Hello, new to the site. I wanted to see if I could obtain some advice on picking out a 300 prc rifle for big game hunting (brown/grizzly bear, elk, moose etc).
I’m a Kentucky whitetail hunter but this spring got to go on a bucket list grizzly bear hunt in Alaska and it was incredible (got a 8’ bear). Given my success I intend to try and go on more hunts in the future.
I took a Fierce Carbon Rogue in 300-win mag and after the hunt, I believe I want to get a rifle with the capabilities to shoot a little heavier bullet with better range. For that, I’ve settled on the 300 prc. In my research I have narrowed it down to a few rifles and wanted opinions given my objectives.
Seekins Havak Element Hunter – really like the foldable chassis option for mountain hunting/compactness but am concerned with the ability of a 1:10” twist barrel being able to throw a 210 grain plus bullet down range without stabilization issues. Talked with Seekins and they claim the have shot all the way up to 245 grain bullets from that barrel, but again I’m hunting big game, not targets, so it has to stabilize a monolithic bullet to work according to my research.
Proof Research MTR FDX – with the new PXT barrel. This would probably be my choice but have concerns on the 20” barrel for distance/ballistics and the fact I’m not crazy about the only current color option. Talked with Proof Research also and supposedly they are coming out with new colors next year.
Bergara – Not really researched the different models there but after watching your video with a tour of the plant it seems like a viable option. Carbon fiber barrel and stock with a more vertical grip would be my starting points.
Christensen Arms – not heard great things about them but would love to hear any thoughts you have.
I will be suppressing the gun either with a Dead Air Nomad Ti XC I currently have or one of the new Tenet Ultimate 30’s that are getting a lot of chatter.
Thanks! I did just run across the Venatic 2 Carbon that has a 1:8 twist proof barrel (according to the website). Doing some research on the magazine release as I wouldn’t want a release that gets bumped easily while on a backpack, but other than that they look really sharp! Little pricey for what I was aiming for. Thank you!
I would personally go with Fierce (carbon rage LR, I have one in 7prc and its soo good) or Seekins is an easy option. I have multiple of both, and have used both of their Customer service with no issues. That said, my favorite and best shooting rifle is built off a tikka action, with an Oregon Mountain rifle carbon barrel, and a peak 44 stock. You can do a killer build like that for under $2500 and pick exactly what you want, or build off a defiance action, and have all of the Rem 700 options as far as trigger, stock etc. The new manners folder is pretty awesome. If you like the Seekins folding chassis, they sell them for $995 and make them for almost every inlet, including tikka.
Thanks! I wish I had the confidence to order parts separately and assemble. I would have the Manners foldable stock, proof pxt barrel, not sure which action (defiance or zermatt) and trigger tech trigger. Would like a bolt that locks in place and either a flush mount magazine or hinged plate.
I totally get that, and I dont do the work myself either, but have an awesome gunsmith 25 min from my house. this may be an outrageous recommendation since I dont know your budget, but considering what you want, it may be worth looking at Kota Precision. Austin builds some really killer rifles, almost identical to what you just discribed. He charges a pretty penny for them (around $6k), but the one my buddy got is so flawless, I ended up ordering one myself. check him out on instagram, and you can text him direct, and he replies quick and is patient with all questions.
Of these options I’d go with the Proof. I haven’t owned one myself but I’ve shot tons of their barrels and hear good things about the full rifles.
The 20” barrel will take off a little velocity but I’d still have no qualms hunting with it. You’ll probably lose 100fps going from a 24” to a 20” barrel.
If you want to maximize velocity, the Sig Sawtooth Magnum has a longer barrel and is a good option but the metal construction may be pretty uncomfortable in Alaska with the cold.
Another option would be a Bergara Premier barreled action in the 5.5 steel contour. Then just put it in whatever stock or chassis you prefer. I’ve had great luck with the Bergara steel barreled actions. I’m not crazy on their Cure CF barrels though.