Author Topic: Rifle Battery (Read 2302 times)

jmckinley · « **on:** October 10, 2006, 05:10:36 AM »

I have decided to build a complete rifle battery with 5 rifles here are my thoughts.

Elk/Bear: Remington 700ADL 300 Win Mag 4-12X40 Swift Prmier
Elk/Deer: Remington 700BDL 270 Win 3-9x40 Mueller Sport Dot
Antelope/Deer: H&R Ultra Hunter 25-06 4-12X40 Swift premier
Antelop/Varmints: Remington 700 ADL 243 4-12X40 Swift Premier
Varmints: H&R Ultra Varmint Fluted: 223 4-12x40 Bushnell Banner
That is my thoughts on a rifle battery any suggestions on what to change in calibers or scopes.

Jess

The Sodbuster · « **Reply #1 on:** October 10, 2006, 12:08:48 PM »

Since you said complete rifle battery, I would add a stopper for dangerous game. Something like a .375 H&H with a 2-7X scope (make sure your passport's current too). Since you've got an antelope/deer rifle & and varmint rifle, I don't see the need for an antelope/varmint gun. But hey, I'm not one to talk a guy out of getting another rifle. The more the merrier!

Don Fischer · « **Reply #2 on:** October 10, 2006, 12:43:09 PM »

Quote from: jmckinley on October 10, 2006, 05:10:36 AM

I have decided to build a complete rifle battery with 5 rifles here are my thoughts.

Elk/Bear: Remington 700ADL 300 Win Mag 4-12X40 Swift Prmier
Elk/Deer: Remington 700BDL 270 Win 3-9x40 Mueller Sport Dot
Antelope/Deer: H&R Ultra Hunter 25-06 4-12X40 Swift premier
Antelop/Varmints: Remington 700 ADL 243 4-12X40 Swift Premier
Varmints: H&R Ultra Varmint Fluted: 223 4-12x40 Bushnell Banner
That is my thoughts on a rifle battery any suggestions on what to change in calibers or scopes.

Jess

I had to bring that down here to look at while I embarass myself.

I think I'd can the 300 mag and go with a 338-06 w/ 1-4x scope of your choice. Even if you need a stopper on dangerious game, you could load it up with 300gr bullets if you wanted. The 1-4x scope on a dangerious game rifle would be a plus. You haven't lived until you've looked thru a 1x scope in dim light at close range. Nothing, including open sights beats it.

the 270's fine but my personnal preference would be a 280 Rem. No particular reason other than I like the bullets better. I would not turn away from a 7x57 if I found it first either.

On the 270 and the 25-06 I'd go for a 2-7x scope of your choice. I've never met anybody that used a 4-12x scope on 12x except when using it as a spoying scope (not a great idea) or when sighting in from a bench. 2-7x scopes are a bit smaller than 3-9x and change the handling qualities of the rifle for the better. Even then, you'd likely find the thing on 4x or below 95% of the time.

On the 243 I think I'd use a 3-9x scope, in fact thats what I have. Again it's about not having to much scope. Being a varmit rifle, were you shooting a rockchucks or smaller animals at long range, the 9x would certainly be a plus.

On the 223 the 4-12 would be great. Many varmits are very small and the 12x would help a lot. Also it would likely be shot mostly from one spot with lots of shots fired. For walking varmit shooting, the 243 w/3-9x has it covered.

Gregory · « **Reply #3 on:** October 10, 2006, 01:00:29 PM »

No rifle battery is complete without a 22LR!!

jpsmith1 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 10, 2006, 01:23:48 PM »

What fun. I've been pi$$ing people off left and right for about a week on a similar topic.

As was just said, no rifle battery is complete without a .22lr

For Varmints, a .223 is as good of a selection as any. Easily available ammo, accurate and light recoiling.

Now it gets REAL SIMPLE. For everything between coyotes and the stuff that bites, you are very hard pressed to beat a .30-06. 7mms, .270, .280, .315 Really Ultra Unbelievably Super Duper Short Magnum. They're all great rifles, I'm sure, but what do they have that the '06 doesn't? Nothing! The '06 has something else, IT'S EVERYWHERE!! In recent years, I'm sure that .270, 7mm Rem and a few others have reached that status, but they're all just about the same.

A bear/big stuff rifle would be a .375 H&H. No contest there.

If you feel the need for a fight stopper which is a job is probably best left to professionals, I'd opt for a .458 Lott. Simply because the rifle hits a little harder than the .458 Win, but can use .458 Win ammo in a pinch.

