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Thoughts on a hunting rifle

jeffery.boyd
OK, need some advise here. I own three handguns now and feel they are adequate for my needs. 1 S&W 686, Browning HP in 40 cal, and a 9mm ruger P85. I now need to purchase a shotgun and all purpose rifle. The shotgun I already have picked out (Rem 870). But here is my thoughts on a rifle. I want to hunt, but havent since I was a teenager. I'm now 40 and retired military. I live in Kansas, but will move to east coast (South Carolina, Florida, Georga or my home state of texas) when my daughter graduates High School. I'm looking for a bolt action but the chambering has thrown me. For the dear in these areas, should I purchase 7mm, 308, 30-06, or something else. I intend to only have one rifle, so it needs to meet all the needs (deer, wild pig etc.) please give me your thoughts. Looking at the 600-800 doallar range. And please list optics as I want to be able to reach out to about 150-200 yards. All the hunting I did as a kid wias with my dads lever action chambered in 35 remmington. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
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Comments

42 comments

Date Votes
  • ruger270man
    quote:Originally posted by jpwolf
    wow, savage from "rugerman" wtg ruger man.

    Anyway, Remington or Savage, 30-06 or .308, Nikon is best lenses, Leupold or Burris will do. A really nice scope is Shepherd with rangefinding circles dual reticle. One shot sight in, circles do the rest. Check them out before you buy one of the others.


    eh, savage are a better bang for the buck.
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  • ruger270man
    I simply recommend a .308 because its a international cartridge that can be found anywhere. It is the standard for military snipers, and therefore, there is plenty of good surplus and military grade ammo available.
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  • codenamepaul
    Go to the local hardware store where you plan to live. Ask them for a box of 30-06 or .308. The answer should decide for you. No advantage, really, to either in my opinion, outside of the fact that NATO/US miltary still uses the .308 so it will be available for use as a sniper rifle when the end of the world comes.

    Platform? Winchester Model 70-there is no substitute. Optics-anything works. I own several high end scopes, namely Nightforce and Zeiss. I prefer them no more than a hundred dollar Simmons or BSA. I won't cry when it breaks either.
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  • ChetStafford
    For deer sized game I would suggest a Rem 700 or a Savage Chambered in 25/06 with Burris Signature bases and rings topped with a Nikon Buckmaster 3x9x40.

    I think you would be very happy with this setup[;)]

    25/06 is a very flat shooting round and has more than enough power for deer sized game or wild hogs
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  • greeker375
    As people say any of the "above" will work.

    I've got 375 H&H, 7mm-08, 30-06, 444, 270 WSN, 223, 348, 25-06 and they all take whatever you'll need with no problems. I'd go with the lighter calibers if you intend on varmits at up to 500 yds. But, thats' me.
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  • lpaalp
    So, the consensus seems to be any of about 17 calibers between a 24 and 30 cal, by one of 7 manufacturers, scoped with one of 12 options-- all of which are good answers and will meet the specs.

    I'll bet he's glad he asked![:D]
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  • dbain99
    Another vote for the Savage 110 in 30-06. I'd top with a with the best Nikon I could afford. Then again I really love my Browning A-bolt.
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  • jeffery.boyd
    WOW! I appreciate the input. Just got home from a class. I think I'm actually liking the 30-06 right now. I thank all of you for the input as I have limited experience with long guns. I'll scout around now at the local gun stores and see how I like the feel of some of the one's recomended and let you guys know what I came up with. Thanks for all the thoughts.
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  • toolmaniam
    Remington 700 in .270... Will take care of anything from coyotes to Moose. Accurate and flat shooting. Can't beat a 700 action.
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  • andersk
    You can purchase 30-06 cartridges for just about anything ... from squirels to moose! [:)]

    Good way to go, unless you really want a lever gun ... which would be understandable for fast action deer hunting in the woods ... in that case go with a Winchester Model 94 or Marlin model 336 in .30-30.
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  • moose56
    One all around gun for hunting, I would go with the .308. First it is a short action compared to the longer action for the 30-06, you can get loads for it anywhere and surplus ammo. The 150 gr pills are good for deer size game or if you are a reloader, load it with something lighter in the 130 gr class. The choices of rifle and optic manufactures are many.
    I've used it for competative shooting and hunting, it will do the job.

    Moose
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  • Colt Super
    If you want a fine LEVER rifle...look to the Browning BLR. Can handle centerfire cartridges up to .300 Winchester Magnum.

    While the rounds it will take are all inferior ballistically to the 7MM Weatherby Magnum, they will do the job for you.

    If you are only going to own one fine long rifle - make it a FINE one: Browning BLR or Weatherby Mark V.

    Doug
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