op didn't refer actually going to Africa- nor would anyone be likely to suggest using the 7 Mauser if he did- just a mention of what the round has done.

Don't laugh too loud, or at least look into a mirror when you do Re read the first post: "and at some point a trip to Africa, plains game".
And yes, the 7x57 will cover it all, to include some of the larger animals where legal. You obviously know nothing of the 7x57. Call Madubula Safaris and talk to John. He would be happy to talk about using the 7x57 in Africa. You really should proof read what you have typed before hitting the post block.

 

[mattri]

Busted! Was obviously not paying close enough attention and confused two threads. Good looking out.

 

[Mr. Ten-X]

Bert, I put up a short review on the Savage Weather Warrior in 6.5x284 about 10 days back. The rifle weighs just shy of 7# bare, is extremely accurate and offers good delivery for most of the plains game or an elk. With a Vais brake, the rifle is a real pussycat. The only question would be the factory LOP and if it could be shortened for a small shooter. Obviously, Lapua brass for this cartridge can be readily found.

The 6.5mm bullet has a very high sectional density for penetration and retaining bullet integrity in larger critters. A real large Eland might be a problem, but not with a good hit with the right bullet. All of the other plains game would be a cinch.

As stated by someone else, a 6.5x55 would be another option. Once you start getting up into 7mm cartridges that meet your criteria, they begin to give a little more recoil than she may be able to tolerate, even with a brake.

 

[Bert]

Thanks for all the info guys!!!!! I have it narrowed down to 3 A 6.5-284 a strait .284 or just the the old standby .308. There were some other very good suggestions and i appreciate them. But the lapua brass thing is heavily influencing my decision. That is why the strait .284 is probable out yes i can get win brass for it to go the Africa but i would like to avoid that. And as it stands right now it is looking like the number one choice might be the .308? Thanks again to everone for there input.

 

[wvuredneck09]

IMO if your talking plains game and 308 I'd go 30-06. 308 is great for north america but if you wanted to load up the big pills for the plains game that is where the american classic shines. yes it is long action but so isn't a 308 with the big pills or you give up a lot of powder capacity with the bullets seated so deeply. Then again I'd still build a switch barrel rig that way you can have the best of both worlds in the gun. 6.5-284/straight 284 for NA and a big bore 338+ for Africa. with the same contour barrels she can practice a lot with the lower recoil, get used to the gun and how it handles and not have to do a lot of practicing with the "thumper" that may or may not cause her to develop a flinch.

 

[Miyka-el]

You can't go wrong with Lapua brass Great choice, I love my .308 and Lapua brass. I'm doing load development using Barnes LRX 175s and they seem pretty good. When I start new for a dedicated hunting rifle, I will probably still go 338 Federal or 338-06 AI. Hope you have some great hunting!

 

[JRS]

Bert:

When you asked about real world kills, taking nothing away from LAPUA brass, (I use it) you will find for your intended purpose that Winchester or Remington brass will work just fine. Neither you, your wife, nor the animal will be able to see or feel a difference. Your opening post refers to hunting, not target shooting.

 

[Bert]

JRS, Yes i would agree the difference in brass will have no notable effect with a hunting rifle as far as performance at the ranges my wife will use the rifle. I currently use win brass in my 300wsm works great. Why i like the lapua brass is less prep time for me at the bench. I am able to load it without time spent sorting uniforming and all the other stuff we do to brass. And not that i am being lazy about this just life doesn't allow enough time for everything i want to do. So if i can purchase brass that i do not have to put a great deal of time into i can spend that time at the range shooting. Some guys get all hung up on squeezing the last little bit of accuracy out of there hunting rig when that time should be spent shooting it off something other than the bench in a simulated field condition. Oh don't get me wrong my target rifles i want every bit i can get out of them but a hunting rifle is a different story. And i don't want to base my entire decision on the brass manufacture or get too hung up on that. I do greatly appreciate everyones thoughts and opinions on this topic.

 

[Miyka-el]

Bert hit that one right one the head. Lapua brass is much more uniform and requires less steps to be better than the other brass. Accurate Shooter has articles that mention you shouldn't mess with the primer pockets (uniforming etc) with Lapua as it can make it worse. I think Bert is right for wanting to start with the best, then no need to worry at all. Why not have the best possible accuracy for hunting? At least your mind knows that it will shoot much more accurately at longer range, even if the animal doesn't

For me, accurate ammo making is the precision skill that I want to maintain, whether it's for target or hunting. In fact, because an animal is involved, I'd rather make sure that I'm making the best possible ammo.

P.S. Bert, I think for 300WSM, Norma makes the best brass.

 

[Top-Flite]

I would go with the 7mm-08 and forget the brake. That's what I got for my son when he started hunting a Winchester Featherweight 22in barrel. I also ordered another stock from Winchester and cut it down to fit him with a nice thick recoil pad recoil was never a problem. He's 28 now and passing the gun on to his son my grandson. I think it's the perfect caliber for first time big game hunters or anyone try it.

 

[wapiti25]

I have used the 7-08 on deer and hogs. A good choice. 10 or 12 hogs it works. I shoot 139/140 gr most of the time. I like 160's and now the 168 Bergers out of my 7mm mag's. a 7-08 with the heavy bullets will require a long action as will most of the 6.5's with the 140's. Have you thought of a change barrel gun? A 260 for the deer/antelope and a 308/284 for the big stuff?

 

[Bert]

Yes this will be a switch barrel rifle already. Unless i go to a long action then i will have to buy an action.
It is switching with a repeater 6mm br i have. So it isnt a huge deal to get another barrel for it. I would like to stick to a short action for her anyway.

 

[JRS]

Bert:

A couple more items you might consider- 1st is recoil, the 308 has a considerable amount more than the 7-08 or 7x57. Available ammo if you happen to be separated from it during your trip to Africa. 7x57 is readily available there. Not sure about 7-08. Since this is something for your wife, it might make a difference. One more item of importance is shooting. Could be freehand, sitting, kneeling or prone. Lots of practice needed here.