Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: JasonG on March 07, 2017, 06:14:22 PM
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Just curious what rifle / caliber you guys and girls carry in the backcountry? Thinking about a tikka t3 lite in 30.06? Thanks Jason
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Nothing wrong with the tikka.
I carry a Weatherby Ultra Lightweight in 300 Wby
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.280
Lighter, better.
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.280
Lighter, better.
Until its not :chuckle:
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Kimber Adirondack 6.5 creedmoor
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Tikka would be a great backcountry rifle. My choice depends on where I'm going, what the terrain/underbrush is, and expected shooting range. If thick and deer then the good old 30-30. If more open terrain, then the 7mm Browning. If thicker and bigger bear country, then 30-06/now35Whelen.
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For back country you want whatever is the lightest weight gun, .243Win or better, that you can accurately get 2-3 shots from a cold barrel in the vital zone out to whatever range you are willing to shoot.
That, or use whatever you already have, and live with any weight/accuracy/power deficits that entails, since not everyone has the money to go buy a rifle just for back country hunting.
If I get the opportunity to get a new rifle for backcountry hunting it will probably be a Kimber Hunter in .270 or more, unless I find a lighter rifle for less money. If I decide I'm more interested in short overall length, and am willing to trade a little weight for a bigger caliber I might go with a BLR in .358Win.
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I dont think lighter is always better when it comes guns, backcountry or not.
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Remington 700 titanium in 7mm SAUM. Not super light but definitely not heavy either.
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My new backpacking rifle is a Tikka T3 super lite in 30-06 with a Leupold ultralight 3-9x33 scope.
I have used and will continue to use my Winchester extreme weather 300 WSM it's just a bit heavier.
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Kimber Adirondack 6.5 creedmoor
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One of these days I want one of these in 308.
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I have a Mountain Ascent in .308. JoeE what makes you want one in .308 compared to 6.5? The 6.5 seems to be what everyone wants nowadays.
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Kimber Montana 325 wsm 7lbs 3 oz loaded and ready to go. Been eyeing a Adirondack in 308 or 7mm-08. Would be nice to lose a pound or so.
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tikka t3 superlite in .308
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I have a Mountain Ascent in .308. JoeE what makes you want one in .308 compared to 6.5? The 6.5 seems to be what everyone wants nowadays.
I'm a simple guy.. the 300 WSM is about as exotic of a round I'll probably ever own. I've gone back to the 30-06 for the most part just because of how available ammo is. The 308 will always be available just like the 06.. Can I find ammo for the 6.5 if I get to my destination the middle of nowhere and realize I forgot my ammo? Maybe, but I'm pretty sure whatever podunk gas station near where I may be hunting will have 308 and 30-06.
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I have a Mountain Ascent in .308. JoeE what makes you want one in .308 compared to 6.5? The 6.5 seems to be what everyone wants nowadays.
Not directed at me but I don't shoot 1000 yards and don't plan on doing it. I have 308 dies. The 6.5 has nothing on the 308 win unless you pick one of the few bullets that have a better B.C then .308 offerings. The bullets I choose to use have the same B.C with .308 or 6.5 bullets.
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I have a Mountain Ascent in .308. JoeE what makes you want one in .308 compared to 6.5? The 6.5 seems to be what everyone wants nowadays.
I'm a simple guy.. the 300 WSM is about as exotic of a round I'll probably ever own. I've gone back to the 30-06 for the most part just because of how available ammo is. The 308 will always be available just like the 06.. Can I find ammo for the 6.5 if I get to my destination the middle of nowhere and realize I forgot my ammo? Maybe, but I'm pretty sure whatever podunk gas station near where I may be hunting will have 308 and 30-06.
For sure man. I like my .308 and availability of ammo is nice. Also long bore life I hear. After getting pounded by my .338 I wanted something easier to shoot too
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Pack my daily shooter - 9.5# 338 win mag seems light to me but just used to it I guess. I have a 6# 30-06 but if I'm putting in a multiday hike I don't want to chance being under gunned. Thats elk, Deer different story but still like some pop.
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I'm having a light ish weight 300 win built. All in with scope and bipod I am hoping to be around 9.5 lb
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This may sound funny but its a little trick I started years ago. I start out the season bear hunting with about a 10lb Remington 270. Carry it around for awhile to get my arms used to carrying a load ( I don't use a sling). Then I change it out for the 7lb Kimber and it literally feels like you are carrying nothing. Really makes a difference on long days. I don't use a sling cause I hunt some thicker stuff and the time it takes to take rifle off of sling is sometimes the difference.
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6.5x284 savage long range hunter with vortex viper 6x24 pst mil rad.had an opportunity at a trophy muley 3 years ago but couldn't get closer than 600 yds. Had a 308 at the time and couldn't take the shot. Never again. It's heavy 10lb load but I will shoot 600 yds with it.
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Savage weather warrior in 300 win mag. 7.15lb rifle weight then whatever scope,rings/bases and sling weight is.
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.308 or 30-06.
