Blaser R8 for Dangerous Game

[Tanks]

...


While I readily admit that the .300 RUM is a more modern design, it still is but a ballistic twin of the .300 Wby and I would speculate that .300 Wby that have been in the market for 70 years for tens' of thousands of .300 Wby rifles will still be with us as long as hunting exists.

I am not sure how long .300 RUM ammo will be available. I doubt enough rifles have been sold to justify corporate America to keep loading for it.

Also, good luck finding .300 RUM ammo easily. Admittedly, .300 Win is way easier than .300 Wby, but .300 Wby is still relatively common, world wide.
...I still went for it for my .300 R8 barrel because I have enough .300 Wby ammo to last me a lifetime, but with a decent ballistic scope e.g. Zeiss V4/V6 EET (external elevation turret), Swarovski Z6 BT (ballistic turret), Leica BDC (bullet drop compensation), etc. I would now recommend the .300 Win if only for ammo half the cost and umpteenth time easier to find, including at the local ducca.

Just my $0.02

Well, like you and .300Wby I have .300 RUM ammo to last a lifetime as prior to looking at an R8 with a .300 RUM barrel I was going to build a .300 RUM gun (a LH CRF action is in a cupboard nearby) for the Serengeti. Choice ammunition sent me enough 200 grain Accubond rounds to last a lifetime and I have plenty of practice ammo as well. I agree on Z6i BT scopes. My .300 RUM is going to have a Z6i 3-18x50 BT scope on it. I really like the Z6i 1.8-10x42 BT on the 9.3x74R and it worked out great.

One thing that is interesting during this ammo shortage, there were tons of .300 RUM available, but not that many of the other calibers. I stocked up on practice ammo from those.

 

[One Day...]

... I really like the Z6i 1.8-10x42 BT on the 9.3x74R and it worked out great.

This really makes sense to me, because the ballistic turret (BT) corrects the one weakness of the 9.3x74R as a PG rifle: arching trajectory past 150 yards.

I did not realize you have a Z6i 1.8-10x42 BT on the double 9.3x74R. With this scope, for all practical purpose, your double 9.3x74R does become an all-around PG rifle, and indeed alleviates the need for a third barrel. Just as I could use my .375 with BT scope for any PG need, although I still love, and will continue to prefer the zero-recoil .257 Wby (it is so easy to shoot it with surgical precision), and my .300 Wby barrel will continue to make the perfect one-rifle PG rifle, just like your RUM will.

This was another perfect example of the need to be super specific when we discuss things. With an iron sighted or non BT scoped 9.3x74R my point was right; with a BT scoped 9.3x74R your point is right.

We were indeed failing to communicate, I was missing a critical piece of data...

FYI, I have a Z3 4-12x50 BT on my .223 Rem training barrel, and once calibrated the color codes on the BT work great, but there is an added level of idiot-proof comfort with the turrets engraved for distance, because I too have occasionally clicked the wrong color... This is why I preferred to put two Zeiss V4 4-16x50 with Kenton turrets on my .300 and .257 barrels.

Now the real question is, do you plan on bringing the double .500; the double 9.3x74R and the .300 RUM R8 (i.e. 3 rifles) on your next hunt?

If yes, we are on opposite trajectories, as I am starting to think that a .458 Lott R8 barrel will possibly replace my .470 double, since I was able to shoot my SECOND R8 body shot within 6" of the first one before my PH was able to shoot his first (and only) back up shot... when I swapped the .470 for the backup .375 when the shot offered was longish (turned out to be 58 m because the bull crossed the opening closer than he could have, but the shot could have stretched into the 80's).

Possibly going down to 1 R8 and 3 barrels

 

[Tra3]

I brought a 7 RM and .375 barrel this last summer. As I was shooting the .375 well, I stayed with that barrel. By the time we were focused on PG only, my kids did all the hunting.

For the first of my DIY hunts this fall I brought the 7 RM, .300 Win and .22 Lr barrels to Idaho. (44 lb Pelican 1700 and scopes in my carry on). We elk hunted in the morning and then hunted small game/birds in the evening. The .22 Lr was used nearly every evening. (I brought 100% copper ammo for the .22). For a few extra lbs I can hunt small game with the same rifle.

I’ve not yet tried to change a barrel during a hunt. I don’t think it is likely to happen. I could definitely envision changing a barrel during the lunch hour, especially if the big tag is filled.

It is convenient to be able to take the scope off the rifle and put it in my pack when we carried out the elk.

