The Best Hunting Rifle By Far

There is no “best” hunting rifle. It’s just what you can safely and responsibly shoot. Nothing can beat that.
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GEAR I LIKE
Hearing Protection: goaxil.com/pages/gs-extreme-a...
My favorite scopes (blog post) backfire.tv/scope
My favorite rifles (blog post) backfire.tv/best-hunting-rifle/
Above links, or the pages referenced, contain affiliate links. Commissions earned.
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The Backfire KZbin Channel is owned and operated by Backfire LLC, a Utah limited liability company.

[@markherrick1784]

Tip for dope card of you have a newer iphone… have a wallpaper for my lock screen of my go to load’s drop every 25 yards that gives drop in inches and mrad! Range and seconds later I can have my dope without digging for an app. Always on display has it ever ready

[@jsaction33]

If you need a dope card to hunt you need to be better at hunting especially in 25yd increments. There's no reason to be shooting that far, also your holds should be second nature to you.

[@bp8023]

@@jsaction33chill. Nobody agrees with you.

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

That’s actually a good idea.

[@Off-target-xy6bx]

I put one on my stock. It’s easy to see covered in clear plastic. No batteries needed. You do you happy hunting!!!

[@isakben]

What a great idea for when the tape to the stock falls off in the rain.

[@jcjustice3786]

Here you are. When I thought you couldn’t top any of your past videos you did AGAIN. One of the best so far. Real world info young man My hat is off to you👍👍👍👋 Once a soldier always a soldier

[@simonholdsworth6867]

I wish I could take you hunting in New Zealand! Suppressors are really common as there are no legal restrictions around using them. Most popular cartridges are probably 270 or 308 - seen as powerful enough for the game and terrain, relatively cheap and easy to find, a level of noise and recoil people can handle. Lethality is perceived to be about the same across most sensible centrefire cartridges - shot placement being more important than caliber. Lightness and durability (ie stainless) is appreciated in the steep terrain and wet climate. People usually don't like a lot of odd projections on their rifles, such as yours has, as they are seen as getting tangled up easily when moving through thick forest.

[@derekmcmurry]

I've been watching several NZ hunting videos. Your popular choices are what I see most but also add in the 708. I have all 3. What I found interesting is one of the loads for the 708 was the 162 Hornady ELDX. It certainly did the job. I load 140 and 150 grain bullets for mine

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

When I hunted NZ I used the guides Model 700 in 7mm RemMag and it had a suppressor. I didn’t want to pay baggage fees x 4 to the airlines.

[@derekmcmurry]

@@chrisgunsandguitars1403 I just commented last week on a NZ hunt video about the rifle used. It belonged to the guide and it was a stainless 700 in 7RemMag with a suppressor

[@simonholdsworth6867]

@derekmcmurry4263 same guide maybe?

[@derekmcmurry]

@@simonholdsworth6867 could be. his user her is chase the wild NZ

[@fishhuntfamily]

Great concept for a video! I like the distance confirmation shots! I will be headed to Utah in the fall for Muzzy Deer and rifle antelope. Very excited!

[@davidlaney8254]

Take a bow for a video where shooting tight groups is not the goal. A rifle that puts a single bullet where you want it with a cold barrel makes the difference between success and failure.

[@timk4502]

So true! Tight groups is good in that you know everything is tight and right with the rifle set-up. But you want that first shot from a cold barrel to hit exactly where you're aiming! You're spot on!

[@TheTonygong]

Great video! The Seekins team is always awesome at Hunt Expo. May go that route for the next rifle

[@biggs8729]

Jim, you did it backwards. You shoot the distance confirmation first to see if you can hit something at distance. Then you check to see if your zero is still on. Of course everyone hit the long distance shot, they all got to see where their zero had shifted at 100 yards before taking it long. Still really liked the video. I'm always worried about my zero while hunting. Usually in the middle of the day I'll take a shot at 100 yards just to check. After several days, if the zero doesn't move, I get more comfortable.

[@MrYour1Fan]

Really like these kind of videos!! Great job 👍🏼

[@leerouse6547]

That was one of the best comments I’ve heard in a long time. Thank you! It’s individual preference combined with your setups… meaning anything will work it’s just how you use/apply it. Awesome demonstration

[@shawnparker80]

Great video once again. Love seeing the different rifles and hunters. That’s the real deal. I would like to see @backfire do a review on Seekins Precision rifles someday. Keep up the great work!

[@coffeehunter8742]

Great video! Love your approach & applied perspective! 👍👍

[@BabaHunts]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@longrangeprecisionshooters8935]

I love the closing statement. Good video, Jim!

