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Joined: Sep 2018
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Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 31 |
Honestly, being in Ohio (no shouldered rifle cartridges for hunting) our supply of rifle ammunition is a bit misleading and not super indicative of the market as a whole. I forget that sometimes. I had a 6.5 Creed in the past and the lack of cheap ammunition to practice with killed it for me, and I don’t really have the time for another hobby (reloading). I do like the idea of less recoil considering the rifle’s weight though, and the 6.5 C would really cut the recoil back. Doing some quick reading and actually this round doesn’t suffer from a short barrel as badly as I thought it did. Hm.
Mike Your choice is clear...  I too am hunting Ohio. And I built my rifle to fit Ohio law. May I present...AR-15 .450BUSHMASTER. Designed as a 300 yard ammo (though some folks are shooting further) it is a straight wall cartridge between .357 and .50 (as Ohio law requires) You are allowed 3 bullets in the gun, so a 5 round mag will do nicely, I haven't weighed mine, but I've hunted with it the last 2 years, with no issues. Factory ammo is available at cabela's. @$1.50 per round. I actually have a lower finished up in the safe for just this purpose, ha. This rifle (that the post is about) will be traveling with me on a couple tips coming up to TN and WV. .450 Bushy will be my OH gun, probably.
“To be is to do" - Socrates
"To do is to be" - Sartre
"Do Be Do Be Do" - Sinatra
KV
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,263
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,263 |
I would stretch my budget and get the Barret. You will only regret the initial sticker shock and that will be forgotten shortly. You will not have any what ifs about your choice.
A 6.5 or 308? I would see what came along first and let that decide. Here in central Tx. the gas stations have Creedmoor ammo. Both can make a great ladies or youth rifle but easier if you hand load.
"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred." Niccolo Machiavelli
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 8,109
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 8,109 |
Honestly, being in Ohio (no shouldered rifle cartridges for hunting) our supply of rifle ammunition is a bit misleading and not super indicative of the market as a whole. I forget that sometimes. I had a 6.5 Creed in the past and the lack of cheap ammunition to practice with killed it for me, and I don’t really have the time for another hobby (reloading). I do like the idea of less recoil considering the rifle’s weight though, and the 6.5 C would really cut the recoil back. Doing some quick reading and actually this round doesn’t suffer from a short barrel as badly as I thought it did. Hm.
Mike Your choice is clear... I too am hunting Ohio. And I built my rifle to fit Ohio law. May I present...AR-15 .450BUSHMASTER. Designed as a 300 yard ammo (though some folks are shooting further) it is a straight wall cartridge between .357 and .50 (as Ohio law requires) You are allowed 3 bullets in the gun, so a 5 round mag will do nicely, I haven't weighed mine, but I've hunted with it the last 2 years, with no issues. Factory ammo is available at cabela's. @$1.50 per round. I actually have a lower finished up in the safe for just this purpose, ha. This rifle (that the post is about) will be traveling with me on a couple tips coming up to TN and WV. .450 Bushy will be my OH gun, probably. Nice thing about the AR'S, swap uppers, and it's a different rifle. One lower, several options.
An unemployed Jester, is nobody's Fool.
the only real difference between a good tracker and a bad tracker, is observation. all the same data is present for both. The rest, is understanding what you're seeing.
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 31
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 31 |
Absolutely, Greatest platform of all time. I was originally going to just out a Grendel upper on this lower for my all purpose lightweight hunting rifle, but I saw an opportunity to have multiple new rifles and, well...
Mike
“To be is to do" - Socrates
"To do is to be" - Sartre
"Do Be Do Be Do" - Sinatra
KV
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 8,109
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 8,109 |
Absolutely, Greatest platform of all time. I was originally going to just out a Grendel upper on this lower for my all purpose lightweight hunting rifle, but I saw an opportunity to have multiple new rifles and, well...
Mike
Then enjoy and good hunting.
An unemployed Jester, is nobody's Fool.
the only real difference between a good tracker and a bad tracker, is observation. all the same data is present for both. The rest, is understanding what you're seeing.
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651 |
I've been shopping for a new lightweight hunting rifle ...