 

[BeeMaa]

It is convenient to be able to take the scope off the rifle and put it in my pack when we carried out the elk.

Taking the scope off quickly & easily, reattaching and maintaining zero is amazing. I hadn't thought about doing it while packing out an animal, but the system works no matter how you employ it. It takes me about 2 seconds to remove my Contessa mounts from the Blaser barrel. And it locks up like a bank vault when installed. When I show the system to friends or even people at the range, they are shocked at how fast and well it works.

 

[CoElkHunter]

This really makes sense to me, because the ballistic turret (BT) corrects the one weakness of the 9.3x74R as a PG rifle: arching trajectory past 150 yards.

I did not realize you have a Z6i 1.8-10x42 BT on the double 9.3x74R. With this scope, for all practical purpose, your double 9.3x74R does become an all-around PG rifle, and indeed alleviates the need for a third barrel. Just as I could use my .375 with BT scope for any PG need, although I still love, and will continue to prefer the zero-recoil .257 Wby (it is so easy to shoot it with surgical precision), and my .300 Wby barrel will continue to make the perfect one-rifle PG rifle, just like your RUM will.

This was another perfect example of the need to be super specific when we discuss things. With an iron sighted or non BT scoped 9.3x74R my point was right; with a BT scoped 9.3x74R your point is right.

We were indeed failing to communicate, I was missing a critical piece of data...

FYI, I have a Z3 4-12x50 BT on my .223 Rem training barrel, and once calibrated the color codes on the BT work great, but there is an added level of idiot-proof comfort with the turrets engraved for distance, because I too have occasionally clicked the wrong color... This is why I preferred to put two Zeiss V4 4-16x50 with Kenton turrets on my .300 and .257 barrels.

View attachment 429116

Now the real question is, do you plan on bringing the double .500; the double 9.3x74R and the .300 RUM R8 (i.e. 3 rifles) on your next hunt?

If yes, we are on opposite trajectories, as I am starting to think that a .458 Lott R8 barrel will possibly replace my .470 double, since I was able to shoot my SECOND R8 body shot within 6" of the first one before my PH was able to shoot his first (and only) back up shot... when I swapped the .470 for the backup .375 when the shot offered was longish (turned out to be 58 m because the bull crossed the opening closer than he could have, but the shot could have stretched into the 80's).

Possibly going down to 1 R8 and 3 barrels

View attachment 429117

Wow! Nice elephant! I guess I missed your hunt report on that?

 

[Tanks]

Now the real question is, do you plan on bringing the double .500; the double 9.3x74R and the .300 RUM R8 (i.e. 3 rifles) on your next hunt?

No. I don't even have a 3 rifle case. It will be .500 NE double, and most likely the .300RUM due to 200+ yard possible shot on Lechwe.

However, I will run some 300 yard tests on the 9.3x74R. If I get reasonable accuracy and L/R group is not outrageous, I might still take it even though the .300 RUM would be the logical choice for that distance.

 

[Tra3]

Taking the scope off quickly & easily, reattaching and maintaining zero is amazing. I hadn't thought about doing it while packing out an animal, but the system works no matter how you employ it. It takes me about 2 seconds to remove my Contessa mounts from the Blaser barrel. And it locks up like a bank vault when installed. When I show the system to friends or even people at the range, they are shocked at how fast and well it works.

Agreed! I take the scope off and wrap it in extra clothes in my backpack when hiking out at night or when riding on a dusty ATV. If a shot is possible, it is on the gun. When we are in the dark, no need. Then I can walk and not worry about falling on the rifle. I keep the head of a toothbrush in my pack to give the scope Mount area a quick wipe if there is a lot of dust or dirt.

@Tanks a lechwe isn’t a big animal, but I know you prefer the heavy side of calibers. Do you have a lighter barrel you would use? Note: I’m in the hunt everything in africa with a .375 camp.

 

[Tanks]

...

@Tanks a lechwe isn’t a big animal, but I know you prefer the heavy side of calibers. Do you have a lighter barrel you would use? Note: I’m in the hunt everything in africa with a .375 camp.

No, I don't. Also I have Kudu and Zebra in Zimbabwe and Sable in Zambia in addition to Lechwe on the menu.

 

[BigSteve57]

Taking the scope off quickly & easily, reattaching and maintaining zero is amazing. I hadn't thought about doing it while packing out an animal, but the system works no matter how you employ it. It takes me about 2 seconds to remove my Contessa mounts from the Blaser barrel. And it locks up like a bank vault when installed. When I show the system to friends or even people at the range, they are shocked at how fast and well it works.

