Help choosing high power rifle

[40calPUNISHER]

I have decided I'm going to use some of my tax $ to buy a high power bolt action rifle. I want to get the most versatile caliber as possible. I want something that I can use for both small and large game. From coyote to elk or bear. Is there one caliber that covers the field? Once I determine the caliber I want, then I'll figure out the make and model of the rifle.

Other requirments: I want a tactical looking, heavy barreled rifle.

 

[42769vette]

since you are throwing elk in there i would say 270. if elk wasn't there i would say 243.

 

[AllenM]

I have a nice 308 Rem for sale

 

[PwrCruz]

I have a .25-06 very accurate and lots of bullets availble from 75gr-120gr.

 

[cosermann]

If you want the MOST VERSATILE caliber possible, in bolt action, without going medium bore, the .30-06 is probably your best choice.

It's NOT the best for everything (no cartridge is), but it is more versatile than any of the cartridges mentioned so far and has the best components and loaded ammo availability worldwide.

You're going to have to make compromises if you will use only 1 gun for the range of what you mention.

 

[40calPUNISHER]

I was thinking 30-06. Someone told me that 7mm (or 7mm-08, cant remember what he said) was the "new" 30-06. Any truth to this?

 

[Ashkelon]

30-06 Great Hunting Caliber and you can pick up a lightly used Remington 700 ADL or BDL just about anywhere

 

[ChalupaCabras]

if you were limiting yourself to deer as a ceiling, i would recommend 243 winchester.

Since your looking at Elk and Bear, i would recommend the 7mm-08.

Even here in Indiana, where you cant use high powered rifles for hunting big game, you can find 243 and 7mm-08 everywhere that sells ammunition. Even Meijers and Walmart. The availability is very good.

 

[tyler34]

I chose .308 but agree .30-06 is a more jack of all trades hunting round.

 

[Kw55018]

I myself prefer the .308, there is so much ammo out there it aint funny. Pluse in a good bolt gun 6-700 yrd shot are easy.

 

[slow1911s]

.308 WIN for general availability. If you are even thinking of reloading, 7mm-08. Great info on it here: 7mm Cartridge Guide

 

[rhino]

.308, unless you're planning to handload, then .308.

 

[smokingman]

since you are throwing elk in there i would say 270. if elk wasn't there i would say 243.

I have to agree with 270 win. It can take any game in north America. 270 Winchester has attained great popularity among gun owners and hunters, ranking it among the most popular and widely used cartridges worldwide..270 Winchester - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
90-180 grain bullets for everything from antelope to bear.This has a much flatter trajectory than a 308 and many more hunting cartridges than a 30-06(not saying 30-06 is a bad rifle). it also has the advantage in the current gun grabber/ammo hoarding times of not having been a military rifle and everywhere you go there is still ammo for it(even wally world has it for 15 dollars or so a box). Granted you will not get any military surplus,but for hunting in my opinion there is not better caliber rifle.
I own several. Muzzle Energy: Muzzle Velocity: 3215 fps Muzzle Energy: 2983 ft. lbs MidwayUSA - Hornady Light Magnum Ammunition 270 Winchester 130 Grain InterBond Box of 20 show me a 308 that can touch it

 

[mike8170]

I have to say .270 also, in fact, I have one that rings steel at 600 yards. And just compare the ammo prices between it and 30-06, there is one huge difference. Besides, after 50 rounds on the range, and your shoulder is sore, you'll won't use that much ammo anyway.

 

[40calPUNISHER]

Forgot to add. I want a tactical, heavy barrel rifle too. I would probably go with remington 700 or savage.

 

[42769vette]

+1 for the savage accutrigger rifle. imo its the most rifle for your buck on market.

 

[jeremy]

.270 is a great round. It is often overlooked because it does not start in a 3.
I'll take a .270 to the range and you take a 30-06, 308, 7mm, etc... We will each shoot 50 rounds at 6-800 yards.
The next day I'll bring you the ice for your shoulder.

 

[Robert Richardson]

Forgot to add. I want a tactical, heavy barrel rifle too. I would probably go with remington 700 or savage.

308 Win.

 

[tyler34]

Forgot to add. I want a tactical, heavy barrel rifle too. I would probably go with remington 700 or savage.

you can get a remington 700 sps tactical for around $550. and it's a tack driver out of the box and the X mark trigger is slendid too.

 

[dross]

Remington VTR varmint in .308 Win. It doesn't have a heavy barrel, the barrel is triangular, which supposedly gives the same stiffness with less weight.