best hunting rifle???

bigb831 · 11-06-2009, 11:16 AM

i think ill get an actual hunting rifle soon {been using my MN m44 or my mossberg 20 ga} but i would like some other opinions. my choices would be either a rem 700 or 710. i like the 710 because it comes with a decent scope but it has a plastic stock. and i like the wood stock on the 700 even though they dont come with a scope. also cant choose a caliber .270, 30-06, or .308. it will be for deer hunting and target shooting. i need help choosing.

Sir Elwood · 11-06-2009, 12:10 PM

I owned a .308 for a while and enjoyed the caliber. I unfortunately had to part with it so i could pay some debt off, but it is a great caliber. As far as the .270 goes, it's awesome, too. I own one in Remington 700 ADL and my wife primarily shoots it. She took some pretty impressive shots with that rifle and had never shot a rifle, to that point, in her life.

I have not shot a .30-06 but you won't find too many posters on gunandgame that will remotely come close to bashing it.

The Remington 710 has some mixed reviews while the 700 has all the credibility you could ask for. I own a Remington 700 BDL in 7mm mag. and am very pleased with it. If you can afford a 700, go for it.

So, to sum it all up I am batting 2 for 2 on the Remington 700. Hope this helps you with your choices. Remington all the way !

nathangdad · 11-06-2009, 04:03 PM

either of the three cartridges you mentioned would definitely do the job on deer.

However, the .30-06 has a vast range of factory loaded bullet weights and designs availble over the counter. It has successfully taken all North American game for over 100 years.

So, the verstility factor moves my vote to the .30-06.

The 700 gets my vote but I feel you should really spend some time studying what else it out there from manufacturers such as Savage
or Mossberg.

Billyz · 11-06-2009, 04:20 PM

The .308 is used by a lot of bench rest shooters. They are all fine cartridges, just depends on the person.

Purdy · 11-06-2009, 04:31 PM

While I am a .270 fan, for mixed deer hunting and some informal target shooting, I'd get a 308. There are some exelent hunting rounds for it and for targets, if you handload (or get into it) the Sierra 168gr Match King has no equal.

G. Green · 11-06-2009, 04:38 PM

The best way for me to explain the difference in an 06 and a .308 is which do ya like best beautiful redheads that are 5'6" or 5'7"? And the .270 "may" be the best whitetail cartridge ever. You can't really go wrong with either. Look around where you live and see if one has the best ammo selection. I like the sleek lines of the 700 (I have 700's in 06 and .270, and they were both great right out of the box), the 710 looks a little chunky to me, but that's just me and the 710 IS a good rifle.

bigb831 · 11-06-2009, 10:52 PM

i suppose it would help to let you all know that the farm i hunt on most deer are taken within 150 - 250 yards. i've ruled out the painful 7mm mag after shooting a friends, makes my m44 feel like a .22. also any suggestions for an inexpensive but still decent scope?

Tack Driver · 11-08-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigb831

i suppose it would help to let you all know that the farm i hunt on most deer are taken within 150 - 250 yards. i've ruled out the painful 7mm mag after shooting a friends, makes my m44 feel like a .22. also any suggestions for an inexpensive but still decent scope?

The 7mm Rem Mag is an excellent cartridge. Take a look at the Bushell Legend 3-9x40 riflescopes.

Tack Driver · 11-08-2009, 01:09 PM

And for the best hunting rifle I would say a Ruger 77, but I like the Remington 700 series too, the Remmy's are much more affordable.

jrswanson1 · 11-09-2009, 06:06 PM

If this is strictly a deer hunting rifle get the 700 in .270. I'm not a big believer in painful shooting experiences, even for something that gets shot just a few times a year. And for a scope, a Leupold VX-I in 2-7X is enough for deer at your ranges and is $200.

Jim

thrillbilly · 11-10-2009, 09:44 PM

Rem700 and .270win

(I'm sure my choice is a big surprise for everyone! LOL)

Da Mc · 11-11-2009, 10:57 PM

I just recently had the opportunity to shoot a Ruger .308 new. What a sweet rifle. I would compare the recoil to my mild 7mm.-08. You get just a little more punch on the ballistics on a .308 but the real savings is in the ammo which I found is cheaper than my 08. That really makes a difference if you intend to shoot it alot. Good luck on your quest for the perfect rifle for you.

telkev · 11-11-2009, 11:20 PM

The Remington 700 is an all time classic design that has been copied by others for years. You can't go wrong with its simplicity, and almost everyone makes upgrades and parts for it. The 710/770 series however, is about the worse attempt for a company of Remingtons reputation to produce a budget priced rifle. I would stay away from it. If you are needing a budget priced rifle, go with the Stevens 200.
As for the scope combo's, I have yet to see any of them that come as combo's from the factory that actually have a scope on them that is worth the aluminum they are made out of. Don't worry about sticking to combo's. Buy the rifle you can afford, and put the best optics on it you can afford.
As for caliber, anything from a 243 up, will do just fine on deer. My personal preference is the 308.

