Hunting tips?

aztec1987

aztec1987

New member
Joined
Mar 29, 2013
Messages
668
Reaction score
0
I recently bought 2 M-4's (Smith Wesson M&P 15 and Colt Competition) when I found out that California was going to banned them starting 2017, I wanted to get my hands on a Colt 1911 .45 but since they fell off the list starting 2017, came to find out that they were 100 available and it was too late. I actually been wanting to go hunting (I live in So. California) in which one of my friend father in law goes frequently in which I want to go experience. I got the information to go for classes as required. I am unsure on which hunting rifle to get for hunting in which I do want to get a Winchester 30-30 Pre 94 model but also been wanting to get a Remington 700 SPS Tactical .308. Anyone here have some input what will be a good hunting rifle? Plan on finding Bambi and Pumba.
 
aztec1987 said:
I recently bought 2 M-4's (Smith Wesson M&P 15 and Colt Competition) when I found out that California was going to banned them starting 2017, I wanted to get my hands on a Colt 1911 .45 but since they fell off the list starting 2017, came to find out that they were 100 available and it was too late. I actually been wanting to go hunting (I live in So. California) in which one of my friend father in law goes frequently in which I want to go experience. I got the information to go for classes as required. I am unsure on which hunting rifle to get for hunting in which I do want to get a Winchester 30-30 Pre 94 model but also been wanting to get a Remington 700 SPS Tactical .308. Anyone here have some input what will be a good hunting rifle? Plan on finding Bambi and Pumba.
Click to expand...

What game are you hunting and what calibers are allowed in your area for said game?

Side note the CA laws on guns are a forever deal breaker for my ever ever wanting to live there. No way. That and vehicle modifications will forever keep me out.
 
I know what you mean I had a 94 Astro in which I wanted to throw in a 350 Block but California said no way!

I haven't checked on the caliber for the game in which I hope they do not say something like a .22 or something ridiculous like that. As from what I heard most use a 308 round or 30-06.
 
aztec1987 said:
I recently bought 2 M-4's
(Smith Wesson M&P 15 and
Colt Competition)
Click to expand...
^^^Nicely Done!!^^^

*******************************

If you're not planning on auditioning
for roles as a Big Game hunter (where
magnum rounds are more likely to be
fully appreciated)...

then hunting rifles that are chambered
for .308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO will
more than likely fill the bill. (Keep in
mind that 22" barrels are the norm.)


Bob
 
I was aiming for that round, as for pistol I think that I should be good with my Springfield 1911-A1, unless I also decide to get me a Desert Eagle .44
 
aztec1987 said:
I haven't checked on the caliber for the game in which I hope they do not say something like a .22 or something ridiculous like that. As from what I heard most use a 308 round or 30-06.
Click to expand...

You'll be good with either. .308 will take down any North American Animal. Check your local laws though on what game can be hunted and with what caliber. I thank heaven every day that the wife and I have 50 acres of our own out east of where we are where I can get away with nearly whatever I want.
 
I like that you have looked into the hunter safety classes for hunting. As far as a caliber.....308 is a good round. Magnum rounds are good if you are looking to reach out there. That being said if you practice enough a .308 will get out there too.
 
Either the 30.06 or the .308 would be a reliable game-taking round. Personally, I think the 30-30 is a bit more of a shorter range round than the other two. A 12 gauge (with a rifled barrel & scope) would be a good choice for ANYTHING North America has .... including Moose and Elk (A friend used one for feral hogs that were bigger than he was and about 300 pounds heavier).

BUT!!! shot PLACEMENT is king. If you don't hit where you need to, it doesn't matter what you're using. Practice (a lot) at the distances you plan on shooting to raise the odds of getting that good shot in under pressure (excitement).

All that being said, find out what your state allows and choose from there, I know Ohio doesn't allow rifle for deer etc so we have to use a shotgun w/slugs (makes no sense to me either). A shotgun slug will pass through almost anything and keep on sailing down range like a freight train, where a rifle bullet usually will tear itself to pieces once it hits something solid, or even semi-solid object.
 
