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Montana Rifle Company

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Category: Firearms, Bows, and Ammunition
Forum Name: Firearms
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Topic: Montana Rifle Company
Posted By: helo18
Subject: Montana Rifle Company
Date Posted: December/17/2011 at 10:23
Anyone own one of these rifles or actions?  Been looking at them lately and wondering what people think of them, either to get one of the rifles, or to build a custom off of their action.

http://www.montanarifleco.com/index.html - http://www.montanarifleco.com/index.html


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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON



Replies:
Posted By: jonoMT
Date Posted: December/17/2011 at 11:23
I hadn't heard about them until now. If their action is as good as it appears to be, those are pretty good prices for their rifles. Although there wasn't any info that I saw on what barrels they use. If you're looking to get something similar in form and function to a Rem 5R that's what comes to mind. In other words, a rifle that you aren't likely to modify.


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Reaction time is a factor...


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: December/17/2011 at 11:44
Well, I am a huge fan of Mauser 98 actions, but I hear the cost of a full custom Mauser or true one is really really high.  I also love me Dad's pre 64 Win M70 action.  These appear to combine the two, which I like the idea of. 

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: HuntMaster
Date Posted: December/17/2011 at 13:39
I don't own one nor have I shot one, but a friend of mine just had one built in 6.5x284 . I handled it a couple days ago and it is a super nice rifle, beautiful wood stock. Seems to be well made, although it is a little on the heavy side .


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: December/18/2011 at 09:04
 
  VERY GOOD rifles from what I've read about them over the yrs (all positive).
 
  So what you looking to build?


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: December/18/2011 at 16:55
Not sure on the caliber.  Would like a super accurate elk and deer gun.  I usually use my Ruger M77 300 WM and love the performance the it.  Especially with certain 200 gr bullets.  But I wouldn't mind a lighter rifle for hiking.  So I am open to suggestions on caliber and styles.  And scopes of course.

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: December/19/2011 at 07:23
 
  I can appreciate you wanting a lighter weight rifle.  If your Ruger is the tang safety model a friend of mine has one in .300 Winchester Magnum with a 4-12 of some persuasion on it.  Must go near 10#!
 
  BUT I tell you balance has alot to do with how a rifle carries to.  My .300 is muzzle heavy and goes 7 1/2lbs.  My Mauser balances between my hands at 8 1/2lbs.  It doesn't seem that much heavier and carries better to boot.  No problem lugging it all day.
 
  As far as a cartridge choice goes I LUV the .300 magnums of any configuration as an all-around cartridge.
 
 


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: December/19/2011 at 20:27
Yeah, with all of my stuff on there, I probably am over 10 lbs.  Love the gun and how it shoots.  Love the power of the magnum.  I would honestly have a hard time going away from the 300 WM, but I am open to suggestion.  

I understand what you are saying about balance.  I love the way my Mauser 98 balances.  I could just carry my 270.  It is much lighter than my 300 and I know it is accurate.  It would knock down an elk fine with my 140 gr bullets, although I could develop some 150s for it too maybe.

But I would still love to have a custom at some point, and I could even drive up there and talk to them in person if I go with this company.  


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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: December/20/2011 at 07:35
 
  "...........I could even drive up there and talk to them in person if I go with this company."
 
   GOOD idea.  I was reading an article on them in a 2006 Rifle mag.  Seems to have everything I'd want in an action.  I wonder if there are any advantages or disadvantages of receivers that are investment cast such as theirs over fully machined ones?
   Is .308 cal the largest you have?  If it is and you want to step up you might as well step up to something with heavier bullets.  Say .358 (Norma), .366 (9.3x64), or .375 (H&H). 


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: December/21/2011 at 20:31
375 is an intriguing idea, but not exactly what I would say is long range.  Although At some point I would like a bigger caliber gun than my 300, although I do have a 45/70.   Was toying with the idea of a 6.5x284 or maybe 6.5 STW, or 6.5-300 WSM.  