The return to zero is amazing but I had heard that before I bought my Kilombero in .375 H&H. What totally shocked me was when I mounted the scope (Zeiss Victory HT 1.5-6x42 Reticle 60) that my first shot from a bench was a little high and perfectly centered at 100 yards. So was my 2nd and 3rd.

I could have literally unboxed the rifle and scope and assembled them in Africa for the first time and gone hunting. I STILL shake my head over that today. Maybe I was just lucky.

 

[Tra3]

The return to zero is amazing but I had heard that before I bought my Kilombero in .375 H&H. What totally shocked me was when I mounted the scope (Zeiss Victory HT 1.5-6x42 Reticle 60) that my first shot from a bench was a little high and perfectly centered at 100 yards. So was my 2nd and 3rd.

I could have literally unboxed the rifle and scope and assembled them in Africa for the first time and gone hunting. I STILL shake my head over that today. Maybe I was just lucky.

You weren’t just lucky. I’ve mounted 7 scopes on 6 barrels thus far. I was shocked to see how little adjustment was needed to hit the bullseye. All were within a pie plate at 100 yards with no adjustment. The exceptional machining tolerances are reflected in that unadjusted scope accuracy. If that had happened once I would have been impressed. By the 3rd barrel I began to expect it and was very pleased with their quality.

There are some things in life that are still really well made. A Blaser is one of those things. Yes, they charge for that quality.

Confidence in one’s firearm is important. This type of exceptional work builds confidence

 

[Ridgewalker]

Ridgewalker,
Sorry, but I have to ask, a $4K LOSS when upon selling it after owning it for just over one year? Are the components that overpriced at retail that you have to take a hit like that when you sell a used one? I'm just curious?
CEH

CoElkHunter, I cannot do anything half way. It’s all or none, so I purchased 4 barrels, a reciever, stock, 3 different boltheads, several QR and picatinny mounts, extra 375 mag and spare tools. Oh and a Pelican case just for it. Roughly $12,000. My Africa trip got cancelled, so I took the funds and got myself something to do instead.
Now that it is all gone, I recouped a bit over $8,000. Granted once you start piece selling components you can plan on taking a loss, but it was a very enjoyable year of experimenting and that is part of my life as a retired engineer. I have been handloading since about 1960 and it has given me lots of enjoyment (and lots of frustrations too!) During this time of shortages it has been difficult since I cannot find my top reloading components, ie, H4350 and any brand large rifle primers. But that pushes me to experiment even more.
I have no regrets of my year with the German Erector set. I’ve waisted more money drinking bad scotch in my life suffering the consequences the following day…LOL!

 

[BigSteve57]

Yes it is indeed about preferences. It is even rumored that some folks actually prefer a Ruger #1, as if getting it chambered in .458 Lott somehow sufficed to make it a practical DG rifle

Would you believe this?

Totally ludicrous, right?

• Don't we all know that a single shot is suicidal on DG?
• Did you not hear that #1 have notoriously difficult extraction with high pressure cartridges in Africa?
• Is not it true that #1 have a crappy trigger?
• I heard from a reliable source that I cannot disclose that Ruger sources their barrel from the lowest cost producer and that they are junk
• Does not everyone know anyway that a #1 can't hit a barn shooting from the inside of it?
• Everyone knows that the #1 fore end - fore end hanger - mainspring contraption and its attachment on the barrel, is a catastrophe
• Wait, wait, I am being told by a PH in the know that the underlever of a #1 can be tapped open

I know the #1 minutemen will descend upon us, and they are the touchiest bunch, but how could anyone possibly want, never mind prefer (and as to finding a zenith it it, you gotta be kidding), a #1 in .458 Lott



PS: a joke obviously, but I could not resist



My own R8 rationale: 3 calibers, heavy (.470 NE), medium (.375 H&H), light (.300 Wby or .257 Wby), in less than 62" linear and less than 50 lbs.

View attachment 428750

The R8 does not do anything an upgraded CZ 550 cannot do, but where I could have only 1 CZ 550, I can now have one R8 with two barrels... And there is nothing that a tuned-up double square bridge magnum Mauser actioned rifle can do, that the R8 does not do. Just different.

View attachment 428751

That's beautiful work on the foam. What/whose cases are they?

 

[BeeMaa]

That's beautiful work on the foam. What/whose cases are they?

