05-03-2020, 06:11 PM
Roger, there are criterion barrels (either Mark - PF or some mfrs) which would be the min I would go in quality, then lilja, krieger and Bartlein. Mark has them, also there's a direct you can get from Lilja (they're in Montana I think), they have some on the shelf, like their 20" 740 model. It will ring bells and drop critters out beyond 400 yds if you're good enough. Your barrel needs to be accurate for more distant shots and the GH and PSA's of the world are iffy at best for those distances. IMO.
I take from your hunt list you are somewhere out west so I based this on an elev of 5000' just as an example. 450 yds 1010 ft-lbs of 123sst.
123 sst's handloaded or factory have 1000 ft-lb out to around 450 yds., this from my 20" lilja. And accurate yes-sireee.
There are other loads you can do or get too, this is just one fr'instance.
Part of spot n stalk is the weight of your gun, and as it goes out beyond the 20" it gets heavier and more unwieldy, just sayin' if you don't need to go there why do it. The ballistics of the 6.5 cal bullet more than make up for perceived lack of anything else.
There was a video last year of a girl - teenager, shot a bull elk at 392 yds. Three shots on the money and he just sort of sat down and died. Her dad was with her but she did the shooting.
You're going to want a clear scope too, so keep in mind you'll need budget for that.
I take from your hunt list you are somewhere out west so I based this on an elev of 5000' just as an example. 450 yds 1010 ft-lbs of 123sst.
123 sst's handloaded or factory have 1000 ft-lb out to around 450 yds., this from my 20" lilja. And accurate yes-sireee.
There are other loads you can do or get too, this is just one fr'instance.
Part of spot n stalk is the weight of your gun, and as it goes out beyond the 20" it gets heavier and more unwieldy, just sayin' if you don't need to go there why do it. The ballistics of the 6.5 cal bullet more than make up for perceived lack of anything else.
There was a video last year of a girl - teenager, shot a bull elk at 392 yds. Three shots on the money and he just sort of sat down and died. Her dad was with her but she did the shooting.
You're going to want a clear scope too, so keep in mind you'll need budget for that.
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