stalking rifle

badshot

now that the deer season is over
i was thinking of getting a new rifle.
would like something in 6.5x55
want something thats lightweight but also
want a heavy varmint type barrel
is this possible.
the reason i'm going for 6.6 x55 is
it will only be used for culling fallow does

It wasn't me!

badshot wrote: »

now that the deer season is over
i was thinking of getting a new rifle.
would like something in 6.5x55
want something thats lightweight but also
want a heavy varmint type barrel
is this possible.
the reason i'm going for 6.6 x55 is
it will only be used for culling fallow does

To be honest that's a difficult one to get in one package. Are you okay with fixed power scopes? They tend to be a few ounces lighter than variables. How long do you want the barrel? Moderated? There's an awful lot of weight in the barrel, so getting a lightweight heavy barrelled rifle is a tall order. How much weight are you looking for?

badshot

yes to fixed power scope
length of barrel -open to suggestions
moderated yes
currently using a steyr ssg69 308
with a nightforce5.5-22-56 and a t8 mod
not sure of the exact weight

clivej

You can but can't at the same time.

Here's my Sako model 75 Varmint with flutted barrel stalking rifle, in 308 cal. I bought it with the synthetic stock 'cos the dealer had sold on the laminated stock off it. I got a laminated stock from E-bay after.

The synthetic stock is 1lb lighter. So all up weigth for stalking with the Bushnell 4200 elite 6-24x50mm scope, no mod, is 8lb. Mod is an ASE Northstar in 30cal, but used on the CZ varmint 223 mainly.

I use a Gunslinger from Correl, with sling as well, to carry the rifle when stalking. It takes all the weight of the rifle off your shoulder and makes the carrying of an 8lb rifle better.
http://www.gunslingercorral.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr2FlMFof8s

Sako 75 in stalking setup for the winter.



Sako 75 in it's summer setup.

It wasn't me!

badshot wrote: »

yes to fixed power scope
length of barrel -open to suggestions
moderated yes
currently using a steyr ssg69 308
with a nightforce5.5-22-56 and a t8 mod
not sure of the exact weight

That'll weigh a ton. I'd say think about a Tikka Lite Stainless, a 6x42 from any of the major makes, maybe a Roedale mod from ejg. That's about as light as you'll get I reckon.

ejg

If it really has to be a varmint barrel...then I'd
chop it at 20",
choose a 308, because this cartridge was designed for short barrels.
put it in a very light stock,
choose light mounts and a light scope
A-tec or Roedale Ultra light moderator.

and you'll have the best of both worlds.

edi

Tackleberrywho

ejg wrote: »

If it really has to be a varmint barrel...then I'd
chop it at 20",
choose a 308, because this cartridge was designed for short barrels.
put it in a very light stock,
choose light mounts and a light scope
A-tec or Roedale Ultra light moderator.

and you'll have a the best of both worlds.

edi

I have a 20" .308 barrel and it is super accurate @100, I have never tested it on paper @200 although I have tested it on bunnies @ that distance.

A Roedale mod on board a 20" barrel and a 6x50 scope would be light.

Harris Bipods add weight to the rifle.
If you are doing offhand shooting, or use a shooting stick that takes more weight off.

Although................
The lighter the Rifle the harder the felt recoil.
A small bit of weight is not always a bad thing.

arrowloopboy

badshot wrote: »

now that the deer season is over
i was thinking of getting a new rifle.
would like something in 6.5x55
want something thats lightweight but also
want a heavy varmint type barrel
is this possible.
the reason i'm going for 6.6 x55 is
it will only be used for culling fallow does

You wouldn't consider a 25-06,ive never shot a 6.5,but the mate got a 25-06 and it has alot less noise and recoil that my .270 or the brothers .308 .
Another mate culls 100s of Sika hinds each year,all chest shots,and his caliber of choice is the 25-06.Its a lovely round.

tfox

arrowloopboy wrote: »

You wouldn't consider a 25-06,ive never shot a 6.5,but the mate got a 25-06 and it has alot less noise and recoil that my .270 or the brothers .308 .
Another mate culls 100s of Sika hinds each year,all chest shots,and his caliber of choice is the 25-06.Its a lovely round.

25-06 kicks bit more than the 6.5 and bit louder, but is flatter shooting !! But to be honest within most stalking ranges it's not relevant, most deer I shoot are under 70 yds

Tackleberrywho

My Ultimate stalking rifle


A bit of Vermin control in the off season to keep sharp!

Hondata92

The 6.5x55 is a great round and i think in your case i would choose it over most other calibers. I find the 6.5x55 has very little recoil.

A 24" barrel similar to wat clivej has on his sako 75 with a synthetic stock and fixed power scope would would be nice

With practise a bipod is generally not needed as stalking is about getting close without been spotted but its often handy to have with you depending on the type of ground your shooting.

A moderator may not be needed if you are just shooting one deer at a time for the pot but being centrefire hearing protection is advised


@tackleberry, what range were those rabbits at?

Tackleberrywho

Rabbits were 120 and 175~ respectively.
I fired the 120 kneeling and the 175 prone as the first lad was running and only gave me a second to shoot when he stopped to look around and the other lad moved as I fired so not perfect head shots, but my mate wanted them to bait a fox cage so it did not matter

Savage93

lovely set up

Savage93

It wasn't me! wrote: »

That'll weigh a ton. I'd say think about a Tikka Lite Stainless, a 6x42 from any of the major makes, maybe a Roedale mod from ejg. That's about as light as you'll get I reckon.

That won't weigh a ton, what will weigh a ton is the drag for a mile back to the vehicle:D:D:D, you'll forget about the weight of the rifle, it'll be like the playtex girdle, you'll have forgotten you have it on!!!:D