Firearm BS thread

I'm about to start reloading 30-06 as well as 5.56, I've got some Sierra bullets stocked up for it. I'm hoping that the pro hunters (soft tip boat tails) shoot well for me, if they do I will look for the 55 grain equivalent in .223

It depends on what you consider cheap, I'm used to shooting 30-06 and .45 colt for example. Either of which are at a very minimum $0.75 per round usually around a dollar for the 30-06. As long as I find it for under $.50 I'm happy. I've got friends who shoot mainly .22 and think that $.50 is really high per round. It all depends on how you see things

 

So I will try again but more specifically. For you guys shooting AR, those are designed to shoot 5.56 Nato rounds. What is deemed a good price on 5.56 Nato as a price per round? I understand various calibers run on different price points and as the caliber goes up, so does the price tag. As the rounds or shells get longer, the price also goes up.

 

I'll put it in a perspective of a friend of mine. He will basically buy any brass cased .223 or 5.56 (box of 20) if it is 7$ or less. Honestly if you are looking for cheap priced 556, look at whatever The cheapest price walmart has and use that as a reference (I think I saw a 1000 round case for like 360 ish at one point recently).

 

So about 36¢ per round then.

 

1/7 or 1/9 twist?

 

Been checking out the savages and really like the Savage 16 Weather Warrior FCSS. I am inbetween calibers though... This will be my first rifle and really like the 300 but just not 100% on how hard it kicks. Heard some people don't mind and then others say it sucks! I am mainly going to use it for deer and elk and some fun at the ranges. Anyone have experience with this model and that caliber? Also how does the 300wsm compare in regards to recoil? Thanks.

 

For good ammo like American Federal, I pay around $.43/rd, but ya gotta get a bulk buy of like 1000 rds to see that deal.

You can find cheaper, less known ammo for a little cheaper, maybe $.38/rd.

 

I've owned a bunch of .300 Win Mag rifles over the years. I really like the cartridge. I'm on my second .300WSM right now. It's an interesting cartridge as well. Both produce great velocities and have a huge range of bullet weights and construction styles to choose from. Yo can't go wrong with either.

From a recoil standpoint either one dishes out a lot. It is definitely manageable but not enjoyable. I'm not a big guy but I can shoot either rifle well for several strings without flinching, but it's not fun. I shoot long range precision rifle competitively and shoot 2,000-2,500 rounds of centerfire rifle rounds a year. I would not consider a .300 for me to shoot long strings from awkward positions.

Just my opinion, but I wouldn't recommend a .300 for a guy getting started rifle shooting. The recoil, the cost of ammo and the fact that someone new to rifle shooting isn't going to gain any benefit from a .300.

For me - I hunt lots of deer and antelope every year and go many years in between elk tags. I use a .243 or .260 and never have a problem killing our large bodied whitetail and mule deer. I get 3-8 deer tags a year and between SD and WY usually 4+ antelope tags. I doubt I could fit one year's worth in my truck. They all die to either a .243 or more often a .260AI. Bang, flop.

Buy a good rifle for deer that you can afford to shoot a lot and put the very best optic on it that you can. Then when you get drawn for elk, deal with that by either borrowing or buying a larger rifle if you need to.

Good luck to you.

Bob

 

My current primary deer/antelope rifle -
Blueprinted 700 action
PTG bolt
Bartlein 8twt fluted barrel
Sandstorm titanium suppressor
H-S stock
AI DBM
.260AI throated for 140gr bullets






Bob

 

30-06 will work for elk, just use heavier bullets.

 

Bob,

Thanks for all the good information, just what I was looking for in deciding. I just kept reading contrary reviews on the 300 win mag and 300 wsm saying the recoil was terrible or wasn't bad at all. I also do not want to get into bad habits starting out with a rifle that will make me flinch. I believe I will go with a 308 or 30-06 then. That way I can still take an elk with it when I plan to go to Arizona to hunt with my friend that is a guide. He is getting massive bulls! Here's a picture of his last one he guided for...



