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  1. #1
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    Default Advise on plains rifle, 7x64 vs 308 vs

    I have a 6.5x55, and 7x57, after a post by TStone about the capabilities of the 6.5x55, especially for a new hunter / shooter, I want to get something else, something capable of taking Springbuck to Gemsbuck / Kudu up to 350m, and further if I get better. Will keep the 6.5

    For bushveld, I am sorted, getting myself a 375HH, selling my 7x57, I like hunting BWB, and feeling the 7x57 in my hands not great now.

    So looking at 7x64, after reading a post recently on GS, had a chat with couple of shops and was told to rather look at a 308 with 1-12 twist. Will have a bit more legs for Gemsbuck, especially shooting 150gr bullets

    Then advised maby get a 338WM.
    So what rifle for a new shooter, to take plains game up to 350-400m from Springbok to Gemsbok, and what bullet combinations and speed

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Advise on plains rifle, 7x64 vs 308 vs

    7x64 high BC bullets from 160-175 that will do well out to the range you mentioned.

    308 180gr bullet at 2600fps - lots of bullet drop out at the longer range

    30-06 180gr at 2800fps with correct barrel length - much better trajectory

    338WM - flat shooting, but recoil becomes a factor

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Advise on plains rifle, 7x64 vs 308 vs

    You have a 6.5,and you will be getting a 375 so you are all set for smaller game and big stuff in the bushveld.

    Your requirements are now pretty specific and i think you should have a serious look at a 300WM or 300H&H.

    A 308 with 150gr bullets is not ideal and the 7x64,which i think of as the pick of the litter in 7mm will not give you the reach of a 300WM out yonder.Go with a good 30cal bullet and a minimum of 180-200gr in weight in conventional bullets or look at your options with a lighter mono.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Advise on plains rifle, 7x64 vs 308 vs

    Long shots are not the norm on the average hunt. Any magnum rifle has a more pronounced reverse gear that "moers you stukkend". Stick to standard calibers and get to know your trajectory for the seldom used longer shots.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Advise on plains rifle, 7x64 vs 308 vs

    For oryx at 350 m I would recommend a 300 Mag or 338 WM. There are cons here, as to be comfortable and controlable the rifle would need to be somewhat heavy, possibly with a brake or supressor.

    The 7 x 64 shines at longer ranges and produces only about 150 fps less than the mightly 7 Rem Mag with similar bullet weights and local powders. (The US equivalent 280 Rem is similar.)

    Gunshops want to sell what they have in stock. Keep that in mind when receiving advice.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Advise on plains rifle, 7x64 vs 308 vs

    Quote Originally Posted by Boerboel View Post
    So what rifle for a new shooter, to take plains game up to 350-400m from Springbok to Gemsbok, and what bullet combinations and speed
    The new shooter needs to carry 2 things, accuracy and confidence, and 350-400m is not a distance a new shooter should be shooting at.

    I would spend my money on ammo and practice instead of trying to buy confidence in a new caliber.

    Use the 6.5, with strong high BC bullets, they will reliably take the animals mentioned.

    5% caliber, 95% shot placement
    Which one do you think you should focus on most?

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Advise on plains rifle, 7x64 vs 308 vs

    8mm RUM

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Advise on plains rifle, 7x64 vs 308 vs

    I bought a 308 Norma Mag - you could look at one, awesome for your 350 m shots.
    Naaaaaaaaaaaa ! only joking, You gotta lug the F'kin thing around all day looking for a long shot, and then !!!!!!!!! WHAT YOU WILL DO is try get closer. Once you close enough to feel confident for the shot you may as well have used the 7 x 64, or the 308 for that matter. Unless you really in a long shot world, and I mean really 9 out of ten shots you need that Magnum extra bit, the magnum is only in weight recoil and powder burnt. Learn a suitable rifle you decide on, preferably a non mag rifle and shoot it well.
    i waited about 12 years for my N/M 308, I have got to hunt 10 x more for years waiting to equal hunts done.
    Not many folk really need (or can really shoot - like to shoot) a magnum rifle.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Advise on plains rifle, 7x64 vs 308 vs

    8x68S?

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Advise on plains rifle, 7x64 vs 308 vs

    Where do these 350m-400m plains game shots come from? Are they truly the norm? Somehow have my doubts. At 400m springbok are just little white dots, why would one attempt such a shot?

    If the 7x57 uses a strong, modern action, and you understand handloading well, I would consider loading that to "modern pressures".

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