The Hunters Thread...

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Originally Posted by Winnie

Probably 2nd hand to save a bit of money.
Basically the only shooting I would do is foxes and rabbits at night on my mate's farm. I could definitely go without the spotlight to start with.
Once I have done a fair bit of shooting with this I will look at a 30-06 or something similar for deer stalking.
That same mate also has the Tikka in a 338 which is nice too.

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Mate don't think you could go wrong with a second hand tikka. As for the spotlight I use a Olight mxu-3 javelot with a magnetic barrel mount clips on and off in seconds and easily handles recoil of my .270win it was about $260 (from memory) it's up there in price but easily shines out over 400m with naked eye and I can identify roos through my scope to an easy 500m and take the shot. A .223 will be an easy calibre to find ammo for and plenty of options available, can't go wrong really. What's your target species or even shooting objective (target/longrange etc)?? That will determine your calibre selection more than anything. I went the .270 as it was minimum legal for all deer, flatter than 30-06 and quite a versatile round as I use 110gn projectiles for small game. If I was just after foxes/rabbits a .223 or my next purchase may be a .204.

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At the end of the day the best calibre / rifle you have is the one you get out and use. So I'm also loving my latest purchase the mighty .22lr. It shits all over the centrefires on economy and fun.

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Yeah at the moment it will just be foxes and rabbits.
I had a shoot with a 22 on the same night and it was fun but very limiting... The 223 would be better for me I think.
Any idea on price for a 2nd hand Tikka 223?

I don't know much Winnie but the.223 would be good for the foxes but a .22 is all you need for rabbits. A 223 will put a pretty big hole in a rabbit and make a fair bit of noise. Most or you rabbits will be shot at 20m or less off the back of a ute and the 22 will shit it in. 22s are bloody cheap and the ammo is cheap too. I think my 22 was about $350 as a package with scope, my .223 was closer to $1500 with the scope on but got a great deal on the gun. RRP it's probably a $2k package.

Nah most of what I shoot would be on foot at min 100m.

22 isn't limiting at those distances mate. I can shoot a shot gun shell consistently at 100m with my 22lr. They teach you more to. As you need to learn about bullet drop and wind etc. I'd say but a 22 first see how it goes. Another thing is running cost. 22 is about $7 or $8 per 100. 223 is up around $1 per round. In bulk I think we got it down to about 70c each and reloading won't save you money until maybe the 30th year of owning it all haha.

Scope your best bet is to go to the store and look through some of the decent brand ones. A decent scope now will last and you can move it to a new rifle later but in saying that a package like my 22 has a cheap scope but it does the job so far. Maybe save money on shore for a 223.

I reckon everyone should start on a 22. So much to learn from the old 22 out at 100m. It's still accurate. Others to look at are the 17hmr or even 22magnum. Both great bunny and fox guns and still in the cheaper end although more expensive than a 22. 17hmr does get affected by wind a lot though compared to a 22 cal.

As for torch check out wolf eyes website. It's what I have. I've got 4 of their torches now and love them.

Give me a bell if I confused you haha.

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G'day Mr Winnie, have been told an over/under old schoooool 22 top/410g below is a good cheap agi efficient allrounder for any startup :-) Run some Z's, keep da Mr's shampoo bottles for scatter.

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Originally Posted by matfew

22 isn't limiting at those distances mate. I can shoot a shot gun shell consistently at 100m with my 22lr. They teach you more to. As you need to learn about bullet drop and wind etc. I'd say but a 22 first see how it goes. Another thing is running cost. 22 is about $7 or $8 per 100. 223 is up around $1 per round. In bulk I think we got it down to about 70c each and reloading won't save you money until maybe the 30th year of owning it all haha.

Scope your best bet is to go to the store and look through some of the decent brand ones. A decent scope now will last and you can move it to a new rifle later but in saying that a package like my 22 has a cheap scope but it does the job so far. Maybe save money on shore for a 223.

I reckon everyone should start on a 22. So much to learn from the old 22 out at 100m. It's still accurate. Others to look at are the 17hmr or even 22magnum. Both great bunny and fox guns and still in the cheaper end although more expensive than a 22. 17hmr does get affected by wind a lot though compared to a 22 cal.

As for torch check out wolf eyes website. It's what I have. I've got 4 of their torches now and love them.

Give me a bell if I confused you haha.

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Exactly this. You can pick up a Norinco 22 (they call it the puma hunter nowadays) for $200, they are a Brno copy and they shoot ridiculously well for the price. Slap a half decent scope on it and you're laughing.

I don't want a .22
I might get one down the track but want the .223 for now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Winnie

I don't want a .22
I might get one down the track but want the .223 for now.

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Fwiw I was a pro roo shooter, skins, in the late 70s and the .22 magnum was more than adequate, cheap to run and with experience good to 150mts.
Bonus in my sit was quieter as well.
You might also consider the 22/250 fast and flat over the ranges you're suggesting.