Hunting rifle recommendation

[RealtorMatt]

I am looking to pick up a new hunting rifle to take up north with me this fall/winter for a few hunting trips. I will be hunting up to moose and brown bear size game... but would like something that isn't overkill for a whitetail deer either.

I really like what I see out of the Savage 116 and the Tikka T3 (I do like stainless, but not required). I am thinking either 270, 7MM Rem Mag, or the classic 30-06 (I've never fired .300 win mag and don't know much about it to be honest)

Any seasoned hunters have any good recommendations? I am not set on the Savage or Tikka but I have read good reviews and I like the looks, but I am certainly open to any ideas.

I am looking primarily for something ready to shoot out of the box (I will buy the scope separately), as I don't have much time or desire to re-outfit immediately with a new stock and trigger.

Budget for the rifle alone I am looking maybe around $500-$800, but am somewhat flexible for the right rifle.

Any help pointing me in a good direction is appreciated!

 

[balttigger]

Moose and bear plus deer? 30-06

It has the versatility you need. Light weight bullets for deer and heavier for the big boys. And you can't go wrong with a Tikka T3. I have one in .25-06 and love it.

 

[jaybee]

I like 30-06 - I have a remington pump. I like a fast second shot. I'm not into bolt action rifles

I know I can find the 30-06 ammo everywhere in a variety of styles

It's like I use square D breakers - not because they are the best but because I know I can always get them and they work very well

this looks like mine but I have caps on the scope

 

[Alutacon]

I am looking to pick up a new hunting rifle to take up north with me this fall/winter for a few hunting trips. I will be hunting up to moose and brown bear size game... but would like something that isn't overkill for a whitetail deer either.

I really like what I see out of the Savage 116 and the Tikka T3 (I do like stainless, but not required). I am thinking either 270, 7MM Rem Mag, or the classic 30-06 (I've never fired .300 win mag and don't know much about it to be honest)

Any seasoned hunters have any good recommendations? I am not set on the Savage or Tikka but I have read good reviews and I like the looks, but I am certainly open to any ideas.

I am looking primarily for something ready to shoot out of the box (I will buy the scope separately), as I don't have much time or desire to re-outfit immediately with a new stock and trigger.

Budget for the rifle alone I am looking maybe around $500-$800, but am somewhat flexible for the right rifle.

Any help pointing me in a good direction is appreciated!

I recommend the Remington VTR 700 chambered in .308. incredible accuracy out of the box and it can knock down whatever you're shooting at.

 

[jaybee]

WOW - just checked the remington pump and they're like 8-9 hundred bucks - prices have gone up since I bought mine

http://www.remington.com/en/products/firearms/centerfire/model-7600/model-7600.aspx

 

[NY Transplant]

I have a Left Hand Savage 116 in 30-06 with a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 scope that is a nice shooter. Go with 150 to 165 grain bullets for deer/black bear and 180 to 220 grain on the moose/brown bear.

 

[BigSteve57]

I am an avid hunter and am going to Africa next month on a hunting and photo safari. I cannot recommend any rifle higher than the Blaser R8.

My rifle in 375 H&H Magnum Kilombero is incredibly accurate and the take down ability means you don't buy just one rifle but many. Barrels can be swapped out for the perfect combination. The straight bolt throw is really fast. It is also the only bolt action rifle that has a de-cock AFAIK.

I'd also recommend a Zeiss Victory HT scope as the barrels accept a Zeiss mount.

I want to get a Baronesse for my wife but that will have to wait for next year's hunt.

REF:
http://www.blaser-usa.com/index.php?id=102&L=1

REF: the video is a bit dramatic but illustrates the rifle's features:
http://www.blaser-usa.com/index.php?id=1008&L=1

 

[dontpanic]

Get a 30-06. The best all around hunting caliber and available at Dick's or Walmart right now. What you shoot it out of is up to you.

I do suggest you look at the Steyr Pro Hunter WOW

 

[BigSteve57]

Get a 30-06. The best all around hunting caliber and available at Dick's or Walmart right now. What you shoot it out of is up to you.

I do suggest you look at the Steyr Pro Hunter WOW

30-06 is the best all-round caliber for hunting IMHO. We're taking that rifle caliber to Africa. It will be used on everything from hyena to baboons & oryx.

 

[Pinecone]

If you do not reload, .30-06 has about the widest selection of ammo for all sorts of uses.

If you reload, you can do similar to many rounds. But there tends to be a wider range of bullets in .30 caliber than some of the others.

Savage is known for making some very nice shooting, accurate rifles.

Tikka is from Sako, and is highly regarded.

You won't go wrong with either one.

Of course, there is also the ubiquitous Remington 700. Probably the best supported in the aftermarket. But the Savage and Tikka are close behind.

Also Winchester Model 70.

Best is to find places with them in stock (caliber doesn't matter for this) and handle each one. Work the action, shoulder it, spend some time with each. You may find that one just feels better.

 

[Speed3]

I love my Tikka T3, mine is 243. Super light and shoots very well!

Like posted above...Savage, Remington or Tikka...can't go wrong.

 

[mdram]

another vote for 30-06, and the pump. love my 760, great all around rifle

that said my 300 wby shoots very well also, when I need the extra range

 

[tosainu1]

Gotta go with 30-06 for your application due to the versatile nature of that caliber...although if I was going after a brown bear, i'd be going with a more powerful caliber such as 338 Win Mag and if I was going after deer at a later date, i'd be much happier with a .270 with a 130 grain soft point as 30-06 rifles with 150 grain soft points in my experience kick appreciably harder and don't kill any better....

 

[Lanceman_1]

308 is very close in Ballistics as the 30-06. I have both but shoot the 308 a lot more because I have a ton of ammo for it. google 30-06 vs 308.

 

[RealtorMatt]

Thank you guys for the recommendations... I am relatively new to larger game hunting, so I really appreciate it. With MD being the way it is, most of my hunting has been done with a 22-250 or shotgun.

Looks like 30-06 gets the popular vote... now it's time to fondle a few rifles and see which one feels the best. I am happy to see some first person reports on the Tikka and Savage, those are definitely the frontrunners at the moment.

 

[lax]

supprised no one mentioned 7mm rem mag.

 

[Pale Ryder]

For moose and bear, maybe some elk and deer, Tikka T3 Stainless in .338 Win Mag would be my choice. T3 in 30-06 would be my second.

 

[ten0glock]

270 hands down

 

[Oldcarjunkie]

Marlin lever action in .35 Remington . I heard so much good stuff from multiple ppl, tht I just sold my 30/30 and got one.

 

[Dick Chaney]

I heard so much about a 30-06 being the best round I bought one. We shall see. Bought a remington 700 bdl and tweaked it to my liking. I replaced a 243 remington 700 bdl it just didnt get the job done sometimes. I want a deer to look at me and fall on the spot.