My favorite rifle for woodland hunting is my Tikka T3X in 308 win with a 20 inch barrel. Lightweight and always works without any problem. Love it.

@joeyriffe9556

5 ай бұрын

I'm getting my two tikkas cut down to 20" to run with a can. 6.5 and 7-08

I like a bit of weight for my rifles, but to a point. I too bought a M77 with a heavy barrel and it got old in a hurry, at least, it made me feel old. It was super heavy, super accurate, but a pain to carry all day.

I learned a tremendous amount in the last 20 minutes and you gave me a lot to think about; thank you kind sir!!! Be safe and God bless!!! Chuck Knight from Buffalo, Texas. 🤠👨‍🌾✝️🙏🐩

@sasquatchrosefarts

Жыл бұрын

308 is awesome because a heavy bullet doesn't need more than 22 inches. And let's not forget. If powder burns past the end of the barrel it upsets accuracy. So you want all the powder burned before the bullets leave the barrel for optimum accuracy. What does that best 308 win and 338 federal. And the lightest rifles, from all makers, are 308

I bought new and still own 45+ years later, that same Ruger bi- centennial in 22-250 and for many years owned the same rifle in 308. Loved them both but for spot and stalk the lighter guns are nicer to carry.

@currituck

Жыл бұрын

I agree. I am selling it trading my Savage M12 22-250 bull barrel. Shoots fantastic, but I don't bench rest shoot. I like to stalk groundhogs. Ill get a sporter weight 22-250.

I love this man. He is the most squared away man I know of.

I'm glad you mentioned 7mm-08 as that is what I now carry with a 20" barrel. I found used Savage 11 a few years back. It had a shorter stock as it was a youth model, but I found standard length stock, and is very nice to carry. It shoots 3 shot groups under a 1/2" at 100 yards.

Shot a friend's Remington 700 classic in 222 rem. I finally purchased one on gun broker. From the 1950's with a 26 " barrel. (Don't know about barrel length but it was what I could afford) Both my local gun smith and gun store owner said I "did real good"! It came from a collection of a man that collected Winchester rifles. Out of California no less. I love the history of the round and everyone I speak to about it either. 1) never heard of it and think I mean 223. 2) had one and wished they never sold it! 3) have one and would never let it go!!! Thank you sir for your most excellent and informative videos!

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

Yes, you got a keeper! The Triple Deuce is actually a superior cartridge compared to the .223, .222 Rem. Mag, and the .221 Fireball, which are all descendants of it. Mike Walker scaled its perfect chamber to bore ratio, and gave it a very long supportive neck that allowed full powder capacity without bullet intrusion into the chamber. The .223 came about in order to fulfill the requirement of a 55 grain bullet penetration through both sides of a GI steel pot at 500 yards. Also, the shorter neck of the .223 was believed to have better cycling through the M-16, whether that's true or not. Ruger has made many thousands of .222 chambered Mini-14 rifles for European countries that prohibit private ownership of the NATO cartridge. The actual difference in velocity is less than 150 feet per second, or a point blank range difference of about 35 yards. However, while the .222 develops full velocity with a broad array of powders, the .223 can only achieve that potential with a few selected powders. The .222 is significantly more pleasant to shoot. I hope your new gun was well cared for. Good luck with your find!

@robertkwiatkoski1292

Жыл бұрын

@@GunBlue490 sir, thank you for your response. I am both very happy and surprised that you commented on my poast. I highly respect your wisdom and knowledge that you have accumulated over the years. I thank you for sharing it with us. I look forward to taking my "shooting journey" with you as my reference. thank you again.

woodland rifle , cz 527 7.62 x 39 18" length, made to shoot steel ammo. Great advice , i enjoyed it!

Thanks for the video. Very informative.

Just wish manufacturers would still make some scopes in that beautiful gloss finish to better match gorgeous rifles like that Model 70 Featherweight. All we get nowadays is everything in matte black.

@cbsbass4142

Жыл бұрын

Glossiest scope I have is my old Tasco 3X9X32. I have kept it so long because I shot my best group with it on a .243. .38 inches at 100 yds (on a Stevens 200 with factory stock barrel and trigger. I can't even find a truly high gloss black scope. There are some I'd rate as "satin black"

Always love your videos. Full of knowledge!

Yes my Ruger Scout 308 is my by far the best deer rifle I have owned thus far. It’s not a tack driver like my Bergara b14 but it’s most definitely not inaccurate. It’s will produce 1” groups at 100 yards fact of the matter is my Ruger will probably be my deer gun for the rest of my life. I say this because there’s not to many scout style rifles to choose from to begin with. And second it’s simply a joy to take out in the Michigan woods I have yet in my 17 years taking a shot on a deer in Michigan past 20 yards or so. I have never seen a 100 yard shot unless your somehow able to hunt the power lines. But besides that 1 possibility a shot on a deer in Michigan is 90% of the time with in 20 yards. So that 16” 308 Winchester Ruger Scout is just like gunblue said well with in its operating range. Then add the weight reduction,16” maneuverability,good sights from the factory the proven Ruger action and well you have a Michigan deer slayer in your hands. Sometimes less is more

Ok, having re-listened to your vid, got a couple more comments. I have 2 Sako .375s for BIG STUFF: one is a classic long barreled, i would say 'tackdriver' (though to be honest its more like a really accurate 'jack hammer' lol), which I bought for long shots at dangerous/trophy game, and, a far smaller limited production run Mannlicher stocked version for 'humping' through deep forest and/or up and down mountains. While the long version is more impressive at the range, I actually haven't really used it much over the years, choosing the Manny instead for just plain 'handliness' as you have described it. Since I learned to handload it down to where I don't feel bad about taking Mule deer with it:), it shoots very nearly as accurate as the long gun. Here's the punchline- I don't recall that I"ve ever taken it out in the field, whether for Wyoming/Utah muley's , New Mexico trophy elk, or up into Alaska for Moose, or Brownie; that someone hasn't tried to buy it off me:). Makes me wonder sometimes if Firearms don't sometimes choose Shooters, as opposed to the other way around ;)

Thanks for the conversation. A pleasure to listen and glean wisdom.