[@backfire]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bige2259]

Great content !!! Love the channel

[@rockypapalia2515]

Great Video, Excellent info! Scope mounts are very important. Keeping bring good content!

[@simonmckenzie6228]

Love the constant positive outlook videos

[@Bowhunter66]

Great video, I've watched many and this was one of your best!

[@Thezachofalltrades1]

Best video on this subject matter by far!

[@tomi6261]

Very cool topic for this video. Great hunting party as well considering every one of you hit at 400 yards. Thanks for sharing

[@thegreatoutdoorbibleadventure]

Excellent video. So many sites stagnant in content, but not yours. Love the real world hunting scenarios also.

[@IRishbuck58]

Great video enjoyed it

[@johnfewson9755]

When you have rifle that you just know & feel at home with, Thats a good feeling

[@sonnygay3597]

Awesome realistic video 👍 I like the fact of using what you are comfortable with. I think this important especially if you are counting on you and your gun coming through in once in a lifetime situation .

[@bigguns157]

Love the epic music in the beginning

[@rubenrodriguez7266]

Good stuff, sir. Scopes losing or never having proper zero is way more common than most people think. Bad scopes, bad mounting hardware, loose action screws, etc, etc.

[@_dreko]

Great video! I'm just getting into hunting and looking to buy my first hunting rifle, this has helped me adjust what I'm looking for. So good to see a video about that first shot, cold barrel. Appreciate the advice about getting what you're comfortable with and can already shoot well. I thought the dude rocking the no-frills wood stock was awesome! Might just do the same myself as that's what I'm used to.

[@buzby80]

This video was a test of the sighting systems. Scope, rings etc. Most rifles group well enoug, but will be let down by a scope that loses zero

[@jimmyfaherty8588]

Cool video. I really enjoyed it

[@franciscoalexandre9541]

Hey Jim, been loving the channel for a while now and I've been learning a lot from both you and Ron Spomer, im planning on buying a new rifle for both hunting and target shooting, im kinda split between the tikka t3x super varmint and the bergara b14 ridge, whichever i choose im getting chambered in 30-06, what would you recommend based on your experience

[@cmora316]

Great vid bud... thanks

[@NuManXplore]

Great video, totally agree.

[@brutushusse]

Excellent video! Something we all should do!

[@isaaccarey4764]

I'm just happy to see the best brand of guns, Seekins, finally on the channel.

[@bobkat1663]

Great Show.

[@jamesmooney5348]

Good one Jim

[@bww1970]

Great video!

[@evanwindom]

It was funny how he let the other guys talk about their rifles for a moment, and went into his own rifle in gory detail. Yes, Jim, we know you like your setup.

[@RMM--uv7uk]

I got a Seekins HavaK in 7PRC . I love it so much. Ordering another one for my wife in 6.5PRC very soon. To me it is as close as you can get as a custom rifle as you can get.

[@sinistersilverado965]

I have a M98 Mauser in 270 win, that I put in a Bell&Carlson carbon fiber stock 35 years ago, used Redfield bases and rings, and a Leupold scope, haven't adjust the scope since I 1st installed it 35 years ago, always zeroed

[@danblumel]

I just signed up for the Buffalo hunt (harvest) up here in Northern Utah.. excited to meet you Jim. Spoke with the operator twice. Out of all my high powered rifles to choose from. He thought my M1 Garand 30-06 (open sights) would be cool for all to see. I also have a Springfield 1903A3 sporterized 30-06 with 3-9 scope. 2 of 6.5 PRC's and a 270 win all with 3-15 Scopes. The operator told me shooting distance would be 50-100 yards most likely. Note: the Bison hunt is already full now, so it seems.

[@JimHarmer]

Cool! Will be fun to meet you!

[@danblumel]

​​​​@@JimHarmer I never hunted Turkeys before this May, got my bearded Tom 2nd day out. On a roll for this season. Live in Ogden, might draw a cow Moose or cow Elk this season. BTW. My M1 has killed 1 Bull Moose, 2 cow Moose and countless Elk here in Utah. Also got my Mtn. goat in 2010, not using the M1 but a friend's 300 Win Mag.

[@drakeslocum2564]

@@danblumelcongrats on the turkey!

[@chriss8206]

Wow I never hear about warne scope mount. I have been very happy with their mono mount for my bench gun. Glad to see you using them on your personal rig.

[@RoxVrod]

Great video

[@JustinTaylor-po7xe]

The best hunting rifle is the one you shoot the best and have a lot of shooting history with, just like dude with his 700rem he knows it inside and out thats the best.