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: December/21/2011 at 21:15
The 6.5-284 is a wonderful round.  I just picked up a barely used accutrigger savage 7mm Mag for a whistle.  If the barrel doesn't shoot, I am going to rebarrel it to 6.5-284.  It is a little different, but now that is a standard caliber, you can find dedicated brass and plenty of loading data.  Long range potential is awesome.
 


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-Matt


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: December/22/2011 at 08:03
 
  A 6.5 "something" would be good.  I got to mess with a friends .264 Win Mag for a short time (he never kept anything long).  Pretty HOT!


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/22/2011 at 08:41
with a lighter bullet the .375H&H will run with a .338win mag. promiseWink

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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: December/22/2011 at 21:42
to what range?

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: December/22/2011 at 22:11
I might be able to be talked into a 375 ruger.  Looks from initial glances that the Ruger may have slightly better performance.

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: December/22/2011 at 23:11
Originally posted by pyro6999 pyro6999 wrote:

with a lighter bullet the .375H&H will run with a .338win mag. promiseWink
 
  Actually with equal bbl lengths it'll run with the .340 Weatherby with bullets in the 225 to 270 gr range.  So the Ruger will be a bit more.  So with either .375 your talking PLENTY of reach out and touch  'em  capability.


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/23/2011 at 09:02
Originally posted by helo18 helo18 wrote:

to what range?

500yds wouldnt be an issue.


-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/23/2011 at 09:03
Originally posted by 300S&W 300S&W wrote:

Originally posted by pyro6999 pyro6999 wrote:

with a lighter bullet the .375H&H will run with a .338win mag. promiseWink
 
  Actually with equal bbl lengths it'll run with the .340 Weatherby with bullets in the 225 to 270 gr range.  So the Ruger will be a bit more.  So with either .375 your talking PLENTY of reach out and touch  'em  capability.

no doubt there


-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: December/23/2011 at 10:08
What round are you using in your H&H?  I am intrigued with the idea of using maybe the 260 gr Nosler if I went with a 375.

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/23/2011 at 10:12
im shooting a 270gr hornady spire point. they are pretty reasonable to buy and with the tube i have on my m70 its shoots scary good.

-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: December/23/2011 at 10:17
details man, details!!!  Tube length, velocities, powders, group sizes, recoil, etc

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/23/2011 at 10:30
i posted a target on here some where. just gotta find it again



-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: December/23/2011 at 10:38
My  CZ 550 375 H&H consistenly produces 1/2-3/4 inch groups at 100, an inch or so at 200... currently zeroed at 220 yards.  I've fired one shot at 300 and it was dead on 8in low.  Shooting commercial Winchester Super X 270gr at 2740fps (average).  ME calculated at 4500ft/lb.  22inch barrel.  Weighs 8lb with a Leatherwood 14CMR scope.  Has an aftermarket stock that is lighter than the "standard" and a Shilen barrel that was recrowned.  

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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: December/23/2011 at 10:54
 
 Just figures but.............
 
 For a 24"bbl .375 Ruger using a Nosler 260gr Accubond at 2850 which seems about max.
 
 
Range Velocity Impact Drop ToF Energy Drift
0 2850 -1.5 0 0 4689 0
50 2748 1.32 0.66 0.06 4360 0
100 2654 2.99 2.47 0.11 4067 0
150 2561 3.42 5.52 0.17 3787 0
200 2471 2.52 9.9 0.23 3525 0
250 2382 0.19 15.71 0.29 3276 0
300 2296 -3.68 23.06 0.35 3044 0
350 2212 -9.21 32.07 0.42 2825 0
400 2129 -16.51 42.85 0.49 2617 0
450 2047 -25.74 55.56 0.56 2419 0
500 1968 -37.05 70.35 0.64 2236 0


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/23/2011 at 11:06
with plenty to kill an elk at 500



-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: December/23/2011 at 20:53
I talked to a couple of the guys at this company.  They were great to talk to and answered a lot of my questions about the rifles, options.  Basically I can do whatever my imagination wants, but it sounds like they could set up a 375 Ruger, 22 in barrel, muzzle break removable with a thread cap, iron sights and weigh in just under 7 lbs if I went with a composite stock.  Wish I could get to SHOT this year since they will be there, but I am close enough to just go visit them.