Always the best Common Sense approach from you!

G’day mate! Look forward to seeing your varmit videos sometime soon, they’d be very useful here in Australia 🇦🇺! God bless mate!

Lovely video sir! Thanks very much for your time.

GB, didn't realize how close we are in age (I *might* be a bit older:). That aside, my Dad bought a 22-250 after deciding NOT to get the 220 Swift (he was an engineer:). However, the Win he got was apparently no where near as accurate as your Ruger, and after a bit of fooling around with different Factory ammo, (as well as watching my bro and I with our new .243 and 6mm Rem respectively doing 'one-holers' at the range, he returned the '250', and went back to his trusted .270 Win, and pretty much never looked back. For myself, I look at the current Creedmore crowd moving to 6mm, from the 6.5 and I have to just smile:) I will say, your discussion here has made me re-think a few of my firearm decisions, but fortunately I seem to have 'dumb lucked' my way through most of the minefield hazards you've described. Keep at it :)!

@sasquatchrosefarts

Жыл бұрын

Light bullets just don't cut it. 6mm is a minimum. Unless you're shooting coyotes or prairie dogs. 270 is a great time tested cartridge. 6.5 creedmoor makes a lighter rifle with shorter action.. .... But 270 is great

Mr. Gunblue, Thank you for all your knowledge and videos. Hope your home project turns out well.

Thanks for sharing your extensive knowledge in such a relaxed manner. Blessings from Australia.

As usual with your videos I found this very clear and informative and as relevant to hunting here in the UK as the US. Thank you

Thanks for another great video. It's too windy today to fish, so watching your video is a added pleasure . Thank you

good info mate i always use light hunting gear my son bought a varmint barrel .17 he notices the heavy weight in the mountains hunting , wouldn't listen to me ha ha hes learnt now

Another informative and entertaining video captain and it is good to see you again. Thanks for the knowledge and the wisdom of this video. I know that as I continue in years, I greatly appreciate an aptly selected rifle, in terms of weight and size. I tend now to buy and carry the lightest gun in my safe that'll get the job done. My family and I look forward to watching more of your good firearm videos, Lord willing. We will keep our eyes on new notifications and hope to see you again soon. God bless you as always!

I was around 18 when I bought a Remington 700 in 6mm rem, laminate stock heavy bull barrel, I bought it for wood chucks too and deer and pronghorn. I had it for over 10 years but barely ever used it, never shot anything other than paper, I let it go because as you said “ it wasn’t practical” it was too pretty to lug through the brush, hope it’s new owner treats it well

as always great stuff here 👍

Thank you Mr Russell. I perviously had Tikka t3 Tactial .223, it weighed a ton. Now with a cz 527, the whole rig weighes 8.5lbs. .

Great video sir…lately I found myself enjoying short barrel rifles … I got two ruger American ranch rifles in 223 and 762x39 and two cz527 also in 223 and762x39 and I always grab one of them when I am going in the woods

If we could only go back in time and retrieve the ones that got away.... The ones we traded off or sold.... I look back over 30 some years at some of the totally awesome firearms I no longer have and it makes me physically ill to say the least.... Great Video Bud!....

@cbsbass4142

Жыл бұрын

Know the feeling well. Guns I wish I never got rid of: Marlin 336/.30-30, Marlin 1994s in .44 MAG, Ruger mk 1 w/6 inch barrel made in 1976, Ruger Super Blackhawk .44, Winchester 1400 Semi Auto (It felt so much better than my Rem.1100 I traded it for) and the Ruger # Medium Sporter in .300 Win Mag. (too much gun for around here), but when I see the cost and availability now, it makes me regret it.

I really love listening to you. You know what you are talking about. Also, your stories are equally meaningful and attractive. God bless.

Thank you for your time Sir, I was told a long time ago that I was to learn at least one thing every day. You have helped me do this today.

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

I strive to learn something every day, as well. The most important thing is to remember what you learn!

Thank you for the wealth of knowledge you share with your audience. I’m new to the channel and have gone through your videos on aiming and squeezing the trigger slowly. Could you talk about shooting with a sling? Anything helps thanks.

I really enjoy listening to your talks. My favorite woods gun here in South Alabama is my Winchester model 94 30/30. It’s light, it’s compact, easy to carry or shoulder and it’s enough cartridge for anything in Alabama.

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

Surely, one of the best!

Thank you for a very informed talk about barrel lengths and weights. Of course, accuracy is in the eye of the beholder. If you hit a woodchuck in the belly instead of in the head where you may have aimed, it's still a hit. Same with sniping. I consider a hit a hit. A man may aim at the boiler house of an animal and if the hit is left or right of the aiming point, it's still a hit. I'm in a logging cut north of Clinton, BC and I can see 600+ yards, so for a shot on a wolf at 200 yards a barrel length of 20 inches for a 243 may be alright. Any farther than that I don't think I'd try. You are right in your experience that some rifles shoot better than others. A hunter just asks himself what is the best combination. Sometimes it's trial an error. I've heard fellas say that their Ruger won't 'shoot' but their Savage or other will. Therein lies a question of not just rifle manufacturing name and barrel length, but whether it has a button rifle or hammer forged barrel and how much does that account for accuracy. Please keep up the good, interesting work as I'm retired and living in my truck and camper here. I'll keep my eyes open for wolves and new gun videos from you. Dan

Great show.

