Random Gun Blasphemy

Corax

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Joined
Jul 19, 2011
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747
Location
Texas
This will probably get me tarred and feathered, but here goes. All opinions my own only. The thought process is more important than the exact answer.

IMO, the type of rifle and the caliber makes almost no difference to whether it will kill elk or shoot accurately for hunting purposes. Manufacturers have learned how to make cheap, accurate rifles in the last 20 years. They are so good today that almost all of them will work. We are also very unlikely to wear them out. If you want to spend more for looks or steel magazines, go for it. Most of the inaccuracy and poor results is due to shooter error. I am just as prone to this as anybody else.

On this web site, considering Howa as a rifle choice is at least good karma, and not a bad choice from what I can see. I bought a Tikka just before Howa started sponsoring, and have had other worse issues than needing a new rifle since then.

Bullets (along with jumper cables) are a bad place to save money. I have been shooting Accubonds in factory ammo or handloads - I think they are cool and they do an excellent job. I stray occasionally to copper bullets.

The only difference between a .300 Win Mag and a .308 is about the same velocity the bullet would lose by travelling 150 yards. It does not move the elk closer or kill it deader. As long as the bullet has enough velocity to open, and it is in a good spot, the effect will be virtually the same. When I bought my first hunting rifle I did a long involved analysis of range and recoil and bought a 7 mag. By this time I have a sentimental attachment to the caliber, but if I were starting over, I would probably get a .280.

When shooting at game, I never notice the recoil, and the muzzle blast happens way off somewhere else. Other sounds, like brass hitting the rocks, come in sharp and clear. When recoil does make a difference is when you shoot those 200 -500 shots each year to practice. That is also where ammo cost comes in, and handloads or that cheap ammo from Walmart looks real good. As much as Nosler makes great bullets, I see no need to practice with Accubonds.
 
While most of what you say is very very true, some details are left out. Bullets are yes major factor, right behind the shooter's ability. But, and here is my argument. If you have ever shot a big rutting bull then irregardless what bullet you shoot, the guns ability to produce energy changes the game. Very, very few people can make a 100% correct shot, 100% of the time. Energy of the bullet makes a major difference in an off target shot. not a bad shot, just not a perfect shot. If you have ever seen big bulls take a bullet and keep on going you'll know what I mean. A .308 cannot product the energy of a 300Wm. A 300Wm cannot produce the energy of a .338wm. Elk are not deer, or pronghorn. Come to Eastern Oregon where many many shots are a minimum 200yards because of very steep canyons you have to shoot across. You'll know the difference in guns then, when wind and elevation makes perfect shots not so easy.

Nevertheless well said.
 
While most of what you say is very very true, some details are left out. Bullets are yes major factor, right behind the shooter's ability. But, and here is my argument. If you have ever shot a big rutting bull then irregardless what bullet you shoot, the guns ability to produce energy changes the game. Very, very few people can make a 100% correct shot, 100% of the time. Energy of the bullet makes a major difference in an off target shot. not a bad shot, just not a perfect shot. If you have ever seen big bulls take a bullet and keep on going you'll know what I mean. A .308 cannot product the energy of a 300Wm. A 300Wm cannot produce the energy of a .338wm. Elk are not deer, or pronghorn. Come to Eastern Oregon where many many shots are a minimum 200yards because of very steep canyons you have to shoot across. You'll know the difference in guns then, when wind and elevation makes perfect shots not so easy.

Nevertheless well said.

100% agree
The shots over 400 on big animals should be reserved for mag performance rifles and good bullets.
At less than 400 most calibers do fine and as long as people remember this then life is good.
 
I like it, and I like it alot.
Ditto

Maybe when I'm rich & famous I will buy some more rifles,& in different calibers.
Til then I really trust my Rem700 06,Accubonds/Nosler & my familiar ability with the rifle.
I'd start with another M4, like I learned to shoot real good about 40+ years ago.

Biggest ditto is elk are elk,and do not go down easy if they have anything to say about it.
No matter what caliber....well the other familiar cal., a deuce.....not much stops a deuce....
 
The only mag i own is in the pistol variety. If I was to start hunting dangerous game I would probably invest in something more powerful then my .270win it has killed a ton of animals across the nation over it's years of service. I know you guys love the 7mmHT and if I didn't have a .270 I'd prob have went to a 7mm of some variety.
 
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