Do I really want a light rifle?

[ThurstonCokid]

There are several 300 rifles in classified for sale. There is always 300s for sale.

There is a reason for that.  Just sayin.

What’s wrong with the 300? Serious question


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Absolutely nothing, unless you just read yet another hunting/shooting article talking about the Magic Powers of the latest 6.5mm.  The 300 is a workhorse up to and including military sniper work.

I was going to say it’s performed well on the 5 big game animals I’ve ever taken with it.. i felt like the caliber is top of the line for my needs.


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[ne kid]

Nothing wrong with 300WM just really like 300WSM.

[BULLBLASTER]

Nothing wrong with 300WM just really like 300WSM.

Opposite for me 

#realmagnumswearbelts

That should get this one going. 

Sorry for the threadjack

[ne kid]

There has never been a horse that can't be rode, and a man that can't be throwed.

[fowl smacker]

Nothing wrong with 300WM just really like 300WSM.

Opposite for me 

#realmagnumswearbelts

That should get this one going. 

Sorry for the threadjack

Yeah, but would you want a light 300 win mag?  That's what this thread is about.

[BULLBLASTER]

Nothing wrong with 300WM just really like 300WSM.

Opposite for me 

#realmagnumswearbelts

That should get this one going. 

Sorry for the threadjack

Yeah, but would you want a light 300 win mag?  That's what this thread is about.

Ive already posted my opinion on rifle weight in this thread. 

[kselkhunter]

Back to the Ops question, here is some helpful information comparing cartridges and rifle weights for same weight bullet.


300 WM, 180gr bullet, 3100fps velocity
7lb total weight rifle = 37.35 ft-lbs of recoil energy, 18.53 fps recoil velocity
9lb total weight rifle = 29.05 ft-lbs of recoil energy, 14.41 fps recoil velocity

30-06, 180gr bullet, 2800fps velocity
7lb total weight rifle = 30.02 ft-lbs recoil energy, 16.51 fps recoil velocity
9lbs total weight rifle = 23.35 ft-lbs recoil energy, 12.92fps recoil velocity

308, 180gr bullet, 2600fps velocity
7lb total weight rifle = 21.29 ft-lbs recoil energy, 13.99 fps recoil velocity
9lbs total weight rifle = 16.56 ft-lbs recoil energy, 10.88 fps recoil velocity


A good Limbsaver pad can close much of the difference in felt recoil between those examples.  But even with the best recoil pad, a 300WM in a 7lb total weight rifle (including scope/etc.) is going to still kick some.  9lb rifle? Not as bad. 


Stock design also comes into play regarding felt recoil.  Some are better than others.   

[dan11011]

I have a Tikka T3 Superlite in 30-06. I have a limbsaver pad which helps quite a bit. I shoot 150 grain Barnes TTSX and think you could hunt your moose with that (and just about everything else) no problem.
I think 300 win mags with a brake are brutal how loud they are, so I would stay clear of that setup. Plus, everyone will hate you at the range. Even with hearing protection they are crazy loud.

[Jellymon]

Pansies. I’ve been hunting with this since I was nine. 

[jasnt]

Lots of dry fire will really help with flinch.  Plus it gives time for barrel to cool to really dial in that cold bore zero.  10 dry fires per shot and if the flinch persists go 20.  Each dry fire should be treated as if you are shooting a target

[bobcat]

Lots of dry fire will really help with flinch.  Plus it gives time for barrel to cool to really dial in that cold bore zero.  10 dry fires per shot and if the flinch persists go 20.  Each dry fire should be treated as if you are shooting a target

Good advice. It definitely works. I've done it myself, and I taught my daughter to do the same thing. Helps her a lot.

[7mmfan]

Lots of dry fire will really help with flinch.  Plus it gives time for barrel to cool to really dial in that cold bore zero.  10 dry fires per shot and if the flinch persists go 20.  Each dry fire should be treated as if you are shooting a target

Good advice. It definitely works. I've done it myself, and I taught my daughter to do the same thing. Helps her a lot.

When I started practicing shots out past 400 yards, I did a lot of dry firing. It helped immensely. Then began shooting a very lightweight rifle, and found the similarities between shooting an ultralight rifle, and long range with my other rifle to be very close. The dry firing helps a lot.

[buckfvr]

light weight rifles MUST have light trigger pull.

[konradcountry]

The 1-4 # difference is not a damn thing if you can’t pack yourself / gear in! If you’re so worried about a couple pounds in a hunting situation- you better shoot the smallest buck you see period , cuz if that couple # is a big deal you’re screwed haha. Just get comfortable with what you shoot and get confident and you’re good.

If I had that attitude with all my gear I could needlessly be packing an extra 30lbs into the backcountry. It adds up quick and does make a difference.

I'm going to agree.

I really don't see how anyone can haul around those 9 pound rifles in rough terrain. A couple extra pounds on shoulder is definitely noticeable after a few miles.