Thoughts on the ultimate ultralight sheep rifle

[Broomed Ram]

I am on the look for a light, mid priced sheep rifle that won't hammer you, but will still hammer a grizzly at 50 yards. My top two choices, .270 wsm and a .257 weatherby. Any opinions on these, or any other suggestions for a set up. Please let me know if you are aware of anybody selling theirs.

Thanks in advance.

[duckhunt]

the 270 wsm i a very good choice use nosler accubonds 140 grain and your set, also consider a 270 weatherby mag.

[NaStY]

I am on the look for a light, mid priced sheep rifle that won't hammer you, but will still hammer a grizzly at 50 yards. My top two choices, .270 wsm and a .257 weatherby. Any opinions on these, or any other suggestions for a set up. Please let me know if you are aware of anybody selling theirs.

Thanks in advance.

A long range sheep rifle is not the same as a 50yd grizzly gun. 2 totally different guns... Unless were talking maybe an iron sight 375 h&h.

[gbear]

the 270 wsm i a very good choice use nosler accubonds 140 grain and your set, also consider a 270 weatherby mag.





x 2. I use the same for sheep hunting - 270wsm and 140 grain accubonds. Very nice flat shooting set up. Not sure what it would do in case of a griz, and I hope I never have to find out.

[Fisher-Dude]

The 300WSM Sako Finnlight weighs the same as the 270WSM, yet has more grizzly jam if needed. Of course, it will punch you a bit harder. Both will make excellent choices for a sheep hunter. If you sleep better having the 300WSM by your side, go for it. If you are concerned about recoil, go for the 270WSM. A good shot from a 270WSM on a grizzly is always better than a bad shot from a 300WSM. ;-)

[bridger]

i shoot a 300wsm model 70 featherweight and have taken 3 rams with it. wouldn't hesitate to tackle a grizz. my wife shoots a 270wsm winchester model 70 featherweight has take moose and elk with it and it will do for grizz except in extreme circumstance. then i would opt for the 300wsm

[wolverine]

I was looking at a .270wsm the other day and there is no doubt it is one potent round but even with the 140 Accubonds I think it's a little light for picking on a Griz. I mean, if it's all you have and there is no other choice... but it wouldn't be my first choice. Why not go for a .300 win mag? Heavier bullet selection and still not too much for sheep. I know I'd feel better in Grizzly country with that gun over your other two choices. Just my .02

[gerrygoat]

I am on the look for a light, mid priced sheep rifle that won't hammer you

Mid priced kinda rules out the Sako 85 unless you find one used, the Sako A7 and Tikka T 3 would be less expensive. Both have a little too much plastic for my taste but I'm old fashioned that way. Guys that have them love them though. You might also want to look at the Browning X Bolt and Weatherby Vanguard Back Country You should be able to get guns like these scoped and ready to go weighing in at 7 1/2 -7 3/4 lbs. Talley light weight rings help bring the weight down. Either of those rounds you mentioned are good for sheep the 7mm Rem Mag and 30-06 would be good choices too if you find a good deal on them. Good luck

[todbartell]

300 mags are a good versatile cartridge which will handle a big bear and still reach out 1/4 mile with ease

[rishu_pepper]

No love for the 7WSM? :biggrin:

140gr TTSX for anything BUT the big stuff, then you step up to the 175gr Partitions.

Still, I'd go with a 30 cal min. personally if I were hunting a grizz, even though I know the 7WSM will do the job if done properly.

[muleyman]

The 280 REM about 100 fps slower than the 7MM REM MAG 22" barrel,lighter all around ,use a premium bullet 140 or 160, it works good.

[BiG Boar]

I just got the old lady a 270 wsm. Its a pretty cool gun, have yet to shoot it. You have to choose between, look and lasting, or ugly, light.

[Dirty]

I just got the old lady a 270 wsm. Its a pretty cool gun, have yet to shoot it. You have to choose between, look and lasting, or ugly, light.

Did you secretly buy it for yourself? Hahaha.

To go ultralight, you have to go past mid-range priced firearms. That usually involves buying a lighter rifle to start with and re-stocking with an aftermarket lightweight stock or buying a rifle from a gunsmith specializing in lightweight rifles. The Remington 700 Mountain Rifle LSS is a popular base to throw an aftermarket light weight stock on. The slim contour of the barrel makes it a lighter rifle too. Another choice may be a Remington Model 7 with an aftermarket stock. If it is primarily for sheep, then 270WSM would be ideal, but for practically no weight difference (unloaded of course), the 300WSM would be a better option.

[25tikka]

Look at the Kimber line. I had a 308 in the 84 that was just over 5lbs and now have the 8400 in 7wsm shooting 140 tsx. Not bad for recoil...light and very accurate.

[Triggerman]

7mm Remington Mag in a Finnlight or other lightweight rifle.

I use the 160 Noslers with awesome results. I would definitely use it on sheep or anyhting else here on the Continent. I would go up to the 375 if I was looking at a G bear though.:shock:

[Dirty]

Look at the Kimber line. I had a 308 in the 84 that was just over 5lbs and now have the 8400 in 7wsm shooting 140 tsx. Not bad for recoil...light and very accurate.

The Kimber rifles are known for the inherent hit or miss quality, no pun intended. Do a search on this Forum or Canadian Gun Nutz. They either drive tacks or are all over the map. Try PM'ing Brotherjack on this site about his experience with a Kimber.

[Toad Hunter]

270 WSM - Browning Mountain Ti. 140 Barnes TSX.

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=001B&cat_id=035&type_id=038

Wicked Gun.