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Lots of good choices out there, I just picked up a Howa Alpine rifle in the 6.5, only weighs 5lb 7 oz out of the box, I'll throw a lightweight scope on there and it should do the trick I'm thinking.
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Forbes in 30.06.
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Any recommendations for a left hand factory rifle that fits the description of the OP? Tikka is the only one I've come across. sako, kimber, legendary arms, howa, etc, only offer right hand models. Spending 3k for a custom rifle isn't something I'm interested in.
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You can get a Browning X bolt in a left handed version:
http://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt/current-production/x-bolt-hunter-left-hand.html
Or a Savage model 11 compact:
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/11TROPHYHUNTERXPYTH
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Tikka T3x lite in 7mm rem mag, and Ruger American Predator in 6.5 creedmoor. The Tikka is lighter and I love it, but the 6.5 cm is a sweet shooting rifle.
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Depends on the back country. Usually it's a Reimngton 700 with a fluted Lilja barrels chambered in 280ai, other times it's another 700 chambered in 338-06, or if I'm feeling lazy it's a Model 7 chambered in 7mm-08.
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The Model 70 featherweight in 7mm Mauser I used to carry weighed 8 lbs loaded. It worked for me and was my every day deer rifle.
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Back country usually means high country, usually means long shot opportunity. Which is why I bumped it up to 300 wsm. Short action saves some weight, still can push heavy 308 bullets at good speeds.
300 wsm, Rem 700
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If I'm going someplace where shots are likely to be inside 400 yards then I tote the Kimber Montana 280AI. If I'm going someplace where long range or OIL tags are at stake and I'm leaving nothing on the line then I tote the 300 Ultra pushing Berger 230 OTM, 11.5 pounds. I've backpacked the 300 10 plus miles into the Blues and it's not fun but when a critical shot is on the line I don't want a 6 pound rifle.
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:chuckle:
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There are two kinds of backcountry hunters. Those that argue on the internet about the "best" caliber, and those that are out there filling tags with whatever they shoot best regardless of caliber.
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Which category do you fall into
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There are two kinds of backcountry hunters. Those that argue on the internet about the "best" caliber, and those that are out there filling tags with whatever they shoot best regardless of caliber.
Kind of random :dunno:
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Tikka T3 SL, 300WM. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170309/b2359a1b1c5548dd34a21bb08983791d.jpg)
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What's the total weight of that sucker fillthefreezer?
And what bullets do you shoot?
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What's the total weight of that sucker fillthefreezer?
And what bullets do you shoot?
I've been meaning to reweigh it since moving to the carbon bipod, but should be a tad under 8lbs.
I'm shooting 190gr VLDs that xxlojackxx put together for me
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What's the total weight of that sucker fillthefreezer?
And what bullets do you shoot?
I've been meaning to reweigh it since moving to the carbon bipod, but should be a tad under 8lbs.
I'm shooting 190gr VLDs that xxlojackxx put together for me
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Is that a javelin bipod?
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Is that a javelin bipod?
yes
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Don't do a lot of back country but if I plan on putting on miles for the day....I have my kimber mountain ascent in .308 win. Super light and super accurate with my handloads. :tup:
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What's the total weight of that sucker fillthefreezer?
And what bullets do you shoot?
I've been meaning to reweigh it since moving to the carbon bipod, but should be a tad under 8lbs.
I'm shooting 190gr VLDs that xxlojackxx put together for me
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Are those extreme hardcore rings ??
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Stainless Sako 85 in .300 WSM with synthetic stock (I really like the rubber on the foreend) topped with a 4.5x14 Ziess Conquest. Love it.
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Are those extreme hardcore rings ??
they are weaver tac rings. hardcore rail though. i keep thinking about searching out a lighter ring, but talk myself out of it for being rediculous.
maybe i need to start a new thread for this gun, with progression and specs :chuckle:
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I guess what I was trying to say was a subtle hint that of all the things you have to get in order before you head up to hunt, caliber is down towards the bottom of that list. Way down the list.
Some will get it, some won't. That is ok. Life takes all kinds.
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Ruger American Predator...6.5 Creedmoor...Vortex Diamondback 4-12 BDC
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I guess what I was trying to say was a subtle hint that of all the things you have to get in order before you head up to hunt, caliber is down towards the bottom of that list. Way down the list.
Some will get it, some won't. That is ok. Life takes all kinds.
Hunting skills and knowledge of the area are more important than a long range rifle. I agree.
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I guess what I was trying to say was a subtle hint that of all the things you have to get in order before you head up to hunt, caliber is down towards the bottom of that list. Way down the list.
Some will get it, some won't. That is ok. Life takes all kinds.
Right. And some will understand that it's March, and asking other people about what gear they use helps pass the time and you may learn something. Or maybe see a pic of a sweet rifle. Some will get it, some won't.
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I guess what I was trying to say was a subtle hint that of all the things you have to get in order before you head up to hunt, caliber is down towards the bottom of that list. Way down the list.
Some will get it, some won't. That is ok. Life takes all kinds.
You can always make a thread about all the things you need to get in order before o selecting a caliber rifle if you want.... :rolleyes:
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I guess what I was trying to say was a subtle hint that of all the things you have to get in order before you head up to hunt, caliber is down towards the bottom of that list. Way down the list.
