Author Topic: Your opinion please (Read 1841 times)

theoldarcher · « **on:** September 05, 2007, 09:15:17 AM »

About 20 years ago, I bought a Howa M1500 Trophy in .30-06, from a gun dealer getting ready to retire. He had everything marked down, and I thought the price at the time was excellent. Over all these years, I have been a bow hunter--long bows and recurves--and I have not even fired this gun. Each year I take it out of the box, wipe it down with a silicon rag and place it back. I just passed 63 last winter, and I am headed out West to chase elk in the fall of '09. I really want to take a gun hunt--I've killed elk with a bow, including a really nice 6x6 bull--but I don't know if I have the stuff any more to bow hunt them. Plus I just really want to take a gun hunt.

So-o-o, my thoughts: the Howa action and barrel (this one is blued, by the way) always seem to get high marks for accuracy, etc. I am thinking about a composite stock with Sims recoil pad for it, adding a Leupold VXII scope in 3-9x40, and a good sling. I will probably carry shooting sticks of some make.

Opinions on this gun for an old bow hunter would be appreciated. I am comfortable shooting rifles, and I am a pretty good shot, so recoil doesn't bother me. Suggestions on where to start with factory loaded ammunition for elk would also be appreciated. I know fall of '09 is out there a ways, but it will take a little time to gather up my list, then try different ammo to find what the gun likes, then time on the range shooting it a lot. My hope is that this will make a gun suitable for African plains game, large deer, and bear (although I still love 'up close and personal with the bears!).

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Arch

one eye joe · « **Reply #1 on:** September 05, 2007, 10:04:47 AM »

Sounds like your scope choice is a good one. As for loads, I would look for a 180 grain with a good stout (possibly premium) bullet. Nosler partition is a good starting place. As for the stock; I personally would probably just get the wood stock on it bedded and use it. That is a personal call. The Howa is a nice rifle, and the .30-06 will definitely work for what you are looking for. Enjoy the time working up things the way you want, and enjoy your hunt.

jvs · « **Reply #2 on:** September 05, 2007, 10:35:30 AM »

I agree with keeping the Stock as is, and having it floated and bedded. I would also get an after market recoil pad, if the one that is on it doesn't do a good enough job.

However, since Elk can be big boned and tough skinned, you may want to look into Silver-Tip loads or other good penetraters. As for bullet weight, you should probably find out what twist you have. Your rifling might be better suited for 150 or 165 gr loads, even though 180 gr may shoot fine out of it too. Although 180 may be the top weight for accuracy. Then you may have to decide whether you want to hunt Elk with light weights or not.

As for the scope, if it were mine, I would be looking for one with either a BDC or Mil-Dot. You never know when you will need such. A hunter who knows how to use a BDC or Mil-Dot scope can make shots that will impress.

ms · « **Reply #3 on:** September 05, 2007, 10:51:59 AM »

I would keep the rifle the way it is get a 180 grain bullet trophy bear claw federal loads this bullet the scope is great.

257 roberts · « **Reply #4 on:** September 05, 2007, 12:33:31 PM »

Quote from: one eye joe on September 05, 2007, 10:04:47 AM

Sounds like your scope choice is a good one. As for loads, I would look for a 180 grain with a good stout (possibly premium) bullet. Nosler partition is a good starting place. As for the stock; I personally would probably just get the wood stock on it bedded and use it. That is a personal call. The Howa is a nice rifle, and the .30-06 will definitely work for what you are looking for. Enjoy the time working up things the way you want, and enjoy your hunt.

+1

goodconcretecolor · « **Reply #5 on:** September 05, 2007, 01:21:59 PM »

I have hunted with the same model (under the Mossberg name) and caliber for 16 years. Got rifle and scope from a pawnshop for $285. It is as close to a one rifle arsenal as exists. My rifle has been a great source of enjoyment for me in shooting it, handloading for it and tinkering with the stock and bedding (Ramline stock, glass bedded action and experimented with several different barrel bedding schemes). I think you have a great rifle and have received excellent advice for your trip. One of the biggest advantages of the 30-06 is the wealth of factory loads available but it is also one of the easiest, most fun and most versatile cartridges to load for.

30-06man · « **Reply #6 on:** September 05, 2007, 01:23:09 PM »

consider a nikon buckmasters also. i would have the stock bedded and floated also a trigger job if nessary. use good mounts like leupold or burris and the recoil pad. then it sounds like you would have a very nice setup.

try hornanday light magum thats what i use and it works great in my remington 700

Rangr44 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 05, 2007, 01:27:05 PM »

I'm 65, and other than toning down the scope to the Leupy 2-7X28 or 2-7X33, I'd go with exactly what you already have + 180gr premium loads like the Barnes or Trophy Bear Claws, etc - and a laser range finder(unless you plan on hunting cedar tickets).

dw06 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 05, 2007, 02:52:23 PM »

