Budget Rifle for Western Rookie

[Pharmseller]

You are right, forgive me for my sins. The OP needs a Tikka for hunting out west. Probably a back up Tikka, which happens to come in a 1-8” 243.

My backup to my stainless 7mm-08 Tikka is a…Superlite 7mm-08 Tikka.




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[ReddingArcher]

I’d keep using that 243 honestly. What kind of scope do you have on it? If you need a new scope take that $650 and put it towards a different scope. That 243 with quality ammo will serve you fine. You’ll shoot it better than any magnum you buy. I’ve gone down the road of 7 and 300 magnums and have since sold the 7 mag, rebareled a 300 wm to 6.5 prc and a 7-08 to a 243. I can 100% say that while the 6.5 prc doesn’t recoil terribly, it’s much more pleasant to shoot a 6 creed. I’d rather put a smaller bullet right where I need it to go than a little bit bigger bullet that I may not shoot as well.

 

[CalebClick]

Look for a 30-06 or a .270. I prefer a .300 WM, but that's just me. I inherited it. I got five cow Elk with it.

I kind of had 300wm in my mind but the other two definitely have been on the list as well! Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Steve300xcw]

300wm is a bit much for a do-all gun IMO

 

[CalebClick]

7mm Magnum of some sort is the best answer. Weatherby Vanguard, Howa 1500, Tikka T3. Get one threaded for a muzzle brake so you can see your shots. If it doesn't have one, but comes threaded that is fine. There are tons f muzzle brakes for under $150 on the internet and eBay.

Tikka has a more uncomfortable but more stiff stock than the Howa 1500. Vanguard has a better made stock that either one in their cheapest rifles.

Vanguard and Howa 1500 are the same rifle, both made by Howa. The vanguard generally has more features for the same money. But not always.

7mm PRC is the current "it" cartridge. But it doesn't matter if you shoot a 7mm PRC or a 7mm Remington Magnum or if you can find a deal on one a 280 Ackley, 7mm Weatherby, 28 Nosler, 7mm RUM, or another magnum. 7mm.

The key on the 7mm PRC and 7mm Rem Mag is that you can get the ammo and it is cheaper.

You want a 160 grain VLD bullet at 2900-3200 FPS.

Then that 400-500 yards is less of theory than execution. Your 243 would be fine, and there is a trend to shoot elk with a 243, but I am not a fan of that. Some will argue that is the new normal with our current crop of VLD bullets.

If you really are topped out at $650 here are the options I would choose.

1. CVA Cascade. CVA's are made by Bergara in the same factory, this is their cheaper rifle.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/128606/cva+cascade+7mm+remington+magnum+bolt+action+rifle

2. Howa 1500

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/712025455/lsi+howa-legacy+m1500+hogue+mo+oc+7mmrem+24+stainless+steel

3. Weatherby 1500 Vanguard (this one is not threaded but it is cheaper, by $200)

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/159852/weatherby+vanguard+obsidian+full+size+.7mm+remington+bolt+action+rifle+24

This is awesome intel! I’ve looked into the CVA’s quite a bit! And I like the idea of the cheaper and more available ammo! Definitely a factor to consider! Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Jbehredt]

If your rifle will shoot the 90 grain ELDx or 95 grain ballistic tips use it for elk out to 500.

 

[Spence1875]

At the range this week. Tikka 6.5 creed. This is mine with nothing done to it other than adding a rail and Zeiss V4 4-16 nothing done. Factory Norma 143 bondstrike. Mine is a superlite and not worth the extra but I bought it used.

300 yards off a pack prone. The top one was a called flyer before a looking through the spotter.

You can’t beat the tikkas for accuracy and value to me. Just 1.25 inch 3 shot and 2 inch four shot, with factory hunting ammo.

I would have said REM 700 or Win 70 for most of my life, not the last few years. I recommend T3s.

Spence.

 

[Marbles]

Best budget rifle is the 243 you already have. I use a 243 and 223 and live and hunt in Alaska. So long as it meets the arbitrary legal requirements of were you are hunting, there is no sub $650 rifle I would recommend.

Well, if you can find a deal on a fast twist 243 Tikka and reload to take advantage of 108 ELD-Ms or 103 ELD-Xs, that would be it.

If you don't reload, and don't feel comfortable with a 243, the find a deal on a 6.5 creed Tikka.

 

[Northwest_stillwater]

first rifle i bought for hunting deer,elk,bear,antelope as someone who is a novice with rifles in general is a ruger american go wild edition. came with factory muzzle brake and shoots half inch groups at 100yds. buy a 7mm or any .30 cal and call it good.

 

[def90]

.308 is good enough for anything in the lower 48. A ton of great rifles available in this caliber.

 

[Idahobugler]

.308 easy to shoot, ammos cheap, can find ammo anywhere, will kill everything you’re planning on hunting. Sure it’s not a cool prc or magnum but it’s been my go to for years and the freezer would agree.

 

[OneShot]

If you’re wanting to buy a new gun, Tikka T3x in 6.5cm or 308. Ammo is easy to find if you don’t reload. Pick up some ammo the gun likes and go fill some tags.

I’ll never talk someone out of buying a new gun(unless they’re going to buy a Fierce), but a 243 has killed a lot of mule deer, antelope and elk. It’s a great cartridge. I have 2, but they have sat in the safe because of the price or availability of the ammo I was shooting.

 

[Mountainrancher]

You should be able to find a tikka around 750. Do yourself the favor and save up a little more for it nothing else is close in that price range. However if budget really is that tight I think the Winchester xpr is a nicer rifle than the savage axis and ruger gen 1 I have.

 

[Beaveralum]

Sub $650 I would look at a Ruger American Predator and some Warne Mountain Tech rings. Add the scope of your choice and you will be up and running. If you want to get a little extra fancy, get a Timney trigger for it and you will be very happy and it won’t cost a mortgage payment. Any caliber out west will work, but a good midrange cartridge would be a 6.5 creedmoor or PRC.

 

[butcherboy]

30-06, 270, 308, 7mm-08 would be my choices. Choose something that you can find ammo for in any sporting good store across the country. Ruger American is a great choice. My go to right now is a Browning Abolt in 270 WSM. I’ve had it for 15 years now. Only issue is finding factory ammo but I mostly shoot reloads. Next rifle will more than likely be a 7m-08

 

[rookieforever33]

Make sure you have a reliable scope and spend time finding the best shooting ammo for your .243. Or buy whatever floats your boat and shoots well. Have fun.

 

[Traveler]

Ruger American .300 win mag or .308

 

[cnelk]

I have a safe full of rifles and it’s hard for me not to grab my old ‘06 or .270

They’ve killed a lot of western game.

 

[bpeay4]

so far about 20 different cartridges and rifles have been suggested. Guy is probably more confused now than he was when he started

 

[Traveler]

That’s part of the point. Don’t over think it. 30-06, 7mm-08, .270, .308, .300 win mag are all oldies but goodies. Tikka or ruger american common reccos.