HookMeUpII
AH fanatic
This question warrants a little backstory. I've hunted 90% waterfowl for the 10 years I've been hunting (late bloomer, started at age 30). 1-2 years ago I pulled the trigger on a rare "Maple White Gold Medallion" Browning X-Bolt in 300WM which has a Leupold VX5HD in 3-15x 44mm on it. In love with the gun but there's one problem: It's just too pretty to potentially be dragging through a forest in NA in the rain, mud, and brush. Same goes for thick bush hunts in Africa and other areas. For RSA in May it will be fine, which is what I bought it for. But after that it will likely be relinquished to the safe as a sort of heirloom and/or brought back to Africa for plains game in the future.
Now I am really thinking for the future, especially with my son as a hunting buddy. I'd like to potentially get another rifle in maybe a different caliber. Something with more of a robust finish for dragging through brush, something with a slightly heavier precision barrel, and setup for more long range opportunities (300 yd plus).
Being new to this, I've gotten swept up in the caliber debate.
300WM - Hits like a freight train at 500 yds, minimal drop, but the recoil is a bit much. Plus I already have one.
6.5 Creed - Minimal drop, but terminal ballistics lack the energy for bigger game.
308 - Great tried and true round, but tons of drop at 500 yds.
30-06 - See 308
I'm really interested in the PRC calibers like 6.5PRC for example. But how is the recoil? It seems like the 6.5 PRC might fit the bill with 25% less reported recoil than the 300WM.
Any other suggestions to think outside of the box here?
EDIT: 7mm Rem Mag looks pretty solid in terms of ballistics vs. recoil as well.
Now I am really thinking for the future, especially with my son as a hunting buddy. I'd like to potentially get another rifle in maybe a different caliber. Something with more of a robust finish for dragging through brush, something with a slightly heavier precision barrel, and setup for more long range opportunities (300 yd plus).
Being new to this, I've gotten swept up in the caliber debate.
300WM - Hits like a freight train at 500 yds, minimal drop, but the recoil is a bit much. Plus I already have one.
6.5 Creed - Minimal drop, but terminal ballistics lack the energy for bigger game.
308 - Great tried and true round, but tons of drop at 500 yds.
30-06 - See 308
I'm really interested in the PRC calibers like 6.5PRC for example. But how is the recoil? It seems like the 6.5 PRC might fit the bill with 25% less reported recoil than the 300WM.
Any other suggestions to think outside of the box here?
EDIT: 7mm Rem Mag looks pretty solid in terms of ballistics vs. recoil as well.