Back Country Elk/Deer rifle (possibly moose)

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Apr 3, 2024
I’ve been doing some digging and I’m trying to make the absolute best sub 2,000 Elk/Deer rifle (Maybe Moose) I can make.

I’ve decided on a caliber.

30-06. Not the hottest, or best at anything, but it’s proven. Ammo is plentiful and it can do everything I need it to within my boundaries. (400 yards maybe 500)

I’ve decided on an optic.

Trijicon Accupoint 2.5-12.5x42 with the Moa Dot reticle.

Simple, battery free illumination, perfect magnification range for my use, capped windage and elevation because I don’t dial, and adjustable parallax.

Now for rifle.

It’s between the Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather (1400 bucks), Browning Xbolt 2 (1400 bucks), Ruger Hawkeye (1000-1500 bucks), and Tikka T3x (600-1300).

I’ll note the tikka has a 1:11 twist which will stabilize anything up to 190 grains and most up to 200 grains. Thank you.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
I have a Tikka T3 Superlite in 30-06 (have had a couple of them). Has been a great rifle for what you're describing.

For the choices you listed, I think the Tikka is not only the cheapest, but probably has as good or better odds of shooting well right out of the box. Mine have generally been "one load rifles". That is, the first load I ran through it shot sub-moa and the loading process was over.
 
Browning all day long. Bolt throw, center thumb safety. If you can live without the Xbolt2, you may find some bargains if the old ones go on discount.
 
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I’ve been doing some digging and I’m trying to make the absolute best sub 2,000 Elk/Deer rifle (Maybe Moose) I can make.

I’ve decided on a caliber.

30-06. Not the hottest, or best at anything, but it’s proven. Ammo is plentiful and it can do everything I need it to within my boundaries. (400 yards maybe 500)

I’ve decided on an optic.

Trijicon Accupoint 2.5-12.5x42 with the Moa Dot reticle.

Simple, battery free illumination, perfect magnification range for my use, capped windage and elevation because I don’t dial, and adjustable parallax.

Now for rifle.

It’s between the Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather (1400 bucks), Browning Xbolt 2 (1400 bucks), Ruger Hawkeye (1000-1500 bucks), and Tikka T3x (600-1300).

I’ll note the tikka has a 1:11 twist which will stabilize anything up to 190 grains and most up to 200 grains. Thank you.

Any help would be appreciated.
Has to be the Model 70, right? It’s such a good rifle and is extremely reliable. Controlled Round Feed cannot be beaten!

As for me, I’m going to go with a Model 70 Super Grade in .270 (God willing). I think they are THE best hunting rifles.

You also get an extra round than the Ruger!
 
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