Has gone sheep hunting ... And sucessfully Moose, Elk, Deer and Bear Hunting.

[bridger]

I was looking at a .270wsm the other day and there is no doubt it is one potent round but even with the 140 Accubonds I think it's a little light for picking on a Griz. I mean, if it's all you have and there is no other choice... but it wouldn't be my first choice. Why not go for a .300 win mag? Heavier bullet selection and still not too much for sheep. I know I'd feel better in Grizzly country with that gun over your other two choices. Just my .02

well said.

[open-sights]

Kimber rifles are not known for "inherent hit or miss quality" - No rifle is naturally a tack driver, many factors come into play. I have owned no less than 6 Kimbers and all were fantastic, a few did require working up loads to get sub minute and the same guns absolutely hated factory Federal ammo.
Not everything on the internet is true.

[The Hermit]

I have a Weatherby Ultralight in 300 Wby Mag with rings bases and scope for sale on here... long range hard hittin!

[todbartell]

... long range hard hittin!

maybe a bit too hard hittin' :shock: :mrgreen:

[Dirty]

Kimber rifles are not known for "inherent hit or miss quality" - No rifle is naturally a tack driver, many factors come into play. I have owned no less than 6 Kimbers and all were fantastic, a few did require working up loads to get sub minute and the same guns absolutely hated factory Federal ammo.
Not everything on the internet is true.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=18795&highlight=Kimber

The above thread is an example, 50/50, some shoot awesome, some shoot poorly. Search Gun nutz and Google and you will find the same thing. Feeding problems and accuracy problems. The difference between Kimber and Remington/Etc problems is that your pay 600 for a Remington, whereas you pay over a G-note for a Kimber. I am not saying that all manufacturers don't have problems, but from what I have read, I wouldn't touch a Kimber. When I am spending money on a rifle, I don't want to be gambling, and the odds seem higher for problems with Kimbers.

[open-sights]

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=18795&highlight=Kimber

Search Gun nutz and Google .

ummmm, no. I have an oppinion formed from hands on, not internet chatter. Just expressing a real world point of view - opposite yours is all.

[srupp]

hmmmm "ultimate ULTRALIGHT MOUNTAIN RIFLE" :shock:

I would choose the Banser ULTIMATE OVIS LIGHTWEIGHT MOUNTAIN RIFLE "...:shock:

No its not cheap..but it does have a reputation of being right up there at the top ....weight, performance..and I would still go.270 with the new Boone and Crocket...3x-10x scope..

dare to dream ......

steven

[338 winmag]

This guys Kimber seems to work fine :smile:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRRahHX9Zkg

I have a 308 Montana and its flawless , guess im one of the lucky ones.

[BlacktailStalker]

In regards to the difference between the Sako 85 Finnlight in a 300wsm and a Winchester model 70 featherweight in 270wsm, the 270wsm actually feels like it kicks harder because of the lack of recoil pad on the 270wsm.
I've got both so just thought I'd throw that out there if it helps you.
The finnlight noticeably weighs less.

Save another year and go for one of those HS precisions... sick little guns.

[Orangethunder]

I think one of the original remington ti's would be top choice for me. Probably in .270 but a .260 would work too, plus a shorter action. I just have a tough time parting with ultralight $$$ to save a pound and half on a rifle. Suck it up and carry the extra weight and use that money for better optics.

[todbartell]

Save another year and go for one of those HS precisions... sick little guns.

extremely overpriced IMO, a $2500 rifle that sells for $4000

[BlacktailStalker]

Guess it depends on the retailer ? I was told $3100 out the door...
However there was a sweet remington (cant remember the model) for $500 less (had that "twisted" licorice look to the bolt)

[Dirty]

.243 is a splendid calibre for a light sheep rifle.

[RiverBoatFantasy]

Dirty makes a great point. The .243 would be just fine. Cheap ammo, readily available, no recoil.

Sheep die real easy.

But getting back to your original question: I have always had a soft spot for a 257 Wthby Ultralight weight. Its a tack driver in the right hands.

Don't forget about a 25-06. Almost as good as a 257.

Use a Barnes TSX to minimize cape damage.

[todbartell]

Guess it depends on the retailer ? I was told $3100 out the door...
However there was a sweet remington (cant remember the model) for $500 less (had that "twisted" licorice look to the bolt)

we brought in two HS rifles last year and the cost was significantly higher than 3100 :o the Rem 700 Alaskan Titanium is a nice rifle, but also extremely overpriced. A $1400 rifle selling for $2200-2500


.243 is a splendid calibre for a light sheep rifle.

did you just say splendid?

[NaStY]

we brought in two HS rifles last year and the cost was significantly higher than 3100 :o the Rem 700 Alaskan Titanium is a nice rifle, but also extremely overpriced. A $1400 rifle selling for $2200-2500



did you just say splendid?

Oh no Dirty is going to the darker side.....

[Dirty]

Yes, splendid, as in praiseworthy.

At least somebody appreciates my expanding vocabulary. Every second word with Bartell is Ghey or Remington.:lol:

[dukester]

10 yr old Rem 700 stainless, 7mm-08. 140 accubonds. Not a fan of the newer Rem 700's

[bridger]

I agree that light calibres like the 25/06 and 243 etc will kill a sheep. A lot of the local sheep hunters in 7b have gone to bigger calibres in the last few years because of the increased g bear population. may sound alarmists, but it is something to think about when choosing a sheep rifle