[@chiphazzard8173]

That seekins action is yummy. Really love the ph2

[@BryanTheHunter513]

How do you like the performance on game with the berger 140 elite hunter? Thinking about that exact combo for a fall muley hunt I have coming, they shoot really good through my 6.5 prc. Which powder did you settle on? I'm using the 565 and am up to 2900'/sec.

[@gogart3]

Good, Thx

[@tnman6938]

GREAT VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@scottupatree3356]

Dude just saw them turret tags and had to have them ! Definitely better idea than a ballistic tape !

[@Timberdam]

Jim Your content always improving !! Great practical advise in real hunting situations.. Bring the rifle you shoot the best !! ITS NOT THE ARROW , ITS THE INDIAN !!! I have two Tack drivers for hunting I depend on... Factory Tikka Veil 7 mm Rem mag Rem 700 GA Precision 300 WSM Leupold Glass with Badger one piece rings ... Factory ammo for me

[@qh4007]

That was a great video , YY everyone involved!!!!!

[@seanwillis1822]

Looks like a heck of a lot of wind too.

[@CatFarmAgriculture]

This is definitely one of the best hunting videos I've ever seen, the hunter is awesome!

[@blackcopperadventures1983]

I think this speaks wonders for the premium leupold optics more than anything

[@bneaclab1]

I shoot two rifles: a sako 30 06 made in 1968 and a ruger M77 1986 rebarrelled in 280. Both are insanely accurate with plain old 3 by 9 leupold scopes and both hold zero. In fact I can't remember when I had to adjust the 06 set up. I'm a 'keep it under 400 yards' shooter so these are all I'll ever need. Does all this tech nowadays really make a difference to the average guy hunting normal distances? My motto is keep it simple. The more dials and parts the more can go wrong....

[@Xmus_Jaxon_Flaxon_Waxon]

For the money would you say is the Savage 110 tactical or Tikka T3X UPR a better rifle ? It will be an all purpose and if the situation ever arose self defense rifle. I like that both have a long heavy profile barrel to get the most out of ammo and its threaded for muzzle devices. Built in optic rail, and detachable magazines. I know the savage 110 tactical mags will be more affordable but the tikka has a better action. I’d highly appreciate your time and advice, thank you. You make great informative videos and appreciate your hard work

[@cwness4587]

I have friends that always by the latest and greatest thinking that's what they need. I test before I buy. I learned this when I bought a guitar online. When it came it didn't play as good as it looked. Great vid and made an even better point. Oh how did you guys do? CW

[@GravitydestroyerMr]

Just have to say 7mag is golden

[@backfire]

Agreed

[@scottleggejr]

I feel like all this new stuff is just trying to clone it. 😂 The Remington tax is real but yea it's the Cummins of utility and reliability.

[@allthingsconsidered3211]

The fierce ‘s grip stock and barrel are carbon fiber. And it has an ambi thumb shelf carbon grip which is rare.

[@agalv9017]

I didn’t realize James Pumphrey started hosting backfire!

[@sammartinez8084]

Great show 👍😄💯😄😄💯💯💯👌👌👌👌👌👍👍👍

[@scotmcalexander9314]

Great video Jim. I like the set ups. The things I know matter in a reliable hunting rifle are the optics. Most guns shoot better than me. I need a good eye relief, repeatable locking tourets. And my binos have a range finder and my dope in them for fast shots. Thise things matter. And a good smooth trigger.

[@rdaugherty52]

I have 2 rifles in 35 Whelen one is a limited edition with beautiful walnut stock I bring out for show and tell the other is a CVA stalker single shot with a bull barrel I have added weight to the stock and brought it up to 9 lbs now this is the unbelievable part I bought a BSA deer hunter scope for 19.00 dollars from Rual King I thought it would fly apart after the first shot but this is the crazy part I have shot this thing over a hundred times using my reloads 220 gr game kings and off sand bags it will put them through the same hole all day long now it’s not going to hit something at distance with a 4 power fixed scope but the whole rig cost less than $300.00 as Brandon would say “ Come on man “.

[@CraneDaddy27]

I need a review on the 7prc sig sawtooth. I think that's going to be my pick!

[@VK6AB-]

Very enjoyable, I have to say from my perspective the more I've aged the more appreciate modern chassis based firearms, they are just so flexible in terms of set up and significantly more adjustable. I'm very much enjoying the Sako Tikka T3x TACT A1 in 6.5CM with ~ 24 inch barrel at the moment, fairly sure it comes in 20 and possibly 16 inch variants and L or R OTS.