This may sound like a silly question, but what caliber centerfire rifles have you shot?

I ask because I agree that a 30.06 or 308 are great all around choices, but not everyone can handle the recoil of an '06. If you're hunting ranges are kept modest, like under 400 yards, you can likely use most calibers from 243win on up. Many people use a 223 on deer. However I prefer a little more power.

As has been said, practice and become good with your gun. A well placed shot is more important than caliber. Tracking in the dark as the rain is starting to fall makes for a miserable night. You also owe it to the animal for an ethical harvest.

I personally use a 270win and have found it adequate.
 
My last real "Hunting Rifle" is a 22-250 700BDL.
And I haven't actually gone hunting in 30 years.
Plus, since I live in California I have moved all my "good stuff" to Nevada
The only thing I am keeping in California is a couple of revolvers and a pair of Benelli Shotguns. I even moved all of my reloading supplies to Nevada along with all my "excess" ammo.
 
I guess your concern is the same as mine since I bought two M-4's and now we have to re-register them next year by a deadline or else we have to make them featureless. That is silly in my books.
 
I have fired a 30.06 in which I enjoyed it and the recoil is like whatever to me to be honest.
 
I been researching a lot on the placement in which I have found some videos where some hunter are able to place the round in the cross hairs of the deer in which dropped them on the spot, others it was in the shoulder then in the spine to drop them right away.

That is pretty funny with the rifle laws over there, I know what you mean with the slug, I have a Mossberg 590 in which I am sure that will not be enough to know a deer down but a wild boar maybe if the hit is in the correct spot.
 
Lucky! There are ranches here in Southern California that may allow you to hunt. I am tagging along with my friends in law since he always goes hunting frequently. The thing is learning to skin after the shot or carrying the animal back to the car.
 
aztec1987 said:
I guess your concern is the same as mine since I bought two M-4's and now we have to re-register them next year by a deadline or else we have to make them featureless. That is silly in my books.
Click to expand...

That is California LOL.
 
How far of shots do you think you'll have to take? .30-30 is fine to 200 yd. or so. Anything further and I'd go .308, 7mm-08, .243, .30-06, .270, .280, 8mm mauser, you get the drift. Will you be setting in a stand/blind or stalking? I ask this hecause that heavy barrelled tactical .308 will get old toating around as you hike up and down hills or mountains. Even flat land it gets old pretty quick. How good of a shot are you? I ask because if you aren't experienced, then don't take long shots. Judging by what you said, stick with 200yd or under shots so either cartridge will work fine. Actually, all the deer I've shot have been 200yd or under and I've used .257 roberts, 8mm Mauser, 7mm-08, .45-70, .30-30, and .308. I live in TX, its almost a requirement to have multiple firearms. Which ever you decide on, go to a range and get used to it. Not every gun will shoot well with every ammo. Buy some different makes and weights of ammo and shoot some 5 shot groups to see what your rifle likes best. Plus once you get the shakes from sighting in on your first deer It helps to rely on some muscle memory.

Also don't overlook other bolt actions like Savage, Ruger, or Tikka. Remingtom 700's are not the end all be all.

I wouldn't use a 5.56 or .223 for deer sized game. Another option for you. You could easily get a .300 blk upper for an AR so you can hunt with a .30 cal projectile. Just pull 2 pins, switch the uppers out to go hunt. Only thing different between the two calibers is the barrel. Mag and bcg work with the .300 blk. Uppers can be bought over the internet. The only part of the rifle that is federally controlled is the lower. Well, and the mag size for you.