Winchester's Sporter Varmint was a nice compromise. Med-weight 26" taper barrel. There is some magic in the long taper barrel and its quiet.

I agree with what you say 100%. My 22-250/204 Ruger/ 17wsm all have heavy barrels. We do suffer a bit with the weight out in the field. At the stands I hunt in the work just great. In Arizona the heat does not play well when in the field. My Vanguard 2 in 243 and 223 are much better suited to be in the field with a Sportster barrel. Great video and advice!

Excellent video and advice. I recently watched a few of your Mini-14 videos and saw the sling you put on yours and liked it so much I bought one to put on my new Mini. It fit perfectly and I didn't have to spread the swivel or press the snap. I love it. God bless you and Benny.

@Synistercrayon

Жыл бұрын

Mini 14....one of my favorites!

I don't mind the 22 inch barrel on my 2013 7X57 featherweight, but probably would prefer a 24, had I a choice, and at least 24 on .25-06 or 270. I'm just happy to have found that 7X57. Label sticker still on the barrel and not a mark on it. For the woods, I can take my 1950 1894 in .32 Winchester Special. I think you are the one that got me interested in that caliber. Thanks for all your info.

I do want a Winchester Model 70 for sure, but all reasons why I'm happy with my 22" barrel Ruger American in .243 WN Great all around rifle for most things I do

Remington model seven is my favorite varmit rifle chambered in .223 Rem.

It's great watching your vids but it's tuff at same time you remind me of my pops so much. I miss him so much he taught me so much about guns and hunting doesn't feel like he's been gone for 2 years now. I'd give anything to listen to him like.i do you now

Great video. 👍👍

I agree about barrel weight. For years I hunted elk with a super light custom 7mm Rem Mag with a "pencil" barrel. It was consistently accurate with a cold bore shot. And, as you say, I wasn't shooting groups at elk. The only disadvantage was that it took a long time to sight in since I had to let the barrel cool between shots. I shoot Palma, which involves 20 shot strings at 800, 900, 1000, shot prone with a sling. The barrel on that thing is a very heavy 30".

Great information.

It never fails to amaze me when, it comes to "varmint rifles", how they are defined via action, caliber, and barrel length My old Savage 99E in .250-3000 was, at some point in its life, was set up as a varmint rifle by a previous owner with its long relatively slender but still pretty heavy 24" barrel, trigger extension/shoe (I dumped that thing before I left the store I found the rifle in.) and high powered scope. Was it good varmint rifle? I have no idea, but it works, for me at least as a deer rifle out to around 350 to 400 yards thanks to the scope mentioned above. I've seen .22LR and .22Magnums out of relatively cheap rifles take cayotes cleanly at around 75 yards and the (discontinued) Remington 5mm and the more recent .17 caliber rimfire drop hogs in their tracks in the neighborhood of 100 yards. I credit the shooter hunters for their accuracy as much, if not more so their choices of rifles, calibers, and ammo as I, personally, would feel uncomfortable attempting one shot, one kill shots as such ranges with such calibers. But that is just me and no criticism is intended toward anyone.

For hunting in the woods, a 94 Winchester in .375 Win., and peep sight equipped, gets the nod. For longer ranges, a Savage with a .308, 23" Shaw sporter-weight barrel gets the job done.

Good info . Thank you Sir .

My main hunting rifle is a cdl 25-06 22 inch sporter barrel. Very very light weight. All stock except a little lug work, bedding and optic. It’s awesome. Getting old like we all are. The finish is very glossy so not ideal for max camo. But that’s ok. I think the more important thing is if you are needing equipment for a specific purpose go with that rather than something that may be able to do more things but not as well. We all desire the one tool that does it all and weighs 6 pounds with 30x optic and shoots 180 gr at 3000 from a 16 inch barrel etc but we aren’t there yet. So instead of being unhappy with a do all setup maybe get what you need and use or accordingly. I am kind of in this situation right now. I really desire to get a new bolt action in 6mm arc. It’s purpose will be to shoot bug holes off of a bench. The model I am after is out of stock for three months. The other option has a much shorter barrel and large detachable magazine. I think I will be patient and wait for my initial choice to come back in stock. This caliber seems very good to me for that among another things it shares all the main components I use that are hardest to come by right now, in my 223 gas guns being powder and primers. Hopefully it is meant to be. If not I will carry on. One comment though, it is truly awesome how capable the modern inexpensive bolt actions tend to be now days with a little load work up. Sadly they’re not as beautiful as the older walnut stocked units of the past. But thankfully we still have options to rectify this small issue. Anyways I better go get after it. God bless.

Always enjoy your Sage Advice. You touched on a caliber that I have always liked but never owned and that is the 22-250. Now I'm thinking about finding one and, yes, keeping the barrel at a reasonable length and taper. Thanks for sharing this. Stay well and wishing you and your family all the best. God Bless.

@mysweetshadow747

Жыл бұрын

One good option is the Savage Axis 2; They took a good Savage barrel, added an accu-trigger and proper magazine. Bought mine a few years back and it shot 1/2" 5 shot groups right out of the box. That 22-250 is something else!

