From the first CAD drawings to finally seeing the finished product, the Orion Hunter is shaping up to be a strong new contender in the bolt action hunting rifle market. At launch it’s offered in .223 Rem and .308 Win, covering both light varmint work and larger game.
The story behind the Orion’s development is just as interesting as the rifle itself. Wedgetail teamed up with Hardy Rifles in New Zealand and Lithgow in New South Wales. The result is an ANZAC collaboration, Lithgow contributing their CHF barrels and recoil pads, Hardy producing bolt heads and precision components, and Wedgetail driving the design with a new flat bottom receiver, carbon composite stock, and mini chassis system. Almost two years after the teams initial meeting at the Deer Expo, the Orion Hunter has arrived.
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In terms of pricing, Wedgetail has positioned the Orion Hunter as a premium yet still accessible option within the Australian bolt action market. Early information provided by Wedgetail lists the rifle at $3,290 for the .223 Remington chambering and $3,390 for the .308 Winchester. That slight price difference reflects the larger caliber but keeps both models in the same bracket, making the choice more about intended use than cost.
For hunters, the .223 is well suited to smaller game and pest control, while the .308 appeals to those chasing larger deer species or wanting a more versatile all rounder. When compared with other locally made rifles and imported competitors, the Orion Hunter’s price point places it in the mid to upper range, which will no doubt align with its build quality and Wedgetail’s reputation for excellent engineering.
| Model | Caliber | L or R | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter 223 LH | .223 | Left Hand | $3,290 |
| Hunter 223 RH | .223 | Right Hand | $3,290 |
| Hunter 308 LH | .308 | Left Hand | $3,390 |
| Hunter 308 RH | .308 | Right Hand | $3,390 |
The rifle keeps weight down to around 3.0kg thanks to its carbon fibre stock, which also features an adjustable length of pull for custom fit through the use of spacers. With an overall length of 1060mm and a 22 inch cold hammer forged barrel finished in Cerakote black, it looks to strike a good balance between durability and portability in the field.
The barrel comes threaded 5/8×24, ready for a suppressor or muzzle brake, and twist rates are listed at 1:11 for .308 Win and 1:9 for .223 Rem. It feeds from AICS compatible PMAG magazines, has M5 style bottom metal, and comes standard with a TriggerTech trigger fixed at 3.5lb.
The Orion Hunter will be available in both left and right hand configurations. What makes this rifle even more interesting is what’s coming down the pipeline from Wedgetail. We have recieved info that there is already an ‘Orion V’ series heavy barrel model, a long action Magnum Hunter, and even a chassis rifle in development.
Calibers are set to expand too and will include 204 Ruger, 22-250 Rem, 243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 300 PRC, and 7mm PRC, making it clear that the Orion line isn’t just a one off, but a growing family of rifles aimed at both hunters and precision shooters.
For more information on the new Wedgetail Industries Orion Hunter, checkout the Wedgetail website and be sure to follow PrecisionRifle on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
Orion Hunter Details
- Available in lefthanded and righthanded
- 5 shot Sub-MOA guarantee (with specified ammunition in the hands of a skilled shooter).
- Limited lifetime warranty
- OAL 1060mm
- Lightweight 3kg
- Triggertech Remington 700trigger – Fixed 3.5lb
- Helical primary extraction
- Innovative lightweight receiver
- Carbon fibre stock
- Adjustable length of pull – user adjustable
- AICS magazine compatible
- Fully floated cold hammer forged barrel 22” (570mm)
- 5/8×24 muzzle thread
- Flat bottom metal mini chassis
- 20MOA integrated picatinny rail on receiver
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