[@dallinwaddoups1372]

Kuiu makes a sweet rifle cover very similar to that one. But it is specifically cut for a scoped rifle and has cordura to protect your scope ends. It fits a lot of rifles really well and is able to be used on a suppressed rifle

[@imwatchingyounow2]

Amen to that

[@glenhoddinott3799]

That is a beautiful Tikka.

[@philcrewse9828]

Grayboe Phoenix is a great stock rock solid.

[@RoxVrod]

Jim I was surprise you were not running the 7MM PRC!

[@HunterPatterson-uj1rc]

Can you get a waypoint with a different caliber? Would love to get one but hear your opinion on it first

[@blaircalvin5025]

I like a Kenton Ballistic LR Hunter cut for my hand loads and the conditions where I’m hunting. Much faster than a ballistic app. The same as your ballistic tags on the Leupold. Always use a hinged floor plate on a hunting rifle.

[@thomasbixby1305]

I’m tempted to move to a chassis, but I’m worried about the scope being so close to the bottom of my pack when folded. Seems like it could easily get hit when setting down a pack. Have you had any issues with that?

[@papaswoodshop4873]

My CZ has a magazine lock switch. The mag will not come out unless you unlock it. I don't understand why other gun makers don't put this feature on there hunting rifles.

[@GeneralObeseus]

Review a post 2012 Remington 700 CDL and see if they quality has improved to be worth a buy!

[@buzby80]

Remington branded 700s are dead. People need to let them go.

[@acushley1]

Seems like the scope rings are a bit forward on your rifle too Jim? Who set that one up? I've never been alright allowing someone to mount a scope for me. Just don't like left questioning things (e.g. what torque was used, bubble level vs plum bob, etc)

[@matthewsvolos3195]

Jim, where did you get those stickers for your turrets for your yardage?

[@jimclifton1290]

Loved it. I totally agree that the absolutely perfect rifle is the one YOU shoot well.

[@colesammons2137]

You guys should probably be more concerned that 3 out of 4 rifles lost or never had zero.

[@ultralightoutdoors]

I fought scopes losing zero for years and years... vortex, Leopolds, swarovskis, bushnells, etc. But since I switched all my scopes to nightforce nxs, trijicon credo and tenmiles, and swfa 3-9x42 HDs, I haven't had a lost zero since.

[@colesammons2137]

Yep good scopes properly mounted to good rifles don’t lose zero. I don’t think it’s coincidence that 2 of the scopes failing are vortex

[@danblumel]

​@@ultralightoutdoorsThat's why I switched to Tract Toric scopes.

[@pizzahunter808]

@@danblumeltract sucks too

[@pizzahunter808]

@@colesammons2137no, other than a few brands like nightforce trijicon swfa and a few other specific models, scopes aren’t built with reliability’ in mind

[@foonus406]

The mountain reaper was a huge letdown for me. 7PRC with It's ultralight weight means holding the rifle completely different than the others I use. I regret buying the version with the folding stock - there is play in the lockup mechanism you can't eliminate and it surely can't help accuracy. The more you shoot yours the more you will notice the chassis wearing down that little square lock mechanism, first the cerakote, then the material itself. You are 100% correct about the noisy accuratemags extremely noisy and loose fitting - I did put electric tape on mine as several times it fell out of the mag well from recoil when shooting prone at the range. In the end the only time I have used the folding mechanism on the stock is to move the cheek riser (which is also too low for me at max extension) out of the way for a cleaning rod. Sadly in Chinada we can't suppress it either so you are forced to hunt with a muzzle break and wear earpro all hunt.

[@tedbear5475]

It cindia not chinafa

[@pizzahunter808]

Lots of horror stories about fierce

[@lbb05rgv]

Looks like your front ring is right up against the scope bell

[@joshuascout5549]

I have a gunwerks 6ti and while it's extremely lightweight, it's louder than I would like. I have 2 harvester evo's and they're 400 dollars less than my 6ti and only weigh 4 ounces more and are way quieter.

[@timothycleere4514]

It always goes back to which rifle you know best and works for you best.

[@waltermajors877]

If you have the room on the scope and rail, could you add a 3rd scope ring to help hold the scope in place?

[@kirbywhite2442]

Jim, I know you talk about short barreled 6.5 PRCs as 6.5 Creeds, but I chrono’d my Bergara Crest with 20” barrel at 2900fps yesterday using factory Norma 143gr ammo.

[@fx4fxnytro]

Great video! Element optics are a very underated company, in my opinion.