ShellShock · 11-11-2009, 11:34 PM

I'm a bit fond of the .308

Tack Driver · 11-12-2009, 12:21 PM

Well, the best deer rifle of all time would have to be a pre 64 Winchester Model 70 chambered for the .270 Win.

zlr101 · 11-12-2009, 07:22 PM

i have a remington 700bdl in .308 i like it a lot better then my savage 111 30-06 much more refined, and for me a better fit and makes me confident.

deserthobbies · 11-12-2009, 07:33 PM

.308

Slow Go · 11-12-2009, 09:44 PM

.308 in a Mtn. Rifle, if they still make it that way. With a 2-7x32 scope, Bushnell 3200 with Rainguard in Redfield or Leupold low mounts.

samuel · 11-13-2009, 01:19 AM

Buying a rifle because benchrest shooters use that brand is like buying an auto because they run that brand at Datona.The difference in recoil between a .270win and .308win is non-existent.If the proper bullet is chosen for the type of hunting you do,either is efficient to 400yds.You don't want soft,mushey bullets for 200yds and under where velocity is high and bullets expand rapidly.Beyond 200yds where velocity is reduced so the bullet doesn't expand so good,you may like those soft,mushey bullets.My opinion is the new bonded bullets of today with tripple expansion but 90% weight retension are the best bullets ever produced.They make a lighter as effective for penetration as the heavier bullets that lost 60/70% of their weight upon contact with game. ,,,sam.

cooker300 · 11-15-2009, 08:45 PM

in my mind either the 270 or 308 i own both has the 270 1st and my dad has a 308 i liked it so much i bought on as well and like a lot have said there both very good as long as you pick the right bullet for the killing your about to take part in.

11-06-2009, 11:16 AM	#1
bigb831 Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: wisconsin Posts: 92	best hunting rifle??? i think ill get an actual hunting rifle soon {been using my MN m44 or my mossberg 20 ga} but i would like some other opinions. my choices would be either a rem 700 or 710. i like the 710 because it comes with a decent scope but it has a plastic stock. and i like the wood stock on the 700 even though they dont come with a scope. also cant choose a caliber .270, 30-06, or .308. it will be for deer hunting and target shooting. i need help choosing.

11-06-2009, 04:03 PM	#3
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6,055	Well, either of the three cartridges you mentioned would definitely do the job on deer. However, the .30-06 has a vast range of factory loaded bullet weights and designs availble over the counter. It has successfully taken all North American game for over 100 years. So, the verstility factor moves my vote to the .30-06. The 700 gets my vote but I feel you should really spend some time studying what else it out there from manufacturers such as Savage or Mossberg.

11-06-2009, 04:20 PM	#4
Billyz Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 400	The .308 is used by a lot of bench rest shooters. They are all fine cartridges, just depends on the person. __________________ COG #47

11-08-2009, 01:09 PM	#9
Tack Driver Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Caswell County, NC Posts: 562	And for the best hunting rifle I would say a Ruger 77, but I like the Remington 700 series too, the Remmy's are much more affordable. __________________ If pro is the opposite of con, is Congress the opposite of progress?

11-10-2009, 09:44 PM	#11
thrillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozark Hill Country Posts: 3,184	Rem700 and .270win (I'm sure my choice is a big surprise for everyone! LOL) __________________ *" I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."* John Wayne

11-06-2009, 12:10 PM	#2
Sir Elwood Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 98	I owned a .308 for a while and enjoyed the caliber. I unfortunately had to part with it so i could pay some debt off, but it is a great caliber. As far as the .270 goes, it's awesome, too. I own one in Remington 700 ADL and my wife primarily shoots it. She took some pretty impressive shots with that rifle and had never shot a rifle, to that point, in her life. I have not shot a .30-06 but you won't find too many posters on gunandgame that will remotely come close to bashing it. The Remington 710 has some mixed reviews while the 700 has all the credibility you could ask for. I own a Remington 700 BDL in 7mm mag. and am very pleased with it. If you can afford a 700, go for it. So, to sum it all up I am batting 2 for 2 on the Remington 700. Hope this helps you with your choices. Remington all the way !

11-06-2009, 04:31 PM	#5
Purdy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Montana Posts: 598	While I am a .270 fan, for mixed deer hunting and some informal target shooting, I'd get a 308. There are some exelent hunting rounds for it and for targets, if you handload (or get into it) the Sierra 168gr Match King has no equal.