Some will get it, some won't. That is ok. Life takes all kinds.
Seems unnecessarily brusque
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Last year I packed in my 12lb Sendero 338 rum a ways further than I should of but if I didn't have that rifle I would not of filled my tag. I am pretty sure a couple people told me I was crazy to pack it into the area but it worked out.
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Is that a javelin bipod?
yes
Hope you like it - my Leupold branded version should be arriving any day now - already have gunsmith adapter.
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I bounce back and forth depending on what and where but a Tikka T3 super lite '06 or my Defensive Edge 300 ultra @9.8 pounds
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338 RUM all day any day!
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Tikka superlite 7mag/Leupold 4.5x14lr
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Currently a 280ai on a rem 700 action with a carbon barrel, can reach out a touch something for sure but topped with a vortex 6-24 pst just at nine pounds not super light but comfident with it. Before I ran rem 700 .270 win and still do at times. Easiest way to cut weight is off your body, which i need to do after this long winter
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Just curious what rifle / caliber you guys and girls carry in the backcountry? Thinking about a tikka t3 lite in 30.06? Thanks Jason
That's what I run!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170311/78a9809597c27367a90e3577900ef3f8.jpg)
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
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Easiest Cheapest way to cut weight is off your body, which i need to do after this long winter
Fixed :chuckle:
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Just curious what rifle / caliber you guys and girls carry in the backcountry? Thinking about a tikka t3 lite in 30.06? Thanks Jason
That's what I run!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170311/78a9809597c27367a90e3577900ef3f8.jpg)
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
how do you like it?
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Easiest Cheapest way to cut weight is off your body, which i need to do after this long winter
Fixed :chuckle:
Thank you for fixing that, althpugh eatimg healthy is getting pretty darn expensive. Effort is cheap though.
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7wsm from a custom Remington 700 with a Benchmark barrel. Topped with a Vortex VIPER PST 6-24X50 FFP. Good glass is more important than the gun in my opinion.
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Well I ended up buying a weatherby wilderness in 30-06 . I need to get a scope and start shooting. This will be my first hunt ever. Never to late to start. Scouting beings asap.
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Winchester model 70 300 wsm or a tikka m695 6.5x55
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Scouting beings asap.
:yike:
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Remington 700 titanium chambered in 7mm SA Ultra Mag running 160 grain Nosler accubonds. Topped with a Leupold 3.5x10-40 it is still light enough for the steepest backcountry.
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Kimber Mountain Ascent in .280 Ackley Improved topped with a Vortex Razor 2-10x40mm, I also have and shoot a Savage Lightweight Hunter in 7mm-08 topped with a Leupold VXIII 2-8x28mm...I love both rifles/scopes!
Grade
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never went much back country that is, but when I did I took my .270
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I dont think lighter is always better when it comes guns, backcountry or not.
Yeah, I hear "lighter is always better" from a lot of dudes, many of which who've never actually shot a really light rifle. If it works for you, great, but I think more folks need to actually hunt with one and kill an animal before banging the "lighter is always better" gong. A lot of times that extra weight helps stabilize the rifle while firing and firing the light weights can feel like letting off a fire cracker and less like firing a rifle.
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This may sound funny but its a little trick I started years ago. I start out the season bear hunting with about a 10lb Remington 270. Carry it around for awhile to get my arms used to carrying a load ( I don't use a sling). Then I change it out for the 7lb Kimber and it literally feels like you are carrying nothing. Really makes a difference on long days. I don't use a sling cause I hunt some thicker stuff and the time it takes to take rifle off of sling is sometimes the difference.
Have you tried the safari slings? I can have the rifle ready to fire in the same time it would take if I were carrying it. I'm a believer and frees up my hands to climb over stuff and use my binos.
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I also like the 270 it is my go-to gun .rem 700 270 put a plastic stock on it .lighten it up a bit.
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Custom Ti/Carbon 6.5 GAP 4S and a Kimber MT in .280AI
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I use a Savage 16 Lightweight Hunter in 7mm-08 with a Nikon Prostaff 5 2.5-10x40mm. I got it for Christmas so haven't hunted with it yet, but it shoots like a dream and is about 2lbs lighter as a package than the Remington 30.06 I carried last year.
Really, there are lots of great options. I chose the Savage because of the low cost, stainless metal and 3-position safety. I almost bought a Ruger American Predator in .308 but after knocking the action open walking through brush a few times with the Remington, I decided a locking safety was the way to go.
Last year I packed in my 12lb Sendero 338 rum a ways further than I should of but if I didn't have that rifle I would not of filled my tag. I am pretty sure a couple people told me I was crazy to pack it into the area but it worked out.
Why do you think you wouldn't have filled your tag without that specific rifle? :dunno:
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Custom Ti/Carbon 6.5 GAP 4S and a Kimber MT in .280AI
Was that the GAP non typical or which model GAP?
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RBros lightweight 280AI
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This year going with the T3 .270WSM with 3x9 scope.