Benelli’s BE.S.T Lupo Camo Bolt-Action Rifle chambered in .300 Win. Mag. is a sleek, slim, lightweight rifle that heeds the durable and accurate call.
by Jace Bauserman
Over the past few years, I’ve had my shoulder behind several Benelli rifle makes. Recently, the manufacturer’s LUPO HBR Bolt-Action Rifle chambered in .308 Win.
After a week of rigorous testing, I confidently toted the rifle to the Sooner State and harvested a gorgeous 130-plus-inch buck. This was not the first time I’ve experienced such success, having tested and hunted with many BE.S.T Lupo Bolt-Action and standard LUPO Bolt-Action models.
My most recent field test was, once again, a BE.S.T. Lupo Bolt-Action in one of my all-time favorite calibers—.300 Win. Mag.
A popular choice among hunters, long-range shooters, and military snipers, the .300 Win. Mag. provides remarkable ballistics and significant downrange energy. It will handle medium and large-sized game animals worldwide.
The caliber maintains excellent precision at longer distances. It is not a wildcat but a standard long-action caliber, and ammunition is readily available.
First Impressions
I knew what to expect before I pulled the rifle from the box. I was pleased to see the BE.S.T. Lupo Camo Bolt-Action in Sitka’s Elevated II pattern. The stock, as with other BE.S.T. Lupo models I’ve tested, showcased a Combtech cheek pad. Not only does this pad ensure precise eye-to-optic alignment, but it also helps with cheek weld in wet and dry conditions.
Another stock win is the Progressive Comfort System. This system can self-adjust for maximum recoil reduction related to the load’s power. Testing with this model would include Winchester’s hot 190-Grain Big Game Expedition AccuBond rounds. Normally, .300 Win. Mag. recoil is not something to look forward to, but I’ve discovered this system is worth its salt, and I wasn’t overly concerned about shoulder abuse.
Engineered with advanced ergonomics and shooter customization in mind, the chassis-style configuration of an independent stock, receiver, and forend allows for increased control and customization. This bolt-action can be customized to one of 36 drop and cast stock positions via the included shims. The process is elementary, and I highly recommend taking advantage of creating a custom fit and feel.
The trigger box is angled downward but spacious. I appreciate the gridded grip and circumference of the grip. The trigger is also adjustable between 2.2 and 4.4 pounds. If shooting a long-range competition with this .300 Win. Mag., I would tinker and lighten the trigger. However, for hunting purposes, all BE.S.T Lupo rifles I’ve tested have been set to proper hunting weights and are crisp and smooth.
The Crio-treated free-floating barrel is attached to a hardened steel barrel extension bedded to a steel block in the alloy receiver. This design ensures sub-MOA accuracy at close and far ranges.
The 5/8 x24 threads will support a suppressor or brake, and spoiler alert: As good as the Progressive Comfort Recoil System is, I recommend a suppressor or a brake if you add this rifle to your big-game hunting arsenal. However, it doesn’t destroy the shoulder but recoil, as expected from a .300 Win. Mag. is evident. A suppressor will reduce recoil and the massive boom this caliber is known for.
The 60-degree sculpted bolt features a trio of large locking lugs. The bolt throw is smooth, and he design doesn’t interfere with larger top-mounted optics.
The receiver-mounted dual Picatinny rail system simplifies scope mounting. Three slots in each rail allow easy eye-to-scope alignment and proper eye relief.
Lastly, I love the simplicity of the detachable box-style magazine. It accepts ammo readily, ejects with single-lever simplicity, and, when inserted, creates a click when seated.
Optic of Choice
After finishing a recent field test of Benelli’s BE.S.T. Lupo Walnut Bolt-Action Rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield topped with Steiner’s Predator 4S 4-16×44 scope, I decided to remove the scope from the walnut bolt-action and add it this synthetic-stock shooter.
The scope proved clear, accurate, and easy to operate. The swap was easy because both rifles use the two-piece Picatinny rail system.
When mounting a rifle scope, be sure to take your time. Read the ring and base directions. Never tighten any screws more or less than the indicated torque rating. For proper scope mounting, you can’t beat Real Avid’s Master Grade Scope Mounting Combo.
The Predator 4S 4-16x44mm is light and short but ultra-powerful. I applaud the edge-to-edge sharpness and excellent low-light transmission. I also love the rubber over mold magnification wheel, 1/4-inch MOA per click windage, elevation turrets, and E3 second focal plane reticle.
Let’s Go Boom!
Every Lupo rifle I’ve shot has filled me with instant shooting confidence and made me feel like a better shot than I am.
The BE.S.T. Lupo Camo Bolt-Action Rifle chambered in .300 Win. Mag. was no different. After a quick speed check to see how close the on-the-box muzzle velocity of Winchester’s 300 Winchester Magnum Expedition Big Game 190 Grain AccuBond LR ammo (2,900 fps) was when fired through this 24-inch barrel shooter (2,912 fps), I bore-sighted the rifle.
Bolt removal is a breeze, and after a quick bore sight, I was punching paper high and right at 100 yards. After adjusting my windage turret and sighting in for windage, I moved my elevation turret and sighted in for elevation. Five shots later, I was punching the center bullseye on my target.
After a quick cleaning, fouling the barrel, and re-confirming zero, I started having fun. For two days, I banged steel and punched paper from ranges between 100 and 500 yards. This is a long-range caliber, and if I keep the rifle and hunt with it, I will top it with a scope with a yardage-calibrated dial. However, using the center crosshairs and the three dashes below in the E3 reticle, I had no trouble crushing targets to the tested distance of 500 yards. I shot prone off my backpack, kneeling and flat on my butt from my BOG DeathGrip Infinite – Carbon Fiber. This is the finest shooting tripod available, in my opinion. With the rifle locked between the padded UltraLite head, I feel rock solid and can put lead where I want it.
In terms of shootability, the only thing I don’t love about the rifle is the recoil. However, that’s what you get when you shoulder a magnum caliber wihthout a brake. The gun is so accurate and so maneuverable. For grins, several times, I slid my hand out a tad further on the slim, grippable fore-end and took a few shots off-hand out to 200 yards.
I’m not an excellent off-hand shooter, but I’ve penned this before in several of my Benelli rifle reviews. Because the gun shoulders so perfectly and points with ease and balance; just like Benelli’s shotguns, I can execute off-hand confidently.
The total rifle weight with the scope, one round in the chamber, and two in the magazine, is 8.5 pounds. This is the kind of rifle you can toss a sling on and wander around the Rockies, plains, and everywhere in between. The BE.S.T. coating significantly enhances the durability of firearm components. It makes them highly resistant to wear, scratches, and other damage with regular use.
If you’re in the market for a top-end rifle chambered in what is arguably the most popular and potent big-game caliber of all time, Benelli’s BE.S.T. Lupo Camo Bolt-Action Rifle chambered in .300 Win. Mag. is an excellent option.
