It took a bit of tinkering to get better than 1.25-1.75 moa, but I found a load with 130 TMK’s over 46.5gr of Viht560 that shoots good, but not real fast
From that list I've only worn Kuiu 7800 and Mystery Ranch Marshall guide LT. Of the 2, MR was more comfortable for me.
I also have the Seek Outside Revolution 6300 which is my favorite for packing moose/elk quarters.
I got it in one foot on a sheep hunt (2022), lasted almost a year. I switched out my everyday shoe for a zero drop, minimalist style (Vivo ESC). I did my weighted rucks with these boots to on a steep local hill. Feet have been fine since then and were great on 2023 sheep hunt.
The high end steel knife would do the entire animal too (if the steel was heat treated properly). Personally I find it easier to keep a knife's edge sharp rather than let it get dull then have to hone it back to sharp again. Plus a screaming sharp edge just cut with less effort than one that...
That was 13 years ago.... I was younger & stronger then I guess!
That tent was 1.5 man weighed 6.5lbs.
My sleeping bag, pad, pack…. Everything was heavier back then…. Before I discovered rokslide 😱
Need high power for counting rings. I have a 15-45x65 Athlon and wish I had more zoom. Tripod is 525 promaster. Pics were taken through spotter with a phoneskope.
I echo what the others have said, maybe get a bigger bag for your pack. The 6.5 Tikka will work fine. If you want to drop some coin a Wildcat or other fibregalss/carbon stock would make it lighter.
1st ram I shot was on a solo fly-in sheep hunt. The only flat spot suitable for a tent was about 500 yards from where I spotted a grizzly earlier that day. The next day I got my ram and was back at the same tent spot that night. Slept with one eye open, headlamp on my head, and a fresh one in...
Tater - the future outlook is bleak based on the trajectory we are headed so far. With moose closures last year in the Peace where annual harvest was around 2% I believe and the bios say 5-6% is sustainable.....
Best get after it while opportunity is still there.
I built my own grinder out of plywood. Used a Princess Auto (Canadian version of Harbor Freight) 1 hp motor:
52100 is great steel, I use it quite a bit. Have fun with the new hobby! Keep at it madtinker and the knives will keep getting better as you go.
Here are a few I've made: