Ep. 122 | Ultralight Rifles
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- čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
- "Ultralight" is in the title of this one so you already know who our esteemed guest is going to be - Lightweight Dave! Dave joins us to talk about his latest ultralight rifle build that he plans to take to the mountain this fall during the unlimited sheep hunt. Ryan Muckenhirn joins as well as we discuss ways to make a rifle extremely light, tradeoffs one may need to face when going so light (i.e. - Recoil?!) and a bunch of other ultralight-type stuff as well. If you've been looking for ways to cut ounces, and maybe even pounds depending on where you're starting out, from your hunting kit - check this one out!
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Can we get a new lightweight Dave episode. This is great!
Stitches kit is probably not the best. Super glue works great but be careful! I stabbed myself in the thigh by accident and it went DEEP. I tried to sew it up but my hands were shaking so bad because I was in pain, losing a considerable amount of blood, and scared af. Stitching did not work, but I was able to super glue it shut. Unfortunately, I was trying to pinch it closed and hold pressure and when the glue dried I realized I glued my right middle finger partially in my leg. Anyway, noone is reading this far, just my two cents lol great podcast!
There is a guy who has read this far down and had also had the illustrious opportunity to sew up my own left tibia, the actual calf muscle itself.... A great slab of very old, very heavy broken pane glass and as it fell to the grass I didn't even realize it had even touched me. Well, not only had it touched me but it had sliced me open about 3" Deep!
First was the stitching, a blanket stitch to be specific, yet as well as the stitching worked, the thread cut through my flesh before the super glue was cured fully so, I ended up laying a row of Band Aides the full length of the gash. Then, I left it to heal which it finally was able to do.
After it healed and I peeled off the Band Aides, there was an absolutely nasty strip of Band Aide left attached to the skin and then areas where the skin has grown over the skin which was another self committed surgical procedure that should be left to my Primary Care Physician, should it ever happen again...
ROFLMAO
This is such a popular subject and its been 3 years I think you should revisit the subject.
This is quickly becoming my favorite podcast.
16” that seams crazy at 700 plus yards
Loved this. I lightweight backpack, around 25lb with food and water, but due to location have never really needed it in the Midwest for hunting. Dynema has been the answer to many issues for me.
Agreed. I have a Tikka T3x SuperLite in .308 with a Primary Arms GLx 4-16x50 and I can't wait to get it from Bass Pro Shops and onto the range. I've heard nothing but good things about the rifle! Rail, mounts, rifle and scope should come in right at 8 lbs.
Howa’s new Super Lite in 6.5 CM weighs 4 lbs. 7 oz. MSRP 1300 that weight is with the pic rail.
These blogs are just so much better than a review of a certain rifle,,,keep em coming…..
You guys talked about everything but Ultralight Rifles
I hunt without a stock, just the action and barrel.
I also lie sometimes.
Just sometimes?
According to Dave, you just saved yourself 20ish ounces. Score!
Just screw a pistol grip to the action and letterip
I have a Rifles Inc light weight Strata in 340 Wetherby Mag throwing a Berger 1.819 inch long 300g OTM missile at 3000ft+ per second that is approximately the same weight as Dave’s rifle. It shoots sub MOA as long as you don’t overheat the barrel, and It has a muzzle brake that’s integrated into the 24” barrel, but it’s really loud and it kicks like an elephant! I’ve never had the chance to hunt with it but my father had many great adventures and stories with it and I was fortunate enough to inherit it after he passed. I really enjoy your channel and have a spotting scope, binoculars, and a few Vortex rifle scopes! I would always recommend them! Keep it up and thank you!
I would sure love to see Dave’s pack list for this hunt with weights and brands
I love lightweight rifles and mostly hunt with them, but you really have to maintain consistent technique to shoot them well. I love the discussion about the 338-06! I shot a 153" whitetail in MO with mine in 2014, then a 6x6 elk in NM a few weeks later. Too bad it didn't catch on since it can produce near 338 WM performance with much less recoil, even in slightly lighter weight rifles. Mine is very accurate with the 180 gr Nosler Accubond.
I get the point of this. The idea is to take it to the extreme. That said, my Tikka T3X Superlight is only one pound heavier and cost me a whopping $800. It's a 30-06 and consistently shoots 0.6 - 0.7 MOA with hand loads. I'm not saying that my set up is the perfect set up (it's not) and I'm not saying that one pound lighter isn't significant (it is). What I'm saying is, if I told you I would pay you $1,500 to put one extra pound in your gear for your trip, most of you would definitely think about it. Most of us aren't hiking in 25 miles. I respect this guy and what he's done, but that's a lot of effort and money to put in for a pound.
Good post. I disagree with one thing you said though. 1 lb is really not that much more. I really think people overblow how much weight matters and always justify it with ounces equals pain
@@newerest1 That was actually my point. The difference between the ultralight rifle being discussed was 1lb, but the cost difference was $1,500. My point was, that 1lb weight savings cost as much as 2 out of state OTC elk tags. I’m happy to save that money.
I picked up a winchester model 70 featherweight when I was 14 and it still shoots good and light.
What’s the weight on your Rifle?
@@dangerousfreedom4965 6 pounds, naked and empty (give or take 1 or 2 ounces). I weighed it before I mounted the rings and scope, but I don’t recall exactly what it weighed.
I guess I should stop carrying game bags. I rarely use them on a hunt ☹
Oof
Doing a build right now based on a Rem 700 Titan LA, switching out the barrel to a Lothar Walther barrel in 6,5x55 Swede 24 inch, with a PSE E-Tac 4 Ultra light. and probably going too mount 2 different scopes. A Meopta Meostar R2 1,7-10x42 and a Swarovski Z5 3,5-18x44. Mostly going to use for roebuck and capercallie hunting.
Wish they made ultralight compact optics like they did in the 80s and 90s
Swfa ultralight 3x9 is like under 10 ounces I think and appears to get great reviews
Boy, 6.5 Creed at 700+ yds on elk even if you hit them right just isnt enough for me to attempt something like that.
If anything goes wrong you lose that. That’s not hunting that’s gambling
Yup way to much can go wrong with that shot to be considered ethical in my opinion.
No way I heard you can stop a Abrams engine at 1000 yards with them magic high BC 6.5 bullets! They get faster in the air down range cuz les wind drag. They use a cutting motion like a tacking sail boat. Cuz science n stuff!
@@wesleyturner1979 lol
@Mark Holly agreed. If you can’t get within 200 maybe 300 yards of the animal then you’re a bad hunter.
I’d probably keep the ranges for hunting with that 6.5 to 400 yards.
Especially out of a 16in barrel. And especially in the windy high country. This guy was talking about the importance of putting the bullet where you want it, and then later "When I shot that deer in Wyoming at over 700 yards..." Well there's no way you can rely on placing a shot where you want it at that distance simply due to the flight time--it'd have a similar flight time as shooting 100 yards with a bow. Not to mention the fact you can't call wind perfectly, especially in the high country like he's going to encounter on this sheep hunt. Taking pot shots at living animals at long range for the challenge of it, or for the giggles and bragging rights is plain wrong. And if you do it to make hunting easier so you don't have to get as close, well buying meat in the super market is even easier. Either way, long range hunting has no place in the Hunter Ethos, in my opinion.
Awesome podcast!👍🏻😃
I have an exstreamly light weight carbon 15 Bushmaster and i absolutely love it! But i got lucky and bought it as is! Iam not sure how much it weighs but it very light even loaded with 30 rounds of 556
I'm glad the single shots got brought up. I love single shots
One of your better efforts, guys. Well done.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I really had to come to terms with a lot of these aspects in just regular hunting as well. I definitely used to pack in way more stuff than I needed or would have magnification that I never used. I’m in the mountains of Pennsylvania and a long shot here would be maybe 200 yards, on an open cut gas/power line. Otherwise if I’m in the actual woods I’m lucky to have 75 yards in any direction, a lot of times even less. I have a Tikka T3x lite in 308 with a 3-9x40 Diamondback that’s been my go to rifle since I bought it, but I picked up a Tikka T3x superlite in 243 (Sportsman’s Warehouse exclusive with fluted stainless barrel). Also has a 3-9x40 Diamondback and I have enjoyed carrying it quite a bit…plus being a 243 it’s so pleasant to shoot…not that the 308 lite is a jackhammer but you know you shot it. Thanks for the talk guys it was very interesting and I learned a lot, despite probably never going on an out west ultralight mountain hunt.
excellent choices.
I agree. I got the same Tikka T3X Superlite in 7mm Mag and 243 and they are both excellent guns! My favorite all around hunting gun for deer and coyote is my Savage Model 110 Lightweight Storm in .243. Beware of the one gun man! Lol! All are great guns and tack drivers! .
@@lcjjr.6714 I haven’t handled the lightweight storm but did see/handle a 110 storm in 243. Really nice rifle and feels very similar to my 110 Apex Hunter in 308…just a little different stock and magazine.
@@lcjjr.6714 how do you like the 110 Ultralight? I've been thinking of grabbing one as my back country gun as we have some long hikes where I hunt.
@@RJBiteanerd As I said, my Savage Model 110 “Lightweight Storm” is my favorite all around rifle for hunting the mountains of Pa for deer and bear.
28 oz rifle scope, holy hell that's a pig of a scope. I'm doing a lightweight rifle and put my limit at no more than 12 oz and am trying to get it under 10. Ya'll make some nice optics, been very happy with the prisms in particular and looking at a Viper PST in the future maybe, but weight is something you've got to work on.
What are you finding at or under 12 oz? Best I've found with decent magnification for a 300 WM is Swarovski z3 or z5 so far.
@@Landphier Take a look at Leupold most of their stuff is on the lighter side. Trijicon also has some lightweight offerings. Part of this is a difference in approach though. This video is suggesting a massive benchrest target scope for a lightweight build.
@@GrendalTheBeasty I saw the VX3i Leupold offer being around 12-13 oz, just curious what else you found because that's about all I could find around those weights. Understand your point on the video, guessing Dave (?) really wanted/needed the big magnification for his hunts.
@@Landphier take a look at the sub 40mm objective ones, they go as low as 6.5 oz for the fixed 2.5 power. The 1.5-5x is under 10 oz and the 2.5-8x is 11.5 oz. I'm not doing this to talk up leupold, they have their own issues (no BDC or mil type reticles) but they are super light. Some of the trijicon ACOG's are also featherweights, so that might be an option too. Not all ACOGs are light though, some are in the 16-20 oz range. Depends on the model.
I have some Leupold VX scopes in 2-7x with the LR reticle, I believe they are 8.8 ounces. They quit making them in favor of making a heavier 2-7x. Disappointing.
Man that's a cool rifle Dave has. Although it seems ridiculous to make such a lite rifle and then put such a heavy scope on it.
And something not covered that I find really a game changer is 'Benoit style' big woods deer hunting. I hunt the Adirondacks of New York almost exclusively. While I do have a Remington 700 in 30-06 for the occasions where I can sit over a field or in very wide open hardwoods or beaver pond style open swamps where shots could stretch anywhere considerably over 100± yards.
I run a 16" barreled Rossi R92 in 44 mag with a ghost ring rear sight setup. My cousin and uncle went to a Ruger American in .308 with standard 3-9x40 scopes, on low power, as their gun to carry up there. Both of them used to carry Remington 7400s. And while the American is not a true ultralight, it's pounds lighter than the old Remington autoloaders. They weigh less scoped than my uncle's 742 in 308 does with open sights and a full mag. And as woods gun beaters where you are walking through brush, you don't feel bad putting a scratch on them like custom or semi-custom ultralights. And they are plenty accurate for sitting on fields around the farm country around home where almost every deer is shot under 200 with very very few ever taken over 300 yards.
It's another 'ultra-light' application not often discussed that is completely viable in my opinion. The Benoits carried 760/7600s with peeps or ghost rings in 30-06 or 35 whelen I believe, but that was to maximize firepower while staying as light as possible. The modern mini-action and straight wall push has birthed the .450 bushmaster and .350 legend along with several platforms carrying them. Something like a Howa Carbon stalker in their 'mini-action' in .350 legend I would feel would make a fantastic 'brush gun' with a low power optic like a fixed 4x or a 2-7x. They are listed at 4lb 10oz where the short and long action standard chamberings are 6lb 2oz and 6lb 4oz respectively which might put them off the radar for some shopping true ultralights. The mini-action also comes in 6.5 grendel for the 6.5 fanatics which to be fair will do a fantastic job on whitetails with say a 123gr SST. I believe they are rated around 2600 fps from a 24" barrel. The case was optimized for the AR platform so likely it maintains higher velocities in the shorter barrel, which is actually still a 22" barrel on the mini-action howa.
There are days we put in 10-12 up to sometimes 14 miles walking each day be it deer drives as a group or when tracking/still hunting. So while it's not scaling mountains and massive elevations, it's walking through snow and soft ground and snow. Through cedar swamps and brush and limbs. Not hard dry ground often seen out west. Weight still matters.
Very very interesting conversation.
Im a scottish hunter who is out and home in a day. But i hunt almost every day. My 243 is HEAVY. 26"m24 profile with a asu mod on it. Vortex pst 4-16x50 i think its about 21lbs works good. Its wild hearing how light your guns are.
But, i go out without any of the auxiliary gear you guys are.
Rifle
Knife
Rain gear
Binoculars
Lrf sometimes
Phone
Thats about it.
My kit probably ends up being a similar weight to yours all in.
My medkit is superglue and gorrila tape. lol
I’d love to see a lightweight hunting scope from Vortex. Razor glass in a 1” tube, simple reticle, no extras like illumination, and a modest magnification: maybe 2-10.
Lightweight is the one area where Vortex is lacking. Leupold has scopes as light as 8oz. Id love to see a 4x or 6x fixed power from Vortex with a BDC reticle in that weight range.
Awesome info!
For me, I ditch all factory bags for tents, sleeping bags, mats ect. I just put my night clothes and sleeping bag in a garbage bag, and food in another. Everything else is loose. Saves some ounces
Americans just can't get enough of the 6.5 Creedmoor it's like the Chevy short box of calibers.
Ryan is cool. God bless Ryan.
If I was hunting with a light weight system, I would use a leupold vx5hd or vx6hd.. best hunting glass I’ve ever used..
The 6.5 creedmoor is shorter than a 6,5x55 and gives almost as much velocity. A good choise.
When the Norwegians and Swedes made the 6,5x55 the ability to kill horses (this was during the 1890s…) was a criteria.
love my t3 x superlight in 7mm08 for hunting. total weight with optic and rings unloaded 7lbs 8oz not the lightest but a nice in bewtween
I just ordered that same rifle and chambering. What optic are you using with it? I'm thinking of a Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 scope.
@@squirrelmarm7218 I am using a Tract Toric 3-15x44
the razor I wanted was a lil too far out of my price range
I thought a superlight would be much lighter.
My 243 vanguard sporter only weighs one more lb
I hear there’s this new ultralight hunt in Alaska. 6mm ARC in a 14” pinned and welded pencil barrel... it’s a Brownie hunt. One person tagged out last year. All the rest were eaten!
I get the can, but who brakes a 6.5 creed for hunting? I guess he’s got to see if he hits it right because there won’t be much of a blood trail?
My Kimber mountain ascent chambered in .308 win, running talley's and a leupold vx 3 i 4.5-14. fully loaded i have it 5 lbs 15 oz
Yes ..you guys should take a look european style lightweight mountainrifles like the blaser k93 , Merkel k3 or Heanel jaeger 9, the latter being the more affordable Merkel offspring...thumbhole, carbon, superlight duel triggersystems(500gram or less). Short lenght, you name it...
And super accurate for those who put in the practice... you can break em down in sec. and put them inside! Of your backpack.
Blaser also has an amazing durable smart switch mounting system for al there rifles..
.The 6.5x57R , 7mmx65R, 7x57R,
.30R blaser are disigned for these single shots breakdown rifles, 6.5x55, 308, 270, 7x64, 7x57, 6.5x57 are also very common..
The Blaser R8 straight pull switch barrel rifle may seem a very high priced rifle but with endless options, a very compact rifle, smart travellers case system, unique mounting, having pre-set target(500gr)- hunting(750gr), ect easy to change trigger settings, carbon, thumbhole, fluting,,and much, much more...to love....you get alot for that money....
Love your podcast.
I have a kimber montana, bought it in Germany (only one Kimber dealer)where I mainly hunt,
they are very rare over here, but I grown like it, trigger was easy adj. to -900 gr ..and it shoots
Be safe
Thanks
Remington made some great short bolt guns. The 600 was quite short with the trigger under the magazine. Also lately they had the 783 in 16.5" HB synthetic that weighed 6.5 lbs in 308 with the threaded barrel, and a picatiney rail for cheap! Small and packable but not ULTRA lite.
The 600 was awesome
I got to shoot one round out of a Model 7 in 7mm-08 with a Swaro Straight 6. Compared to my stock Ruger American.308 it was very handy and very soft recoiling.
You should figure up recoil energy of a 6.5 creedmoor in a 3.5 lb rifle. 29 ft lbs of energy coming back at you at 23 ft per sec. Quite close to a 300 magnum in a standard rifle. That recoil velocity makes a noticeable difference, and is compounded by the heavier energy. A brake would be highly recommended, even with its attended faults.
What rifle is 3.5 pounds lol
You should check out wiser precision quick sticks save on the weight of a bipod. Super handy.
Chuckled when they finally gave the weight. At 5 pounds one ounce, I feel great about my $500 Ruger Ranch in 450 Bushmaster, 5 pounds 8 ounces stock with its 16ish inch barrel. Now, I’m not shooting at 700yards with this caliber. And the stock won’t win any beauty contests. But hot loads with this caliber can get out to 400 yards with plenty of lethality left. I’m sub-MOA at 100 yards and 6.5 pounds. Paired with the Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x, I’m cruising through Ohio brush with fantasies of a western hunt.
I've never been bighorn hunting, hell never left the Eastern woodlands. but my all purpose rifle which is pretty light is my henry 45-70 side loading gate. I trust it to take any game that I might need. I would love to take it out west to hunt
Obviously not small game, squirrel, rabbits, ect.
I was completely in agreement with him when he was discussing his build, until he mentioned his ranges taking elk and mulies. Lesser so with the mulie. And when he mentioned how hot his loads were, he is absolutely teetering the edge of being too hot. To be 200 fps faster than manufacturer ratings, which are often somewhat optimistic, is a bit sketchy. Especially in a lightweight setup. Maybe a bull barrel heavier type setup I'd feel more comfortable, but in a lighter weight setup where compromises were made to lighten the barrel, that's sketchy to push the limits with.
I knew he was going to say 6.5 creed when he mentioned calibers. As much as I dislike the hype surrounding it, it's absolutely a great cartridge. I do feel he is pushing the ethical limitations performance wise and bullet construction wise. But for a sub-500 yard deer sized game combo he's nailed it in the light weight platform. Elk out to say 300 yards, maybe stretch to 400 due to bullet construction and caliber limitations. Yes you can hit them far further, but most people don't shoot enough or even have access to ranges where you can shoot longer ranges at all to practice at. I wouldn't condone shooting at elk, caribou, or deer with a 6.5 creed at extreme ranges (400+ for most, 300+ for more than most would want to admit).
Good stuff, guys. Keep them coming.
Contender 14 inch barrel, 30-30 Ackley Improved. 400 yard deer killer for under 3 pounds. That's my ultralight rig. Thanks for the vid.
