Accumark or Ultra Lightweight

[RJS]

I am considering purchasing one of these two models in a 270 Magnum. I hunt in high open country (Sawtooth in Idaho, North of Sun Valley) for mule deer and elk. The 3 extra lbs of the accumark does not necessarily bother me but if they shoot the same then I would just go with the ultra lightweight. Anyone own either one of these guns?

Even if you don't your thoughts?

Thanks.

[srab]

I don't own either rifle. Two thoughts though:

*If you're in elk country and elk is on the menu, why not
step up to .30 caliber? Ammunition for the .300 WthbyMag
or for the .300 WinMag will be easier to come by, and the
.30 calibers are, arguably, better suited for elk.

**If you're planning on a "magnum" rifle, that 3 pounds
will make a big difference in recoil. The Ultra Lightweight
chambered for a magnum cartridge will be a whole lot easier
to tote around deer and elk woods but a whole lot more
unpleasant to shoot!

[RJS]

Strab,
Thanks for your thoughts.

As you can tell I am obviously a newby at this.

Is the 300 mag a flag shooting gun? And would it be overkill for mule deer? I will be hunting mulies every year but elk only when I draw (which will most likely be every other year or so hopefully).

[Brithunter]

Hi RJS,

Now you say that you are new to this, now is that shooting? or just hunting?

Now until we know I will go along with the idea that your new to shooting. My advice is to steer clear of the Magnum rifles for Now! you wish to hunt Mule Deer and Elk, well my suggestion Would be bearing in mind your desire for a "flat shooitn cartridge" get a nice 30-06 and go and practice with it at the range or where ever you can shoot safely and get used to the gun and it's sights. The reason for sugesting this is that the magnum recoils more which can put off newer shooters, and even those who don't like recoil. This can also cause a flinch which once picked up is the devil to learn to lose

Best yet is if possible actually try out different rifles, like those of friends and see which you like shooting best. Magnums have their place and are fine rifles and cartridges, but in most cases are not really required for most hunting situations. I am planning an Elk hunt either next year or more likely now 2007 and I will be using either a 7.92mm (8x57mm) or a 30-06. No I am not a magnum hater had a 300 WM in a Ruger No1, lovely rifle accurate too but I wanted a deal involving some Boer war Mausers and did not have enough cash so the Ruger got traded. The only magnum I have now is a big one, the 458 WM.

The really good thing about the 30-06 is that you can get ammo for practice at very good prices, and if it does not cost a fortune to practice, your more likely to shoot more, and if it does not belt you about, again your more likely to shoot more The .308 would be a good choice as well. However it's your money, your shoulder and in the end your call.

Have fun and good luck with your choice

[RJS]

Thanks for your thoughts Brithunter. I have hunted my whole life. I was just new to the whole deciding on a caliber situation. I have always just used my fathers 270 or 300 mag and now am ready and saved up to get my own.

You are absolutely correct as far as cartridge costs. THe magnum shells do cost a lot more. I don't see this as a huge problem however, because once I initially get it sighted in, I will probably only need to buy 1 box every year or two.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

[Brithunter]

Hi RJS,

Oh wish I knew that before, would have saved a bunch of typing

So you are used the 300 WM I take it, nice cartridge so if it were me for the use you proposing and not a lot of shooting................... well I would be seriously looking at a nice new rifle in .............. yep 300 Winchester Magnum, nice 180 grain bullets and you have a dandy Elk rifle. That load would do of course for Mulies but I might be inclined to use 165 grain bullets for Mule Deer, to my mind the 165 grain is about the best weight for the 300 WM I would however suggest a bit more shooting time and practice, to my mind the game deserves the best we can do which means a little time spent behind the butt and burning some powder I don't need much excuse though to shoot

Now as to if you want to look at the new 300 WSM, well that's up to you as I have not even seen one adn have only heard that the cartridges do not feed as nicely as the std .300 WM, perhaps the rifle makers have sorted that little glich out now.

As for the rifles you asked about........... well as I have no experience with them and do not actually know what make they are I cannot comment. As i say have fun and good luck

[Steverino]

Hey RJS,

I am very fond of my Ultra Leightweight Weatherby in .308. It is simply a joy to carry in the field and if you are chasing elk in elevations, you will appreciate the weight factor considerable at the end of the day!
My rifle is a stainless, synthetic combo-26" barrel. I have found the first shot to always be a tack driver (ideal for hunting, right?) while subsequent follow-up shots at the bench to stray as the pencil thin barrel gets heated up. I have taken a fair amount of whitetails with this rifle and have insofar, never required a second shot but the 2nd and third shot groups would still score in an animal's vitals for hunting applications-just not enough for benchrest accuracy.

For a reliable hunting companion, mine has done me well. Get some sturdy mounts and some good glass and you'll be good to go, my friend!

[RJS]

Well I really didn't even have to decide. (Well I sort of did). I found a NIB accumark 270 mag for 1000 (retail 1400-1700), so that pretty much sealed the deal. I will report back when I get it to let you know how I like it.