Gregory · « **Reply #5 on:** October 10, 2006, 01:37:15 PM »

Just for fun here's what I'd put together for a 4 rifle North American battery:

22LR for fun and practice and small varmints
223 for all varmints through coyote
30/06 for deer/black bear/elk (or substitutes: 308, 7-08, 270, 280, 7mmMag, 7x57)
375 H&H for big bears back up elk rifle (or substitute a 338 Win Mag)

Don Fischer · « **Reply #6 on:** October 10, 2006, 02:24:51 PM »

Well four rifle barrery.

222 Rem w/3-9x

243 Win w/3x9x

25-06 w/2-7x

280 Rem w 2/7x

338-06 w/2 3/4x

The only one I presently have is the 25-06. I share it with my son, he has the rifle, I provide the ammo, he shots it.

Oops, that's five. I've got 22RF's but seldom shoot them.

I've never had the 338-06 but have had two 338 Win mag's. To much recoil for me!

drdougrx · « **Reply #7 on:** October 10, 2006, 02:38:21 PM »

Interesting post......for me......let's see what I've got tucked away:

17HRM (Ruger 77/17)with a 6x16 Leupold target scope......a 22lr would be a better all around small game plinker

.223 (Rem 700 Lite Varmint Stainless Fluted) with a 6x16 Leupold dot scope

next one is tough.......yeah.....I think 30/06 (Rem 700 KX Mountain Rifle) with a leupold 2x7 VX-II ( just think the 06 kills better than my beloved .270)

.375HH (Rem BDLSS) with a leupold 2x7 VX-II

Now....what to do with a couple of .243's, a .270, a 7x57, a .300win and a 45/70?

??

jmckinley · « **Reply #8 on:** October 10, 2006, 03:28:39 PM »

Guys I have 3 or 4 lists ansd still playing with it. I already have a Ruger 10/22 target with 22 Mag Scope. The Heavy stopping rilfe is not on my list because I'm not sure I need it. If I do a 375 H&H will fill that niche or even a stout load in 45/70 for that matter. The 25-06 is here to stay and will be topped by a Weaver K6. The others as suggested will be 3-9 or 2-7 except the 223 which will stay 4-12X40. Now my revised list is,

1. 45-70 hvy.
2. 30-378 or 300 Weatherby
3. 7mm Mag
4. 25-06
5. 223
That's list 3 of 5 I think....Really it will be 5 rifles plus my Blackpowder rifles for sure. I 'll doing this next week and will post my Final for sure not to change list( after I spend my money)

God Bless Jess

Don Fischer · « **Reply #9 on:** October 10, 2006, 03:48:01 PM »

Yea right!

Slamfire · « **Reply #10 on:** October 10, 2006, 04:50:27 PM »

I think if you have a bunch of bolt action centerfire rifles, you ought to have a .22 rimfire just as close as possible to them in weight and operation as possible. That doesn't mean you can't have a plinker too, just a quality .22 bolt action for position practice. Cooper and CZ have models that fill the bill, and represent nearly the entire price range.

jmckinley · « **Reply #11 on:** October 11, 2006, 02:30:55 AM »

Quote from: Don Fischer on October 10, 2006, 03:48:01 PM

Yea right!

Realllllly?

??

Jess

jro45 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 11, 2006, 04:57:34 AM »

Instead of the 223 I'd go with the 22-250. It can reach out farther.

jpsmith1 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 11, 2006, 06:40:38 AM »

I did consider a 45-70 like the 1895 Marlin Guide Gun as a 'heavy/Stopper" rifle. The only reason I didn't put it in my list is that this is the 'Bolt rifle forum'.

I believe that Lever guns in general are vastly underrated as far as usefulness. Especially in that capacity as a handy, fast rifle that can generate serious power.

jmckinley · « **Reply #14 on:** October 12, 2006, 07:30:37 AM »

I finally setttled on my battery for anything I will Hunt here in the lower 48.

1. stopper 45/70 Marlin 1895XLR 325gr 2-7X40 Swift Premier
2.Elk/Bear 300WSM Remington 700SPS 3-9X40 Bushnell 4200
3. Deer 270Win Remington 700ADL 3-9X40 Mueller Sport Dot
4. Antelope 25-06 H&R Ultra Hunter 6X Weaver K6
5. Varmints 223 Savage 110 Varmint 4-12X40 Bushnell Banner

Not the most expensive rifles on the market but sure will meet my needs.

jess

nasem · « **Reply #15 on:** October 12, 2006, 09:10:31 AM »

I just realised there is no end to a thread like this.... any way I look at it i always say 'wellll... he still needs a SUPER long range gun... just in case he sees an elk at over 400 yards... OMG MAN BUST OUT THAT 338 RUM'...
or
'well.... i'd defenetly do 338 win mag for elk / moose / bear'
or
'375 h&h for the REAL big and dangerous game'

