Well first off, My name is Michael, I'm 14 years old I have been shooting my 30/06 for 1.5 years. I think my rifle is from WWI. I use it for hunting(deer) and just for fun shooting. I am interested in a getting new rifle.
Buget-$2000
Looking to start hunting for bear and elk
Wanting a caliber that is large enough to knock down bear and elk(I will start reloading so I could possibly make light versions of that caliber for smaller game)
What caliber would be good?
What rifle would be good?
Thanks for your time
Last edited by mitown; 10-17-2007 at 08:03 PM.
Reason: mistake
Welcome to the forum. Log in every day, as there are many good conversations here. I do not hunt big game...but I would not hesitate to use the .30-06. Others that hunt big game may differ with me on this, and they have more experience.
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Hi Michael, Welcome to G&G! Keep in mind that more $$$ doesn't always equal more accuracy. I would suggest a Tikka T-3 in 30-06, 300 Win. Mag, or 7mm Mag if you plan on going after the big stuff. The .30-06 is a fine round with good ballistics and it doesn't break the bank to buy or reload. One of my favorites is the 8x57 Mauser, but I don't know of anyone chambering it now.
If you think you are ready to go bigger I would sugest the .300 Win. Mag.A tried and true big game getter. With a $2000.budjet I would go for a decent rifle and then get a teal good scope and you should have enough for ammo to practice with. sam.
If you want a good caliber for bear and elk, you might look into the .338 Win Mag, its been knockin em dead for years, and is the most popular caliber for Alaskan hunting.
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I hate to say what every man would say here, but a Remington 700 series is a good choice, a personal favorite is the 700p series. I have a sps in 30-06 i just got, shoots great, the p is a police model that will run about 900-1000 for a beefier stock and barrel.
If you can, get a Burris Scope (they have lifetime warrentys), something like a Fullfield II or possibly a Nikon. I have an ok cabelas scope till i get the 400 for the fullfield i want.
total kit with mounts is like $1500
Other rifles to look at: Weatherby Vanguard, Browning A-Bolt, Savage rifles
Caliber's to look at: 30-06 is a great one, 300 win mag, 7mm mag, 338 is good.
The remmy sps i have is awesome for the fact i spent 600 for a decent scope and rifle, Remington doesn't overstate their rifles, they actually perform, and the 700 series is probably the most popular bolt action in the world, and have tons of upgrades. I do mostly deer and varmint, big game would still be good on 30-06. It's not the size of the bullet, its the velocity. I know people that hunt deer with 223 and 22-250, which are pretty small, but pretty much hit so fast they destroy anything.
Another choice would actually be a .257 weatherby mag, the guy i go hunting with flipped a deer with that thing (literally flipped over).
Well first off, My name is Michael, I'm 14 years old I have been shooting my 30/06 for 1.5 years. I think my rifle is from WWI. I use it for hunting(deer) and just for fun shooting. I am interested in a getting new rifle.
Buget-$2000
Looking to start hunting for bear and elk
Wanting a caliber that is large enough to knock down bear and elk(I will start reloading so I could possibly make light versions of that caliber for smaller game)
What caliber would be good?
What rifle would be good?
Thanks for your time
Bear and elk on the same hunt or different hunts ? What distance ?
For bear , I suggest .45-70 in a Marlin Model 1895 $ 450 - 600 .
It will certainly take down an elk , but if the distance is greater than 200 yards , it becomes a real exercise to compute the drop , for most of us . Even though the bullet probably has the energy to drop the elk .
For > 200 yards , consider some of the calabers the others have suggested . But they will have significantly greater recoil than the .30-06 .
I suspect a 200 - 220 grain bullet will take a bear ? Same for elk , but you night want a 168 grain Gamd King for a little flatter trajectory ?
Heres what im thinking I've been hearing that the .338 win mag is the best all aroung rifle, but the real question is what brand/model of rifle would be best
Everything suggested here is good under the right circumstances. I would suggest you shoot as many different rifles as you can before spending a lot of money. Many rifle shooters are happy to help a new shooter.
By the way, if your current .30-06 is accurate and reliable, it is perfectly adequate for bear or elk. The right ammunition is the key. Premium ammunition with heavy bullets made for heavy game will do fine. Practice as much as you can so you can put the bullet in the right place.
Heres what im thinking I've been hearing that the .338 win mag is the best all aroung rifle, but the real question is what brand/model of rifle would be best
While the .338win mag starts out with the advantage over 400yds+ the .300win mag equals it in power and the drop table is better on the .300 and lighter recoil means it is more manageable in a lighter firearm.There is nothing wrong with a .338win.mag. it is just that the .300win.mag.has its advantages and the .338 starts breaking down with range. Savage,Remington, Ruger, and such have serviceable rifles but Dakota,Sako,Kimber and such are fine rifles.It all depends on what you want to spend. sam.
As far as rifles go, it just depends on how much you want to spend, pretty much all of the modern rifle manufacturers make a rifle that will work, and last a lifetime.
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