Post by bluedot on Dec 16, 2015 14:16:28 GMT -5
I'm kicking around the thought of getting another rifle.
A lightweight rifle - something that will tip the scales at under 7 pounds with sling, 40mm scope and magazine full of ammo. Closer to 6 pounds would be even better, but I don't want to go broke getting it. Stainless/synthetic - less worry about it moving around in crappy conditions.
This one large enough caliber wise for black bear, moose, caribou and elk.
Capable of shooting and taking that game out to 500 yds or so - maybe longer? (that's a wag, and would probably apply more to caribou and elk than moose or bear). Yes I know that a standard .308 would do, but I am hoping to find something that will shoot a flatter trajectory and also have less wind drift. (my biggest concern, as the trajectory can be figured out relatively easily.)
I figure that with handloading, getting 1/2 moa shouldn't be a problem, I would want it to shoot better than 1 moa though.
I figure that a short action (.308 or WSM length) will be less weight than a standard action (30-06 length).
I'm not opposed to a wildcat, but I don't know if travelling out of country (say Canada) is O.K. with a wildcat. I thought I heard that some places wouldn't allow a rifle and ammo to be brought in if the headstamp on the case didn't match the cartridge stamp on the rifle. Then there's the S.O.L. problem if the ammo is lost in transit with a wildcat....
So, what do you think I should be looking at?
Budget will also come into play, I'd like the rifle to be under $2,500.00 (without optics), less would be better, but I know good components cost unless you fall upon a fire sale.
I'm not opposed to buying something used. Even if the tube is bad, I know a good gunsmith or two.