Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by bigfellascott » 12 Jul 2017, 6:22 pm

I reckon a 30/30 or similar LA with a Dot sight would be a good option.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Wombat » 12 Jul 2017, 6:35 pm

Farmer Roy wrote:
Wombat wrote:Actually Is a Semi an option? You may be able to get a license given your need and occupation. An Sks or Ruger Mini would be ideal.


Yeah, that did cross my mind . . .
I suppose I just assumed any semis would be too expensive & all the cheap SKS etc went to scrap years ago . . .


I have seen a few on usedguns that were not insanely priced. But with the current amnesty I reckon the secondhand stock of Semis will increase remarkably. A well known QLD shop has new AR's at quite reasonable prices at the moment.
https://www.usedguns.com.au/Product.aspx?p=103238
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Farmer Roy » 13 Jul 2017, 9:18 am

Gwion wrote:True.
The quickest, easiest way out would be to dock the 243 barrel to about 18", replace the scope with a dot sight and load it up with the heaviest bullets it will stabilise. You could fit a DBM to it but how often are you really going to get to squeeze off more than 5 shots before everything buggers off!?!
Still, a pump would be quicker and easier to hold on target simply due to ergonomics: ie, the fact that your hands do not have to change position at all during firing and reload.


Just out of interest, I took the scope off. Instantly it felt less "bulky", so maybe this is the quickest / cheapest / easiest way to go. Rifle also has a recoil pad that I've never liked - it adds about another 20mm or so & is wider than the butt, so taking it off would also help with the "feel".
Original iron sights have been removed, any recommendations on open sights or red dots?
By the way, it's a BSA on a Mauser action. A box magazine would be a great addition. Cutting the barrel down to 18" would also make a big difference.

Always good to get a variety of suggestions & opinions

Thanks
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Gwion » 13 Jul 2017, 9:44 am

Just be aware that with a short barrel it will be loud! On the plus side a short cylinder of the same profile is stiffer than a long one so the effects of barrel heating and wandering point of aim are somewhat mitigated.

No real experience with red dots but I've been looking at Vortex strike fire 2-4 with 2moa dot. Affordable and with the option to zoom in a touch it there is a longer shot to take.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Gwion » 13 Jul 2017, 9:50 am

Ps: also on the plus side, 243 will have less lead and hold over than anything like a 30/30.

Not sure about where or if you can get a DBM for that rifle but how often will you be able to get more than 5 good shots off without everything making cover or bolting from reliable range???
You can alway just reload and continue on your way.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by bigfellascott » 13 Jul 2017, 12:10 pm

Gwion wrote:Ps: also on the plus side, 243 will have less lead and hold over than anything like a 30/30.

Not sure about where or if you can get a DBM for that rifle but how often will you be able to get more than 5 good shots off without everything making cover or bolting from reliable range???
You can alway just reload and continue on your way.


Hold over at the ranges he's talking about? :?
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by bigfellascott » 13 Jul 2017, 12:13 pm

These things are brilliant for fast close action shooting at moving targets, should go alright for the types of shooting your talking about.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Farmer Roy » 13 Jul 2017, 2:18 pm

bigfellascott wrote:These things are brilliant for fast close action shooting at moving targets, should go alright for the types of shooting your talking about.


The Vortex sight ?
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Gwion » 13 Jul 2017, 7:29 pm

bigfellascott wrote:
Gwion wrote:Ps: also on the plus side, 243 will have less lead and hold over than anything like a 30/30.

Not sure about where or if you can get a DBM for that rifle but how often will you be able to get more than 5 good shots off without everything making cover or bolting from reliable range???
You can alway just reload and continue on your way.


Hold over at the ranges he's talking about? :?


Well, ok. At 100 yards it's not really an issue with a 30/30. Starts dropping pretty quick after 150, though. Still, faster is better; especially if you already have the rifle and a limited budget.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by bigfellascott » 13 Jul 2017, 7:57 pm

Gwion wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:
Gwion wrote:Ps: also on the plus side, 243 will have less lead and hold over than anything like a 30/30.

Not sure about where or if you can get a DBM for that rifle but how often will you be able to get more than 5 good shots off without everything making cover or bolting from reliable range???
You can alway just reload and continue on your way.


Hold over at the ranges he's talking about? :?


Well, ok. At 100 yards it's not really an issue with a 30/30. Starts dropping pretty quick after 150, though. Still, faster is better; especially if you already have the rifle and a limited budget.


So in reality not an issue then.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by in2anity » 13 Jul 2017, 8:30 pm

OP specifically asked for something cheap to run (considering he won't be reloading) - as said before, surely a 308 would be a cheaper option than the 30/30? I really don't see the point in arguing about the nuances of the 30/30 trajectory... and factory 243 is too expensive also. Don't overthink it - get a 308 and be done with it.
At what point does lack of maintenance become patina?
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by bigfellascott » 13 Jul 2017, 8:54 pm

in2anity wrote:OP specifically asked for something cheap to run (considering he won't be reloading) - as said before, surely a 308 would be a cheaper option than the 30/30? I really don't see the point in arguing about the nuances of the 30/30 trajectory... and factory 243 is too expensive also. Don't overthink it - get a 308 and be done with it.


$22 or there abouts for 30/30 from a quick research - pretty sure I pay more for my 308.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by in2anity » 13 Jul 2017, 8:59 pm

bigfellascott wrote:
in2anity wrote:OP specifically asked for something cheap to run (considering he won't be reloading) - as said before, surely a 308 would be a cheaper option than the 30/30? I really don't see the point in arguing about the nuances of the 30/30 trajectory... and factory 243 is too expensive also. Don't overthink it - get a 308 and be done with it.


$22 or there abouts for 30/30 from a quick research - pretty sure I pay more for my 308.


Dunno where you get your ammo, but I can get 308 cheaper at my LGS's - heck you can purchase milsurp directly from Thales
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by bigfellascott » 13 Jul 2017, 9:12 pm

in2anity wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:
in2anity wrote:OP specifically asked for something cheap to run (considering he won't be reloading) - as said before, surely a 308 would be a cheaper option than the 30/30? I really don't see the point in arguing about the nuances of the 30/30 trajectory... and factory 243 is too expensive also. Don't overthink it - get a 308 and be done with it.


How's the milsurp go on pigs?

$22 or there abouts for 30/30 from a quick research - pretty sure I pay more for my 308.


Dunno where you get your ammo, but I can get 308 cheaper at my LGS's - heck you can purchase milsurp directly from Thales
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by bigfellascott » 13 Jul 2017, 9:12 pm

in2anity wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:
in2anity wrote:OP specifically asked for something cheap to run (considering he won't be reloading) - as said before, surely a 308 would be a cheaper option than the 30/30? I really don't see the point in arguing about the nuances of the 30/30 trajectory... and factory 243 is too expensive also. Don't overthink it - get a 308 and be done with it.


How's the milsurp go on pigs?

$22 or there abouts for 30/30 from a quick research - pretty sure I pay more for my 308.


Dunno where you get your ammo, but I can get 308 cheaper at my LGS's - heck you can purchase milsurp directly from Thales


How's the milsurp go on pigs?
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by in2anity » 13 Jul 2017, 9:47 pm

bigfellascott wrote:
in2anity wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:
in2anity wrote:OP specifically asked for something cheap to run (considering he won't be reloading) - as said before, surely a 308 would be a cheaper option than the 30/30? I really don't see the point in arguing about the nuances of the 30/30 trajectory... and factory 243 is too expensive also. Don't overthink it - get a 308 and be done with it.


How's the milsurp go on pigs?

$22 or there abouts for 30/30 from a quick research - pretty sure I pay more for my 308.


Dunno where you get your ammo, but I can get 308 cheaper at my LGS's - heck you can purchase milsurp directly from Thales


How's the milsurp go on pigs?


TBH I've never shot any of it personally, but I've witnessed plenty of it hitting steel, and it hits pretty hard - I guess it would probably over-penetrate technically.
At what point does lack of maintenance become patina?
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by bigfellascott » 13 Jul 2017, 10:32 pm

in2anity wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:
in2anity wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:
in2anity wrote:OP specifically asked for something cheap to run (considering he won't be reloading) - as said before, surely a 308 would be a cheaper option than the 30/30? I really don't see the point in arguing about the nuances of the 30/30 trajectory... and factory 243 is too expensive also. Don't overthink it - get a 308 and be done with it.


How's the milsurp go on pigs?

$22 or there abouts for 30/30 from a quick research - pretty sure I pay more for my 308.


Dunno where you get your ammo, but I can get 308 cheaper at my LGS's - heck you can purchase milsurp directly from Thales


How's the milsurp go on pigs?


TBH I've never shot any of it personally, but I've witnessed plenty of it hitting steel, and it hits pretty hard - I guess it would probably over-penetrate technically.


Figured as much :drinks:
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by bladeracer » 13 Jul 2017, 10:51 pm

in2anity wrote:TBH I've never shot any of it personally, but I've witnessed plenty of it hitting steel, and it hits pretty hard - I guess it would probably over-penetrate technically.


File the points off and it works just fine.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Gun-nut » 13 Jul 2017, 11:10 pm

Where are you guys buying .308 from Thales? (We are talking about adf current issue .308 right?)
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by wrenchman » 13 Jul 2017, 11:41 pm

when you reload you can get the price to come down real far when i reload for the 3030 i get it down about 7 dollers us you should be able to do the same with the 243.
if you can make the 243 work and save money i would go that route but it does sound like a good reason to get another gun it might even work with the wife lol.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Gwion » 14 Jul 2017, 5:56 am

You can buy a lot of 243 ammo for the cost of an extra rifle.....

