Thread: Bush pig/light/short/packs a punch

So looking at getting a bush rifle. Thinking seriously about a Bergara scout in 44 mag and slapping a loupy vx hog 1-4 on it.
Just after some advise by those who have been there done that. Other thoughts are a light 308 or something.
Suitable for close combat with redskins etc.
Looking to spend up to 1200 max.
Whats your thoughts and maybe even what are you selling?

skinner sights

I used a scout in weekend. Good for bush work. Good indeed. My old man is actually wanting to buy one. Very tidy and small and usable.
I have shot a few deer with a 44mag but many more using a 357magnum. All close ie crossing the road in front of me or being spooked so either but the 44mag is definitely a goer. Two were shot at around 100-120metre. Both stags. It was unreal that I even hit them with the Rossi's fat hopeless open sights. They dropped instantly.
Having said that as a specialist moose rifle I would def prefer something like a 308 with a 180grain SP loaded around 2500fps as a bush pig.

Hmmmmm something that packs a punch aye how about something in 454casull, 444 marlin or 375 win the 444marlin is something I would love to have a go with dunno why I just have been getting these funny notions myself about having a caliber in a bigger bore size after getting behind a 264 win mag courtesy of a forum member and bloody good mate.

Been thinking of someone similar myself , break down with 2-7 scopecand suppressed as short as possible

308

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Hey gibo.. I have been looking at these small rifles for a while. I handled one at h ff taupo and I was quite impressed. Solid and sweet handling. Good reviews that I have read. Ideal if walking in with a full pack. Think I would go 243, or at the most 7mm08.

Originally Posted by sakokid

Hey gibo.. I have been looking at these small rifles for a while. I handled one at h ff taupo and I was quite impressed. Solid and sweet handling. Good reviews that I have read. Ideal if walking in with a full pack. Think I would go 243, or at the most 7mm08.

Good to hear mate. I personally wouldnt feel to confident taking on a big stag with a 243 but thats just me. 308 would be my choice as a minumum.
Im planning on having a fondle of a scout on Friday so will see how that goes and have also had a sweet offer via PM.

Don't go fondling Scouts in the Waikato please.

I had that Rossi 16" 8 shot 44mag with a scope on top, heaps of fun to shoot and pretty compact. I guess if I was to do it again I would go 308 cut down to min length and suppress it w/ 180gn corelokts you could still reach out and touch something few hundred metres away.

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

308

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with 130gr ttsx .
Will fully penetrate any animal in nz and good out to 300y

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Hunter 308 the 444 marlin is a real hammer on game and I prefer it to my 45-70 for hunting NZ animals. Mine is sighted POA at 170 yds and groups are 1.5" at 170, better than some bolt guns I own. 265 gr Hornady at 2285 fps for 3078 ft lbs.

130 yds looking away from me


130 yds


40 yds

@Gibo that tikka 270 not cutting the mustard huh?

@Gibo how about a .338 rcm (ruger compact magnum) mate of mine runs a short suppressed version
With Barnes ttsx and it hammers big east coast reds we even call her the
Sledgehammer

Originally Posted by Barefoot

@Gibo that tikka 270 not cutting the mustard huh?

Its gone from a T3 lite to a T3 heavy