Sounds like a good setup,I 2nd the 2-7x33 scope.I use and like the 2-7 redfield widefields on all my hunting rifles and they make it nice to pack and will do what you need in the field.The stock thats up to you but if it fits you well I'd go with it.A good 165-180gr bullet load that shoots good in your rifle and have at it.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #9 on:** September 05, 2007, 06:59:51 PM »

I wouldn't change a thing. I killed my first elk with a 30-06. And probably a 3x9x38 Weaver. Or a Leuy. (been so long ago, I can't remember) I used a handloaded 200gr standard bullet. Either a Hot Core or a Hornady. If you don't handload, buy some 180's and have at it. You'll be fine.
If you use store bought ammo, buy several boxes of whatever you decide on with the same lot number so you can dial in your scope and still have plenty to practice and hunt with. The companies sometimes change recipes which will throw your point of impact off if it ain't the same batch.
Don't forget, Howa made the Weatherby rifle back then so that ain't no dog you're shootin'.

theoldarcher · « **Reply #10 on:** September 06, 2007, 05:43:52 AM »

Thanks to all for your input.

My thoughts on the stock change were: where I have hunted in CO previously is pretty rugged. The stock on the Howa is from the factory in Japan where the Howas and the Weatherbys were made some years ago, and it is beautiful. I was thinking only of the rocks and areas where there is a great opportunity to mar a wooden stock. Wouldn't a composite take a little more scuffing than a wooden stock?

Question: help me understand the 'floating and bedding' process if I keep the original stock on the rifle. What? Why? How? Etc. Sorry, but my gun-smithing ignorance is showing!

I really do appreciate input from you who are much more into guns than I have been over the last 40 years. Thanks again,

Arch

beemanbeme · « **Reply #11 on:** September 06, 2007, 06:16:08 AM »

Well, before you do any tweaking, you have to have a baseline.
Firstly, take the rifle apart (or take it to a good smith) and have it cleaned and ensure there are no errant wood chips and such floating around that shouldn't be there. Set the trigger at a good crisp 3# or a bit better. Make sure all screws are tight. And the scope is snuggly mounted with a little lock tite on the screws.
Secondly, sight it in and shoot it. Buy a box of the several different kinds of ammo intended for elk. Regardless of what anyone else says, I think 180grs in a 30-06 is bottem line. See which kind shoots best in your rifle. Then buy several boxes of that kind with the same lot number and shoot up any left overs of the other kinds in practice. As you know, an elk is a pretty big animal. If your rifle gives you 1.5" accuracy, you've got all you need so don't worry about floating or bedding or pillar bedding or whatever. Just practice, practice, practice. From field positions. Somebody that can get close enough to an elk to stick an arrow in it, shouldn't have any problems getting close enough to shoot it with a rifle.
Thirdly, the stock question is strictly your call. I don't mind a few dings in my stocks. I think it adds character and helps remind me of the hunts I've been on.

ms · « **Reply #12 on:** September 06, 2007, 09:26:19 AM »

I say buy some shells first I bet it will shoot.

jvs · « **Reply #13 on:** September 06, 2007, 10:50:38 AM »

Quote from: theoldarcher on September 06, 2007, 05:43:52 AM

My thoughts on the stock change were: where I have hunted in CO previously is pretty rugged. The stock on the Howa is from the factory in Japan where the Howas and the Weatherbys were made some years ago, and it is beautiful. I was thinking only of the rocks and areas where there is a great opportunity to mar a wooden stock. Wouldn't a composite take a little more scuffing than a wooden stock?

Question: help me understand the 'floating and bedding' process if I keep the original stock on the rifle. What? Why? How? Etc. Sorry, but my gun-smithing ignorance is showing!

It probably wouldn't hurt to change the Stock out to a synthetic if you are concerned about maring the wooden one, but you should understand that changing the stock changes everything. It probably won't shoot exactly the same after each stock change, which means more trips to the range.

Floating and bedding is not something I would try with a rifle that catches my eye if I didn't have a little experience doing it before. You might want to pick up something used and try your skills at floating and bedding before tackling a nicer piece. Not much can go wrong when you float a barrel, but bedding the action right can take some practice. And by no means try to adjust the trigger if you have no experience.

beemanbeme gave you good advice. Know where you are before you tinker.

30-06man · « **Reply #14 on:** September 06, 2007, 11:53:01 AM »

yeah if you need the trigger work done take it to a good gun smith!! you could mess something up and cause mis fires!

ms · « **Reply #15 on:** September 06, 2007, 12:58:37 PM »

MY brother has a bolt with a fine stock on it he was afraid of scraping it up he got a cover for it.

30-06man · « **Reply #16 on:** September 06, 2007, 01:21:32 PM »

if you get grim or dirt under the cover than it will be like sandpaper. it will get scrached.

ms · « **Reply #17 on:** September 06, 2007, 11:14:12 PM »

Topic Summary
Posted on: Yesterday at 06:21:32 PMPosted by: 30.06man
Insert Quote
if you get grim or dirt under the cover than it will be like sandpaper. it will get scrached. Never thought of that thanks I know my brother it's a tight fit. But you make a good point.

