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Hi Folks,
I am in the market for my first rifle.
- 60% for hunting deer, elk, moose in southern Ontario and Quebec
- 40% long range target shooting (up to 1 mile distance)
I know what gun i want but still not 100% decided on the caliber choice.
Gun: SAKO A7 ROUGHTECH PRO
Caliber 1st choice: 7mm rem mag (might have a Terminator T3 muzzle brake to reduce the recoil)
Caliber 2nd choice: 308 win
Caliber 3rd choice: 30-06
Your advise would be highly appreciated.
OK.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUNTER
1. As a new shooter, what makes you think that you'll be shooting up to 1600M, on a regular basis? Never having owned a centerfire rifle, and being an inexperienced shooter. I'm not being a dink on this, but the number of mall-ninja-sniper wannabes out there who think they're going to be doing serious "long range" is astounding. Don't be one of them. Buy a rifle to hunt well with, and make sure it's accurate. Long range shooting can be built up over time.
2. If you're serious about big game, than any of the calibers you've listed will do the job on the species you've listed. I have a real preference for .308 due to the availability of ammo, and it's ability to utilize match-grade ammo to a very precise effect. There is a reason why it was the choice, and remains one of the main sniper rounds worldwide.
3. If you're looking for long range accuracy, which in fact can reach out to the 1600M mark. Then also give a look at a caliber like 300WinMag, as when long range shooters started moving away from the .308 camp, that was one of the overall choices.
Now go over to the new members section and introduce yourself.....
30 06 is a good choice. 300wm is also a good and flatter shooting option. I would practice up close first and get something affordable for a first rifle. Spending 2 grand on a rifle wont make any difference from a 200$ rifle if you dont know how to shoot. Lots of work and hours and dollars spent on powder and rounds before you can begin shooting long range. try 200 yards to start and if you can hit 1 MOA there then move back.
For hunting you wont be taking much more than a 200 yard shot anyways to be ethical as a new shooter only skilled marksman should attempt long range shots so as to not injure an animal. Most areas I hunt are SW ontario and your lucky if you can see more than 50 yards. at 50 yards you could use iron sights so depends on what you want the rifle for. Most people getting into the hobby have specific guns for specific game or needs...an all in 1 is good but youll want something else after to suit other needs. If I had 1500$ I would get 2 guns...check out savage they make great guns. Dont be fooled thinking the more you spend the more accurate it is...that statement may be true for an experienced long ramge competitor or army sniper but most hunting rifles are accurate for their needs and will shoot far enough with consistency. Hopefully you know where you can shoot 1km not too many areas in SW ontario offer that benefit.
Good luck!
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All 3 great choices.
The 7mm may be a little heavier as most will have slightly longer barrel. I own a 7mm and love it. Flat shooting with excellent knock down.
I don't own a .308 but have always been a big fan. Extremely versatile.
Good luck on the purchase. Happy hunting.
Thank you all for your valuable input.
Just to clarify, i don't believe in one size fits all type of solutions. But i do strongly believe in good long term investment when spending my hard earned $$$, and i don't intend spending $2000 and up for my first gun.
The reason, i chose SAKO A7 ROUGHTECH PRO is due to it's quality and accuracy without making much modifications down the road. I do think for $1500 it's well worth the price.
@Bluebulldog, if i never owned a center-fire rifle doesn't mean i don't have experience with it, i do and have been practicing at shooting ranges and with my friends' and family's firearms for the past couple of years. And willing to get into long range shooting as a hobby is just a long term goal i'm trying to set for myself. And I'm not talking about PRS shooting, even though i do have some basic knowledge of ballistics science.
Thank you for the advise. I am not after all-in-one option as far as hunting goes but i do want to use it as my target shooting gun which would also allow me to practice more during off seasons. It's just, by talking to some Moose hunters in the area they gave an impression that long distance shots (even up to 400 yrds) sometimes might be required when shooting over the ponds. That lead me to looking into 7mm rem mag as an option. But to be clear, my intention to get into long range shooting is purely for target shooting purposes only and not to practice in hunting situations where it would potentially injure an animal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Deer Wrastler
I want to start building my gun collection to cover wide ranges species and eventually have dedicated guns. If i have a budget to have 2 or 3 dedicated center-fire rifles for the next 5-7 years, what calibers would they be to cover wide ranges of big game hunting?
Thanks
As far as the specs go, the Sako A7 Roughtech have the same barrel length, gun weight, round capacity for all three calibers:Quote:
Originally Posted by Roper
Barrel Length: 24.4"
Round Capacity: 3 + 1
Gun Weight: 6.8 lbs
The only difference is the the twist rate. For 7mm rem mag is 1 in 9" whereas for 30 calibers it's 1 in 11".
1. You don't introduce yourself to the forum. Which would have given a bit of preamble to your skill set or knowledge.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUNTER
2. You come onto an open forum with a first post asking a fairly basic question about caliber suitable for large NA game animals, and the possibility of shooting up to 1.6km.
Given the limited info provided, you were provided with an answer that was suitable. Do you have any inkling how many new shooters come on here asking advice, or seeking confirmation of their own limited knowledge? Given the two very different activities, and the fact that this is pretty well a hunting and fishing forum, you're going to get decent advice from the hunting perspective, and there are a few folks on here that can give you some depth in the long range category as well. IMHO, there are very few rifles that will fit both bills however. The characteristics of a rifle capable of 1600M, are not necessarily what you're going to find desirable in a rifle that you're taking in the field.
You have shot lots of centerfire with friends and family? Great, every bit of trigger time helps.
X2 on this. One gun won't fit both the requirements.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebulldog
None of what you list is what I'd consider to be 1600 meter fantastic. To me 338LM or bigger territory.
Having said that, in my experience long range accuracy has more to do with wind, ammo, and shooter capabilities. I personally still limit myself to 300 yards on game. That's all I practice to. I too would like some trigger time on longer ranges but that is hard to get. I've got some long range shots for deer and yote in my area.
If I were you I'd drop the long range component for now and concentrate on the the short game(1-500 yards or so) Take up reloading and find a mentor to help you. If you want to make the drive I'll show you the ropes. Learning that in itself will simply make you a more accurate shooter. Factory ammo is garbage compared to a good worked up handload.
My two cents and btw I'd pick the 7mm!
My mistake for not following the forum traditions. It's yet to come.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebulldog
As to your point #2, I know I should have been more clear that i was new to hunting hence asking basic questions about big game calibers that is suitable for ON and QC. At the same time, i was seeking for advise from experienced "target shooters" who could put me on the right path as a starting point without me break the bank.
Great advice already given but I will add my 2 cents for what its worth. I suggest also buying a good .22 with decent optics as nothing will hone your shooting skills more than lots of trigger time with a .22 .
Should actually be step 1......Quote:
Originally Posted by Hunter John
Agreed.
Thanks Big Jack. All great advise indeed. You're right, I think i'm going to focus on 500 yards range for big game and work on my consistency.Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Jack
Reloading was absolutely on my list. I would be happy with any help i could get as a starting point. Literature? A recommended reloading kit (with good value for the $$$)?
I think I have some info for you. Pm me your email address and I can send you some stuff. Good starting point.
Which caliber did you settle on?
i would stay away from the kits. I set up a few guys now and it pays to buy used. Becoming a member on CGN is a good start and usually there are some deals to be had.
Just sent you a PM.Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Jack