What hunting rifle would you build on a Pre64 action?

[geraldgee]

280AI - Zero'ed 1.5" high at 100yds, I hold dead on out to 300 with the 140 Accubonds. When the barrel goes, I will have the bolt opened and a new barrel chambered in 28 Nosler.

 

[Gary in MD]

Classic action = classic cartridge = 30-06

 

[matthias]

Classic action = classic cartridge = 30-06

I am almost done with a 30-06ai in a cloward stock and a shilen chromoly barrel. So I would go 30-06ai

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Well for a deer or antelope rifle, I think a classic 243 Weatherby would be quite the zinger.

6.5-06 AI is a good all around long range cartridge with Berger 140gr VLDs.

For elk hunting in the thickets, the 338-06 or 35 Whelen would be a great choice.

Out of those 4...I'd probably go with the 6.5-06 AI

 

[Frankr]

If It's a 06 bolt face and long action it would have to be a classic stock # 3 sporter 1-9 twist chambered for the
.284 Win throated for the 168/180 VLD..
I am always looking at the Belgium Browning Safari's in .284 Win long action's I wonder how the throats are long/short. I also look at the Belgium Medallion's But that is all I due look..My pockets are not deep enough for one. But If I ever build a custom it would be a long action .284
Have you ever really looked at a Belgium Browning Medallion Grade? Hope I did not start a bad thing...I enjoy looking at them..I had one in my hands once..(WOW!).

 

[nvbroncrider]

If you want something with a little extra thump go 338-06 or 9.3X62 If cool 280AI. I built a rifle just like your talking about in 338-06AI. It's a touch heavy but it shoots well. The AI is pretty pointless performance wise on the 338's on up since you don't gain much capacity. You gain FFing and expensive dies and no trimming etc. I also have a 9.3X62 in a SS Classic. Basically the 338 will throw a 225 @ 2750 the 9.3 you can get up around 2700-2750 with a 250 in good modern actions running around 65k like you would run a 270 Win.

Basically with either of those choices you match a 308's trajectory with more thump so both can be a legit 500 yard big game rifle.

 

[XTR]

I'm warming to the 338-06 idea.

 

[CJ6]

And factory ammo/brass available too.

 

[benchracer]

I have a 338-06AI under construction on a VZ-24 action. I have Norma factory 338-06 brass waiting for it. Redding dies were not overly expensive. One thing I had considered was going with a 338 that could use factory Nosler 280AI brass. That would probably require custom dies, but might be interesting.

 

[swd]

If Africa or Alaska are on your list the 9.3x62 has some serious power!

 

[Barlow]

7x57 - It will kill anything you want to hunt, and has noticeably less recoil than the 280.

Might consider the AI version for some cool factor. Barlow

 

[wi50]

What can't a 30-06 do?

 

[Cold Bore]

What can't a 30-06 do?

Not much.

As boring as it may be, not much else offers the versatility and breadth of the 30-06, especially in a hunting rifle, for North America (99% of hunters will never see Africa).

 

[P72]

The qualifier would be the consideration of a large beast like an elk. The solution would be to have a 6.5-06 and a .300 Win mag. But who wants to mess up a nice M70 bolt face for a magnum cartridge so back to the .280 or needing more refinement a .280 Improved of some common variety. I know very little about improved versions of the .280 but apparently there are 2 types.

I prefer boredom over failure every time but really like those pointy 160-162 grain 7mm bullets. This stuff can lead into some type of a domestic arms race.

 

[AckleymanII]

Make darn sure you have that Pre 64 trued, most are way out.

 

[Steve Ladino]

A 6 MM 06 ???

 

[JRS]

Caliber, for elk, is not nearly as important as bullet construction and placement.

 

[scope eye]

A 30-06 with a Serengeti chambering, I have one and there is a world of difference between that and with a sammi spec one.

Dean

 

[JRS]

A 30-06 with a Serengeti chambering, I have one and there is a world of difference between that and with a sammi spec one.

Dean

I believe PT&G placed the Serengeti name on the reamer. It is the German Salazar Match reamer.

 

[XTR]

What can't a 30-06 do?

Not much, but the point, as stated earlier in this thread, is that if I do a build I don't want to bother with a build for a chambering I can buy off of the shelf, and the majority of the Pre-64s out there are 30-06. If I want one of those I'll just buy it.