@stephenhair5501

Жыл бұрын

@@mysweetshadow747 Thanks! I'm very familiar with Savage and they do make some great accurate rifles. I will certainly check the Axis 2 out. I appreciate your recommendation.

@mysweetshadow747

Жыл бұрын

@@stephenhair5501 oh! One other plus I should mention with the Savage is they have a 1:12" twist rather than the standard 1:14". That's a hard feature to find without an aftermarket barrel for some reason

Great video GB! Almost like a fireside chat. Without going too deep, here in Saskatchewan we have both “plains hunting” and in our north and some southern areas bush and forest hunting. I have setup my guns into two primary styles to accommodate this. My stable of hunting rifles goes from 24 and 26 inch sporting and heavy sporter weight barrels for my magnums (Weatherby and standard magnums) with 2 x 10 power scopes (300 to 400 yard shots are common here) to a variety of 18 to 22 inch lever and bolt guns in 30-30, 32 Win Spl, 308 Win and 45-70 for the bush. I have a low power scope on the bolt gun in 308 and a red dot, or no optic at all for the lever guns (Marlin has red dot and my 3 Winchesters open sights). I fully appreciate your weight matters point. On the prairie, those 26 inch barrelled rifles come in at 9 or so pounds. When the name of the game is spot and stalk, it does get a little noticeable after trudging though the snow and valleys all day! Glad to hear Bennie is doing well. 👍

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

I'd love to hunt Saskatchewan some day.

🤣 You are right on - when talking about lightweight rifles and not carrying a bipod! Personally, because I live in the Rocky Mountains, it is easy for me to go out into the mountains and practice shooting in various hunting scenarios and various shooting positions! You are right on about the 264 Winchester Magnum - who wants to carry a 26" barrel into the woods? Not me! And, that is why I own a featherweight/lightweight 270 Winchester! I would love for you to do a video talking more about that 204 Ruger, if you do another varment video? It has my interest! 🧐

I shot woodchucks with my 257 Roberts back in the 70s. I still shoot my Roberts as well as 7mm08, 243, 308 and 28 Nosler. I've been in Florida for a year and a half but NH is calling me back home again. I'll be looking for a range to shoot at and new whitetail hunting grounds.

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

Welcome back to Ned Robert's home.

Looking forward to the 22-250 video !

I agree on all points. I too had a heavy barrel Remington 700 in 22-250. It was just too heavy and clumsy for its own good. It felt like I was carrying a fence post around! Plus, as I get up in age, I simply can not carry that kind of weight around. I also replaced it with another standard barreled rifle- chambered in 222 -- my favorite caliber. Thanks once again for the good information.

I agree too often too much is made of very slight improvements from barrel weight, or many other things, where yeah ,you may measure some factor better but in practice makes little difference and not worth the tradeoff that it might make. IMHO ,once it's good enough,it's good enough, except maybe in some very limited or specialized cases.

I had that same rifle same caliber and I used to love it, super accurate almost zero recoil I had a WW2 German military (sniper) scope on it I had a local gunsmith made it fit perfectly, only one other rifle I had was as accurate it was a 1898 or 1899 swedish 6.5×55 Mauser, (the swedish with open sights - today I need a telescope lol) I love your channel and your conversation I wish I was your neighbor to show you my little collection and also to admire yours.god bless you and your family and protect you always.

@onpsxmember

Жыл бұрын

What kind of scope was it? The Zeiss ZF42 was only 4x, but there were many scopes taken from Hunters to use them.

My grandpa's old remington 788, 308 is the perfect brush rifle 18" barrel and 3×9×40 vortex scope, he's killed alot of deer with that rifle and just refinished the stock and it looks beautiful

I believe both rifle style barrel weights have advantages, the heavy weight long barrel is better for longer distances and shooting more accurate when making repeated shots. The weight and long barrel reduces the effects, of shooter errors firing the rifle. Lighter rifles are more prone to variations from the same effects. The 222 is better in a lightweight rifle than 22-250 for a number of reasons. Less recoil, quiet report and less cost for reloading and so is the 223 cartridge too. I would agree that it has a slight disadvantage of range but a 300-yard shot is a challenge for either cartridge. However, a rifle with a heavy barrel will add accuracy to both extending accuracy another 100-yards. Someone shooting past or shooting most shots at longer range is where the 243/6mm bores are better and the 25 bores are too. This is where the heavy barrels make a difference most and high magnification scopes are most helpful.

Agree wholeheartedly with your bipod comments .

I have a Bergara B14 ridge in 7mm rem mag that I hunt with here in NC. Great rifle that shoots like a dream but it’s obnoxious to get through the thick stuff and maneuver in a treestand. Definitely looking to get something a little more handy for the woods.

@cbsbass4142

Жыл бұрын

You can get the featherweight in 7mm-08 and still use the same bullets.