Some general knowledge for you since you are new to it all. Your ar barrels are stamped with a caliber. If it is 5.56 or .223 wylde you can shoot any of the 5.56 or .223 ammo. Chances are they are 5.56. Barrel twist will help you decide on bullet weight. If your barrel happens to be stamped .223, do not shoot the 5.56 ammo. The nato specs generate more pressure than .223
Now with the .308 rifles. You are fine with .308 or 7.62x51 nato. If you get a gun that is chambered for 7.62 nato then do not, or be very careful shooting .308. Commercial .308 generates more pressure than the nato rounds. Years ago, when I was younger and dumber I had a .308 round blow out the brass in a fal learning that lesson. Luckily all I got was a shock and a little powder imbedded in my cheek.
 
I deer hunt with a Savage 110 .270. Great gun. Anything smaller than a .243 in my opinion, is too small for game that large. .30-06 with a 150 grain bullet will kill anything in North America, and do it well. You'll be able to find ammo for it anywhere. .308 is a good round too and I have many friends that hunt with it.

I wouldn't spend a ton of money on ammo either. Remington Core-lokt in common calibers is $20-25 a box and a great round.
 
Octopiston said:
How far of shots do you think you'll have to take? .30-30 is fine to 200 yd. or so. Anything further and I'd go .308, 7mm-08, .243, .30-06, .270, .280, 8mm mauser, you get the drift. Will you be setting in a stand/blind or stalking? I ask this hecause that heavy barrelled tactical .308 will get old toating around as you hike up and down hills or mountains. Even flat land it gets old pretty quick. How good of a shot are you? I ask because if you aren't experienced, then don't take long shots. Judging by what you said, stick with 200yd or under shots so either cartridge will work fine. Actually, all the deer I've shot have been 200yd or under and I've used .257 roberts, 8mm Mauser, 7mm-08, .45-70, .30-30, and .308. I live in TX, its almost a requirement to have multiple firearms. Which ever you decide on, go to a range and get used to it. Not every gun will shoot well with every ammo. Buy some different makes and weights of ammo and shoot some 5 shot groups to see what your rifle likes best. Plus once you get the shakes from sighting in on your first deer It helps to rely on some muscle memory.

Also don't overlook other bolt actions like Savage, Ruger, or Tikka. Remingtom 700's are not the end all be all.

I wouldn't use a 5.56 or .223 for deer sized game. Another option for you. You could easily get a .300 blk upper for an AR so you can hunt with a .30 cal projectile. Just pull 2 pins, switch the uppers out to go hunt. Only thing different between the two calibers is the barrel. Mag and bcg work with the .300 blk. Uppers can be bought over the internet. The only part of the rifle that is federally controlled is the lower. Well, and the mag size for you.

Some general knowledge for you since you are new to it all. Your ar barrels are stamped with a caliber. If it is 5.56 or .223 wylde you can shoot any of the 5.56 or .223 ammo. Chances are they are 5.56. Barrel twist will help you decide on bullet weight. If your barrel happens to be stamped .223, do not shoot the 5.56 ammo. The nato specs generate more pressure than .223
Now with the .308 rifles. You are fine with .308 or 7.62x51 nato. If you get a gun that is chambered for 7.62 nato then do not, or be very careful shooting .308. Commercial .308 generates more pressure than the nato rounds. Years ago, when I was younger and dumber I had a .308 round blow out the brass in a fal learning that lesson. Luckily all I got was a shock and a little powder imbedded in my cheek.
Click to expand...

Yeah they told me to not shoot a 5.56 out of a .223 I kinda laughed hard in the store because I could imagine someone doing that. I am good with my Springfield 1911 A-1 when it comes down to the range and long shot. With the rifles I am pretty accurate most of the time, I plan on scoping the rifle if I get a 30-30 no scope just old fashion sights, Remington .308 scoping it with Trijicon or something better that have a higher zoom. I do plan on having my Colt for collection and the SW for sport shooting. For some reason I prefer Federal Ammo for my practices.
 
Oh man I am here debating on how to make mine look Tacti-cool....I love the Trijicon sight with the fiber optic powered scope!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top