First hunting rifle considerations

[rdramsey8]

I guess I forgot to make a recommendation…after selling the Savage, I picked up a Bergara B14 Wilderness Hunter in 6.5 Creedmor and couldn’t be happier. Action is smooth and the factory cerakote looks great. With the B14 action being a 700 footprint, you have endless options for stocks, scope bases, and triggers.

 

[Rich M]

Please define “New Leupolds.” In your experience, when did they start to suck? I am not questioning your experience, just trying to figure it out because my experience with them has been uniformly positive. But I haven’t bought one and used it extensively in a few years.


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VX-2 was purchased 2006
VX-3i was purchased 2019

I still have the VX-2, the VX-3i is on someone else's 243 and they are happy with it.

 

[njons]

Bergara B14 cambered in .308

 

[Don Fischer]

If I were starting over again I doubt I'd really know or understand what I was being told by other's You may be recoil shy and even the 308 might be a bit much. 243 will certainly kill most any deer you will ever find but I'm down on 6mm's for no other reason than I think there's better answers out there. 6.5 Creedmoor should be a fine choice although I never shot one, I had a 260 made up on a 700 Remington 700 action. Recoil should be a lot like the 260. My 260 run's 140gr handloads great but doubt you handload so its factory ammo for you. Have no idea what is around in either the Creedmoor or the 260, been handloading well over 50 yrs now and don't often buy factory ammo other than rim fire. The 7mm-08 get lots of good comments but another I've never shot. But have used a 7x57 a good deal and it didn't beat me up. I don't go for recoil myself. The recoil is something you'll have to figure out and pretty tuff to do without a gun your interested in to try and shoot! Couple things that cause recoil are cartridge case size and bullet weight and velocity. case size gets bigger and recoil goes up to some degree. Same with bullet weight, weight goes up so does recoil. I don't suspect the 308 will bother you, I've shot one for years, in fact about five yrs ago started using a 30-06 for an elk rifle. Plain truth is the 308 will do pretty much everything the 30-06 will do with the same bullet's but a bit less recoil. The bigger case uses more powder and result is a bit more recoil. I think the best cartridge for you, you might not find anymore. 250-3000 Savage. American hunter's worship velocity and the 25-06 blows away the 250-3000. I have and have shot the 25-06 a lot over the years and don't find recoil to much to deal with but pretty good muzzle blast will wake you up. My favorite hunting cartridges today are 6.5's, 6,5x55, 260 and 6.5x06. 6.5x06 you can't buy ammo for. 260 you can but I suspect 6.5 Creedmoor is much easier and what one does pretty much so does the other. You go creedmoor and it's a good choice. 6.5x06 is a wildcatt you won't find ammo for, sorry I mentioned it. The other 6.5 worth mention is the 6.5x55. In a strong commercial action it handles pressure well but to many low pressure rifles around and I suspect ammo is made for them. Also 6.5x55 ammo may be very hard to find in this country! When looking at rifles, look at those that might appeal to you, Until you take the first shot that's all your gonna know about it, buy the rifle and recoil comes later! Could be someone on here that lives near you that might let you fire a few different rifles so you'll have a better idea what your in for!

Rifles. What surprised me was my Mossberg Patriot. Its a 243, my varmint gun and I seldom hunt varmints! My excuse to buy a new gun gun! But I got it in a plastic stock, hate them, and ordered a factory wood stock from Mossberg soon as I got it home. Rifle in plastic stock I think was around $300 and another $150 for the wood stock I ordered. Bought some loading dies with the rifle and a box of factory ammo so I could shoot it when I got home. Impressive as with the factory ammo it grouped well under 1" group at 100 yds. Only thing I'm on the fence about is the factory bedding, plastic insert is a part of the magazine well, not a clue how to bed it myself but at under an inch group, no need to worry to much but it is a hic up for me. I bought a Vortex 3-9x Variable scope for it: easier to see sage rats out over 200+ yds. Scale of 1-10 how do I like it? 9! Good looking, nice action and shoots very well.

Rifle I got before that one was my 6.5x55 a mod 70 Winchester Featherweight. I believe it does come in 6.5 Creedmoor, most everything does these days! Been some years back I got it and paid $790 I think it was for it. Money well spent. blue steel and wood stock and adjustable trigger. I think today it's over $800 somewhere. have a Leupold/Redfield 2-7x scope on it. Can see any animal the size of a small deer more than well enough to shoot at 300yds, 300yds the limit at what I'll shoot big game. Rifle shoots 140 gr bullet's sighted in for max point blank range at an 8" target and need a bit of hold over at 300 yds. Speaking of 300yds I have only done that one time at a deer with my 6.5x06. Held over about 4" as it was actually 330yds with my range finder. Normally I never take a shot much over 250 yd and usually much less. I don't know if the Mod 70 comes in 260 or not but not a big thing as I think it is in 6.5 Creedmoor and ain't a nickels worth of difference in the two!

Find the make and model rifle you want then look to see what cartridges you could get it in. Start with something like the 6.5 Creedmoor to keep recoil down as I'm thinking you haven't a clue how much you can stand right now. If you feel you'd like more later, you can always go up in cartridge. And pretty much sticking to a manufacturer's entry level rifles will get you a good rifle without fancier finishing. Most accurate rifle I ever owned was a Remington 788, an entry model. My mod 70 is not an entry level but I had the money and liked the feel and looks of it so bought it, no complaints.