I won’t be on this hunt anymore so I’ll share this - In the “area 300 bighorn hunt,” water can be a factor. Skip the weight of packing it in. Find small springs on the side of the mountain that the sheep use. There are many. Also, trekking poles that convert to shooting sticks are worth the weight. The MT area 300 bighorn tag is one of greatest reality hunting games ever designed. Good luck.
Love my 300 Weatherby Accumark @9.5 lb. very comfortable to shoot & carry in my book……under 8lb it becomes punishing to shoot. Guess im not an ultra light kind-a-guy.
On preparedness
Murphy s law
Be careful out there
If you need it and u don’t have it
You’re done
For cutting down on weight I have found for backpacking a Hammock, Tarp & Quilts has cut 2-3 pounds off of my base weight compared to a tent, sleeping bag and mat… more importantly I find it more comfortable and versatile… it won’t work above the tree line though.
yeah there's a good chance that sheep hunt is going to be all above treeline. That comfortability thing is important though: good sleep helps a lot in dealing with physically demanding days. I have been pretty comfortable in just bivy sacks on the ground, though. In fact in windy and stormy situations I'd rather be in a bivy sack than a tent that's getting blown around. I also like quilts and think they are more effective than a sleeping bag--all that insulation underneath you getting squished to zero isn't doing you much good.
Well these guys are at their basecamp for days doing nothing but glassing. I'd imagine a tent is a worthwhile commodity. They're hunting in pairs too, so could probably split the weight or one could pack in the tent and the other could pack in equally weighted items and equalize the loads
Helps stabilize both light and heavy rifles
Definitely thinking about a Tikka Tx3 superlite in 6.5 for 90% of my medium range target practice and most Western and Midwest hunting.
It’s a deer killer. Wont go wrong there!
Look at the 7mm-08 to. High BC hunting bullets.
I have a superlite in 243 (Pennsylvania whitetail hunter)…it’s a companion to my lite in 308. My 308 is my go to but if I’m going to be walking all day or not sure how far I’ll take the superlite. It’s a laser beam for accuracy.
We all have opinions. My perfect all purpose hunting rifle is a Remington 600 in 308 with a 3x9 scope. I don’t shoot over 350 yards at game animals with it. I do have a Browning 7 mm REM Mag single shot with a 3x9 scope that extends my limit to 400 yards but that is my personal limit for hunting. The Browning is almost a safe queen.
"This guy says I'm all about putting the bullet where it needs to go."
Who the hell isn't?
He's also kind of guy that's about putting on his shoes after his pants are on. Lol
The people who put caliber before accuracy...
The jackasses who hunt on my property without permission.
Alexander arms was doing 6.5g in 1-7.5 twist...
"if everything isn't light what's the point" well. taking 2 lbs off is taking 2 lbs off... Ultralight is expensive. Talk to through hikers.
The 'we have what you need' kits are probably based around what backpackers call 'base weight'
New Howa is supposedly 4lbs 7oz...
savage arms has been listening
In New Zealand over barrel suppressors are used a lot. 2 hunters can hunt each side of a valley with no animal disturbance dramas.
What scope is good for my Bushmaster 15 i want something that has a lil more distance??? I would appreciate any information God Bless! A true patriot!!
Scope the 336 06 out and test it out that would make a good podcast.
I know it's not my first comment, but sticking to a 6.5 creed limits you to a short action. Lightweight Dave loves the 6.5 caliber clearly. Being able to drop down to a 6.5 grendel let's you go to a 'mini' action. It both shortens the action and allows it to go lighter and shorter than a 6.5 creed. Yes, you are shooting 123 gr pills at the same muzzle velocity as the creed runs ±140gr pills. That said though, lower bullet weight and less powder will further lower recoil, allowing an even lighter rifle to still remain pleasant to shoot. Guns and ammo tested the howa carbon stalker in the mini action in 6.5 grendel. It weighed 4lb 13oz and comes with a 22" barrel. I'm certain ultralight Dave could get a 6.5 grendel rifle down to more like the 4.5lb range with the exact setup he has the 6.5 creed in this video. Just more food for thought.
6.8 western will be perfect for this purpose.
I have a Blaser K95 single shot and had the R8 straight pull rifle, Ryan mentions in the end. And he is right, they are absolutely state of the art. Pricey of course, but it seems that almost every hunter here in Germany has at least one. So it is funny to see that they seem to be rare Kraut space magic to American hunters.
Pleas do a #10MinutesTalk about the .222 Remington.
Weidmannsheil from Germany
Probably has something to do with the fact that the R8 runs about $5000 here in the US. Not saying people don’t spend more on rifles, but they’re usually custom builds at that point. I guess, for me at least, what advantage does it give me or what is it doing that a $1000 rifle isn’t? If the answer to those questions was something substantial maybe I’d have one. For my needs my hunting rifles come in around $1500 total, scoped, and do everything I need.
