Agreeing with VikingsGuy. Internal volume is the key thing when sorting. Weight sorting can get you close but there will definitely be variables that weight sorting doesn't account for. I weight sort but I'm not that good of a shooter that it would make a difference anyways.
My latest build uses the Aero enhanced upper receiver. It is the nicest upper to assemble compared to Mil-Spec style uppers. That being said of the two you're looking at there's likely little qualitative difference. It would mostly come down to what furniture you would like to have.
I don't disagree with you. I have a 12 gauge pump in my bedroom at all times. But not everybody wants that. And in all honesty it's not likely the firearm I'd grab if such an occasion arises.
Unfortunately there are jurisdictions where you're not allowed to own or use some types of commonly available firearms that certain people might find advantageous to defending one's life. This might be an answer for those who live in such places.
While the Hogue shouldn't be thought of as a high end option it is a vast improvement over some factory stocks. When compared to more premium options of course it's on the lower end. My Howa came with the Hogue pillar bedded stock and I've harvested several pigs and deer with it and did not find...
I don't know anyone that hunts at point blank. It's performance at the target that matters. If you compare similar bullets like the Accubond, the advertised B.C. of the 180 grain is about .081 lower than that of the 200 grain. Even if driven at a lower velocity the 200 grain Accubond catches up...
I've only used copper in my .308 that I loaded myself. There are several different manufacturers that sometimes use the same bullet. I'd try for the load that gets you the most velocity at the muzzle. Copper bullets seem to perform best when they hit at higher velocity.
I use and like holdover type (Christmas tree) reticles. I wouldn't be opposed to using target style turrets to dial distance, though I might like a reticle that allowed me to hold for wind. Definitely test your scope for reliable tracking.
If weight isn't a huge concern you might look into a Choate. It looks like they have a couple of options that might work for you. I've used them before and liked them even though it was a little on the heavy side. I'll likely be getting another one for my heavy barreled Howa soon.
I run factory 180's out of my .30-06. I would love to work up a 200 grain load but I've ended up with so much factory ammo that I'll never have a need to hand load for that rifle. Even if you only have 20 bullets, do a quick workup and see what kind of velocity and accuracy you can get. Then...
I agree on getting the full length bedding block if you're going to go that route. I have the pillar bedded stock on a Howa and it has a lot of flex in the forearm.
I watched a video recently of a guy who had test fired one who claimed it had 9 feet less drop at 1000 yards than the 6.5 Creedmoor. It doesn't take much math to figure out that claim is totally false, at least with the data we have available to us on this new cartridge. So take claims being...
There has been talk of them doing the same case hybrid case design with other calibers. They won't be cross compatible with current chamberings on the market to prevent damage to actions that aren't designed to handle the pressure these cases generate.
This thread really has me thinking about my setup. Other than food, game bags, and hydration I could fit all of my essential gear in the chest harness and strip the pack down to almost nothing.
I just stumbled upon this and thought there would be others that haven't seen it either. It may be old information to some but it's important information.