Author Topic: Looking for that special rifle, am I on the right path...  (Read 2295 times)

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Offline goose7856

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« Reply #30 on: June 08, 2005, 05:34:00 AM »
Ive got another gun that I would like to fit those "ugly" needs. A Remington 700 ADL 30-06.

I just want one thats a little nicer thats all.
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Offline PEPAW

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« Reply #31 on: June 08, 2005, 09:04:43 AM »
I had a real "ugly" ADL that I camo'ed and it shoots like a dream.   I suggest you do like I did and add a nice, wooden stock and it will be like a new gun for much less.

Of course, as a hunter, I think my binoculars are at least as important as my rifle.  I suggest you also look at new glass with your hard earned dollars to go with your tried and true '06.

pepaw

Offline stork

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« Reply #32 on: June 08, 2005, 09:19:20 AM »
Goose reloading is not that bad.  I have been reloading for a little over a year.   Now that i have a job i could afford factory ammo, but with the price of it I don't see how someone our age can afford not to reload.  Your first reloads might be a little scary, but once they go bang you'll be hooked.  Your 30-06 is easy to reload to reload for also.

Offline goose7856

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« Reply #33 on: June 08, 2005, 10:04:38 AM »
stork, what is about the smallest grain bullet the 30-06 can shoot?

I am thinking that if I just learn to reload and I put a smaller grain bullet, it may be the same as getting a smaller caliber gun.

I looked at Midway, and saw that the Barnes TSX bullet comes in a 30 caliber. It was 130 grains. I want to use a premium bullet, but want to keep the grain number low.

Right between 115-130 would seem to be what I want. (130 sounds great actually!).

The TSX is a really strong bullet so im sure it could hold up at the blistering speeds it would be flying at.

That would be a really cool thing to do though- reload. I think im going to try it.

Ill start a new topic, and figure out what I would need.

Thanx alot! (and it should be alot cheaper than buying a new gun).

Pepaw, may I ask where you got a wood stock for your ADL?

TIA
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Offline Coyote Hunter

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« Reply #34 on: June 08, 2005, 01:27:42 PM »
Goose –

A quick suggestion on scopes – try them out side-by-side before choosing one.  There is a significant difference in their ability to transmit light, even among scopes that are of comparable cost and seemingly comparable quality. I hunted for over 20 years with a Bushnell Sportview 3x9 that, while serviceable, simply wasn’t very good in low light situations.  These days I won’t tolerate such a scope.  Some scopes put a tint on the sight picture that I don’t care for, but a side-by-side comparison is the only way to tell which ones work best for you.

As to reloading, if you think it will be a long-time endeavor, I recommend the RCBS RockChucker Supreme Master Kit.  It comes with pretty much everything you will need except calipers and a case trimmer. You’ll want a bullet puller, too.  I recommend a chronograph to all reloaders and you can get a serviceable rebuilt  Shooting Chrony from the factory for $49 (http://www.shootingchrony.com/products_SCMMCM.htm bottom of page), or for less than $100 you can have a new one with a remote on/off (reset) and readout (recommended).  Later you will want to add a case tumbler.  You will also want to collect as much free load data as you can, starting with the web sites for Hodgdon, Alliant and Accurate powders.  The Hodgdon Annual Manual is my primary reference since I tend to use Hodgdon powders a lot, cost is under $8.  If you plan to use a specific bullet brand, get the manufacturer’s manual for them, too.

Don’t worry about reloading – the manuals tell you how and if you follow the directions a chronograph will help keep you out of trouble.  (If you use the same components and stay at or under the published velocities, you should be safe provided you make any necessary adjustments for differences in barrel length between the one used in the manual and your rifle.  (Figure +35fps per inch if your barrel is longer, -35fps per inch if shorter)  The main thing is to reload in a place and at a time when you can focus on the work at hand – never reload when drinking or on drugs, when you’re upset or otherwise mentally disengaged.  I don’t even reload when I‘m taking cold medicine – a mistake like a double-charge could have disastrous and permanent effects, and the risk just isn’t worth it.  Think SAFETY FIRST all the time, every time.  Follow the reloading directions and especially the safety precautions (like only having ONE powder out at a time) and you’ll be fine.  I learned from the Speer manual without any additional guidance and I’m sure many others have had similar experiences.  Still using the RockChucker I bought back then (1981) and its turned out many, many thousands of rounds.

