The S&W 1500 is the same action as the Howa 1500 or Weatherby Vanguard. The Sendero would be a comparable gun to the one you describe. The 300 Winchester is ballistically superior to any of the calibers available in the Ruger Precision Rifle (which is a $300 rifle in a $1000 chassis). My advice is to keep and shoot your nice family heirloom and don't get caught up in the "it's new so it must be better" advertising hype. Get a higher magnification scope if you feel you must, or just learn to shoot as well as your Dad and Grandpa.
Long Range Rifle
I am looking at getting something I can reach out a little farther with the 1000+ range of things. I currently have a custom built rifle that was passed down to me I honestly dont know a ton about it other than it is a 300 win mag, has a smith and wesson action, custom barrel (not sure who by??), its free floated, glass bedded, has a 2 pound trigger pull so clearly something was done to it, and that my grandpa and father would shoot it regularly at 1k but now that him and my father both passed all the data they had went with them. I have only been able to get into the 6-700 range consistenly with it but it is pretty limited on the scope end of things with a leupold vx4 4-12. Im just curious would it be worth just making this my hunting rifle and buying something a little higher end with a really good scope? I have looked at the rem 700 sendero and the new ruger precision rifle as well just looking for some input. I also have never gotten into making specific loads for it which I know can help a ton just dont have the stuff to do it.
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
If you want to get into longrange shooting I'd hang onto your rifle and change your scope. It sounds like you might have a hummer rifle already. The otherwise excellent Leupold VX4 isn't perfect for longrange without open, adjustable turrets. Holding over is an imprecise way to shoot past your point-blank range so I wouldn't recommend it in hunting situations. Shooting at game is no time to walk your shots in. My advise is to get out and shoot that sucker as much as you can and find out where your point-blank range is. In the meantime you can study up on wind doping and verifying your drops and slowly incorporate what you learn as you extend your range.I am looking at getting something I can reach out a little farther with the 1000+ range of things. I currently have a custom built rifle that was passed down to me I honestly dont know a ton about it other than it is a 300 win mag, has a smith and wesson action, custom barrel (not sure who by??), its free floated, glass bedded, has a 2 pound trigger pull so clearly something was done to it, and that my grandpa and father would shoot it regularly at 1k but now that him and my father both passed all the data they had went with them. I have only been able to get into the 6-700 range consistenly with it but it is pretty limited on the scope end of things with a leupold vx4 4-12. Im just curious would it be worth just making this my hunting rifle and buying something a little higher end with a really good scope? I have looked at the rem 700 sendero and the new ruger precision rifle as well just looking for some input. I also have never gotten into making specific loads for it which I know can help a ton just dont have the stuff to do it.
I'd love to help you out with any more questions if I can (I'm no expert).
That is probably what I will end up doing I wouldn't shoot at an animal much past 500 currently just not to comfortable with it yet I have also looked around a bunch with different ballistic calculators any that you would recommend? But I appreciate the help I will look into thatIf you want to get into longrange shooting I'd hang onto your rifle and change your scope. It sounds like you might have a hummer rifle already. The otherwise excellent Leupold VX4 isn't perfect for longrange without open, adjustable turrets. Holding over is an imprecise way to shoot past your point-blank range so I wouldn't recommend it in hunting situations. Shooting at game is no time to walk your shots in. My advise is to get out and shoot that sucker as much as you can and find out where your point-blank range is. In the meantime you can study up on wind doping and verifying your drops and slowly incorporate what you learn as you extend your range.
I'd love to help you out with any more questions if I can (I'm no expert).
Come to think of it, Leupold makes custom turrets for your scope. You might want to look into those. It'd be a lot cheaper than getting another scope. I think they're around $100.
I use Applied Ballistics in the field and a program that a gunsmith friend from Texas wrote for me for home use.
I use Applied Ballistics in the field and a program that a gunsmith friend from Texas wrote for me for home use.
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Utah Wildlife Forum
A forum community dedicated to hunting and fishing enthusiasts in the Utah area. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, tips, tricks, optics, hunting, gunsmithing, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Top Contributors this Month
View All
Vanilla
109 Replies
backcountry
101 Replies
johnnycake
99 Replies
Recommended Communities