... My original goal was a scoped rifle coming in at around 6-7# in a caliber that is capable of taking all/most game in NA (outside of the big bears) with factory ammunition that is common and readily available, out to around 300 yards or so. Kind a modern interpretation of the Scout Rifle, but without the forward mounted scope and integral mag storage, etc. I landed on .308, which seems to most closely fit the bill while also allowing for short actions (in the cases where they are scaled) and performing well out of shorter barrels. Planning on the SWFA SS Ultralight 2.5-10x32 as the optic, but not settled on that either. I originally planned for less than $1500 for the whole kit and caboodle, but honestly don't care as I am willing to save indefinitely.
...
When I was looking for something similar, with the additional caveat that I wanted iron sights, I went with the Ruger Scout in .308 Win. It came in a laminate stock, which I replaced with a Ruger synthetic, which knocked the weight down to 6.25 pounds. The factory flash hider was replace with a $30 brake. My hunting buddy, who has had shoulder surgery for diabetes related problems, states it "has no recoil". No true, but it is mild. The 6.5 CM Scout would be even milder. Mine got a Vortex Scout scope in Warne QD rings so I can shoot the irons or glass at will. Had a Burris 3-9x in the standard Ruger rings for load development. A lightweight 4x scope would be a great option for a rear mounted scope. One other thing I did was to purchase Ruger 3- and 5-round synthetic mags. They are quieter and handier than the factory 10-rounder. The 3-round sits almost flush with the stock and is the only one I've used since I got it. Like it a lot.
Coyote Hunter - NRA Patriot Life, NRA Whittington Center Life, GOA, DAD - and I VOTE!
No, I'm not a Ruger bigot - just an unabashed fan of their revolvers, M77's and #1's.
A good .30-06 is a 99% solution.
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Joined: May 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 15,887 |
Look at the Sauer 100 and the Mauser M18. Both are very accurate and are less than $900.
There are 2 rules to success:
1. Never tell everything that you know.
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,550
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,550 |
Why not a Barrett in 7-08? It'll pretty much do anything you need it to
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Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 31
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 31 |
I can't speak to availability elsewhere, but 7-08 is extremely uncommon around my way and in the areas where I hunt. I HATE having to look for ammo, and being forced to order online is frustrating as well. I do love the round, but 6.5 CM and .308 just have to many benefits for me personally.
MIke
“To be is to do" - Socrates
"To do is to be" - Sartre
"Do Be Do Be Do" - Sinatra
KV
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 30
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 30 |
Given the Tikka creeds plastic 'M+' mags accommodate nearly 3' COAL's there isn't anything required to 'fix' an arrangement that ain't the slightest broke. If "twist/COAL/throat geometry" maketh the magic (which they surely do) there is nothing the Barrett does which Tikka don't do same. tniH 😉
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Joined: Apr 2014
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I can't speak to availability elsewhere, but 7-08 is extremely uncommon around my way and in the areas where I hunt. I HATE having to look for ammo, and being forced to order online is frustrating as well. I do love the round, but 6.5 CM and .308 just have to many benefits for me personally.
MIke I think any of those 3 would be a good choice, but I’m not sure what’s frustrating, difficult or confusing about ordering ammo online. It’s really easy, and often cheaper, especially so If you value your time and gas...
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Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 31
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 31 |
I can't speak to availability elsewhere, but 7-08 is extremely uncommon around my way and in the areas where I hunt. I HATE having to look for ammo, and being forced to order online is frustrating as well. I do love the round, but 6.5 CM and .308 just have to many benefits for me personally.
MIke I think any of those 3 would be a good choice, but I’m not sure what’s frustrating, difficult or confusing about ordering ammo online. It’s really easy, and often cheaper, especially so If you value your time and gas... It is certainly not difficult or confusing (which is why I didn't say that it was) but it is frustrating to not be able to have what I need, when I need it. I can order TP, Advil, and vegetables online easily enough as well, but I like stopping into the local shop. Just a preference, especially when all other things are pretty much equal for my purposes. Availability was cited as a primary concern for me with this rifle, so I guess I don't understand why my aversion to an ammunition that is not readily available is difficult to understand. Cheers. Mike
“To be is to do" - Socrates
"To do is to be" - Sartre
"Do Be Do Be Do" - Sinatra
KV
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,923
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,923 |
I HATE having to look for ammo, and being forced to order online is frustrating as well. Ammoseek.com is your friend. Buy in case lots. You will learn to love it. Okie John
If Montana had a standing army, a 270 Win with Federal Blue Box 130's would be the standard issue.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,972 |
I can't speak to availability elsewhere, but 7-08 is extremely uncommon around my way and in the areas where I hunt. I HATE having to look for ammo, and being forced to order online is frustrating as well. I do love the round, but 6.5 CM and .308 just have to many benefits for me personally.