Another safety tip – use a powder that gives you a high charge density, meaning it fills or comes close to filling the case while still allowing room for the bullet.  Such loads are impossible to double-charge and over-charges are easier to spot when you make a final inspection of powder levels in the cases in the loading block before seating the bullets.

For what it is worth, a .30 caliber can be used as a varmint gun but be careful selecting bullets.  Varmint bullets are designed to be frangible, meaning they fall apart easily.  This increases their effectiveness on small targets like prairie dogs, nutria and coyotes and significantly reduces the danger of ricochets.  Hearing a bullet whine off into the distance is not a good thing since you cannot predict where or what it will impact. Speer makes a 125g TNT-HP bullet suitable for varminting and Hornady makes a 110 grain V-MAX.  My choice would be the V-MAX.  Nosler makes Ballistic Tip bullets in both varminting and hunting varieties, but in .30 caliber they are only available in the hunting variety.

Get the reloading stuff first and a new rifle later.  And enjoy!
Coyote Hunter
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Offline Coyote Hunter

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« Reply #35 on: June 08, 2005, 01:38:44 PM »
Goose -

Two more things...

The Barnes 130g TSX should hit 3200fps and shoot as flat as you'll ever need for Louisiana deer.  If you ever head out west for elk, though, go with the 165g.

Second, check out http://www.boydboys.com/ for stocks.
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Offline goose7856

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« Reply #36 on: June 08, 2005, 03:17:24 PM »
Great post!!

I really need to learn about all the different parts before I think about buying the equipment. I dont know what the purpose of a die is (I just know you need one), idk what a caliper is, but a case trimmer is self explanatory.

I did shoot one coyote this year, but will probably stick with just premium deer style bullets. If I decide to go coyote hunting one day, then Ill load a couple Vmax 110's and have some fun.

Thanx for all the good advice. SAFETY is the #1 priority when I do this. If Im not comfortable at first, then ill get someone to show me exactly how (One man I hunt with loads for his 30-06 also).

TIA
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Offline victorcharlie

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« Reply #37 on: June 08, 2005, 04:14:49 PM »
Quote
I really want to learn to reload, but in all seriousness, im a little scared to. I dont want to shoot one of my reloaded bullets and it be "messed up", and i kill myself

 
I guess this is where we differ.......I know what went into my handloads.......it's the factory stuff I wonder about...........
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Offline goose7856

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« Reply #38 on: June 08, 2005, 04:56:56 PM »
when you put it that way..... :shock: ......thanx i see what your saying. :D
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Offline Zachary

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« Reply #39 on: June 09, 2005, 01:17:25 AM »
Quote from: goose7856
Zachary, wouldnt you think the 30-06 and a .270 are kind of close in calibers?


In a word - No.

The .270 and the .30-06 are probably the 2 most popular cartridges on the market, but I would not say that they are kinda close in calibers.  .277 and .308 might seem close to you, and perhaps on paper that might look that way, but ask any elk hunter his opinion and he will definately tell you from practical experience that the .30-06 is a much better choice than the .270 (assuming equal accuracy and bullet construction).

The typical bullet range for the .270 is from 130 to 150.  The .30-06 starts off where the .270 leaves off - with 150 but goes way up to 220.

Zachary

Offline PEPAW

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« Reply #40 on: June 09, 2005, 02:40:31 AM »
Off the topic, but have you tried the Reduced Recoil Factory loads in your '06 yet?    They work exactly as advertised in my 7 mag and are fun to shot in my .270.


Goose, I got the wooden "take-off" short action ADL stock from another forum member.    It is actually a nice factory stock and perfect for that often abused rifle.


pepaw

Offline Coyote Hunter

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« Reply #41 on: June 09, 2005, 04:11:45 AM »
Quote from: Zachary
Quote from: goose7856
Zachary, wouldnt you think the 30-06 and a .270 are kind of close in calibers?


In a word - No.

... the .30-06 is a much better choice than the .270...


Listen to Zach on this one.  When I first came to Colorado and started elk hunting back in 1981 my mentor suggested a 7mm Mag and that’s what I went with.  Can’t really complain, as I have never lost an elk with it, and can say with confidence that a .270 with 150g bullets would have taken every elk the 7mm Mag has.  

Over the years, though, I have become a believer in the efficacy of heavier and fatter bullets, even if that means reduced velocity and giving something up in range, especially since a very small percentage of shots are taken at ranges beyond 250 or 300 yards.  While my 7mm Mag is effective, a much slower and fatter 350g bullet from my .45-70 provides significantly more thump at the ranges where most of my elk have been taken.  Knowing what I do now, I would have chosen a .300 Win Mag back in 1981, or, had I had one, been quite happy with a .30-06 and 180g bullets.  

