Thread: 7.62x39 (or similar) bolt gun decisions

Originally Posted by Tararua Phil

What ranges were you normally hunting at?
I've both a Mini Howa x39 & 6.5 Grendel & apart from the mag catch (Which is a right pain. No real active hunter would design it this way) it works fine for me.Very accurate & light. Shot a red hind @20 mtres yesterday in the neck with Norinco FMJ. Bang/flop. The 300blk & Grendel's good but you'll need to reload as the ammo's expensive compared to x39.
How about a standard 308 down loaded then if you want to hunt longer range you'll have the legs for it?

Nothing wrong with the Howa's - I just didn't get along with them, I'm not much of a bush hobbit, and with a lad doing the shooting ranges won't be long either, so a lot of cartridges would fill the bill - especially if reloaded appropriately. I've traded for a Rem Model Seven in 260, I have a spare stock for it which I will shorten down a bit for the lad, and I'll reload it at Grendel velocities till he gets comfortable . . . . (and yes , it will be suppressed and I make sure he wears good earmuffs as well on the range)