Thread: Insight / Discussion RE magnum calibres for mountain rifle

Originally Posted by Shearer

@hotsoup. Like you I had been using a 7mmRM (T3 with Southfort stock and VX5 3-15) and would grab it whenever I was heading to the tops. Recently I have come to the realization I was
A. Not a good enough marksman to take advantage of the long range potential of the cartridge. (I hate wounding animals and alpine conditions leave too much uncertainty with shot placement at longer ranges for my liking)
B. Enjoyed spotting and then stalking animals rather than just seeing and shooting them.
I have ended up putting the VX5 on my 16" suppressed T3 308 and using it for everything. This means I shoot it a lot and am getting better and better with it.
I have sorted a subsonic load which (with the quick dial up of 6MOA) is now my go to rabbit gun. I have shot pigs, deer and a chamois with it standing, kneeling, prone and resting on trees. The more I use it the more comfortable I am with it. Now, no matter what I am going to hunt, I reach for it and am happy shooting it out past 400 yards (under the right conditions).
I have still got the 7mmRM and it may get used again but for now it is sitting in the back of the safe "resting".
My 308 is probably heavier than what you would want and I had considered getting a VX5 2-10x but for the sake of 50 odd grams and an inch in length I have decided to stick with the bigger scope until I am sure about what I want. I'm sure that with the funds from the carbon lite you could build a similar, but lighter, do all rifle.
Attachment 149347

Plinking bunnies with .308 - LoL.