@@scotteger6271 What's it doing? Well, benchrest accuracy out of a factory rifle. Superb ergonomics due to that perfect thumbhole stock, an excellent trigger and a perfectly positioned handcocking system. Quite important for shots on European driven game.
It is the only bolt action rifle that can be taken down and put together again without shift of impact. The action is perfectly bedded into the stock or depending on the model, the action itself becomes the carrying center of the rifle. It is at least two inches shorter than any Rem700/Win 70 based short action even with magnum cartridges and you can swap barrels in different calibers around like there is no tomorrow.
Does one really need all those features? Well if Bill and Bud from Kentucky take one deer tag per anno to have a drunk weekend off into the woods, no. But if you are a serious hunter, who hunts all year long on different game animals in different habitats and maybe even different countries, then yes, you will become quite appreciative of those features.
A quality rifle should be a long term investment and the Blaser is one. If you are constantly buying new rifles just to get the latest and greatest cheap junk, you are doing something fundamentally wrong.
Also, they have great retail value. I know quite a few people, who have bought their guns new and sold them a few years later, after intense usage, with profit.
Thoughts about a Sako Carbon light ?
If you got the $$$. Buy it...
I have a Howa 1500 in 6.5 Creedmoor that weighs I think 6.25lbs with an optic and that's the lightest rifle I've ever held so this thing is nucking futs!!!!
Well he said 5.25 naked I believe plus 4 ounces for the bipods and 28 for the scope puts him at 7.25 before mounts so yours is fun light lmao nice job
Arent they 7.5lb before optics,
Thinking of a lever action rifle in a wsm caliber with a 1-8 scope, my question for you guys which wsm caliber for elk and defense of a grizzly?
My dad has a Sako 85 Finnlite in 6.5 CM it weighs almost nothing and even that with the stock pad isn't a joy to shoot. If you do get an ultra light put a limbsaver on it and you'll be less inclined to flinch because the hard pad is biting you.
Could definitely get out to 600 yards with a 10x or 12x scope in the 18 ounce range. Howa Superlite or Kimber Ascent with a 1lb scope gets you a sub 6lb rifle for a decent price range.
Great cast! How do we get access to Dave’s
ultralight gear list or… a copy of his spreadsheet 😈 😉
I 2nd this 😂
I’d also love to see this.
I don't want a copy of his gear list. It would entail me spending way too much money! I looked up that bipod and it was almost $600
@@chadillac95 lol. What brand was it?
550 cord is a large asset.
One question I do have. what is it with carbon fiber barrels? From what I understand, they are stainless steel wrapped in carbon fiber. And the carbon fiber heat dissipation is such that you are good for the first three shots and then a bunch of fliers after that. Why not just have a stainless steel barrel that gets rid of heat just fine and produces more consistent results?
If it is sleeved under tension instead of wrapped, the carbon fiber is never touching the barrel, which is fluted, and the carbon fiber is ported all up the sleeve so you have a lot more air flow. It being sleeved under tension gives it a lot of rigidity while also cutting weight. Vortex nation has a video about barrels and they mention the CF barrel briefly. I think it's titled "all about barrels"
@@chadillac95 Now, that's the kind of answer I can appreciate. Chock full of knowledge. Thanks, man.
@@ronws2007 I'm kind of a gun fan 🤣 I started a new job not too long ago and my new coworkers always give me crap for ALWAYS watching gun videos on CZcams while we're driving to and from the jobsite
@@chadillac95 Still not a bad thing. Let the others laugh.
@@ronws2007 I'd rather watch informative videos that make me a better gun owner (along with practice of course) than watch stupid videos on tiktok or something like that
Knowledge weighs nothing! If you pick gear that gives you a couple options, you can be in pretty good shape without carrying much extra.
For me it’s the 22lr, 5.56, 308 and my trusted 3030. I have too much invested at this point to try and start from scratch with another cartridge.
I also like the 9mm carbine 16” barrel as well. It’s a fun range gun .
But ammo cost would be the main issue for me to invest in a different caliber rifle. Why buy a rifle and then only stock 100 rounds right?
I think lightweight is a trade-off, a compromise. I like the comfort of the Falcon Strike hydraulic recoil pad and a muzzle brake. This is important because to get good and comfortable with a rifle, you have to practice with it. I have read of outfitter hunting guides who get clients who thought they needed the biggest and baddest. Went out and spent 5k in a scope and put it on a .338 Lapua Mag. And flinch or get bruised on the recoil. And the guide takes that gun from them and gives them a .308 with a brake on it. And then the guy gets his harvest because he did not get a bruised shoulder firing it.
That being said, you should train up to what you are shooting, like a .300 WSM, which has some notable recoil. Because you are basically shooting a .308 and .300 Win Mag speeds and weights.
So, I like the recoil pad and muzzle brake. And they do add a few ounces of weight. And I just cannot live without at least the Diamondback Tactical and I compare all scopes, even the Venom, to it. For me, the Venom is my DB Tactical with a zero stop but I know it is closer to a Strike Eagle. So, with a 5 round loaded magazine, no bipod, it weighs in a 9 pounds and 7 ounces. That is light enough and still has the comfort to shoot. And to shoot a lot in practice. I put no less than 30 to 40 rounds down range at the range when sighting in, grouping, and just plan practicing my technique.
