lancetkenyon

I have only ever tried the online draw once, this year. I got 6 applications in without a hiccup. So I gave it an "A" for my limited experience. I should have given it an "F", since I haven't drawn an elk tag since 1999, and never drawn an AZ antelope tag.

Now all we have to do is have either myself or one of my kids draw an elk tag this year..... We have 5 chances at drawing an elk tag and getting it filled by this rifle, and 3 of them are going for a cow tag.

I went and picked up the 7Rem Mag today. My wife went with me to pick it up (and didn't even complain when she saw the bill). I could not be more happy with the results as far as workmanship and attention to detail, yet again. Phoenix Custom Rifles put together another beauty for me. It is throated for the 168/180 VLDs. I will have to reseat the 180 Hybrids by a total of .020" over my very optimistic long seated dummy round. Leaving plenty of case capacity for the powder column to allow a bit heavier charge weight and help reduce pressure over a SAAMI COAL length and needing to seat the bullets so deep in the case. I just can't wait to go shoot it this weekend. Just waiting on my 20MOA base to get here tonight or tomorrow sometime. I will be swapping a scope from another rifle onto it to start load development while the bank account recovers a bit and I can figure out what scope I will be purchasing for full time duty on this rifle. Barrel length ended up being 25.75" plus brake for a total of 27". Total finished weight of the rifle is 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Not bad for adding nearly 2" of barrel length, a full aluminum bedding block in the composite stock, skim bedding the stock, and a muzzle brake. Add the weight of the original scope/base/rings and I shed about 8 ounces over the factory gun. That leaves a little more play for scope choice to still keep it under 9-9.5 pounds fully outfitted.

Going to be some great eating. Congrats on the first Archery kill.

Really cool. Estimate the weight over 50#? We got two pigs in 2014 that were both really old too, not quite that worn down, but close. 52 & 53# respectively. Out of two separate herds, but within 200 yards of each other.

Got the first coat of clear on the stocks tonight after work. Still wet in the photos.

Just got word it will be ready for pick up tomorrow. I just hope I have time to pick it up!!!

I have always done the paper application and money order. I tried the online for the very first time this year, and 6 applications went off without a hitch.

Hire a couple of the Home Depot temp help and give them camo clothes and paintball guns.

The more I read on these, and look at it, the more I am liking it. 100% made in the USA of 100% USA parts, by a US owned company is a huge plus. And the reticle design is by far the best that I have seen from Vortex. I am looking forward to actual reviews from hands on usage by the pros.

For the love of GOD, someone please remove the temptation and buy this sweet rifle!!!

Going in for Cerakote tomorrow. Possibly be shooting it this weekend.

Brass life is totally dependent on loading practices. I am on reload #6 on a lot of my Remington brass, and still have tight primer pockets and no case neck splits or excess stretching. I have not run crazy hot loads, but 3100+fps with 210/215, or 3300+fps with 175/180 grain bullets. They have lasted since 1999 so far.

.300 RUM brass is available. You just have to look for it. Normally brass costs more, but it crazy high quality. I doubt you would ever need to replace after your initial purchase. If you are going to build a custom rifle, why are you worried about spending $2/each for brass that will last a lifetime? As for a 7wsm, 7rsaum, 6.5rsaum, that is like comparing apples to grapes with a .300RUM. Great cartridges, but no where close to a .300RUM. 210 Grain bullet at 3100+ capability? Not even close with the others.

Of course with that many points.

First time ever applying online. I am in, my wife is in, and Taylor is in. My last elk tag was 1999.

High quality 10x42s on a good shoulder harness at all times. Used 70% of the time. High quality 15x56 in my pack. Used 30% of the time. Always have a tripod when glassing, with both the 10s & 15s. You see way more game with a rock steady set of glasses.

Wonder why they went back to a 4X mag range? A 6X mag range, which they are using on their Razor Gen II series would have been a lot better usage of their technology. something like a 4-24, or 4.5-27. Even a 3-18 or 5-30. Even a 5X 5-25 would be more well received in my opinion. And 50mm objective down from 56mm? List of $3400 means shelf price of $3K, meaning direct competition with the Kahles K624i. I sure hope it weighs less than 3#. The Razor Gen II are pigs @ 48oz.

Interarms Mark X in .270 Win w. Swift 3-9x40 scope.

Harley, I am good for H1000, but if you have some Winchester headstamped 7RM brass, I would buy some from you.

It is too early for a grown man to be crying. I firmly believe there are saints walking the earth, and you and your wife are living proof. Seriously one of the most selfless, loving acts you could ever do. Bless you and your family, and God is smiling down upon you all right now. Best of luck, and keep us informed. Thank you for the motivation, and for putting our first world problems in perspective.

You have to think of minimum magnification power for close or moving shots too. I have hit running jackrabbits at 30 yards on 4X, and standing coyotes at 1327 on 16X. About as varied or ranges as it gets.

If I would have had any inkling he wanted me to keep it factory and not "fix it up", I would have just cleaned it and worked up a load. But since I want it to be a rifle I will take on every future hunt as either a primary or back up rifle, it has to shoot lights out to my standards. It would do me no good to have a 1+ MOA rifle that sits in the safe or just gets loaned out. I want to hunt with this rifle until I can't hunt anymore, then pass it down as an heirloom. I am sure it will still get loaned out to my kids over the next 30+ years too. I know some might not agree, but my best way to use this gun is to "fix it up" and hunt my butt off with it and remember Bus every time I shoulder it. I can't do that if it sits in a safe because it is not as accurate as another gun. I owe it to Bus and the animals to put every shot where it needs to go. I appreciate all of the responses, on both sides of the decision. Keep up the responses and suggestions.