It is often said that a man with a .30-06 doesn’t need another rifle.  That is certainly true when talking about antelope, deer and elk. (And its the best reason I can think of for not owning one!)  A complete battery for North America could easily consist of a .22LR, bolt guns in .223 and .30-06 and a levergun in .45-70.  That battery would actually do you very well anywhere in the world, including Africa.
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Offline elmer

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« Reply #42 on: June 09, 2005, 07:02:56 AM »
I love my Savage 116FSS in 30-06 with the Accu-Trigger. Wish I had known the 116FCSS was coming out though.
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Offline Eddie in Delta

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« Reply #43 on: June 09, 2005, 07:36:27 AM »
Goose,

If you're still looking at brands and are set on a bolt gun, check out the CZs.  You might have to look around a bit to find a store that stocks them, but I think they're really good looking guns.  They have a decent web site, too: czusa.com.  Maybe a little heavy, but not much more than most wood-stocked guns, plus they're a bit more inexpensive than, say, Brownings.

Eddie

Offline Longcruise

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« Reply #44 on: June 10, 2005, 09:47:19 AM »
Quote
basically narrowed it down to 2 decisions....either learn to reload and reload my 30-06 with smaller grain bullets (120-140), or to get another gun??

If I decide to go with the latter then I want to go BIG. I want to get the rifle of my life.

Ive basically narrowed down my decision to a Browning Abolt Medallion or Tikka T3 Hunter.

I would get a 25 WSSM in the Browning and a 25-06 in the Tikka.


I thought you meant "BIG" as in large bore :)

Ok, I have a Tikka T3 Lite in .223 rem and I'm sold on the value, the quality and the shooting charachteristics.

Your '06 is a perfect deer gun, but for the typical whitetail hunt, I'd go with a well constructed 180 grain bullet over the light and fast.  Punches a nice clean hole and won't blow up if the you use a partition or X.

My vote goes to the Tikka in 7-08 :grin:

Offline TNred

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« Reply #45 on: June 10, 2005, 01:33:44 PM »
I assume from your post that you're a teenager (young man).  And there's certainly nothing wrong with that.

Based upon that, and the fact that you already have a nice gun that can be made to work well for your intended purposes, I highly recommend that you save your money and make do with what you have.

Two years ago, when my son was 13, he got his first summer job.  He ran a weedeater for 8-10 hours per day for a land scape business.  He really worked HARD out in the hot sun all summer long, and saved $1200.

He too already had a good rifle, but all summer long he was planning to use his hard-earned money to buy his "dream" rifle and scope.  A Browning synthetic A-Bolt.  He was so sure that this was what he wanted to do.  I knew it was a mistake, and tried to tell him so.  But he respectfully said that he was sure of his decision.  So I decided to teach him a lesson and let him buy it.

Sure enough, at the end of the summer, we went to Bass Pro Shops and found just the gun and scope he wanted.  And a sling, gun case, etc.  He worked hard all summer to save that money, and spent it all in just a few minutes.

The gun has been a good one.  No doubt about that.  But he was the first to realize and say that for the intended purpose, it wasn't much better than what he already had.  And now that he's wanting a truck and a lot of other things, he sees that he made a mistake by spending all his money on his "dream" gun.

By the way, his idea of his "dream" gun has changed about 10 times since then, as is common with teenagers.

So my advice is to make what you have work.  It sounds like you've got a good gun.  Then later in life, when you've had time to really know what your dream gun is, and you can truly afford it, you'll have plenty of time to find it and buy it.

Offline goose7856

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« Reply #46 on: June 10, 2005, 02:02:38 PM »
I think you may be right....thats a very good post thank you.

I really think im going to start reloading, and use some of the money I earn for that. But I will still have alot left. Maybe a dream gun isnt what I need, maybe I would just like to have another gun (but cheaper instead of spending the whole $1200 on it). Once I learn to reload I can get a new set of dies, and w/e else I need and can load for it also.

My Uncle, whom brings me hunting, has a spare Redfield Widefield 2-7 scope that he said I could use. So basically I could get a 25-06 or similar caliber, for around $400......I can save the rest.

Thanx everyone! :D
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Offline Coyote Hunter

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« Reply #47 on: June 10, 2005, 03:09:26 PM »
Quote from: goose7856
... So basically I could get a 25-06 or similar caliber, for around $400......I can save the rest.


