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!