Help choosing high power rifle

[40calPUNISHER]

So what if deer was the biggest game I wanted to take with this? Would that change your suggestions? What about 243?

 

[USMC_0311]

I have a nice 308 Rem for sale

Is this posted in the classifieds?

 

[42769vette]

i have a 243 prohunter that i would defintally trust for deer, and it makes a great coyote round i can load a heavy bullet to try and buck the wind (105 is the max i think) or i can go with a light bullet and break the 4000 fps mark if i want.

 

[AllenM]

Is this posted in the classifieds?

Yes and no I am upside down in the rifle and want to much

 

[agentl074]

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.

Yup the twins (.30-06 and .308 Win) are good choices

 

[40calPUNISHER]

I was looking at a 700 VTR. It comes in 308, 243, 22-250, 223, 204 and 17rem fireball. Thats why Im thinking 243. I wish they had 270 cuz thats looking like a great caliber.

 

[42769vette]

i was just reading a report on the vtr in the american rifleman i got this morning and they sound pretty good. i would like to try one out myself

 

[cosermann]

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

Ah, no. The 7mm-09 is basically a necked down .308. How could it be the new 30-06?

The 30-06 will handle bullet weights from 100 gr to 220 gr. I may have even seen some 250 gr bullets. At the other end, there's a 55 gr accelerator load out there for the '06. Will any of the other cartridges mentioned do that? If you don't reload, is this kind of range of factory ammo readily available for any of the other cartridges?

I'm not knocking the other cartridges. I like the .270 and .243 (and others). BUT, you asked about most versatile chambering for ONE gun in bolt action.

I hope we all realize that firearms systems are very specialized tools. So, to do all the jobs we might want to do with them we either need to own SEVERAL, or resign ourselves to doing some jobs in a less than optimal way (i.e. POORLY).

Now, if you want to start talking about 2 or (dare I say it) 3 rifles . . .

 

[243rem700]

I have a Remington 700 SPS Varmint in .243 and love it. The Varmint also comes in .308 which will be my next rifle. I have also heard the Savage's are good guns. I would base your decision on personal preference on feel and looks.

 

[cosermann]

If the biggest thing you want to take is the whitetail deer, you don't necessarily 'need' anything bigger than a .243 win. And, of course, it will handle varmints just fine.

 

[052.5GT]

I am going with .308. super accurate. Also, can load up the 110gr V-Max for the lighter skinned game. Use solids for elk, looks like it covers everything. If you really want a varmint load you can do as mentioned before and shoot an "accelerator", saboted .22 caliber bullets screaming out of the .308.

 

[ruger7722]

shooting a 243 is nice and easy to hit the target.low recoil.i have a savage and an interarms.milk jugs at 200 yards are a blast,pun intended.you know everyone should have a 223 bolt rifle.then get a bigger cal. for moose or elk 243 is my favorite cal..you know money is only an object

 

[42769vette]

I am going with .308. super accurate. Also, can load up the 110gr V-Max for the lighter skinned game. Use solids for elk, looks like it covers everything. If you really want a varmint load you can do as mentioned before and shoot an "accelerator", saboted .22 caliber bullets screaming out of the .308.

does anyone know what kind of accuracy you get out of those accelerator sabots. i wouldn't think they would be real accurate but have never heard any reviews. (not trying to jack your thread just curious)

 

[jeremy]

The .243 only has 2 major problems as a serious hunting round.
Number 1 is wind cross winds will play hell with shots down range.
Number 2 some states will not allow it as is under .25 caliber for a hunting round.

 

[ruger7722]

i got some in 30-06.my 700 bdl shoots rem. 125 grain bullets.on a good day 1 in. 3 shot groups.accelerators were grouping 4 in. 3 shot groups.i only shot two groups,but they looked close the same.i think all states can use 243 win. if rifle centerfire is allowed

 

[Engine03]

I have a rem 700 sendero .270 with a lep 10x42 50mm scope and a Harris bipod and love it. Very accurate rifle at any range. Ammo is reasonable and its a alot of fun to shoot. You stated you wanted a tacticle look to the rifle you choose this could be it. I also have a BAR safari gold edition in .243 this another fun gun to shoot and also very accurate. The 700 has a more tacticle look and feel. My sendero has taken black bear in canada and wild boar on Michigan. My top choice for all around large game hunting and target shooting with accuracy, ammo cost, and reliablity in mind.

 

[Tandem160]

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

Look into a Remington PSS. It is a heavy rifle but, a real tack driver. Add a Timney trigger, good rings, quality scope and your good to go.

 

[fireball168]

I want something that I can use for both small and large game. From coyote to elk or bear.

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

I suggest you start shopping for two rifles.

One to satisfy your "tacticool" need, and another to carry around in the field.

Depending on if you reload, if you don't .223 or 308 is the obvious choice for #1. Even if you do - its hard to go wrong with either.

For rifle #2, you're likely not going to want to pack that 12 lb. rifle around that much - especially after you've done it once.

I'd be looking at a 300 WSM as minimum, 300 WM, 300 RUM, 338 Winchester, 338 RUM, 35 Whelen, 375 H&H, 375 Ruger or 375 RUM.


A long action Sendero as mentioned by a previous poster would be a decent compromise, although still on the heavy side. They are commonly seen in 30-06 and 300 WM. Less common in 270, 264 Winchester Magnum(one at Cabela's in Hammond right now), 300 RUM and 338 RUM.

 

[Michiana]

30-06 is a killer round

I have a WW1 Springfield 03-A3 30-06 rifle in like-new condition with a sporster barrel and new stock that I put together twenty years ago that is a real tack driver and would take down almost anything you want. The 30-06 is a great round and has been around a very long time. Ammo is rather pricy. This is a good way to get yourself a great gun at a reasonable price.

 

[JByer323]

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

Well said.