Budget Rifle for Western Rookie

[CalebClick]

I’m a flatlander from East Ky that has made a couple trips out west with archery equipment the past couple years. I’ve spent the past couple years building points and plan to make it west with a rifle in the near future. Here in KY, when I rifle hunt, I have always used the ol’ trusty rem 700 243. It’s never let me down and I plan to continue to do so for my deer hunting in KY. However, I’m wanting to get a budget rifle (sub $650) that will be the most all around for all my future western endeavors (elk, mule deer, bear, antelope). I know the best approach is having more specialized weapons for each species, however, I just don’t have the budget to support that. Nor do I do it enough to warrant multiple weapons. I’m looking for recommendations on the best all-around caliber for all species and also the best budget rifle that will get the job done at a little longer distances (400-500 yards-ish). I know I still will have to invest in a very quality scope and rings and what not, so am looking to keep the rifle as budget friendly as possible. Any recommendations on caliber and budget rifles would be appreciated!

 

[GSPHUNTER]

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.

 

[Mojave]

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

 

[Cannonball]

Ruger American Gen 2 6.5 prc or 7 prc

 

[Pharmseller]

Used stainless Tikka T3 in 7mm-08.

It will kill anything that needs killing inside of 500 yards.

Farther, really.

You don’t need a magnum.

No experience with bear but I’ve killed elk, Mule deer, and antelope with mine.

Farthest kill on a Mulie was 541 yards, elk was 409 yards, antelope only 375 yards. But antelope die pretty easy.




P

 

[nobody]

Tikka T3X Lite in 6.5 Creedmoor

Take this to a big box store like Scheels and have them price match:

https://www.scopelist.com/Tikka-T3x-Lite-65-Creedmoor-Synthetic-JRTXE382.aspx?avad=211021_f3d6a54c5

Add some UM direct mount Tikka rings and a Trijicon Credo/Tenmile, Maven RS1.2, or a fixed 10x or 6x SWFA (buy used if you need to)

Don’t overthink it. Elk and mule deer die just like white tails. Shoot an ELDM/X or a TMK into the front half of any ungulate and watch it die.

 

[Mojave]

I would not buy a used rifle. Especially if I had a budget of $650.

There are times you can find a discounted Tikka t3 for $650. I would do that all day long.

 

[Mojave]

https://www.scopelist.com/JRTXE370-Tikka-Tikka-T3x-Lite-7mm-Rem-Mag-SYN-243--barrel-MP.aspx

This then!

 

[Yukon Cornelius]

Ruger American Gen 2 6.5 prc or 7 prc

I agree. The American is hard to beat as far as bang for your buck.

 

[farmermail]

Lot's of options. As others have mentioned, I'm a fan of a .284 caliber something or other. I would seriously consider a stainless, synthetic stock build. For western hunting, weather is a pain sometimes, blued rifles don't always fare well.

 

[Yoder]

I would buy a cheap used Savage bolt action in 300 WM. My $400 Savage is more accurate than my $1000 Weatherby. Use the money you save on ammo and glass.

 

[Gen273]

A used higher-end Savage, an older used A-Bolt (not the AB3), or you could possibly find a used X-Bolt in your price range. A used Tikka would be in your budget as well.

If you are set on new, look at the CVA Cascade or Ruger American, or even one of the other options listed in previous posts.

As far as the cartridge goes, pick something you can easily find ammo for unless you reload. I would recommend something in 7mm or .30 cal, but there are many other good options too.

 

[Pharmseller]

I would not buy a used rifle. Especially if I had a budget of $650.

There are times you can find a discounted Tikka t3 for $650. I would do that all day long.

Used Tikkas are great.

At least in my experience.

And with the money he saves he can buy better glass, and more ammunition.

Just because the cartridge is lethal at 500 doesn’t mean you have the skill to make the shot. Gotta practice at distance to be able to hit at distance.




P

 

[Spoonbill]

I’m a flatlander from East Ky that has made a couple trips out west with archery equipment the past couple years. I’ve spent the past couple years building points and plan to make it west with a rifle in the near future. Here in KY, when I rifle hunt, I have always used the ol’ trusty rem 700 243. It’s never let me down and I plan to continue to do so for my deer hunting in KY. However, I’m wanting to get a budget rifle (sub $650) that will be the most all around for all my future western endeavors (elk, mule deer, bear, antelope). I know the best approach is having more specialized weapons for each species, however, I just don’t have the budget to support that. Nor do I do it enough to warrant multiple weapons. I’m looking for recommendations on the best all-around caliber for all species and also the best budget rifle that will get the job done at a little longer distances (400-500 yards-ish). I know I still will have to invest in a very quality scope and rings and what not, so am looking to keep the rifle as budget friendly as possible. Any recommendations on caliber and budget rifles would be appreciated!

Have you thought about rebarrelling your 243 to something different. For 650 you could have it rebarrelled to any .473 bolt face short action cartridge. If you wanted to keep it a 243, you could put a faster twist barrel on there and buy heavy 6mm ammo for hunting out west.