@win300mag1

Жыл бұрын

@@cbsbass4142 I was actually looking at that very gun this morning. My son has a 7mm-08 that I very much enjoy shooting. I will probably go that route for this coming fall. Thanks!

another thing to consider for "handiness" on barrel length is the action type. You can usually get away with a longer barrel on something like a single shot than you can on a bolt action before it becomes "too long" . On the other hand, a single shot becomes even more convenient when chopped down to 16 inches vs the same barrel length in a bolt action. Just depends on what youre going for I guess

Some Rifle brands with sporter barrels have great consistency with pretty long strings of shooting as well. I had a Browning x-bolt and now have a tikka and a mauser m18, they all do pretty well with their sporter barrels. Other ones I've seen was some savage, other tikkas, a Sako and a musgrave rifle, that kept their 1 - 1.5 moa groups for at least 10 shots. What I'm saying is that even sporter barrel rifles can be consistent, you just have to make sure (research) you buy good quality. I'm not a great shot, so I'd probably make a 1/4 moa rifle shoot 1 moa

bought my first hunting rifle a few months ago and I do wish I would have taken weight into account. it's pretty heavy so I have been trying to train for strength but I went for all shooting specs and no field practicality. I have learned my lesson lol

@bneaclab1

Жыл бұрын

If you are going on long hikes weight can be a concern, but if it is for w for a few hours I bet you'll soon appreciate the heavier rifle over the shortcomings of a lighter rifle.

@mokgable

Жыл бұрын

@@bneaclab1 good to hear. I was getting a little nervous. Have my first rifle class tomorrow and I can't wait to get out this year. My brother got me into it and now we are gonna hunt every year together.

You got to have a rifle your have confidence in and that's why I had a ruger m77v in 243 that weighed better than10 pounds! My friend Bennie through I was crazy for carrying that in the field. Until his scope failed and he had to use mine!

I totally agree, I went through the heavy barrel thing too. Only thing it's good for is the bench, either target or prairie dogs. I had a 06 with a 18" barrel that would shoot really good groups and a dream to carry and a 300 win with a standard 28" barrel that got hung up on everything. My easiest packer was a lightened up Mauser action with a slim tapered barre in 240wbyl with a light stock, with scope it was under 7 lbs. Granted I could only get three shots in a tight group before it needed to cool, but you hardly ever shoot more than three at once on game or predators. Never should of sold that one. Great video, more people need to hear this stuff.

@cbsbass4142

Жыл бұрын

Been taking my new Featherweight 7X57 (22 inch) to the range, but yes I always take some others, because after about 3 shots the little barrel is hot, especially in this 90 degree weather. I did trade a Stevens Model 200 in .223 plus about 200 bucks, for a Remington 700 SPS Varmint also in .223. I replaced the stock with a Stocky's M-50, put a Timney Hunter Elite on it at about 1.5-2 lbs. and use it only for target. It's way to heavy to lug around, but it's 1/2 MOA when I need it, or if I ever want to go out to Prairie Dog towns. Same with my current .260. My Stevens 200.25-06 is in a Factory contour 24 inch. Great weight and great shooter.

@Bhartrampf

Жыл бұрын

@@cbsbass4142 nice, always good to have choices 👍🤠

@cbsbass4142

Жыл бұрын

@@Bhartrampf Thanks. Fortunate to have some.

@Bhartrampf

Жыл бұрын

@@cbsbass4142 yeah me too, in my youth I I packed a hawken and a heavy barrel sharps, only short trips with them big buggers now.

@cbsbass4142

Жыл бұрын

@@Bhartrampf Love the Hawken. One of the coolest Firearms I ever saw.

My M70 Featherweight has a 22” barrel and carries easily. The 7x57/139gr rounds are so easy on the shoulder too!

@cbsbass4142

Жыл бұрын

I have the 7X57 too. Worked up some loads with Speer Grand Slam in 145 gr, and got my sub MOA group with it. So, I'm satisfied it can shoot a .887 group with that bullet and load at 100 yds. I want to see if it will do that with Hot-Cors too.

I finally got myself a model 70 FW in 6.5 cr and wanted one in 22-250 but that caliber is not available in Australia , I do have a savage model 12 thumb hole stock in 22-250 it’s stainless laminated stock and 26” long barrel so it’s heavy and really a bench rifle in two minds to sell it for something more practical

I plan on using my modern 243 Winchester Model 70 (22" featherweight) with a 100 grain bullet for my antelope hunt in northern Colorado next week. It should work great.

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

It's the perfect combination! Have fun and good hunting!

@Gola308

Жыл бұрын

@@GunBlue490 That's what I think. My hunting buddy of 20+ years thinks so also. I've learned a lot from you. Heavier scope than I'd normally like, but we may have to take a shot at 200-300 yards. God Bless!

@Gola308

Жыл бұрын

Got her, about 275 yards. Missed low on 3 shots the previous day, poor range estimation on my part...

I have a couple of HB rifles, a 22-250 and a 300 Win Mag. I've never taken them into the field.

I have two Sako 85s in .223 and .338WM and I really want a .22 LR bolt action and semi auto.

I use a sixteen and half inch barrel with my henrybig boy forty four magnum with a Leupold 2 to fivescope deer hunting in thee woods in newyork after a stroke I needed something light took a six point last year at sixty yards last year with one shot

I have two .22 centrefires. Both are Remington Model 700's, both about 35 years old. My first is an ADL in .222 Rem. and has a 22 in. light barrel. I never did weigh the thing but it's light and pleasant to carry when tramping around. The second is a .22-250 in a BDL Varminter setup. It has a 24 in. heavy barrel and is definitely not a joy to carry all day long. But then, it was never meant to. They are both tack drivers. So one is a carry gun for hunting on foot and the other is for target shooting at the range plus set place varminting, usually coyotes at local farms and ranches. As Scotty from Star Trek used to say, "Use the right tool for the job!".

This should be required listening for any hunter.

Does barrel length effect the type of powder you need to use? I’m finding shorter barrels don’t respond to the same powders that work in my 22” barrels, accuracy is very good. Also found shorter barrel doesn’t really shoot good unless I’m shooting heavier bullets, 180 gr and not the 150. I’m loading for .308 win.

