New Rifle Dilemma!!

[takeiteasybird]

So I’ve got the itch for a new hunting rifle (also a bit bored). Problem is I’ve been searching through countless reviews on rifle brands / models, calibers and types, looked at a bunch or “what’s your favourite rifle” threads and I can’t make up my mind on anything.

Now I’ve been through a few rifles over the years but my main hunting rifles are currently a .270win 700 CDL, a .308 BDL lever, a .300wm Sendero, and a 45-70 marlin guide. I realize I can hunt anything with these rifles but I’m looking for something different. More of a want than a need…

I’m looking for an all-around type rifle that is more on the light side for those long treks chasing elk. I can be swayed to either wood or synthetic stock but I’m leaning more towards synthetic as this rifle will get carried around in thick bush through all kinds of weather.

As far as cartridge, I was looking for something tamer than the .300wm I already have. I was thinking possibility 30-06 but again I’m looking for something a little different. Looked into .280AI but ammo availability is of concern and I don’t have time to reload at this time in my life (would like to get into it eventually).

Price range would be $2,000 or less and would not be partial to more affordable rifles so I can spend more on glass. Overall, I’m not looking for a super cosmetic or high quality finish rifle – more concerned with accuracy and ruggedness.

The Weatherby Vanguard Wilderness rifle got my curiosity but there doesn’t seem to be much info on AO for this rifle. Any thoughts? Also, looking at the M70 extreme weather.

Anyways, just looking for some ideas from you guys on rifles and cartridges that would fit my needs. Any suggestions, pictures etc will be appreciated!

[Fowl91]

For a factory rifle I would suggest either a Tikka T3, Remington Mountain SS or a Sako A7. Cartridge could be anything from 25-06 to 7mm-08 to 30-06.

Or buy an older Rem 700 and re-barrel to 280 Rem. Factory ammo can still be found at the bigger stores.

[catnthehat]

Prophet River has a 1A Ruger in 280 Rem that would ft the bill nicely!:)
Cat

[Redneck 7]

There's a Remington mountain stainless on clearance at north Edmonton cabelas on 25-06. Wanted to buy it but I'm starting to adult more and it sucks.

Id say 25-06 is what you're looking for. Maybe a 7mm Rem mag?

[Slicktricker]

I'm in the same boat I've never bought a rifle after 15 years of my 7mm rem weatherby and 30-06 rem I've been looking to purchase my first I'm looking at the browning line up I want a lighter rifle and browning all seem to be around the 6 3/4 to 7 same with tikka. I'm looking into 300 wsm or win though

[ForwardBias]

Check out the Ruger M77 FTW.

[elkhunter11]

The Tikka T-3 and the Sako A7 are fairly light, have good triggers, and tend to be quite accurate.

[t.tinsmith]

If I had your selection I would look at a Browning Highwall/b78 rifle .Not an designed elk chambering but you can do it with the 25/06.You have the other chamberings covered with what you have.This Browning rifle is not synthetic or light but is easy to carry

[Dick284]

Winchester Model 70 featherweight.
280 Rem.

[JustMe]

Winchester Model 70 featherweight.
280 Rem.
The Winchester Model 70 is a great rifle and the Featherweight takes a bit of the weight off. For a calibre, I think I'd stick with your original thought of a 30-06. Ammunition is available everywhere, great variety of bullet weights in factory loads (do you hand load?) and it'll suffice for any animal in N America.

Regardless, enjoy whatever you get!

Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk

[dogslayer403]

Everybody needs a 6.5 of some flavor i vote 6.5x55

[elkhunter11]

Everybody needs a 6.5 of some flavor i vote 6.5x55

That is never a bad choice. I have a Sako Bavarian Carbine in 6.5x55. It is light and very accurate, but it isn't in the OP's price range, and it has a full wooden stock.

[bubba300]

1 pick 280 Rem
2 pick 30-06
3 pick 6.5 x 55

[gunner1911]

So I’ve got the itch for a new hunting rifle (also a bit bored). Problem is I’ve been searching through countless reviews on rifle brands / models, calibers and types, looked at a bunch or “what’s your favourite rifle” threads and I can’t make up my mind on anything.