So, find the rifle you can carry and shoot well.
You nailed it with that last sentence. Everyone is going to shoot different rifles slightly differently, so find one that works well for you and your application!
Love your videos! I've got a question for Mark, I just bought the same weatherby outfitter in 6.5 creed. Although ammo is hard to find right now... which bullet/bullet weight did you find works best in that rifle? Thanks hope to hear an answer!
Michael, I realize Mark didn’t answer but I’d have to say it doesn’t matter what works in his rifle…it matters what works in your rifle. Each one can/will be slightly different or like a different ammo. Try finding known good loads and start there. Hornady Precision Hunter, Hornady Outfitter, Federal Premium (Nosler, Barnes or Sierra bullets factory loaded), Sig Sauer Elite hunting ammo, Barnes TSX/TTSX, Nosler Accubond, etc.
It takes time and sometimes money but that’s the only way to know for sure. There’s a lot of good videos about barrel break in techniques that some will swear by and others will say are bunk. Personally I used some hand loads with Hornady A-Max bullets in both of my hunting Tikkas to break them in and get close to sighted in then switched to my hunting loads to fine tune. I’m using Sig Elite (monolith copper bullet) in both 243 and 308 and the stuff shoots amazing. I’ve also had great luck with factory loaded Barnes TSX, Federal Premium loaded Barnes TSX and Nosler Accubond. I did not have luck with Hornady Precision Hunter, but my brother-in-law swears by it.
@@scotteger6271 Thanks for the answer!
Hey guys,
Humble suggestion:
Can you PLEASE either film some B reels of the rifles/equipment you're featuring,
Or have a camera set up front and close, to wave the items under so we're can see what you're discussing?
Pretty please?
Thank you
Try the katadyn Befree 1 liter water bottle/ filter....game changer
$600 bipod!!! Nuts.
Savage Impulse is a straight pull bolt like the R8
Super heavy though...like most Savages. I like the company but their rifles are seriously heavy
No mention of New Ultra Light Arms? NULA has addressed all of the issues that you guys bring up with light weight rifles. Their stock starts at 8 oz!
Here’s a thought. Going to a single shot rifle shortens the overall length by what? 2-1/2”? Why do you need to be able to reload quickly? At least partly because your first shot scares every animal within 1/2 mile or more. So go with an ultralight single-shot rifle with a really good suppressor. An 8.6 Blackout single shot with a 12” barrel 😂
I love your show. I can’t tell you how many times guys show up at camp to find out y have left their ammo somewhere other than in their pack. My point of course is the old saying, stick with what Walmart sells. I have many rifles in many calibers and after 60 years of hunting, seems like I always take my . 06
Stitches and "butter fly" band-aids are 5000% not something that should be in any "First aid" kit or IFAK ever. They are a tertiary step in the treatment process at best. If you have a need to sew yourself up, you're going to have to bandage over it when you get done sewing anyway. The point of sewing is to prevent debris from getting in, reduce scaring, and promote healing by bringing the tissues into direct contact. All of which can be done faster and more effectively in the field with a proper bandage. In that environment, poking more holes in your skin with a needle is less than ideal when it can be easily avoided. At most, a good tape that sticks to dirty sweaty, oily, skin(non-vented chest seals are good for this) to bring the sides of the wound together, and SEAL out nastiness would be good, but usually a good bandage does the same thing. The weakness of a bandage is that it can get dirty, or wet from whatever, and can possibly provide an incubation ground for certain pathogens. That's why it's important to keep bandages clean, dry, and change them often. With over 20 years in emergency med, if it's bleeding significantly, that's my #1 priority. Stop the bleeding via whatever is appropriate, which usually includes a good bandage. If it's just oozing blood, or after the bleeding is 100% stopped (an hour or 2 later is usually fine), clean it the best you can, if you can(not scrubbing to surgically sterile, you don't want to bust clots and restart bleeding), dry it the best you can, then bring the edges together and seal it with the chest seal(or appropriate tape, but a seal is better) then put a clean bandage over it to add a layer of protection for the seal.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who took issue with the first aid section of this podcast. As a certified WFR I wouldn’t ever consider carrying a stitching kit for fear of sealing in debris or possibly something much worse. I would very rarely consider super glue. Wounds need to be able to be cleaned, inspected, and have the ability to drain. Also, if a femoral bleed is shooting blood across the creek, I’d rather have a tourniquet or two conveniently stored in fast access pouches than trying to get a belt and trekking pole to seal me up before I lose consciousness. I’ll adapt, improvise and overcome when needed in other areas, but my trauma kit is always in my pack and my truck. When someone is dying is not the time to realize that you packed too light.
Also, bear spray isn’t more effective against a charging grizzly. Not even close. Vortex should try to give accurate information where lives could be at stake.
