Thread: Rifle/ caliber opinions for bush and mountain

Originally Posted by Steven1

Undoubtedly gonna be a game of trade offs then throw in the issue of some hard to find reloading components as well.
I'm quite sorted for loading 308 and 30 06 so think I'll see what suitable rifle options there are keeping in mind that the occasional longer shot may present itself.( Hence the preference for unsuppressed and longer barrel)
Not a fan of long range hunting. 350m will be my absolute max with the above mentioned calibers knowing their and my limitations. I much rather not take a shot than end up wounding an animal. Don't see much skill in long range hunting either
280ai and 7mmwsm also appeals to me due to better wind deflection,decent enough speed, good retained energy and reasonable recoil but that will be a project for later. 162gr eldx's seem unattainable at the moment which is also bit of a passion killer.

Wait what? You have a 30-06 and are limiting yourself to 350m? Go load up some 178gr ELD-X and you're not going to have problems with wind in much less than an F5 hurricane.

I'm with Ryan. What a dumb thread.

Sold rifles before coming to NZ so planning to start afresh in the near future. Used to shoot 180's and was real good in windy conditions. That said the longer action is most likely going to add extra weight thats why the balance tips towards 308 but will shop around to see what rifles are available. Have shot targets out to 1.1km with them but for hunting I'd limit myself to about 350 knowing I can make decent first shot placements consistently