BLR takedown or not?

[widgeon]

Looking to purchase a BLR in .358win for some hunting in South Carolina next year. I really like the Idea of the takedown model for travel and storage purposes, but I'm not sure it would hold a zero after being reassembled. Any input would be a huge help in my decision making process. Thanks, Tony

 

[DrMike]

The take-down BLR is surprisingly accurate. It will hold its zero just fine. In 358, it is a hammer. It will work very well for those SC deer.

 

[widgeon]

The take-down BLR is surprisingly accurate. It will hold its zero just fine. In 358, it is a hammer. It will work very well for those SC deer.

I really like the .308 family. I've got a .243 and .308, but I don't want to have to chase those SC hogs and deer through the thick stuff. From what I've seen and the research I've done, it looks like 200 yrds would be a very long shot and I really like the idea of a 225 grn bullet at moderate velocity.

 

[JD338]

widgone,

The 358 Win with the 225 gr PT is a hammer for deer and hogs. You can slam ham from any angle.

JD338

 

[widgeon]

widgone,

The 358 Win with the 225 gr PT is a hammer for deer and hogs. You can slam ham from any angle.

JD338

Yeah, I'm looking forward to loading something like a PT. Loading for my other rifles, I always had to be concerned with using a very specific bullet. High BC for the possible long shot and sometimes unleaded for parts of CA. With this rifle and cartridge, in SC, I can just throw a big, mean hunk of jacketed lead. :grin:

 

[DrMike]

Undoubtedly, the .358 is one of my favourite cartridges. All that I have shot are far more accurate then they should have been. That massive frontal area kills far more efficiently then it ought to. Hogs will tremble at the thought of a slug from that rifle.

 

[rick smith]

Having lived and hunted in SC for over 50 years I feel I can evaluate hog/deer hunting here as far as caliber needed. 358 will work fine so will a lot of other calibers. Use what ever you are comfortable carrying and can shoot. Hogs are far from indestructable and not bullet proof. I have killed them with a variety of calibers. On foot in the swamps I usually take my old Ruger carbine in 44Mag since the shots are usually close. Kill most when I am deer hunting and then I will have my 30/06. You don't need a big magnum to kill them. The majority are taken with cup and core bullets. I will be hunting them next weekend in the Congaree swamp area. Most likely take my 30/06. As with any game shot placement is key to sucess. Bullet construction and caliber will not make up for poor shot placement. Hogs are tough and potentially dangerous but not bullet proof.Rick.

 

[widgeon]

Rick, thanks for the insight. It's always great to get local info. I'm going to be moving to the Myrtle beach area in September. If finances permit, I will be purchasing that BLR before I move, otherwise I'll probably spend my first season in SC using either a .270 or .308 bolt rifle that I already own. A few years ago, I shot a young boar hog ( about 150 #'s) with the .270 and a 130grn TSX. It was only about a 70 yrd broadside shot, but I made a devastating pass through shot , just behind the shoulder. A year before that, I shot a sow at about 30 yrds with .243 and an 85grn TSX. She was quartering to me and the bullet destroyed the onside shoulder and passed through a little ways back. So, I know they aren't bulletproof, but I do like the idea of slamming them with a heavier bullet. I also own a Marlin '94 in .44 mag and I'm glad to hear that you think that will make a great walking around gun.

Good luck Hogin' and thanks,
Tony

 

[SJB358]

Tony, I have the BLR in a 358. Not a TD version, but very accurate and slings a 225 into the 2450 range pretty easily. I can't think of a better 300 yard and under rifle, OTHER than the mighty 45-70 in the Guide Rifle. Really, both of them work well on about the same game. The 358 is very easy to load for and really hangs on the heals of the 35 Whelen with the portability of the M94 Winchester. Scotty

 

[widgeon]

Thanks Scotty, after reading some of the posts on not only this thread , but others about the .358win, I definitely want one. I'm really liking the BLR concept, as it seems like a solid, bolt style action with the quickness of a lever. My only concern now is the take-down aspect. I certainly don't need it to be a take-down, but it would be a nice feature. I don't want to have to F with it a lot after it's dialed in.

 

[Guy Miner]

Dad hunted hogs a bit in California with his .308 BLR and a compact low-powered scope. It worked great. Fast handling, accurate and plenty powerful. My oldest son uses that rifle now. They're good. The trigger pull can be a little mushy - other than that, and having to clean from the muzzle, I've no problems with the BLR.

For me, the take-down feature is kind of interesting, but not something I'd pay for. The BLR is a pretty compact rifle and I've never had any trouble traveling with a standard size rifle. Never really needed a take-down, but it is interesting, no doubt. If you want one, go ahead and get it!

Guy