[@dalebenson6859]

At 64 years old around when I was in my late teens, I found in a pawn shop the rarest of all Mausers the Brevex Mauser that had been barreled in 8mm-378 Wby mag. After buying the Brevex Mauser I also had it barreled to 8mm-378 Wby mag so that is my No.1 prized long range rifle using a Leupold 6.5x20 scope with 30 mm tube. The Brevex has also been a part of my guide operations from the Pacific NW to Alaska taking down all kinds of large game to dangerous Brown bears from my clients that have used it. I also own a commercial Mauser 98 in 300 Wby mag and a Weatherby V-5 in 300 Wby mag that just got a new Pac Nor SS super match 27 inch barrel & muzzle break + fluted barrel. There are new 300s but the old 300 Wby mag still gets the job done with brutal authority! I own many more rifles, but these are the ones that get the most used.

[@eduardoolaechea]

Where is the Winchester model 70??

[@Wootangtw]

They were all nice rifle’s but my favorite was the one with the twisted fluted barrel… but in a 7mm mag… thanks buddy…

[@cato7669]

I can't believe how filthy your gun is😮, obvious signs of a good time!!

[@Mrgunsngear]

🇺🇸

[@SergeCanFixIt]

in da houssseeee

[@shannonhondo260]

Mr. GNG in the hizzy fo Shizzy

[@waxhawcreek1717]

Sup

[@backfire]

Merica!

[@michaelfregoe5875]

Jim, your tripod looks very similar to the one edgeoftheoutback is selling.

[@eriksforestryvision8751]

I couldnt agree with your closing statement any more. Also great video

[@rustypills1903]

Here I am hunting in South Africa and using one of the guides rifle and bullets. A Tikka 308. It gets the job done but how I wish for my own rifle.from home I am familiar with. I wouldnt be fumbling over the safety an wondering if the power of the 7 mm mag would have made to animals stay down after the shot. Cannot beat being familiar with your rifle. It goes along way

[@KevinWood44]

Is that the Audere Shadow bipod? I can not find a decent review of that bipod anywhere. I know MKM and Audere sell it (and another company sells it under a different name) but Id love a review of it.

[@backfire]

It’s a sunwayfoto

[@KevinWood44]

@@backfire I just scoured google and I can not find any Sunwayfoto bipod. If you search bipod on their site not one bipod comes up. I believe this is same bipod that I mention which is now rebranded by a few companies. Anyway, do u like it? Sturdy? No or less sturdy than the Atlas? THANK YOU!!

[@weekender38]

Do you find any POI change between shooting the same gun off sand bag, bipod or tripod. For me, I see a significant POI change form sand bags to tripod. Just curious to your findings.

[@jsaction33]

That's why free float barrels are so important. There should be zero POI change.

[@ultralightoutdoors]

Less recoil will mitigate this effect. If you want a rifle system under 8lbs (including the weight of the scope, suppressor, bipod, etc) then shoot a 6.5creedmoor or less. If you want a 7lb rifle system, shoot a 6mmCM or 243win or less. If you want to shoot a 6.5prc or 308win, you want 9.5-10.5lbs of mass before you will reliably be able to shoot from any position and support without seeing changes in POI.

[@backfire]

On some stocks I have seen that, but on well made guns it really shouldn’t happen. Stock gotta be stiff.

[@neldonjackson3923]

I just signed up for June 21st hunt!!!! See you next month!!!

[@backfire]

Yeehaw!

[@danblumel]

I did the 20th, I'll comment here the same night.

[@andrewspringer3565]

Savage model 99 .308. Stone cold killer.

[@derickbabb3824]

Can’t be better said. I built a custom rifle last year decked out. Lone peak ti action in 7SAUM 22in proof carbon barrel XLR MG chassis thunder beast ultra 7 suppressor. It does shoot better than my tikka in 7 rem mag but not enough to matter, won’t make you a better shooter in the end.

[@abewall509]

You said your 6.5prc is short barreled, if you don't mind me asking what is the barrel length?

[@backfire]

20”

[@robertrayford8708]

Jim, Serious Question. Why do you come across as a 6.5 Creedmoor hater yet, by your admission, you’re basically shooting a 6.5 Creedmoor due to the shorter barrel. I’m new to hunting, bought a 6.5 CM (which I’ve yet to fire), and I’ve scoured the Internet looking for information about it. I’ve seen ever video of yours that will pop, based on a 6.5CM KZbin search. Most of time you try to be careful with your words but, it’s clear that you’re not a fan. Despite your family loving it. From what I understand you’ve never lost an animal you’ve shoot with it. I’m just curious, why do you HATE the 6.5 CM?

[@dgreenapple]

It's interesting that so many use Vortex scopes. I prefer Leupold for lighter weight and better image resolution at distance. Vortex has been really disappointing in both those areas.