30-06man · « **Reply #18 on:** September 07, 2007, 01:42:20 PM »

i leared that the hard way when i did that to a gun i didn't want to mess up. i put it on it expecting to protect it since it was so tight, well it was scrached so i took it sanded and refinished it and sold it. i would rather spend the extra 50 on a new synthtic stock then stuff to fix the stock back up.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #19 on:** September 08, 2007, 04:31:36 AM »

Dang, what are you folks doing? I've dragged wooden stocked rifles all over the Big Horns in Wy and some of the Rockies in Col and never tore 'em up like that.

30-06man · « **Reply #20 on:** September 08, 2007, 06:15:02 AM »

huntin in the lower part of sc. all sand

theoldarcher · « **Reply #21 on:** September 10, 2007, 05:27:25 AM »

Hey Guys, thanks for all the replies.

After looking at a B&C stock over the weekend, I have decided, although they look fairly cool (is that still a word used today or is my age showing!!??), to keep the original wooden stock on the gun. I may have a gunsmith look at bedding, etc., this winter. This stock will definitely be heavier, but it will continue the factory integrity of the gun. I have decided to place a Limb Saver recoil pad on the stock. I think I am going with Leupold quick detach mounts and rings for a Bushnell 4200 Elite scope.

Once the above is completed, I can then start sorting through ammunition. I can get really good shooting out to 110 yards at my son-in-laws, so that will do for the beginning stages. Once I get dialed in at 100 yards, I can go to a conversation club nearby, pay my fees, and see where I'm at at 200 yards and maybe 300 yards. I will probably never shoot that distance, but who knows?

Thanks again for sharing so freely. I really appreciate y'all! :-)

Arch

30-06man · « **Reply #22 on:** September 10, 2007, 07:01:31 AM »

sounds like a very nice setup. i would use this ammo. its what i use in my 700 and its very accurate. 30-06 SPRG 165 GR SST LIGHT MAG **Not for use in semi-automatic or gas operated firearms** more info

Item No. Qty/Box Price View Ballistics
85154 20 $40.04 ill give you the link also. heres one to the popup info.
https://www.hornady.com/shop/Ammo_LMHM_popup.htm heres the one to the 30.06 page https://www.hornady.com/shop/?ps_session=4584366c2ec4fe4f529ef3a56a24a90e&page=shop%2Fbrowse&category_id=3fd358901ec2b806cdbb152612e888c8

beemanbeme · « **Reply #23 on:** September 10, 2007, 09:30:57 AM »

FYI, IMO, if you elect to hunt with the $40 a box ammo --nothing wrong with that, if nothing else it's a confidence booster-- do a lot or most of your practice with the el cheapo stuff. Then dial in your scope and down range ballistics with the high dollar stuff before the hunt. You can save a lotsa bucks.
I'd still opt for the heaviest bullet you can find however.

30-06man · « **Reply #24 on:** September 10, 2007, 12:13:20 PM »

when i practice i just use Remington corelokt or anything cheaper

Swampman · « **Reply #25 on:** September 10, 2007, 12:38:30 PM »

I'd shoot it before I did anything to it. Maybe it shoots perfectly without any work at all. For a scope my # 1 choice would be a Bushnell 4200 3-9X40. You can spend more money, but you can't buy a better scope. The Remington Core-Lokts are all you really need for your hunting needs. You can buy more expensive ammo, but you really can't improve on the Remingtons.

I see no reason to fix up a wood stock. Just hunt and quit worrying about it being pretty. Rub a little linseed oil on the wood every once in a while. Each scratch and ding tells a story of the hunt. When I see a hunter carrying a dinged up & worn slick rifle, I know he'll do to ride the river with.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #26 on:** September 10, 2007, 02:07:34 PM »

Yea shoot before you do anything. You might just be throwing money away.

Hey dw06. do those Redfields have the 4 plex reticule in them? My 2 /34x had them and I broke them several years ago and ended up with the duplex. I don't suppose you'd trade one for a 1-4x Redfield would you?

30-06man · « **Reply #27 on:** September 10, 2007, 03:48:47 PM »

i used to use core lokts in my 700. it was all over the paper. i had no confidence in them. since then they have came out with core lokt express and they are way cheaper made. the hornadays are 3/4 inch solid.

targshooter · « **Reply #28 on:** September 12, 2007, 03:45:04 AM »

Oldarcher,
The terrain you will be hunting will have some influence on your scope and bullet choice. In heavy brush I like the 220 grain .30-06 load, the bullet has good sectional density and this minimizes deflection as much as possible. Additionally, elk are big enough that the 220 grain bullet will not just zip through as with smaller deer. Also, elk are large, and if you are going to limit your shots to 200 yards or under you may want to look at scopes of 2-4 power. This will allow the rifle/scope combination to be handy and light for easier carry.
regards,
targshooter