Hi Mr Russell i have a tikkat3x 300wsm it has a 24.5 in barrel do you think cutting it to 20 or 21 in would take too much from it

Wow.. how am I only finding your channel now. Such a wealth of information. Thank you for sharing. Here on the Big Island of Hawaii I found the perfect all around hunting rifle for me is my Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle in .308. I reload for it, it loves 165gr Hornady Interlock with Varget. Does everything I need it to do, 20-250 yards hogs, mouflon sheep, goats. I also have a very old pre 64 model 70 in .270 but I rarely shoot is as it was my dad’s. Great looking anthirum I noticed behind you, those things grow all over in my yard. Again… thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’m now subscribed. Aloha! 🤙🏽

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

Now I know what to call that thing!

Model 7 mountain rife ,great for hunting

Gun Blue, I just got my first model 70. As my first bolt action I quickly noticed the slop when the bolt is retracted. How much is normal for a CRF action?

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

That wiggle when a Mauser style bolt is retracted is completely normal, and is not a defect in the least.

I really want a lightweight rifle for mountain hunting up to and including elk. I want a short barrel (18-20" plus brake) to keep it light and handy. Thoughts on a 280AI or 30-06? I love my M70 Featherweight but want something all weather as well.

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

Well, I have a couple of thoughts to share. I presume when you say mountain hunting, that you are speaking of open country and flat shooting terrain. While both cartridges have a long, successful history for your hunting desires, the 280, either AI or standard would be my choice over the 30-06 for mountain hunting. The 7mm/.284" bore has a more favorable bore to case capacity ratio, so for bullets of equivalent sectional density and ballistic coefficient, the .280 is about 100 to 200 feet per second faster, and thereby flatter shooting over long shots, and bullets of equal sectional density are lighter and contribute to lower recoil. I would really recommend against such a short barrel, which will sacrifice much needed velocity for your terrain. The 30-06 case used in both cartridges contains up to 60 grains of slower burning powders that really need at least 22 inches in order to attain western country velocities. Before you have it outfitted with a muzzle brake, understand that the muzzle blast is wicked and deafening, even with protective earmuffs. Some ranges forbid them if anyone else is present. Fired once in the field without ear protection and you'll wish you hadn't. I once purchased a used custom Mauser action 30-06 with a Magna-Ported Douglas barrel in the 70s. I took it to the range and fired it ONCE before returning it at a significant loss. There was no way I'd ever fire or be near such a horrific thing again. May I suggest simply a Model 70 Featherweight in a weatherproof stock.

Since you take requests😄 I have question I’d like you to address, lately I’m hearing about the subsonic 8.6 BLK is an effective hunting round not due to is velocity but due to its 1 in 3 twist that creates “rotational energy”. I’ve never heard of rotational energy vs energy associated with velocity. I can say the gel tests do look promising.

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

I can't say that I'll address that claim, as I don't have any personal familiarity with the round. However, energy is defined with mass and velocity, and has nothing to do with rotation. Such extreme twist certainly may enhance bullet expansion as the result of centrifugal force, but I'd be a bit skeptical of using such radical, resistive twist. You couldn't even get a bore brush to accommodate that aggressive twist with a ball bearing cleaning rod.

Hunting with a suppressor you want as short a barrel as possible. In .308 you can go down to 16". Still opens nonlead bullets out past 3-400 yards.

Thanks for the video! My first varmint rifle was a CZ 527 in 223 with a long 26' barrel 1 in 9 twist rate with a rather small chamber; in proportion with magazine length. Not a heavy rifle. However any bullet heavier than 60 grain protruded deep in the case rendering the rifle set up futile imo. How to approche, in a rational way, the burning rate of powder in relation with case capacity, bullet weight and barrel length...?

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

Well, you don't need to. That has been done by ballistic labs and all that data is printed in loading manuals. The standard rule of thumb for efficiency is to use the powder that most nearly fills a case to capacity for the velocity desired. In other words, use the entire chamber as it was intended. That rule won't necessarily be the most accurate, but the most accurate load will usually be found among the powders that use most of the chamber capacity. That doesn't mean to simply load maximum charges though. The most accurate could be well below maximum.

@countercivilization

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the reloading tip!

Before choosing a barrel with inadequate twist rate to stabilize longer high sectional density bullets, another important aspect is knowing what bullet types and maximum sectional densities you’ll be shooting through the barrel.

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

I recommend that you review my individual sectional density and rifling twist videos. Sectional density has absolutely no relationship to rifling twist rate. Stability is a length issue, not a weight (sectional density) issue. Bullets of exactly the same diameter and weight can vary significantly in length, based on their ballistic shape. For instance, Hornady makes 4 different 52-53 grain .224" bullets. Three will stabilize in a 1-14" twist. However, the V-Max with its long slender form and ballistic tip, is too long for a standard barrel, yet it's the same sectional density as the others. In fact, in my rifling twist video, I demonstrate heavy bullets that are shorter than much lighter bullets of the same caliber.

Love all your videos sir. I’d pay good money to sit down for a cup of coffee and “shoot” the shit about guns and ballistics. Please keep up the fantastic work!!!!......God bless

Have you discussed using pistol caliber carbines for up close hunting work? I’ve been unable to find a reasonable opinion on the matter. One says they are amazing and the others say full rifle power is needed beyond bow and arrow ranges. I’m interested in your thoughts.

@flintymcduff5417

Жыл бұрын

Which pistol calibers are you referring to? Answer will vary.

