New rifle and optics opinions.

[bascott1]

Alright, so have a Christensen ba tactical 300wm I'm trading to a buddy dealer of mine for a ridgeline in whatever caliber I want. Looking at possibly a 270 win with a nxs 2.5x10x42 for elk/deer out to 400 or 500 yards. Got a mesa in 6.5 with vx5hd 3x15x44. I know this is a very subjective question. But what would you peeps choose? Have a 300wm just want something more fun to shoot and practice with. I don't reload but am prob gonna wind up getting into it soon.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I like 308

 

[backcountry_hunter]

If you already have a 6.5, I don't know what you would gain with a 270. They're pretty similar rounds with no big gains until >800ish yds when the 6.5 starts to pull away. The 270 is a little faster at closer ranges but bullet selection is quite a bit more limited. Why not stick with your 300? In any event if you're keeping your 6.5 my vote would be something 30cal but your money, your gun....

But if I'm spending your $$$ and have to rid myself of your 300 I'd probably look hard at a 18" 308 barrett, or possibly the 30-06

 

[kickemall]

I think I'd get an inexpensive .223, like a Ruger American Predator and change the trigger, for the "fun and practice gun". Inexpensive to shoot and very light recoil. If your not in love with your current .300 then sell it and get the Ridgeline in .300 so your two larger calibers are basically the same platform. The way your 6.5 is set up is also a great fun and practice gun, just more expensive to shoot.

 

[howl]

Got a progressive press? Get one, dial the 300WM down for recoil and wear that barrel out.

 

[bascott1]

My 300 shoots well, just super heavy and not fun to carry in the woods. Would like a good all around carry gun. Hard to turn away from the 300, I just don't enjoy shooting them often

 

[2five7]

I'd go 280 ai, or 270 WSM.

 

[bascott1]

I've thought about the 270 wsm a lot. Sounds like a killer round honestly

 

[elkguide]

Lets just say that I "might" have more than a couple rifles in .300 WM so I am definitely biased. They weigh ready to hunt, from 7.5 pounds to 9.25 pounds. I was looking at another great deal on another .300 just last week but I talked myself out of it. IF I could only have one rifle, it would definitely be in .300 WM. So if I were in your shoes and not in love with my current .300WM, I'd get a different one. If I were to get another rifle between a 6.5 (you didn't say which one. My next 6.5 will be a 6.5PRC) and a .300 WM it would definitely be a .280AI.

 

[bascott1]

Too many options. Lol. First world problems

 

[elkduds]

270 win will do what you desire. I favor mine for its light weight, tolerable recoil, sufficient variety of retail ammo, accuracy, effectiveness on elk.

 

[37N23E]

I'm a "one gun" only guy - 300WM is what I chose as a do it all caliber. Lots of good choices out there - which one you choose depends on how much time you have to play at the range.

 

[bascott1]

Im looking for the one gun only hunting rifle, i shoot off my back porch to 600 yards so i have easy access to that. Looking at the 06 just for price of ammo and tolerable recoil and such a wide range of loads.

 

[OXN939]

Im looking for the one gun only hunting rifle, i shoot off my back porch to 600 yards so i have easy access to that. Looking at the 06 just for price of ammo and tolerable recoil and such a wide range of loads.

Why not do a lightweight build? I'm about to finish a Winchester Featherweight SS in 7mm-08 which will be topped with a 2-7x35. The whole package should be just over 6 pounds and, if anything like my other rifles in that caliber, good to go well past the maximum range at which I'd ever even consider shooting a game animal.

 

[Cahunter805]

For deer and elk to 400/500 yards I’d go with the 7/08, 7mm Rem mag. The 30-06 isn’t a bad choice either.

 

[bascott1]

ive got a pretty lightweight 6.5 creed with a 3x15x44 on it. its rocking right at 7lbs. Id like a lil bigger rifle for all around big game. just in case shot placement isnt perfect.

 

[bascott1]

do the 6.5 creeds running a 140 accubond and the 7mm08 work that well on elk? only shot em with magnums so far. Would not be upset to tote a lightweight short action light recoiling creed or 7mm08

 

[Formidilosus]

do the 6.5 creeds running a 140 accubond and the 7mm08 work that well on elk? only shot em with magnums so far. Would not be upset to tote a lightweight short action light recoiling creed or 7mm08

Zero issues to well past those ranges.

 

[OXN939]

do the 6.5 creeds running a 140 accubond and the 7mm08 work that well on elk? only shot em with magnums so far. Would not be upset to tote a lightweight short action light recoiling creed or 7mm08

Think of it this way- people kill thousands of elk a year with archery tackle, and even a 90 grain .243 produces a wound channel several times the size of the largest broadhead out there. Caliber should really not even be considered within the same ballpark of importance as shot placement, and almost everyone shoots 6.5 or 7mm-08 much better than they do big belted magnums.

 

[Osteodoc08]

Why are you letting the 300 WM go? That would help decide on which caliber.

I had a custom 280 AI built with a 24” Bartlein barrel and it shoots 2” at 300 yards if I do my part and launches the 150gr Accubonds out the tube at 2960 FPS with single digit SD and 4831SC powder. Haven’t had it out further yet but I know it’ll produce.

If you need low recoil and big game capability, I’d look hard at a 280 AI.