Do you or have you noticed a major difference between the 308 and 30-06?

 

Az has some of the biggest bulls in the country! You won't be disappointed!!!

I only hunt elk with a bow , but a 30/06 or 308 will put a bull down for a dirt nap no problem....

Az

 

Both work well but my preference is the .308. I like short actions better. Also I reload for everything (except carry ammo) and the .308 is a reloader's dream. Very efficient. If you don't reload you can buy more quality .308 ammo than '06 ammo for the same money. You'll have zero problems dropping deer or elk with either. There are great rifles available in both. If you're partial to semi autos the .308 has the advantage of the LR308 platform with lots of magazine choices. I have a LR308 and have a blast shooting it. I got some Magpul 5 rounders for it.

There are lots of good choices in the two chamberings you've chosen. I'd decide on the platform I want first - semi or bolt, barrel length and contour, weight, wood or synthetic and then pick either the .308 or '06. You can't go wrong with either one.

Bob

PS - nice bull! I used to live in AZ. I killed a nice bull with a 6.5-06 up on the Rim. Great area to hunt. I need to go back for a visit soon.

 

I found this thread and list very informative:
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php/575-A-Rifle-cartridge-comparison

 

You would definitely be fine with something smaller than a 300 like has been said. I just picked up a 300wm this week for big game up here but I do know people that have killed bear and moose with a 30-06, alot of people carry them up here as a good all around rifle. Personally I like the extra power of the 300 for grizz. I have a 270 at home in TN thats put down every deer its had its sights on, its a great caliber as well. All about shot placement though if you were to take it after elk.

 

Appreciate all the feedback you all have been giving. I think I am going to go with the 308 caliber as it seems to perform well and is fairly easy to reload. I am wanting to eventually reload myself to save money.

Would you guys pick a good old american made savage 16 FCSS or the Tikka T3 Lite? Probably going to get this either tomorrow or next weekend. we shall see, regardless I cannot wait!

 

Tika makes a nice rifle. Generally accurate out of the box and reasonably light weight. Good looking rifles. I've only owned two Savages - a 16FHV in .223 and a 11FCNS in .300WSM. They are the only two firearms that I own that I don't like. To me they are ugly, clunky, don't fit and don't point well. But, the damn things shoot pretty good for an inexpensive factory rifle. And I still have both of them. Lots of folks love Savages and they are easy to work on and customize yourself. Either rifle has enough accuracy for what you're wanting to do.

I'd look at it from a budget perspective. First you should choose the best optic you can afford and second buy the rifle that fits your remaining budget. Your optic and mount will have the most effect overall. Especially if you get interested in shooting long range. For distance shooting you have to either hold over with the reticle or dial your come-ups. Precision and repeatability is the name of the game here.

If you can afford it, buy the Tika and put a Luepy VX-3 or MK4 or Swaro on it. If that stretches your budget too much, get the same optic and put it on the Savage or even a Stevens.

Either way once you get zeroed at your preferred distance, get off the bench! Learn to shoot prone, sitting, kneeling, standing, from a log, rock or your pack, etc. Definitely go shooting when it's raining, snowing and blowing like a hurricane. Too many guys only want to shoot from the bench and only in perfect weather. Then when they're hunting in worse conditions, and they've never practiced like that, they have problems. Do more field shooting at unknown distances and less at square ranges. The only way to really know where you need to hold at 448 yards or 576 yards at a 15 degree down angle at 25 degrees with a 15 mph wind is to go and shoot in those conditions. Plus, it's fun! Enjoy.

Bob

 

Picked up my shotgun yesterday, hoping I get home before it's to late to shoot some squirrels.

 

http://www.sgammo.com/product/remin...se-pack-9mm-remington-umc-115-grain-fmj-ammo#

Is this good ammo / way to buy? Thanks for any replies.

 

Tikka for sure. I shoot a heavy FN tactical-style police rifle in 308 but I'll have a lighter hunting rifle for next year. A Tikka is on my short list.