@cbsbass4142

Жыл бұрын

Not speaking for GunBlue, but I had a Marlin 1894 once in .44 MAG that I'd sure use for deer at Bow ranges or about 50 yards. Probably good out to 75 or 100. Never had a 10 MM but are pretty strong too, as I've seen videos of a guy dropping hogs with a 10mm handgun.

@PoltergeistPat

Жыл бұрын

Delayed response. But, I’m most interested in .357 mag in a lever action as I’m already set up to reload for it and it’s as large as I care to shoot in a handgun. They seem to be easier to find just now as compared to 30-30 as well. Lever guns are 100yd max for me anyway. I’d assume out of a rifle .357 would be fine at those ranges. But, I have no experience to judge.

I never had the flexibility to get into the prone position without using a pack or something out front holding the rifle up.

How noticeable is the temperature range deformation of the slim profile barrels and at what lengths?

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

Barrels don't deform. Perhaps you're referring to barrel stress, which occurred in previous years as a result of drilling and outside lathe turning. Stress caused changes in the harmonics that tossed erratic groups. However, the modern process of hammer forging and stress relieving by most manufacturers these days has eliminated that issue. My Featherweight barrels will shoot a consistent ten shot group without wandering or a single flyer, and the only reason I stop at ten is to be kind to the barrel. The only advantage to a heavy barrel is less vibration, so it's less dependent on critical harmonics produced by barrel time. A heavy barrel is a heat sink that takes longer to heat up, but due to greater mass, they take a lot longer to cool down, too.

@BigSmartArmed

Жыл бұрын

@@GunBlue490 A mountain hunter that was helping us with our setup shared some of his experience. He loads his own ammo so he helped with developing an initial load for the set up we were testing. For hunting he used to take a light weight set up, short action magnum, shorter slim profile barrel, wood stock, bedded, but he experienced unpredictable POI shift at different altitudes and weather conditions. Prior to bedding he did have the stock treated to prevent moisture swelling. After working with his original setup he chose to go in a different direction. He went with a 6.5X55 SM, medium profile 26” fluted barrel, synthetic (folding) stock. It was heavier then his original setup, but over a wide range of altitudes, temperatures, pressure and humidity, there was no POI shift as with his original set up. Even though 6.5SM is a long action, from his loads that I've tried he did not over pressure and loaded them for consistency rather then velocity. His loaded rounds had a shake to them, so he was not loading anywhere close to full capacity. That's why I'm still wondering just how much POI shift drastic change of environment can cause to a classic light weight set up, and does high barometric pressure change has an effect on high pressure rounds out of shorter barrels.

I have a winchester model 70. In 270 it has an adjustable compensator on the end of the barrell is it worth keeping it or should I change the barrell

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

That's entirely up to whether it suits you or not. I know that Browning installed harmonics adjusters, but I wasn't aware of them on any Winchester 70s, so I suspect it was an aftermarket addition. If you're not fond of it, you may have it removed by a gunsmith. It may be either silver soldered or threaded in place, and may be pinned, but it should come off. Otherwise, you can also simply have him cut it off and re-crown the barrel for a small loss of a half inch of barrel or so, and it will look like new. Rebarreling would be my last option.

@davidsingleton1743

Жыл бұрын

I have the same rifle with the BOSS (Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System) licensed by Browning on it, which it came with from the factory. Winchester Model 70 rifles with that option were only offered for one year after Browning and Winchester came together under common ownership, before Browning objected to the harmonic tuning device being offered on any rifles other than theirs, as I recall. In any event, mine works very well. I use the conventional recoil attachment because I don’t feel any need for recoil reduction on a .270 and don’t want the increased muzzle blast caused by the muzzle brake attachment version with holes in it. Should you elect to remove the BOSS from your rifle and care to part with it, please let me know. I’d like to have another one for a different Model 70. Good luck to you.

I like to hear your thoughts on the 223 Wyld

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

It's a terrific chamber that I've personally owned with great satisfaction. Simply, it allows the use of higher pressure 5.56mm ammo, but with the accuracy of a .223 Remington chamber. I would always opt for the Wylde if given the choice. Green Mountain Barrels near me does tons of them in various AR barrel designs.

@cbsbass4142

Жыл бұрын

That's what I wish I had on my Remington 700 Varmint heavy. I have a 12 inch twist rate, and could get a Wylde remage barrel that would have a 1:7 twist. Now my 1:12 is fine now and is a 1/2 MOA shooter BUT only with Hornady 55 gr. VMAX at this point, and wont stabilize much past 60 gr. bullets. The Wylde would allow me more flexibility, even though I don't have interest in switching back and forth between Nato and .223. But I COULD with the Wylde chambering.

Any thoughts or comments on barrel lift would be appreciated. I thought a heavier barrel might help with that. Not as much as I experienced with a heavy vs light barreled 7-08.

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

Yes, heavy barrels are more "quiet". In practical terms, the difference between the two in the field would never be noticed with a game animal. Think more in terms of making a good first shot.

@ElPilosure

Жыл бұрын

@@GunBlue490 Thankyousir. I hunt deer and hogs in TX from a blind. A 120 grain 7mm08 neck shot has dropped 150 lb-ish hogs humanely at 230 yards. I can shoot accurately, but only see result on the ground after recovering from the 'noise'. For fun, and to try taming that 'lift', I turned a light weight savage 243 into a bull barreled 7mm08. I followed your bedding lesson btw...thanks for that. Its a very heavy rifle and shoots incredibly well, but to my surprise, I still need a few seconds to recover from the bang and reacquire the target. Anyway, I think this further supports your advice that heavy barrels are overkill, especially for hunting. Appreciate your videos. Gracias y Bendiciones.

