Post by: finnman on August 24, 2021, 02:12:06 PM
I had my eye on Weatherby's new offerings, a Christensen's Arms Mesa, a Kimber Montana, Browning A-bolt, Tikka T3.
I was really leaning toward the Mesa.
However, i just stumbled into a guy who offered to sell me his 20 year old Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight in .240 Weatherby Mag with about 250 rounds of 100 gr. Nosler partition hand loads, another 100 pieces of once fired brass, topped with a Nikon Monarch 3 3-12x42 scope for $1,250.
So with the rifles listed above, and knowing that the plan was for a deer/antelope rifle package, is the .240 Mag the way to go?
What would you do?
Post by: Stein on August 24, 2021, 02:23:27 PM
From my experience, 20 year old rifles are built well, often cycle more smoothly and overall better fit and finish but are not nearly as accurate as apples to apples with a current version. I might get flak for that statement, but you can get a sub-moa factory rifle for $300-400 now quite easily. 20 years ago you didn't pick a rifle off the rack at the store expecting that accuracy.
After that, it's all personal choice. I'm looking hard at a 6.5 CM or more likely PRC, but there are tons of good options. .243 is going to be pretty limited if you don't want grenading bullets.
Personally, I wouldn't consider a 20 year old rifle, but it's all personal and some guys really like shooting the older guns.
Post by: jstone on August 24, 2021, 02:31:55 PM
Post by: jrebel on August 24, 2021, 02:47:01 PM
I would look hard at the Savage ultralite in 6.5 prc or 6.5 creed. If you want speed the prc would be the ticket, though I am pushing 124 grain hammer hunters at 2850 fps out of the creed. I personally own two Savage Ultralites and both shoot sub 1/2"....one is a 6.5 creed and the other is the 300 wsm. The 300 wsm shoots 180's at 3000 fps if you want a little bigger and faster bullet. If you purely want speed you could probably push a 150 grain bullet at 3200ish fps.
Post by: huntnphool on August 24, 2021, 02:58:32 PM
Post by: jrebel on August 24, 2021, 03:01:18 PM
You might check out the Cooper Backcountry. :twocents:
:drool: :drool: :drool:
Coopers are nice rifles. :tup:
Post by: finnman on August 24, 2021, 03:37:10 PM
You might check out the Cooper Backcountry. :twocents:
Yep. Very nice and over my budget. :(
Post by: finnman on August 24, 2021, 03:47:13 PM
This is interesting. My uncle had a .270 WM in an Ultra Lightweight, he could get 2-3 shots to group tight, then the next one always flew. It drove him crazy trying to get it resolved, but in the end i think its simply as you stated, the thinner barrel warms up and it can't hold p.o.i.
Post by: johnbmyersii on August 24, 2021, 04:07:09 PM
Post by: finnman on August 24, 2021, 04:23:14 PM
Good info thanks!
Post by: Stevewazfishing on August 24, 2021, 04:49:26 PM
Post by: brew on August 24, 2021, 06:02:16 PM
Post by: Alchase on August 24, 2021, 09:00:53 PM
Guaranteed to shoot less then 1 MOA.
I have two, one in 7 MM Mag and one in 300 Win Mag. Both came with proof of Accuracy singed by the shooter. Neither was more then 0,65 MOA.
https://www.sako.fi/en-us/rifles/sako-85/85-finnlight
Post by: finnman on August 25, 2021, 07:27:38 AM
I thought you bought that 270 weatherby mag from another post on the thread ?
Sssshhhhhh, I did. :) But it weighs in at 8.3 pounds dry. its not a pack rifle for sure. I might try and find some ways to reduce weight but until then i will use it when not in the mountains.
Post by: Ironhead on August 25, 2021, 08:25:14 AM
Post by: C-Money on August 25, 2021, 08:28:59 AM
The A-bolt in 7mm-08 would be my next choice
Post by: finnman on August 25, 2021, 09:34:43 AM
The Mark V sounds like a good deal to me...
The A-bolt in 7mm-08 would be my next choice
I am having a hard time turning away from the Mark V. With ammo at $75-100 per box, and he has 250 loaded rounds to go with it.....yep its very hard to look away.
I did look at the Sako Finnlight ll, that rifle fits the bill for sure.
The Kimber Montana is a great one as well and about $1,000 less than many others. Only 5 lbs. 12 oz. too.
The Cooper looks amazing.....about $1,200 more than max budget though.
Post by: HUNT JR on August 25, 2021, 09:46:12 AM
For me the Tikka is an excellent starting rifle, but the aftermarket support is really good as well. I would eventually use the tikka action to build a rifle off.
Post by: Taco280AI on August 25, 2021, 09:57:59 AM
T3x (Lite or SL), 6.5 Creed, 127 LRX. More than enough for deer and speedgoats
Post by: Bob33 on August 25, 2021, 11:07:42 AM
You make a good point about ammunition. That's 12 boxes worth. At $75/box it would be $900. If the gun shoots well it might be a good way to go.The Mark V sounds like a good deal to me...
The A-bolt in 7mm-08 would be my next choice
I am having a hard time turning away from the Mark V. With ammo at $75-100 per box, and he has 250 loaded rounds to go with it.....yep its very hard to look away.
I did look at the Sako Finnlight ll, that rifle fits the bill for sure.
The Kimber Montana is a great one as well and about $1,000 less than many others. Only 5 lbs. 12 oz. too.
The Cooper looks amazing.....about $1,200 more than max budget though.
Post by: bobcat on August 25, 2021, 11:10:22 AM
Post by: thinkingman on August 26, 2021, 09:12:02 AM
In re the Weatherby, that cartridge is a barrel burner and if this guy reloads, you have no idea how smoked that barrel may be.
Plus, there is a school of thought that you should only shoot reloads THAT YOU'VE LOADED.
Not saying the Weatherby isn't a good deal, just be aware....
Post by: finnman on August 26, 2021, 07:12:25 PM
The Mark V sounds like a good deal to me...
The A-bolt in 7mm-08 would be my next choice
My wife shoots an older Weatherby mark V stainless standard carbine. It is a 7mm-08 with a 20” barrel. Very accurate, weighs 6 lbs dry. Excellent rifle.
Post by: finnman on August 26, 2021, 07:16:30 PM
I have 2 Tikkas and would absolutely buy another, 6 or 6.5 Creed for what you're describing.
In re the Weatherby, that cartridge is a barrel burner and if this guy reloads, you have no idea how smoked that barrel may be.
Plus, there is a school of thought that you should only shoot reloads THAT YOU'VE LOADED.
Not saying the Weatherby isn't a good deal, just be aware....
That’s always great advice. My first question is what load does he favor and how many rounds do you fire per year? If he is like most guys and only shoots 20 rounds per year, I am probably okay. But if your shooting max loads and shooting varmints and coyotes and targets, then some concern is needed.
I will know more this weekend.
Post by: swampbear on August 27, 2021, 10:20:50 AM
Post by: jasnt on August 27, 2021, 06:54:06 PM
Post by: finnman on August 28, 2021, 04:31:59 PM
Thanks for all the opinions and advice. It’s appreciated. :tup: