Groundhog Rifle

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matthoops33
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2008/05/04 18:57:59 (permalink)

Groundhog Rifle

Any suggestions on the best long range rifle and scope for groundhogs? I'm talkin' over 500 yds....
 
I have some ideas already, just want to get some more opinions.

"It's a Sicillian message. It means Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes..."
#1

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    Loomis
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/04 21:58:26 (permalink)
    Accuflite makes a 6.5 X .284 that will take care of any shot under 1000 in the right hands.  Anything in the 6.5 class is deadly.
    #2
    HardCore Fisher
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/04 22:17:17 (permalink)
    I have a Winchester model 70 heavy varmint in 223 and its awesome when it comes to chuck bustin.
     
    Ronnie
    #3
    MuskyMastr
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/04 22:59:29 (permalink)
    50 BMG

    Better too far back, than too far forward.
    #4
    bingsbaits
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/05 06:48:07 (permalink)
    They had a beautiful 50 cal. at the Gander Mountain only $3500...
    I keep most of my shooting under 500. Still trying to get that chuck at 1/4 mile.
    My 223 does me fine out to 400.
    My buddy has a 22/250 that reaches out to 500 and does quite well.
    If I were to try long range I might look into a 308. You can lob them in out quite a ways..

    "There is a pleasure in Angling that no one knows but the Angler himself". WB
     
     


    #5
    Old Coot
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/05 08:27:51 (permalink)
    A good sight with many others to see is at www.woodchuckden.com I myself like the 17cal Rem although on windy days it drifts      Coot
    #6
    casts_by_fly
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/05 08:49:24 (permalink)
    If you are starting at 500 and going past, you need to start in the 6mm class and go up.  A 243 is a good choice with 100gr+ heads.  The 6.5x47 is getting a lot of great reviews by the long range target guys.  The 260 rem would be a good choice and the 25-06 wouldn't do bad either.
     
    You're going to have to reload obviously, not just for consistency but for the higher BC bullets you'll want to be shooting.  Depending on the rifle it may end up being a single shot as the heavy bullets get long for magazines.
     
    Which particlar gun?  If you want a stock rifle then the savage is hard to beat.  The problem will be twist rates.  Might not get a fast enough twist for the heavier heads.  Barrel changes are easy though.  If you want to customize then the options are limitless.  I'd probably start with a savage action and build up.
     
    Scopes are personal preference, but buy quality.  I like the bushnell elites in their price bracket.  Very clear, good image, good brightness.
     
    Thanks
    Rick
    #7
    Old Coot
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/05 10:24:08 (permalink)
    There are many master gunsmith's one I have seen there work and have shot is at www.hillcountrysifles.com   As there are many cal.of rifles to shoot, but buy the best you can aford, and if that rifle can not lay the shots within 1/2 inch  at 100yd.  it will never do it at 500  or past  only going to get close, and that is second place. I also shoot a 257 Roberts that was new in 1946 that my dad bought. It will still bang them in there better than the shooter.   Coot 
    #8
    Old Coot
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/05 10:30:11 (permalink)
    now if I only could spell or type right     it is www.hillcountryrifles.com
    #9
    pghmarty
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/05 10:49:10 (permalink)
    ORIGINAL: MuskyMastr

    50 BMG

    I was with my buddy George when he shot a groundhog with a 460 Weatherby Mag/600gr Barnes Burner Bullet.
    Nothing left but spagetti sauce and fur
    #10
    griffon
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/05 12:11:31 (permalink)
    Great advice has been given.  I shoot a .204 and it is great out to 400 but with such a small bullet, wind plays havoc with it occasionally.  I have a buddy that shoots 1000 yard competition shoots and he uses a 6mm (as some others suggested).  His rifle was custom built by Paul Hart and his loads are all hand reloaded.  His optics are Pentax Military grade (I believe 6-24X).  He has literally spents 10's of thousands of dollars on his craft, and would not have it any other way.  He tells me that once you are bitten by this bug, you will not get rid of it anytime soon.  Good Luck
    #11
    MuskyMastr
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/05 12:30:33 (permalink)
    I like the .308 out that far.....as far as optics I have recently become a burris fan.  Really nice stuff and great light gathering ability.

    Better too far back, than too far forward.
    #12
    carpin05
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/05 21:25:55 (permalink)
    I have a H&R modle SB2 ULTRA 25-06 rem  Simmons  6-24x50 that will reach way out and touch um lol
    #13
    dakotab
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    RE: Groundhog Rifle 2008/05/06 07:54:17 (permalink)
    I really love my 220 swift but, I'd say a 243 or 25-06 is better for the windy days.
    #14
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