...theres just no end.
BUT I WILL STILL SAY MY OPINION

Elk/Moose/big bear
You want a caliber than can handle this any mostly any range, I have heard of alot of people shooting elk / moose at ranges well over 300 yards, its not very common but situations sometimes present them selfes. You want a caliber that WILL reach out there, a 300 win mag is good but, I wouldn't bet my life on it if Im facing a 700+ lbs grizzly, something in the lines of 338 win mag or RUM, they are flat enough to 300-400 yards and have HUGE knockdown power. A good 2-7X32 scope will do you good here
Elk/Moose/Deer
One of the two most popular choices here, either 30-06 or 7mm mag. A good 3-9X40 scope will do. You also might want to consider this combo with a light rifle, you might be doing a whole lot of walking. Again, my personall favorit would be the 7mm, a bit flatter than the '06 and has the same knockdown potential
Antelope/Deer/Varmints
I swear nothing fills this category better than the 6.5X55 swedish, bullets weights can be from 90 grain ALL THE WAY UP TO 160. Wow what a huge spectrum. I would do something like a 4-12X40 or ever a 4-16X44. Tikka stainless light fills the bill here
Varmints
well you had it.... .223. A good scope would be a simmons white tail classic 6.5-20X44. I heard A LOT OF possitive feedback for this. As far as rifle goes, why the bushmaster A3 with 16" barrel

Don Fischer · « **Reply #16 on:** October 12, 2006, 12:02:22 PM »

Quote from: jmckinley on October 12, 2006, 07:30:37 AM

I finally setttled on my battery for anything I will Hunt here in the lower 48.

1. stopper 45/70 Marlin 1895XLR 325gr 2-7X40 Swift Premier
2.Elk/Bear 300WSM Remington 700SPS 3-9X40 Bushnell 4200
3. Deer 270Win Remington 700ADL 3-9X40 Mueller Sport Dot
4. Antelope 25-06 H&R Ultra Hunter 6X Weaver K6
5. Varmints 223 Savage 110 Varmint 4-12X40 Bushnell Banner

Not the most expensive rifles on the market but sure will meet my needs.

jess

ALRIGHT!!!! But don't you think you ought to have that 243 for rockchucks and coyote's? The 243 and the 270 both would handle the Antelope. And for the Elk/Bear rifle you could have a 338 mag. Your hunting them with a different rifle than the stopper anyway and a 338 mag makes a pretty good stopper? Yea, then you could get the 25-06 back in the game as a super long range cartridge! You sure this is your final list? Oops! Ya don't have a pig gun!

jmckinley · « **Reply #17 on:** October 12, 2006, 04:53:20 PM »

Mr. Fisher are u questioning my honesty here?

?? A pig rilfe would be nice but no pig population here in NM to my knowledge
which I admit is limited, butt as u suggested I do need a good 6.5X55 again and the 338 recoils alittle more than my sshoulders and false teeth can handle, but in all seriousness we could add calbers until the cows come home and we all know it. If we had an 06, 270/25-06 and 223/22-250 there is very little that we couldn't hunt and a 22 to top the oters off. My recoil tolerance upper limit is a 300WSM. I have always hunted with a 270Win, 6.5X55, 223 and 308 and one 06 and really never felt the need for much bigger than those. I really have settled my battery to 5 guns and this is no joke.
1. 308Win Remington 700ADL
2. 308Win H&R Ultra Hunter
3. 25-06 H&R Ultra Hunter
4. 223Rem Savage hvy Barrel Varmint
5. 50cal Wionchester Apex all scoped. I figure I need to enjoy the guns i shoot and these fit my recoil concerns. This has been fun trading ideas with this group of fine men, but I still need a Swede.

Jess

Don Dick · « **Reply #18 on:** October 13, 2006, 03:20:14 AM »

Don`t let this magnum stuff get into your underwear. Most need nothing bigger then a 270 or 30-06.

Coppertop · « **Reply #19 on:** October 13, 2006, 03:43:36 AM »

My .02 worth:

I've killed everything i've shot at with a .270. "beware the man with one gun, for he likely knows how to use it" I've used it for prarie dogs to Moose and not had any problems.

As far as a scope goes: I have a Leuopold straight 6 on it.

drdougrx: I have to ask: why does your '06 kill better than your .270? Killed is Killed in my book. I do NOT want to start a caliber vs. caliber, better than this or that discussion, I just had to ask. I notice that you say beloved .270 and I would have to second that fact with mine.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #20 on:** October 13, 2006, 05:15:16 AM »

Hey Jess

, it has been a hoot! Don't buy a Swede, I'll loan ya mine. You do believe that don't you?

jmckinley · « **Reply #21 on:** October 13, 2006, 05:20:37 AM »

Quote from: Don Fischer on October 13, 2006, 05:15:16 AM

Hey Jess , it has been a hoot! Don't buy a Swede, I'll loan ya mine. You do believe that don't you?