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: December/24/2011 at 08:11
 
  Oughta to be a "lively" one to pull the trigger on w/o the brake.   Big Grin


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: December/24/2011 at 11:43
From what I can tell, the Montana action appears to be a nicely executed hybrid of the '98 Mauser / Win 70.  Interestingly, Ruger investment casts their actions for them.

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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: January/02/2012 at 20:29
So here is what I am thinking.

Montana Rifle Company - High Country Series - Customized

375 Ruger
Matte Stainless Action (probably would get it with the longer 3.65" mag length) and Barrel (or maybe a coated in titanium grey for more protection, or black action with grey bolt and barrel)
23" barrel with muzzle break and thread cap.  Iron sights added for backup.
Composite stock in Granite Green

If I go with a #4 contour I think I can get the gun (no scope) in at just under 7 lbs.  Not sure what how much weight it would at to go #5 contour or do a #5 with flutes just for looks.


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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: January/02/2012 at 21:04
Sounds like a beast, Helo, and ready for serious duty with a low power variable.  The brake ought to make the recoil manageable, but don't forget your ear protection with that canon.

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-Matt


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: January/02/2012 at 21:05
Yeah, I would probably only run the break for sight in and fun shooting, but I don't want to hunt with it on.

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: January/03/2012 at 13:44
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

From what I can tell, the Montana action appears to be a nicely executed hybrid of the '98 Mauser / Win 70.  Interestingly, Ruger investment casts their actions for them.
 
Never seen one, but there have been many threads about the actions at 24HCF. MOF, there's one right now titled Montana vs. Dakota 76 in the cutom rifle section over there.


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: January/03/2012 at 21:42
Interesting.   Montana actions are cast and are cast my Ruger.  But what they don't tell you on the thread, is that they are cast with enough metal, that the final is machined by MRC.  I am not saying they aren't rough actions.  I don't know.  Some of those comment are about older guns is sounds like, and I wonder if anyone over there has comments on the newer guns made by them.

Also wonder if the actions they are talking about had the coating on them or not, and what they were made out of.  Chromoly or stainless.


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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: January/03/2012 at 22:13
I agree. That's the problem with the net as alot of guys will have one bad experience and piss and moan about it forever. The other problem (and I think it even worse) is that guys will talk and talk about someone else's problem or just repeat something thay read. I know John Barsness has a 7x57 (I think that's the caliber anyway) that was built on a MRC action and loves it.
 
 
PS. IIRC I think MRC used to have an option of polishing and truing their action at amodest fee. What that entailed....I have no idea.


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: January/03/2012 at 23:00
I'll ask them about it when I call again.  They have been great to work with and talk to so far.  Also going to ask for some more pictures and for permission to post them in here. 

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: HuntTheWest
Date Posted: January/13/2012 at 14:49
I've got an MRC 1999 in .358 Norma.
Mine is the Summit configuration.
Great rifle.  Really smooth action, beautifully machined.  Built late 2009.
Great trigger, safety, action.
Weighs about 7 pounds.
Recoil is surprising pleasant.  Stock and recoil pad seem to suck it up pretty nicely (no muzzle break needed, in my opinion).
I went with a 23" barrel, #3 contour.  I think this is just right for the 35 caliber.
About to publish an article and pics of the rifle, will add a link here when I do.
-Alex Hoover
Indian Hills CO



Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: January/13/2012 at 17:13
 
  WELCOME to OT,Alex.
 
  Sounds like a VERY NICE set up. How is it scoped?
 