I have a very nice 6.5 Swede action (1905 dated Carl Gustav, bought on Gunbroker as a bare action plus mag and trigger group) I'd like to set up for Whitetail hunting primarily. Is 20" enough to get effective power in it? I've heard the sweet spot is more around 22 inches for 6.5x55.

@southerntriplej8061

Жыл бұрын

Hey buddy I just want to give my two cents to you. I a safe full of rifles, and I use my 7mm08 and 243 win in 20" barreled rifles more than anything.both are in the same range of power as a 6.5x55. I sold my hand build Mauser 6.5. and it had a 20" barrel also. I'm here to tell you, Nothing I have shot could tell it only came from a 20" barrel rig. Don't fall for a long barrel unless you want to shoot very long. I've killed over 100 head of. Deer and pig with my 708 20" barrel and it shoots 3-4" groups at 300 yards no problem with anything I shove in it. And it's much easier to get around in the stand or blinds. A couple of feet a second hasn't made a ounce of difference for me.

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

The answer is simply, yes. The 6.5 Swede is a very well balanced and fine cartridge that uses medium-slow burning powders very efficiently. It's not looking for every inch in order to perform well on deer. It's routinely used in sporting rifles with standard length barrels for moose in Scandinavia. Barrels have no sweet length. They simply shoot faster with more length (to a point), and slower with a shorter one.

@cbsbass4142

Жыл бұрын

Tikka offer the caliber in a 22.4 in barrel at 6.6 pounds without scope. The Sauer (100) offers the caliber in 22 inch at 6 lbs 7 Oz. 20 inches would probably be fine too. I usually just prefer backing up on the burn rate to slightly faster powders on shorter barrels depending on bullet weight, of course.

@ironhead2008

Жыл бұрын

Thanks everyone. Just gotta hunt down a good barrel maker that uses the modern tech mentioned in the video so I can stick with a lightweight barrel.

@cbsbass4142

Жыл бұрын

@@ironhead2008 I love that caliber. Never had one, but it's "old school" and has a lot of history behind it. I have a .260. but...it's a heavy barrel range gun. I love the .270, but with some osteoporosis going on and my small frame, the less recoil the better for me right now.

I own a CZ550 varmint and the 25 " barrel feels light Iam holding a cannon.

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

Yup, that's so true.

The 300 WSM is calling me

I hunt woodland settings. I currently have a Remington 7600 pump in 308. I want to send it out to a gunsmith to have the barrel cut to 18", currently it has the standard 22" factory barrel. I did some research and noticed Remington had all factory carbines cut to 18 1/2". My question, will cutting my barrel to 18" vs 18 1/2 " make a difference? Not sure what the benefit of 1/2" would make?

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

Remington may have done testing with various carbine barrels to find the correct accuracy harmonics for their factory ammo. Other than that, it would make no difference. I'd go with the 18.5" just to keep it in specification with their official factory length though, for the sake of aesthetics. And, I would personally specify the same field crown for that reason.

@tmonk001

Жыл бұрын

@@GunBlue490 Thank you for getting back to me so fast. I will keep the barrel to factory 18.5" specifications. The same goes for the crown. I really enjoy your videos. I have learned so much over the years following your channel.

Your opinion may very well work for your needs in your area. I am sure they do. However you seem to disregard the needs of those in other areas that hunt different varmints in different areas under different conditions then you do. There is a good web site, Varmint Al's. He lists a bunch of different calibers he shoots at different animals using a variety of rifles and long range handguns. Some with heavy barrels some light weight rigs. Different tools for different purposes. Here in KZread there is a fellow, Cavedweller, that is primarily a prairie dog shooter. Must of his rigs are built with long heavy barrels for shooting multiple small animals in a shoot session. Your advice very likely is spot on for a majority of people and certainly for those shooting woodchucks in the North East. However, variety is the spice of life. Why pigeon hole everyone into one shooting style?

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

Friend, don't labor under your notion that I don't know what long range shooting is about. I was wearing out belt buckles and elbows 58 years ago, long before Mr. Harris sold his first bipod. I earned my US Army Expert badges for both rifle and .45 in 1969. In 1975, I was training with the regional FBI SWAT instructor with sniper rifles and I have several instructor ratings. I know a bit about the game. I've shot my share of prairie dogs. Anyone who advocates shooting fast on prairie dogs is pretty dumb, and I certainly wouldn't call him highly qualified to give advice. Prairie dogs don't leave town. I don't take lessons on shooting, I give them.

Is the 17 WSM good for varmints

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

I've not used it, but based on its ballistics, it certainly would be good to at least 175 yards on varmints with an excellent trajectory and remaining energy for decent penetration. It reportedly does well on coyotes, but the ones I've seen in write-ups were typical small bodied western coyotes. I wouldn't use such a light cartridge on our eastern coyotes that run 35 to 50 pounds, and often in hunting packs. Give me a .22 centerfire for that. I have not seen any glowing reports about accuracy, but it should be accurate enough within its range.

There is no better rifle, for woodland hunting in my opinion, than a model 94 Winchester!

Seems heavy barrel for small groups from a bench, when shooting high volume. Maybe a prairie dog from a bench. Mobile hunting, lighter barrel that is a little shorter.

To add to what is being said in the video, choose a bullet design that will perform at the velocities your rifle can produce. It would be very disappointing to have 16” barrel woodlands rifle shooting a bullet designed to expand at +2700 fps.