Budget Rifle for Western Rookie

[Matt5266]

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.

This! . @Marbles nailed it. Lived and hunted in Idaho my whole life. Everything from moose to antelope including varmints. That 243 will do the job. No need for a magnum. I suggest using that cash to get very confident In your current rifle especially if your planning shots at a decent range. Let me tell you the weather/wind out west can be unpredictable and shooting 600 yards is not the same as a flat range.

If you must buy a new rifle I would spread out your caliber selection a little bit and go 6.5 Creedmoor. Cheap, can buy ammo anywhere and will easily take anything out west as well. Like others have said with the tikka rebate I'd definitely pick one of those up if the budget was $650ish.

 

[bojangles808]

6.5 creedmoor tikka with something to raise the comb, vertical grip and trigger spring. factory 147 eldms, sportmatch to84 rings and a used 3-15 swfa (5-600) would be my one gun budget choice

 

[cnelk]

I will add, whatever caliber you decide to shoot, the animal will not know the difference.

 

[flyfisher117]

Just shoot your .243 and spend the money on gas, glass, and ammo.

I still prefer my little .243 to anything. 85 gn Nosler Partitions have anchored every animal I have shot with it.

If you absolutely must buy a new rifle then save up and buy a quality one you'll be happy with.

 

[Pharmseller]

You guys are awful.

At least tell him to buy a backup .243.




P

 

[SloppyJ]

Let's add another one, how about a tikka 6.5prc? I'm assuming you're keeping the .243. If not then maybe a 6.5 creed that would lend itself to more practicing.

 

[elkliver]

30-06 , 7mm, 300 win mag, are all universal cartridges. a 243 is NOT a universal cartridge!!!! people may disagree but the Savage combos shoot very well for the price point that they are and they make a great intro firearm on a budget

 

[SwiftShot]

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!

Ruger American Gen 2 in 6.5 PRC, 308, 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 win all will work.

 

[Choupique]

A blued/plastic tikka T3 can be caught on sale for about $700. They come with 1" rings that are serviceable. Get a $500 trijicon scope and that'll have you rokslide approved for $1200.

 

[BCD]

Sauer 100

 

[hunting1]

I'm in the .308 group for an all around that you can shoot a lot.

 

[hereinaz]

OP, why 300 wm? "Out West" you'll want the best ballistics possible out to 500 for wind. Consider the 7 PRC because you can get a 7 PRC that shoots better ballistic bullets than the 300 that are in the same weight class. And, recoil is typically a little less.

Get what tickles your fancy, but the vast majority of western hunters use a smaller caliber than 300 wm, and we are going to smaller and smaller calibers. After a day at the range where guys are missing the target with their 300, 270s, '06, 7 rem mag, etc, guys start looking at buying a 6.5 creed or PRC because they are smashing targets with my rifles.

But, There are guys that are sticking with a 300 mag, they are going with 300 PRC to get the better ballistic bullet for long range. In my circles, they are also the guys who like to shoot past 1200 yards for fun, and shoot a lot with it so they master the recoil out in the desert ranges we set up.

Whatever you choose, the adventure of western hunting is amazing.