@@HoffnerPrecision yeah, there are a lot of podcast where they talk out of their butts. Easy to pick up on if you're well versed in whatever the subject is. Ex: I can tell you that about all they about shotguns is "scatter gat go booom!" from their shotgun podcasts. Not everyone is an expert at everything and that's ok. But when you start passing blatantly bad info about whatever, and representing it as true and factual, then it makes me question everything else you say about anything. Maybe vortex should start their own MSM branch, they'd fit right in.
ive been looking at the savage lightweight storm in 308win, looks like a good lightweight option for a little less money than some of the others. could eventually swap it over to a carbon stock and maybe even save some more weight
I had one in 308 for a short time...I'd highly suggest checking out the actual rifle you're buying before doing it. I couldn't find one so had to order online and ship to FFL. Functionally the rifle was fine...shot accurately too, but I could not get past the action. The bolt would bind up and not move unless you let go and started again.
I had another regular savage 110 in 308 at that time too. Swapped the bolts and no matter what I did I couldn't make the regular 110 bolt bind in the lightweight storm. As soon as I reinstalled the fluted bolt it would bind. Sent it to savage for them to return it and say nothing was wrong. That was enough for me and I don't own savages anymore
338 federal has more energy foot pounds at 200 yards than a creedmoor and 140 grain bullets at the muzzle , why would anyone want a 6.5 creedmoor for big game in steep country? Ohhh and I’ve worn out two 260 Remington, and a 6.5 Remington magnum , but not shooting deer or big game ,,,targets and varmits. Also why have a five pound rifle and a two pound scope , buy yourself a V x3 2.5 / 8 / 36 leopold at 11.5 ounces
Maybe over barrel suppressors aren’t legal in USA? A 8” can protrudes 2” past barrel and 6” behind. Makes my 20” 7mm08 only 22” with no need for ear protection, short and light tika
I’m so torn about weight. I am really considering a Tikka CTR in 6.5 (would like a hunting and PRS rifle) . It’s 8.5lbs bare, so not super heavy but definitely it light. On the other hand, I do love the Bergara B-14 ridge, which comes in a full pound lighter (7.3lbs - 7.5lbs). Am I making too big a deal over 1lb, or is pushing 9lbs for a stalking rifle a little much?
Are you doing high elevation hunts far in the back country? If not, then weight probably isn't that big a deal.
@@christopherrowley7506 yeah I ended up getting the CTR. Found a deal that was too good to pass up on. I threw a CREDO 4 - 16x I had lying around on there and honestly I don’t know what I was worrying about. Feels just fine.
What about the Merkel Helix? I’d say better than the Blazer R8.
You could build a falling block.
Ya the point isn't can a 6.5 creed drop an elk at 700 ....cause it barely carrying a enough energy to do so the point is this is a living animal and playing that game otherwise to "make it more challenging" isnt very responsible. A slightbwind shift at 500 and now you have wounded an elk that stands over 700 yards away. We get it you are good at what you do.... but you will always mention the hits and the times they dropped. Everyone glances over when it didn't hit or when they wounded the shit out of game. It isn't responsible and actually a douche bag move.
Absolutely - it's crucial to know your limits.
@@VortexNation and your people should know a cartridges limits. Pretty irresponsible with the type of influence you all might have that it’s even said you can take an elk with a creedmoor at those distances. That bullet isn’t carrying enough energy at that point to do anything other than get lucky. Sure a very skilled marksman can make the shot but the bullet can barely do its job at that point
No talk about the savage 110 ultralight wtf
What bipod were you guys raving out being so light?
Does vortex even read/respond to these comments.
He says it's a neopod.
@@willturgeon thank you, I didn't catch that.
What is the minimum length barrel you would recommend for a .280 ackley improved.
22", I appreciate where lightweight Dave is going, but......no I think he is on the edge of unethical with a 140gr at 2600 fo elk
From what I’ve read longer cartridges like longer barrels to get more efficient powder burn. I’d look into 7mm rsaum, 7 wsm, 284 win or 7-08 to see if they would be more efficient in a short barrel. However I do think that the 280 ai is one hell of a cartridge. To bad it’s not as popular as it is efficient! Just get a 24” proof barrel and muscle up a bit!
I’m trying to figure out what I’m doing for my lightweight rifle. Probably a 28 Nosler. Trying to weigh the pros and cons of a 7.7, 6.5 and 6.0 pound gun.
In a 6lb gun, a 28 Nosler would be hoorendous in the recoil department. And if you put a muzzle break on it, it would be deafening. Unless your 250lb and 6ft something, I would have a think about that choice. Ryan mentions a 300 Weatherby and how he couldn't handle it. You're right in the same ball park there.
223 WSSM and the rifle twist
Ultralight rifle! Sure but You still have to bring that meat back.
Is the recoil lug on the Tikka T3x not being part of the barrel an issue? Thanks
Tikka has been doing this a long time they wouldn't make it that way if it didn't work
I need a link to that spreadsheet!