Probably a wise decision.  Check out the Ruger rifles - they are my favorite for a variety of reasons not the least of which is every one my brother, hunting buddy and myself have is an excellent shooter.  I am an unabashed Ruger fan, so take a look but make up your own mind.
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Offline goose7856

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« Reply #48 on: June 10, 2005, 03:39:18 PM »
How much would the Weatherby Vangaurd SS with wood cost?

http://www.weatherby.com/products/guns.asp?prd=Rifles&prd_sub_type=3&prod_code=VWS223RR4O

Id like to get either the 257 Weatherby, or the 243 (since they dont make the 25-06 in this gun!).

Ill be reloading so the cost of ammo will only hurt the first couple times until I obtain some brass for the 257. 243 ammo would be no problem.

TIA
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Offline TNred

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« Reply #49 on: June 11, 2005, 11:29:25 AM »
Quote from: goose7856
I think you may be right....thats a very good post thank you.

I really think im going to start reloading, and use some of the money I earn for that. But I will still have alot left. Maybe a dream gun isnt what I need, maybe I would just like to have another gun (but cheaper instead of spending the whole $1200 on it). Once I learn to reload I can get a new set of dies, and w/e else I need and can load for it also.

My Uncle, whom brings me hunting, has a spare Redfield Widefield 2-7 scope that he said I could use. So basically I could get a 25-06 or similar caliber, for around $400......I can save the rest.

Thanx everyone! :D


Reloading is a great thing to get into.  I think you'll like it a lot, and it's something that will pay for itself many times over.

Good luck.  It's nice to see young men who are willing to work and do for themselves.  With a good attitude like that, I bet you'll have a bright future.

Offline longwinters

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« Reply #50 on: June 11, 2005, 12:37:03 PM »
Goose,

Since you have decided to go the reloading route you have lots of time to buy a reloading book or two and read up on the whole process.  The Lyman guide is a great starter as well as Speer, Nosler and Hornady.  Just don't buy one that will already come with your reloading kit when you get it.  For instance if you go with RCBS it will come with the Speer guide.  The Vanguard rifles should be less than 500.00 unless you go with the new "super shooters" or whatever they call them.  Those will be over 700.00.

Long
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Offline Buckfever

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Goose
« Reply #51 on: June 12, 2005, 08:14:26 AM »
Young man I think what you just did is make a very mature decision!

Buckfever

Offline WW1

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« Reply #52 on: September 28, 2005, 10:33:31 AM »
you may want to check out the 260 Rem or the 7mm-08...
I also agree you need to start reloading....but $3 a round seems awfull to me...I just bought some Federal Premium 7mm-08 with 140 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claws for bulets from Midway for $11.45 a box of 20...I can load them that cheap with a premium bullet...since Speer took them over, the TBBC are selling for $30 for a box of 25 bullets!!!...guess I need to pick a different premium bullet!!..not sure why you want to go to lighter bullets for hunting.for varmits yes but not eddable meat...my wife's uncle and cousins all use the 220 grain 30-06 cuz it ruins less meat...like the other gentleman said use a 45-70 and eat right up to the hole.hahaha...even hand loading is going up in price but not as much as factory...anyway there are lots of choices out there, and when all is said and done you will have ot make the choice...just remember, if you reload, dont drink, smoke, or daydream about some pretty girl, or you may regret it...guess what I am saying is never load when you cant give it your full attention...someone talked about the different powders.here is what I found with the 06...H-4831 fills the case almost to the neck, and H-4895, a double load is about the same, thus you have to pay attention.just my thoughts.....WW1
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Offline VeryOldDog

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« Reply #53 on: September 28, 2005, 01:17:00 PM »
I would like to suggest that you may want to look at the Mannlicher Prohunter from SteyArms. They chamber the most popular calibers and also have stainless steel versions. They are quite accurate and are also used in a different form by the military as sniper rifles. Their bolt action is probably one of the smoothest on the market if that is important to you. I have one in 30-06 and one in 243. Both are a pleasure to shoot.

Offline VeryOldDog

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« Reply #54 on: September 28, 2005, 01:19:00 PM »
I would like to suggest that you may want to look at the Mannlicher Prohunter from SteyArms. They chamber the most popular calibers and also have stainless steel versions. They are quite accurate and are also used in a different form by the military as sniper rifles. Their bolt action is probably one of the smoothest on the market if that is important to you. I have one in 30-06 and one in 243. Both are a pleasure to shoot.