I sure do and I have the London Bridge I'll let go for a song

Jess

drdougrx · « **Reply #22 on:** October 13, 2006, 12:51:48 PM »

Hey Coppertop

I just don't know why I think the 30/06 kills better. I've had all kinds of animals fall quicker that's all. I Love my 270 because it fits me perfectly and shoots like a laser. It's had alot of stuff done to it. I burned the throat out of the original factory barrell after about 3 or 4K rounds in 12 or so years. I used to shoot it a couple of times a month, 40 rounds a session. I had it rebarrelled and glass bed by by Garland Gilbreath (http://www.tripleggunsmithing.com) and also has a timney trigger and a 3.5x10 leupold vari X-III scope. I use it all the time, but, I still have this feeling, unproven really, that the 06 drops'm faster. I certainly have the experience with a variety of game and calibers. In a few weeks I'm taking my nephew whose 15 hog hunting and he's going to use the 06 with 150gr noslerAB's. Next year I'm going to the Brady Ranch in Florida for axis and fallow. I'll be using the 270. Weird.

jmckinley · « **Reply #23 on:** October 13, 2006, 02:46:14 PM »

Well Gentlemen I started this tread and I do have a final on my battery 9 I bought them today)

300 Win Remington 700ADL 3-9X40 Leuplod Vari X II
308Win Remington 700ADL 3-9X40 Redfield Tracker
270Win Remington 700ADL 3-9X40 Redfield Tracker
25-06 H&R Ultra Hunter 3-9X40 Bushnell Banner
243Win Remington 700ADL 3-9X40 Nikon Pro Staff
223Rem Savage 110 Varmint 4-12X40 Bushnell Banner I figure now when I find a 6.5X55 I like that will be it except for a new 50cal. I caught the ADL's on clearance at Sports Authority near my home, Now 3 dbl rifle cases and off to the range I go. I'll need a new right shoulder after I site them all in.

Jess

Slamfire · « **Reply #24 on:** October 13, 2006, 05:03:14 PM »

Let's see now, 6.5x53, 6.5x54, 6.5x55, 6.5x57, 6.5-.257, .260, and 256 Newton. Works for me!

daddywpb · « **Reply #25 on:** October 20, 2006, 01:37:17 PM »

My rifle doesn't need a battery........

litman252 · « **Reply #26 on:** October 21, 2006, 07:55:45 AM »

Of my rifles the one I use the most is the 7600 30-06, 2-7 Nikon on it. For deer here in Wis. it sure fills the bill.
I'd like a custom .260 Rem with a 2-7. More than enough for any range I shoot and does not hurt to shoot. If it fits your body you give up nothing in speed and accuracy in that first shot.
I'd get a .223 in an Ar, I know it's not a bolt but for coyotes to Evel goblins it would work.
The .22rf is of course needed.

Then I have the extra's, SKS, Mod 94 30-30w/ peep., Mod 99 .243, Mod 70 in 7STW, Russian M44. I'd love to get the .260, get good with it and oil the rest to keep the rust off..........

Tony

nabob · « **Reply #27 on:** October 21, 2006, 07:59:07 AM »

22LR
.30-06
35 Whelen

No plans for Africa.

kyote · « **Reply #28 on:** October 21, 2006, 09:56:48 AM »

gaaaaads,I have been following every ones advice for years..and my four gun battery grew to ...well argh cough cough gasp...145 plus..every thing from fly shootin to balstin an elephant to his knees.when I retire I will have to widdel em down to a more reasonable battery.
just my thoughts here..if it does not contain a .22RF,12ga.(i know it's not a rifle)&30-06 it could be lacking.

Ramrod · « **Reply #29 on:** October 21, 2006, 04:20:01 PM »

Quote from: kyote on October 21, 2006, 09:56:48 AM

gaaaaads,I have been following every ones advice for years..and my four gun battery grew to ...well argh cough cough gasp...145 plus..every thing from fly shootin to balstin an elephant to his knees.when I retire I will have to widdel em down to a more reasonable battery.
just my thoughts here..if it does not contain a .22RF,12ga.(i know it's not a rifle)&30-06 it could be lacking.

The basic 3 gun battery would be everything one might need if he likes to sight the '06 in often. It's a great all around gun, and my favorite caliber. It can do it all. Problem is, the 150 grain deer loads have a somewhat different striking point than the 220 grain bear loads. In my guns it is about a 10-12 inch differance at 100 yards. I think it's better to add a varmint rifle to cover the light critters, and a bigger gun like a .375 for the really mean stuff. If you choose the .30-06 as your only centerfire and want to hunt everything, you should probably have 3 or 4 scoped rifles sighted in for all the bullets you might want to shoot.