Still, my choice would be the 308 in a carbine of some type. Preferably pump but you'd get a bolt cheaper.

Ps: by the way, I just don't really like lever guns for no other reason than I just don't.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Farmer Roy » 14 Jul 2017, 11:54 am

bladeracer wrote:
in2anity wrote:TBH I've never shot any of it personally, but I've witnessed plenty of it hitting steel, and it hits pretty hard - I guess it would probably over-penetrate technically.


File the points off and it works just fine.


Does that really work ?
Would you get much expansion ?
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by in2anity » 14 Jul 2017, 2:13 pm

bladeracer wrote:
in2anity wrote:TBH I've never shot any of it personally, but I've witnessed plenty of it hitting steel, and it hits pretty hard - I guess it would probably over-penetrate technically.


File the points off and it works just fine.


Bloody good idea Blade! :clap:
At what point does lack of maintenance become patina?
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by bladeracer » 14 Jul 2017, 2:18 pm

Farmer Roy wrote:
bladeracer wrote:
in2anity wrote:TBH I've never shot any of it personally, but I've witnessed plenty of it hitting steel, and it hits pretty hard - I guess it would probably over-penetrate technically.


File the points off and it works just fine.


Does that really work ?
Would you get much expansion ?


I think I only tried it with 6.5x55mm but it certainly worked with those. I even turned the bullets around and shot them backwards. Filing the tips is all it needs though - provided it does not have a penetrator. I doubt it'll expand as well as a properly-designed hunting bullet but hunters have been doing it for decades with milsurp ammo.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by in2anity » 14 Jul 2017, 3:23 pm

bladeracer wrote:I think I only tried it with 6.5x55mm but it certainly worked with those. I even turned the bullets around and shot them backwards. Filing the tips is all it needs though - provided it does not have a penetrator. I doubt it'll expand as well as a properly-designed hunting bullet but hunters have been doing it for decades with milsurp ammo.


Mate it'll break pigs down, no doubt.
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Cdog » 20 Aug 2017, 3:13 pm

Ruger gunsite scout in 308 iron sights fairly cheap to feed or there's now a gunsite scout 450 bushmaster nice looking solid rig but not cheap to feed.. both be great allaround farm/ute guns..
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Lumbajak » 06 Jan 2018, 10:29 am

Rem 7600 carbine/patrol is great for me in the Ute/quad in 308. 16inch barrel and 10 round mag 130 grain federal hollow points make em look like they swallowed a grenade inside 200. I put a vxr hog on it and it is perfect for me just watch your ears hahaha
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by RoginaJack » 06 Jan 2018, 4:03 pm

Stay with the 243W and try PPU ammo. A bit dirty but will do the job. Sight - try a red dot or low power fixed or evan a peep. Good shooting!
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by fxol » 07 Jan 2018, 6:09 am

Browning wrote:I bought a Ruger GS years ago in a 308 for this very same job.
Short barrel is great and it's built like a tank!! It takes whatever you dish out... I used mine on the quad heaps and it's tipped with a little aimpoint (never had any probs with sun or anything)
Great combo and works perfect for what you've described... Pretty bloody accurate as well even with factory loads.....
Been thinking of selling it for a while now as well... lol


This, or maybe a Tikka compact in 308, 1-4 scope and 10 round mag
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Re: Farm / work / ute rifle - pigs

Post by Col » 07 Jan 2018, 4:44 pm

Farmer Roy
I know exactly where you are coming from. I have been through this dilemma myself and reckon a T3X Superlite (synthetic) in 308 would answer your needs. I have a T3 243 stainless Varmint (topped with a swarovski 4-12X50)which I carry in the ute all the time, mainly for roos but the odd pig if it pokes it's head up. I love the gun and it shoots like a laser. The only drawback is getting it out of the window in a hurry when you need to get a shot off quickly. I recently got a T3X Superlite (which is stainless fluted in a synthetic stock)'

The T3X is shorter and lighter and I find a lot easier to handle in the ute or walk about with. The 10 shot mag from the 243 fits straight into the 308 which is another great advantage. I have a 3-12 X 50 Zeiss Conquest on the 308 which gives plenty of options for shooting at long ranges and snap shooting up close. I find the 308 a bit heavy on roos as they tend to hop off a bit, not realising they are dead, when I hit them using Buffalo River ammo with the 135gn projectiles. However they still end up dead, just have to drive a bit further, and no I don't bother head shooting them. The dogs don't care if their roo meat is head shot or chest shot :sarcasm: I reckon it is a great rifle for the job and I would shoot at something least 5 days out of every week so it is about functionality,accuracy and durability.

Hope this helps

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