I have come to the realization that with Premium bullets, my one gun is my 25-06. It will do everything I need it to do. That being said, here are the ones I own.
17 HMR. Prarie dogs don't know what hit em, Accurate within 150 yards and bullets explode on impact so no real ricochet issues...
Or do what did. Trade the 7400 for a bolt action that never fails. After experiencing reliability issues in cold weather I went with a bolt action and have never looked back.
My answer to both your questions is YES. The Swarovski's have some really nice glass, but I really think a person cannot go wrong with the Leupold. There is more to a scope than good glass and while the Swaros may have it, you know the Leupold does.
The Swarovski's and such have really nice...
For the kind of hunting you described, get a good higher power variable with fine duplex or possibley mil-dot. Weight is usually not a concern and it is nice to have that extra maginfication when presented with a prairie dog head sticking out at 150 yards.
For the two rifles I use for varmints...
Lots of information about this from various rifle barrel makers.
Lilja has software to determine the answer.
http://www.riflebarrels.com/products/software.htm
Sisk
.308 8" For bullets heavier than 220gr.
10" For bullets up to 220 gr.
12" For bullets up to 170 gr.
14"* For bullets up to 168...
I used to only use IMR because it worked well enough. Now, when starting load development I usually grab Hodgdon and if that does not work I try Alliant.
Get a Leupold Vari-X or VX III and don't look back.
Others may be clearer, have better features or better prices, but the Leupold is the best overall scope you can get. Nothing goes wrong and if it does they have the best customer service.
Clarity is somewhat over-rated. Reliability is the absolute most important factor with scopes. I know the Vari-X III line is a proven performer. I assume the VX-III is going to be reliable based on bloodlines. If a person can get a good deal on a "Vari" because the "VX" is newer, I think you...
Thanks Nosler. That is what I was looking to find out. I put together some loads at .015". Now I just need to find the time with all the holidays to go shoot them!
I tend to default to Hodgdon and use some Alliant. I have quite a bit of IMR around but only use it for existing loads. All new loads use seem to use Hodgdon. I also really like the temperature insensitivity of the Extreme line.
For a long range load I would look at a heavier bullet with a hight BC than the 85 Grain bullet. The 85 grain bullet will be greatly affected by wind at longer ranges. It works wonders within 400 yards, but not at longer ranges. Unfortunately the 25-06 does not have a great bullet selection...
What I am really looking for is recomended distance off the lands. I have a couple custom barrels with shorter throats that allow me to adjust seating depth without magazine length being an issue. I also have a 300 SAUM with factory barrell that will have freebore as long as I want anything to...
I think you can never go "wrong" with a Leupold Vari-X III. Proven performance, reliability and cusotomer service.
That being said, I like the clarity of the Nikon Monarch 3-9x40 for less money in the same class.
Hunting is a privelege - not a right. I wish it were the other way around, but it is not.
I do not guide for a living, I guide because I love to do it. Many do it for the same reason and some folks outfit for that reason too. The benefits to the elk, deer and their habitat are pretty...
I still laugh to think of shooting a speed goat with a .416. What makes it as funny is using a high priced bullet to harvest 25 pounds of meat. Of course I am not one to talk since I used the Groovebullet on both my speed goats and I bought non-resident licenses :shock:
Next year I will...