  I'm looking forward to that link. There's a few of us here that have soft spots for the medium bores.  I know it seem's they're growing on more and more hunters. 
 
  Earl


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: cheaptrick
Date Posted: January/13/2012 at 17:14
Yes, welcome to Optics Talk. 

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If at first you don't secede...try..try again.


Posted By: rustic
Date Posted: January/13/2012 at 17:57
I have friend used to work for Dakota Arms now works for Montana Rifle Company. He would not have quite Dakota Arms if Montana Rifle Company was not a top rate outfit.

High Country Series:        Sweet
Ultra Lite Rifle  - $2649.00
Shortened Grey/Brown stock, Stainless Steel with a featherweight contour, 20-22" barrel, Standard cartridges include .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, .257 Roberts, .260 Rem, 7mm-08, and .308 Win. Avg. weight 5lbs 2oz.Love 



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Light is alright.<br /><br />The end is just... the beginning   -soul surfer


Posted By: HuntTheWest
Date Posted: January/14/2012 at 08:59
I put a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 on my .358 Norma.
Not very fancy for a forum called Optics Talk...
But it's worked out well for me.


Originally posted by 300S&W 300S&W wrote:

 
  WELCOME to OT,Alex.
 
  Sounds like a VERY NICE set up. How is it scoped?
 
  I'm looking forward to that link. There's a few of us here that have soft spots for the medium bores.  I know it seem's they're growing on more and more hunters. 
 
  Earl


Posted By: cheaptrick
Date Posted: January/14/2012 at 10:23
Zeiss Conquest is held in rather high regard here. I know I love 'em. 

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If at first you don't secede...try..try again.


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: January/14/2012 at 20:59
Originally posted by HuntTheWest HuntTheWest wrote:

I've got an MRC 1999 in .358 Norma.
Mine is the Summit configuration.
Great rifle.  Really smooth action, beautifully machined.  Built late 2009.
Great trigger, safety, action.
Weighs about 7 pounds.
Recoil is surprising pleasant.  Stock and recoil pad seem to suck it up pretty nicely (no muzzle break needed, in my opinion).
I went with a 23" barrel, #3 contour.  I think this is just right for the 35 caliber.
About to publish an article and pics of the rifle, will add a link here when I do.
-Alex Hoover
Indian Hills CO


Would love to have the link, read the review, and see pictures!


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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: January/14/2012 at 21:02
Originally posted by rustic rustic wrote:

I have friend used to work for Dakota Arms now works for Montana Rifle Company. He would not have quite Dakota Arms if Montana Rifle Company was not a top rate outfit.

High Country Series:        Sweet
Ultra Lite Rifle  - $2649.00
Shortened Grey/Brown stock, Stainless Steel with a featherweight contour, 20-22" barrel, Standard cartridges include .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, .257 Roberts, .260 Rem, 7mm-08, and .308 Win. Avg. weight 5lbs 2oz.Love 



Definitely a sweet sounding rifle for light weight, but other than the 22-250, not any calibers I am really interested in for that particular rifle. 


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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: SVT_Tactical
Date Posted: January/17/2012 at 07:35
Originally posted by cheaptrick cheaptrick wrote:

Zeiss Conquest is held in rather high regard here. I know I love 'em. 
 
True dis


Posted By: HuntTheWest
Date Posted: January/27/2012 at 11:18
Here's my write-up and photos of my rifle:
http://www.huntthewest.com/2012/mrc.php" rel="nofollow - http://www.huntthewest.com/2012/mrc.php

They really are very nice.  Already very close to adding another one to the family.


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: January/28/2012 at 08:02
 
 THANKS,Alex.  NICE write up,web site,AND(of course)rifle.  They do seem to be a fine piece of workmanship and their prices are more than fair.  helo 18(Andrew)could to alot worse. 