MIke The 308 is fine but you are putting way too much importance on having to use whatever ammo is locally stocked. Chances are you will want to shoot a different factory load than what is local anyway. Yea,you can shoot any cheap inaccurate ammo of that caliber,but it goes against your philosophy. It would be like buying a certain custom knife because it would fit in a plastic sheath your local gas station carried.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 13,924 |
I'm surprised that it's an issue that the OP wants access to a source of ammo locally. Wait, this is the 'Fire. Actually I'm not surprised at all. What's more surprising is that he hasn't been told ten different times so far to take up reloading so he can use some semi obscure caliber that accomplishes nothing the mainstream ones already are. 
Last edited by Mike74; 09/26/18.
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Joined: Feb 2001
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,241 |
Last edited by 35; 09/26/18.
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Posts: 46,745
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 46,745 |
I'm a bit of a fanatic about F&F (custom knives are a big hobby of mine and it is a big deal in that world) and all of these rifles, when handled, have let me down in one way or another other than the higher end Kimber. Action "smoothness" doesn't interest me either, but being proud of the things that I own does. Henry, Tikka, and Barrett all represent (to me) the highest 'pride of ownership' but all also have drawbacks. A Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Compact in 308 with a 4x Leupold would be a bit heavy but would otherwise meet your stated specs. As for fit and finish, what's acceptable in the rifle world and the custom knife world are radically different. The rifles you listed are among the better factory offerings, but you're looking at the wrong part of them: action smoothness is far more important than external fit and finish in a rifle you'll actually use in the real world. (The knife world equivalent would be a dull blade on a knife with perfect fit and finish.) Getting any significant improvement over the rifles you listed will mean going to a custom maker for at least triple your budget. Okie John I had one a few years back and was excited to own it....until I shot it. I didn’t like how it felt, shot, or carried. I thought my son would so at the next range session, he was behind the trigger. He really didn’t like it at all. It shot accurate enough but it didn’t fit and the ergos kinda sucked.
Last edited by tzone; 09/26/18.
Camp is where you make it.
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 672
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 672 |
If you can wait, I'd look again after New Years. There are some great deals to be had in that Feb through early May time frame. I stumbled across a Prohunter Mountain in 308 Win a few years ago for just over $400 new. Cabelas had them on clearance just before that for $625. I was doing my weekly/biweekly scan of the rack and saw they had marked them down again. The week before they had at least ten of them. When I saw them the following week, they were down to three, two after I picked mine out, and one an hour later as a buddy of mine got one in '06.
When I was up in AK, I found a shop that had Kimber 84M's on clearance for $675. Going price at that time was $1000. Just had calibers not that popular up there. Being a midwesterner at heart, couldn't resist the call from the 7mm08.
Just keep an eye on things and check frequently. Also don't over look pawnshops. Heard of some great buys from them.
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Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 31
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 31 |
All of that is sound advice, and I doubt I will leap until I feel like it can't be passed up. I have plenty of capable rifles for the whitetail and black bear hunts coming up, so the rush is mainly for fun and wanting it in hand. I still would like to handle a FC before I commit to it, and may make a several hour drive some day soon just to handle one.
Thanks for the suggestion, and if you happen to stumble across something think of this thread, lol.
Mike
“To be is to do" - Socrates
"To do is to be" - Sartre
"Do Be Do Be Do" - Sinatra
KV
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 13,759
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 13,759 |
A Fieldcraft is really all that and a box of chocolates. Your choice on the caliber but the 6.5 CM is just a really nice fit for hunting and shooting.
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