@One Day... bought a Pelican 1700 Protector Case with separate military grade foam from Amazon and cut to fit how he wanted. Much less expensive option than the Blaser branded Pelican case and it allowed him to get his R8, 2 barrels AND his 470NE double in just one case. He will also mention that it's under the weight limit and liner dimension (L+W+H) limit set forth by the airlines.

 

[CoElkHunter]

CoElkHunter, I cannot do anything half way. It’s all or none, so I purchased 4 barrels, a reciever, stock, 3 different boltheads, several QR and picatinny mounts, extra 375 mag and spare tools. Oh and a Pelican case just for it. Roughly $12,000. My Africa trip got cancelled, so I took the funds and got myself something to do instead.
Now that it is all gone, I recouped a bit over $8,000. Granted once you start piece selling components you can plan on taking a loss, but it was a very enjoyable year of experimenting and that is part of my life as a retired engineer. I have been handloading since about 1960 and it has given me lots of enjoyment (and lots of frustrations too!) During this time of shortages it has been difficult since I cannot find my top reloading components, ie, H4350 and any brand large rifle primers. But that pushes me to experiment even more.
I have no regrets of my year with the German Erector set. I’ve waisted more money drinking bad scotch in my life suffering the consequences the following day…LOL!

Ridgewalker,

I completely understand. After I posted my original question to you, I realized the costs associated with the R8, accessories and additional barrels were much higher than any firearm I've personally owned before. So the $4K loss is all relative. The “all or nothing “ philosophy has been my hemlock at times too. Lately, it's been large bore rifles, scopes and then the reloading components I can FIND to go with them. Even though you took a loss, it seems you realized the R8 wasn’t for you and rather than bury it in the safe, you moved on to a rifle(s) you enjoy to shoot and hunt with. I’ve done the same thing over the years, just on a smaller scale. In the early '80s, I sold my almost new varmint barreled 1977 Ruger M77 .220 Swift at a big loss to pay for a new waterbed. Several other guns sold too at that time at losses to buy other things I needed/wanted. Anyway, I guess we live and learn and move through our life's journey to somewhere or nowhere. I guess we'll know when we get there?
CEH

 

[Forrest Halley]

Ridgewalker,

I completely understand. After I posted my original question to you, I realized the costs associated with the R8, accessories and additional barrels were much higher than any firearm I've personally owned before. So the $4K loss is all relative. The “all or nothing “ philosophy has been my hemlock at times too. Lately, it's been large bore rifles, scopes and then the reloading components I can FIND to go with them. Even though you took a loss, it seems you realized the R8 wasn’t for you and rather than bury it in the safe, you moved on to a rifle(s) you enjoy to shoot and hunt with. I’ve done the same thing over the years, just on a smaller scale. In the early '80s, I sold my almost new varmint barreled 1977 Ruger M77 .220 Swift at a big loss to pay for a new waterbed. Several other guns sold too at that time at losses to buy other things I needed/wanted. Anyway, I guess we live and learn and move through our life's journey to somewhere or nowhere. I guess we'll know when we get there?
CEH

You sold a .220 swift for a waterbed... priorities! Pri-or-it-ies!!!

 

[CoElkHunter]

You sold a .220 swift for a waterbed... priorities! Pri-or-it-ies!!!

Oh yeah, I was definitely in a DIFFERENT place at the time. Newly married to my first wife so it seemed like a good idea at the time. Not so good now. Ah well, different time and place....... kinda like now? Ha! Ha!

 

[Bert the Turtle]

You sold a .220 swift for a waterbed... priorities! Pri-or-it-ies!!!

Oh yeah, I was definitely in a DIFFERENT place at the time. Newly married to my first wife so it seemed like a good idea at the time. Not so good now. Ah well, different time and place....... kinda like now? Ha! Ha!

It was a smart choice! Can buy another 220 Swift any time you want. Can never buy back your youth.

 

[sureshot375]

Oh yeah, I was definitely in a DIFFERENT place at the time. Newly married to my first wife so it seemed like a good idea at the time. Not so good now. Ah well, different time and place....... kinda like now? Ha! Ha!

Would need to see pics of first wife before I can pass judgment.

 

[BeeMaa]

Would need to see pics of first wife before I can pass judgment.

I think I have some of those...

 

[Forrest Halley]

@CoElkHunter & @Bert the Turtle :
I never sold a firearm for the benefit or happiness of my first wife and I thank the heavens for it everyday.
First wife: you'll spend a thousand dollars on a gun but not on a couch? Unacceptable.
Second wife: you got a second Ruger number one rifle in some giant caliber? I hope it makes you happy.