11-06-2009, 04:38 PM	#6
G. Green Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NE OK Posts: 1,056	The best way for me to explain the difference in an 06 and a .308 is which do ya like best beautiful redheads that are 5'6" or 5'7"? And the .270 "may" be the best whitetail cartridge ever. You can't really go wrong with either. Look around where you live and see if one has the best ammo selection. I like the sleek lines of the 700 (I have 700's in 06 and .270, and they were both great right out of the box), the 710 looks a little chunky to me, but that's just me and the 710 IS a good rifle.

11-06-2009, 10:52 PM	#7
bigb831 Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: wisconsin Posts: 92	i suppose it would help to let you all know that the farm i hunt on most deer are taken within 150 - 250 yards. i've ruled out the painful 7mm mag after shooting a friends, makes my m44 feel like a .22. also any suggestions for an inexpensive but still decent scope?

11-09-2009, 06:06 PM	#10
jrswanson1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,281	If this is strictly a deer hunting rifle get the 700 in .270. I'm not a big believer in painful shooting experiences, even for something that gets shot just a few times a year. And for a scope, a Leupold VX-I in 2-7X is enough for deer at your ranges and is $200. Jim

11-11-2009, 10:57 PM	#12
Da Mc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Riverside Cal. Posts: 191	I just recently had the opportunity to shoot a Ruger .308 new. What a sweet rifle. I would compare the recoil to my mild 7mm.-08. You get just a little more punch on the ballistics on a .308 but the real savings is in the ammo which I found is cheaper than my 08. That really makes a difference if you intend to shoot it alot. Good luck on your quest for the perfect rifle for you.

11-11-2009, 11:20 PM	#13
telkev Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW MS Posts: 461	The Remington 700 is an all time classic design that has been copied by others for years. You can't go wrong with its simplicity, and almost everyone makes upgrades and parts for it. The 710/770 series however, is about the worse attempt for a company of Remingtons reputation to produce a budget priced rifle. I would stay away from it. If you are needing a budget priced rifle, go with the Stevens 200. As for the scope combo's, I have yet to see any of them that come as combo's from the factory that actually have a scope on them that is worth the aluminum they are made out of. Don't worry about sticking to combo's. Buy the rifle you can afford, and put the best optics on it you can afford. As for caliber, anything from a 243 up, will do just fine on deer. My personal preference is the 308. __________________ One hole groups are as easy as pulling the trigger, until you pull it the second time.

11-11-2009, 11:34 PM	#14
ShellShock Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Buckeye State Posts: 152	I'm a bit fond of the .308 __________________ The Constitution is meaningless in a Police State Last edited by ShellShock; 11-11-2009 at 11:42 PM.

11-12-2009, 12:21 PM	#15
Tack Driver Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Caswell County, NC Posts: 562	Well, the best deer rifle of all time would have to be a pre 64 Winchester Model 70 chambered for the .270 Win. __________________ If pro is the opposite of con, is Congress the opposite of progress?

11-12-2009, 07:22 PM	#16
zlr101 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 43	i have a remington 700bdl in .308 i like it a lot better then my savage 111 30-06 much more refined, and for me a better fit and makes me confident.

11-12-2009, 07:33 PM	#17
deserthobbies Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Southeast , MO. Posts: 350	.308

11-12-2009, 09:44 PM	#18
Slow Go Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: South Western NC Posts: 120	.308 in a Mtn. Rifle, if they still make it that way. With a 2-7x32 scope, Bushnell 3200 with Rainguard in Redfield or Leupold low mounts.

11-13-2009, 01:19 AM	#19
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 12,433	Buying a rifle because benchrest shooters use that brand is like buying an auto because they run that brand at Datona.The difference in recoil between a .270win and .308win is non-existent.If the proper bullet is chosen for the type of hunting you do,either is efficient to 400yds.You don't want soft,mushey bullets for 200yds and under where velocity is high and bullets expand rapidly.Beyond 200yds where velocity is reduced so the bullet doesn't expand so good,you may like those soft,mushey bullets.My opinion is the new bonded bullets of today with tripple expansion but 90% weight retension are the best bullets ever produced.They make a lighter as effective for penetration as the heavier bullets that lost 60/70% of their weight upon contact with game. ,,,sam.

11-15-2009, 08:45 PM	#20
cooker300 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hershey PA Posts: 345 Blog Entries: 3	in my mind either the 270 or 308 i own both has the 270 1st and my dad has a 308 i liked it so much i bought on as well and like a lot have said there both very good as long as you pick the right bullet for the killing your about to take part in. __________________ one shot one kill " I've always been crazy but it keeps me from going insane " Waylon Jennings