Mo deer hunting rifle. Hmmmmm

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So brand new to Backfire Today. Although I have watched several of your YouTube videos Jim. And enjoyed them all. So I’m an “Older” guy. Looking to buy my last deer rifle. I’ve been shooting a Browning auto in 338 for the last, well a long time. It has the BOSS system. Great gun zero complaints. I know why the 338 for deer. Well my intentions were elk and a few more species but then life got in the way. Plus I e always been bigger has to be better. So I want to get a little lighter rifle and really think I want the 7mm PRC. I would like to stay in the $2000 Range. Without the scope. Jim you have reviewed sooooo many. I like the 2020 waypoint and Bergara B14 square carbon quest. Here it comes!! If you could only buy one??? LOL
Appreciate any and all comments and help.
Thank you and glad to be on board!!

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Jim reviewed the Sako S20 today. You might watch the video and see if Jim would agree.

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No 7PRC for Sako :slightly_frowning_face:

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Welcome! I like 7 prc. If this rifle is just for deer, I’d personally pick a 6.5 prc as my first choice. The ballistics are still incredible, but you’ll save 10 ft-lbs of recoil energy!

I like the Waypoint and the Bergara Crest. If price isn’t an issue, I’d pick the waypoint between those two.

If you went with the 6.5 prc, I’d look at the Sako s20 or the Tikka Roughtech.

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Wider variety of factory ammo and rifles in 6.5 PRC also.

And if you really want a 7mm bullet, the S20 comes in 7RM. Depending on your specific application, the RM and the PRC are darn close.

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Thanks Gentlemen for the comments. Very much appreciated. Just watched the video on the Sako. I do love the thumb hole Stock. It is just for deer. I hunt my son’s farm in northern Mo. 300 yd shot max. The old man is 95% hunting from the redneck blinds. We have one tower that could reach out to 400 yds but he would have to be a dandy. That Sako looks really impressive. And definitely priced right!! I know the 6.5 PRC is plenty for whitetail. It makes the most sense. Quick question Jim or anyone that has held and shot the S20. Do to an Eye injury a long time ago I have to shoot left eye only.
I’m fine shooting a right handed bolt rifle. Question is can you comfortably shoot the thumb hole stock left hand. Is it ambidextrous?

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I am not near the gun right now to take a closer look but I do believe it’s ambi (except for being a rh action obviously)

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Thanks Jim. Looking at photos and watching your video I would think it is.

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Complete personal opinion here. But I think Hornady knocked it out of the ballpark with a 6.5 prc. I would rank it as either number one in their best cartridge designs, or potentially number two right behind the 6.5 cm.

For a hunter it gives you just enough extra velocity to help out with flatter shooting as well as for people like me, needed velocity for expansion for copper bullets over the CM. But they didn’t go as far as something like 264 magnum, 26 nosler, 6.5-300 territory.

For plinking at the range, CM all day long. In terms of competition, well I really don’t do that so I can’t say for certain.

My PRC is one of the few rifles I have in the safe that is completely plain. No Muzzle brake, no suppressor. Although I do have the ability to put either on if I wanted to. It shoots just fine as it is. Nice to have a simple gun without extra things to worry about sometimes.

I was hoping they would do the same with the 7mm prc. Bridge the gap nicely, right between the 7 mm-08, and the 7 mm RM. But instead they decided to go right up to 7 RM territory. I have one and like it, but it’s definitely a magnum, it lets you know that when you shoot it.

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Thanks for your opinion Carter. I haven’t decided just yet but I am in no hurry. I do appreciate all the input. Much rather listen to folks that have real life experience with the products I’m considering. I will definitely post what my final decision was.

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My next rifle will be a Bergara B-14 Squared Carbon Crest in 6.5 PRC!

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lol. So many people talk about that rifle. There’s a handful of really good rifle choices at that mid to slightly higher price points. I wish I could just get one of each. Looks like I’ll continue my reviews until I finally just pull the trigger on one. No pun intended

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7 Rem Mag

  1. it works
  2. ammo availability
  3. brass availability
  4. for whitetail run 140 grain bullets
  5. look at the drop on a Sierra 140 TMK or Berger 140 at 3150 fps to 400 yards
  6. flexibility - always can move up to heavier if you go looking for elk, etc.

good luck

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Thanks John. Always appreciate the input and info. Hard to believe that was introduced when I was 1 year old. Wow. It’s been a great caliber. When I first got into deer hunting in my early 20’s. It was always known as the “Flat Shooter” when sitting around talking to the hunting buddies.

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I have a Fierce Carbon Rogue in 7prc, and a Bergara MGlite in 6.5prc. Both are extremely accurate and would do well for you. The Bergara is a little over your expressed budget, but is very light weight.

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Sako S20 7 Rem Mag.

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