One more thing about using a auto loader rifle for hunting big game is that the muzzle velocity is "reduced" in the auto compared to a bolt action rifle for obviously reasons.

ORIGINAL: Outdoor Adventures

One more thing about using a auto loader rifle for hunting big game is that the muzzle velocity is "reduced" in the auto compared to a bolt action rifle for obviously reasons.

I have never read anything which indicated that MV is reduced beyond a trivial amount with a semi.  Do you have a source for that info??

http://www.sports1234.com/outdoor-recreation/2611-3-outdoor-recreation.html

Plug the gas valve on a semi and shoot through a chronograph. Unplug the valve and shoot identical ammo again. Which shows the highest muzzle velocity ?


Contact a manufacture and see what answer you get from them. A semi has less MV than a bolt using identical cartridge.

True about the link but the other two I posted are facts. Try it and report back. Loss is loss and the most accurate rifles are build on bolt actions plain and simple. Yes MV is mininum on an auto but never the lesss it is a decrease.

ORIGINAL: Esox_Hunter

The link you provided is not exactly what I would call sufficient data to prove your point.  They are merely opinions and many of them don't even agree with you.

I am well aware that there may be some loss of MV due to the operation mechanism and chamber design.  However, I have never seen any indication that the amount of MV lost is anything more than what most would consider to be a trivial amount. 

ORIGINAL: pghmarty

Barrett M82A1 is one of the top sniper rifles
My HK PSG1 was one of the best 308 sniper rifles made-selling it almost paid for a Harley FLH.
Both are semi's, highly accurate and great on the second shot-If you even needed one!

The best sniper rifle is a bolt. The semi auto is prone to malfunction as not with a bolt. Spent shell cases are ejected with the semi sniper making the shooter visible. The Barrett M8 is popular because its a .50 and capable of hitting targets in the 7,000 yds range. Many bolts also due this but with a better MOA than the Barrett. I own semis,pumps,levers,and bolts. No doubt the bolts have the best lock up and best MOA. H&k weighed in at nearly 18lbs and was discontinued in 98. Go figure. Same results from a bolt at much less weight. The PSG-1 did go up in value after being discontined by a couple thousand.

The PSG-1 did go up in value after being discontined by a couple thousand.

Bought for around $3000 sold for almost $7K without optics
I probably put 500 rounds through it without any problem
It was one of my favorite toys but I usually don't keep anything for very long

ORIGINAL: Outdoor Adventures

Perhaps this will sum it up for you semi lovers?

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/exclusives/sniper-log-semi-auto-vs-bolt-action-rifles/

 
I wouldn't exactly term myself a semi lover, I don't own a semi rifle (not even a .22) and, in fact, have never even fired one. 
 
The point of the thread was not to debate which type of firearm is superior. That degrades into a personal preferance blondes, brunettes, and redheads discussion because each has their positive attributes and their detractions (in one's opinion), but rather 1) why semi rifles are excluded form being utilized for hunting in PA, but not many other states and 2) should they be included/excluded and why based on posters' opinions.
 
For the record, I have owned/shot many semi shotguns, both gas and inertia cycled, but prefer the swing (personal opinion) of an O/U.
 
All of my rifles are bolt action and are built on Remington 700, Sako, Weatherby, or Voere actions.

Understood. Let me rephrase that ,"some" of you semi "rifle" lovers. Agreed every gun has it's place.

ORIGINAL: DarDys

ORIGINAL: Outdoor Adventures

Perhaps this will sum it up for you semi lovers?

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/exclusives/sniper-log-semi-auto-vs-bolt-action-rifles/

I wouldn't exactly term myself a semi lover, I don't own a semi rifle (not even a .22) and, in fact, have never even fired one. 

The point of the thread was not to debate which type of firearm is superior. That degrades into a personal preferance blondes, brunettes, and redheads discussion because each has their positive attributes and their detractions (in one's opinion), but rather 1) why semi rifles are excluded form being utilized for hunting in PA, but not many other states and 2) should they be included/excluded and why based on posters' opinions.

For the record, I have owned/shot many semi shotguns, both gas and inertia cycled, but prefer the swing (personal opinion) of an O/U.

All of my rifles are bolt action and are built on Remington 700, Sako, Weatherby, or Voere actions.