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: January/28/2012 at 08:30
These are very nice rifles I particularly like the stainless synthetic stock.  For the last year and a half I have worked with a Tikka 300 WSM stainless synthetic with a couple different scopes eventually getting to a 4.5-14x44 Zeiss Conquest Rapid Z 800 which was a very nice combination - light user friendly very reloading friendly, hard to beat for the price and I like the Sako extractor.

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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: January/30/2012 at 09:15
Originally posted by HuntTheWest HuntTheWest wrote:

Here's my write-up and photos of my rifle:
http://www.huntthewest.com/2012/mrc.php" rel="nofollow - http://www.huntthewest.com/2012/mrc.php

They really are very nice.  Already very close to adding another one to the family.


Nice write up. Thanks. Which one are you thinking about adding?

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: HuntTheWest
Date Posted: January/30/2012 at 16:25
I was originally thinking about a good old .270, but have become tempted by the 264WM.  Something kind of different, and I've been hearing a lot of great things about it from guys that have them.


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: January/31/2012 at 00:57
I like the 270, have thought about the 264.  Some say they shoot, some don't.  

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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: January/31/2012 at 06:33
 
  I've only been around a .264 mag one time.  Had a friend show up to use my chrono.  It was a M70 XTR Sporter with a 24"bbl.  His load was 60gr of IMR4350 under a 100gr Hornady.  A 6 shot average got 3262fps.  The load was well under max but still the velocity was no where near what he should have gotten so down the road it went.  Seems that .264 mag needs all the bbl length your willing to deal with.  The .270 Win is diff in that it gives decent velocities out of a 22"bbl and gives  substantial increases when the bbl is lengthened.


-------------
"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: January/31/2012 at 08:05
Originally posted by HuntTheWest HuntTheWest wrote:

I was originally thinking about a good old .270, but have become tempted by the 264WM.  Something kind of different, and I've been hearing a lot of great things about it from guys that have them.

i had one in a rem 700 cdl. it was a beautiful rifle, and it only shot so so. i had to try just about every bullet and powder combo in the world to get it to go. if you get something  with a decent barrel it will shoot lights out. some day im gonna get a custom built .264.


oh one more thing about the .264, you would be cheating the rifle's performance if you go with a tube shorter than 26".


-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Alan Robertson
Date Posted: January/31/2012 at 08:22
Originally posted by helo18 helo18 wrote:

Yeah, I would probably only run the break for sight in and fun shooting, but I don't want to hunt with it on.

That's right. Brakes are bad enough at the range with muffs and earplugs.


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"Garg'n uair dhuisgear"


Posted By: cheaptrick
Date Posted: August/10/2013 at 11:23
Bring this back from the dead. Been reading good and bad reviews on this company. 

Anybody? 


-------------
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.


Posted By: Son of Ed
Date Posted: August/10/2013 at 12:07
Try a new Mauser M12.....it ain't controlled round feed, though....I would like one.

http://us.mauser-m12.com/m12-features-technical-specifications/ - http://us.mauser-m12.com/m12-features-technical-specifications/


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Visit the Ed Show


Posted By: cheaptrick
Date Posted: August/10/2013 at 13:25
Originally posted by Son of Ed Son of Ed wrote:

Try a new Mauser M12.....it ain't controlled round feed, though....I would like one.

http://us.mauser-m12.com/m12-features-technical-specifications/ - http://us.mauser-m12.com/m12-features-technical-specifications/

Looks great, but alas..no lefties, Edward. 


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If at first you don't secede...try..try again.


Posted By: Peddler
Date Posted: August/12/2013 at 09:20
Originally posted by Son of Ed Son of Ed wrote:

Try a new Mauser M12.....it ain't controlled round feed, though....I would like one.

http://us.mauser-m12.com/m12-features-technical-specifications/ - http://us.mauser-m12.com/m12-features-technical-specifications/


A good friend of mine just picked up the Mauser M12 line for the northeast.

Excellent


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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.

It is the same when you are stupid.



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