Now I’ve been through a few rifles over the years but my main hunting rifles are currently a .270win 700 CDL, a .308 BDL lever, a .300wm Sendero, and a 45-70 marlin guide. I realize I can hunt anything with these rifles but I’m looking for something different. More of a want than a need…

I’m looking for an all-around type rifle that is more on the light side for those long treks chasing elk. I can be swayed to either wood or synthetic stock but I’m leaning more towards synthetic as this rifle will get carried around in thick bush through all kinds of weather.

As far as cartridge, I was looking for something tamer than the .300wm I already have. I was thinking possibility 30-06 but again I’m looking for something a little different. Looked into .280AI but ammo availability is of concern and I don’t have time to reload at this time in my life (would like to get into it eventually).

Price range would be $2,000 or less and would not be partial to more affordable rifles so I can spend more on glass. Overall, I’m not looking for a super cosmetic or high quality finish rifle – more concerned with accuracy and ruggedness.

The Weatherby Vanguard Wilderness rifle got my curiosity but there doesn’t seem to be much info on AO for this rifle. Any thoughts? Also, looking at the M70 extreme weather.

Anyways, just looking for some ideas from you guys on rifles and cartridges that would fit my needs. Any suggestions, pictures etc will be appreciated!

I wish I had your problem... Still trying to figure out which hobby to buy new gear for... Only got 3 to decide between....

[amosfella]

Buy yourself a cheaper rifle that you like with a mag bolt face long action, then get it rebarreled to 375 ruger and put a muzzle break on it...

[catnthehat]

Buy yourself a cheaper rifle that you like with a mag bolt face long action, then get it rebarreled to 375 ruger and put a muzzle break on it...

Or just phone up Clay tomorrow and buy that 1885 in 375 H&H :)
Cat

[takeiteasybird]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'll see if I can handle of few of the suggested rifles to see which one fits best. Still not convinced on cartridge but i'm guessing my options will narrow down once I find a rifle I like.

[takeiteasybird]

I wish I had your problem... Still trying to figure out which hobby to buy new gear for... Only got 3 to decide between....

I hear you.. I've been working down the list this year - Let's just say "savings" is not a hobby of mine this year haha

[Don_Parsons]

Same here.

My collection of target, critter, and game is 6mm, 270, 308, 300 Win and Wheatherby, and sold off 338 and 375 HH.

Pick #1 is 30-06
2 is keep 270 or 308.

I know the time has come for me, so 3 months of none stop research is paying off.

You'll find what you want and need as we all do.
Sounds like you have your budget set, that's a good thing.

Pal Don

[Xbolt7mm]

With your selection I would choose a 7mm rem mag, lol and not because of my name. You said your purpose was elk. The 270 and your 308 will work as well but the 7mm mag will give you that long distance feeling better than the other two if that's your thing. My second choice would be a 25-06 but I do consider that a bit small, in fact I let an elk walk last year because I was packing the 25-06 and it was 600 yards, I would have taken that shoot with a 7mm mag or a 300 wm. I kinda do things a bit different with my caliber choices, if I want to change grains I buy a new rifle. Ie. 60 grains is a 22-250, 120 grains is a 25-06, 150 grains is a 7mm mag, 180 grains is a 300wm, 405 grains is a 45-70 sharps. None of the guns will ever get anything different they each have just the one selection. Brand of gun is so different for everyone, my 300 wm tikka t3 light stainless never did fit me quite right so it got a slightly customized Boyd stock that fixed it for me, the Browning xbolt seems great fir me and they have a top notch recoil pad. Some guys hate them but they fit me. My thought on the 30-06 is that with what you already have its just an overlap, grain it down and it will match the 270 almost perfectly, grain it up and it's a 308 with a bit more distance but even hopped up it's still shy of the 300. Only advantage I see is if you reload you could shoot the same pill outa three different cartridges. But why.
I'd sell the 270 and buy a 25-06 and the new one would be the 7mm mag. The 25 would cover the low end of the 270 and the 7mm mag would cover the high end of the 270. 308 will be the bush gun with the 300 for more open shooting. The world according to me lol for what it's worth.