I think Ruger has an entry level but I know nothing about it, same for Savage. But Savage has earned a very good reputation on their entry level for accuracy, another I know little about but have shot a few and they shot well.

Keep it in order as you go. first, the rifle. Must look good to you and feel good in your hands. You wont shoot enough a rifle you don't like and never really get close to it. Then get a cartridge you think you'd enjoy shooting. Again get one that simply won't shoot well and you'll be slower to take it out and practice. practice will bring you much closer to the rifle, you'll shoot more and you'll shoot better.

Good luck to ya and try and find somebody hopefully with a rifle you like in a cartridge you'd like to try to try out. Don't know where your from, I'm I'm Central Oregon about 70 mi from Bend. if your close give a shout, I'm in the book in Antelope, Ore. Have a 243, 25-06, 260 and 6.5x55 you could try. Gave my 308 to a brother but my son has my old 308.

 

[Wildone]

Some good information posted already but I’ll add some to confuse you a little more. LOL

Don’t over look a used rifle for your first gun. There’s a lot of guys out there that just like to keep trying new stuff for a little while then sell it later down the road. I’ve bought or traded for used stuff that were absolute tack drivers. Some were custom builds with glass and all for under 2k and shot very little. Some were just stainless factory production for as little as 400.

There are probably more custom guns built off of a Remington 700 action or one of its clones than any other in the world. Hint. The tika is no slouch and if you believe you’re going to be a one and done buyer it would be the easy button. Nothing wrong with that.

If someone tells me they are going to be a one gun owner and asks for suggestions I usually recommend the 308 because it has such a wide range of bullet weights available for it. Secondly, you can find ammo for it everywhere including the gas station of Podunktown, USA. This is not the case for the 6.5. Just something to keep in mind if you ever think you may travel somewhere.

Think about what your long term vision could be. If KS is the only place you ever see yourself the 6.5 would be my pick, if you think you may want to travel somewhere for a different species you may want to take that into consideration.

New guns are only new the first day after that they are all used.

 

[Don Fischer]

Some good information posted already but I’ll add some to confuse you a little more. LOL

Don’t over look a used rifle for your first gun. There’s a lot of guys out there that just like to keep trying new stuff for a little while then sell it later down the road. I’ve bought or traded for used stuff that were absolute tack drivers. Some were custom builds with glass and all for under 2k and shot very little. Some were just stainless factory production for as little as 400.

There are probably more custom guns built off of a Remington 700 action or one of its clones than any other in the world. Hint. The tika is no slouch and if you believe you’re going to be a one and done buyer it would be the easy button. Nothing wrong with that.

If someone tells me they are going to be a one gun owner and asks for suggestions I usually recommend the 308 because it has such a wide range of bullet weights available for it. Secondly, you can find ammo for it everywhere including the gas station of Podunktown, USA. This is not the case for the 6.5. Just something to keep in mind if you ever think you may travel somewhere.

Think about what your long term vision could be. If KS is the only place you ever see yourself the 6.5 would be my pick, if you think you may want to travel somewhere for a different species you may want to take that into consideration.

New guns are only new the first day after that they are all used.

This I like but for one thing. If your gonna be a one gun owner the 308 would work but so would the 6.5 Creedmoor. the 6.5 Creedmoor has less recoil! I used to think a wide range of bullet's was great and 30 cal certainly has that. But finally got it. Thought going in the 100gr bullet in the 25-06 would be great, shoot everybody said so. Well I found out the 100gr bullet is so fast your off your mark a bit or simply place a bullet poorly and your gonna turn a bunch of good meat into dog food! The 117gr I don't get as many dead right there deer with but they normally walk off a few yds and lay down dead. Less meat damage! I can see the same problem in the 6.5 Creedmoor using a 120 gr bullet rather than a bit larger. have killed a number of deer with the 6.5x06 and 6.5x55 with 140gr bullets and suspect they will work better than much lighter bullet's like say a 120gr bullet. Lighter the bullet the higher the velocity. Higher the velocity the greater the damage. have killed several deer with my 6.5x06 and 129gr bullet but bullet was always placed just behind the front leg. Hit the front leg and don't really know what would happen but suspect loose most the front leg. Then too if your worried about ingesting lead, at 6.5x06 velocity the 129gr bullet could become a 129gr bomb you place it wrong! In the 308 I'm not sure what the 150gr bullet might do placed a bit off but I've had great luck with 165gr bullet's even if a bit off. Took my 308 fishing in Alaska on a small river shared with grizzly bear and worked up a 200gr load for it. Thinking being a bear charge is gonna be from close range and the bullet had better hold together then or you might get a invitation to dinner with the bear. Always consider the game your hunting and the bullet your using. Keep in mind a heavier bullet will kill an animal just as dead and a lighter one if you place the bullet well. A bear charging from 20' is gonna get more energy from that 200gr bullet than a much lighter one and likely more penetrate much better. Same bear at 150yds, probably isn't attacking and that 200gr bullet would have been useless because of accuracy that far off. You try it and pull it off and then explain to the warden the bear was attacking from 150yds and you'll probably get a ticket. While the 30cal has a teriffic number of bullet's, they are not all a good idea to use. Some company's make varmint bullet's in 30 cal but I have never met a guy who used a 30 cal for a varmint cartridge!

Well getting to windy. from the choices your looking at I'd say the 6.5 Creedmoor is your best shot. 129gr for deer and antelope and 140gr for black bear and elk.

Oh yea. To get practice shooting a 338 mag years ago so I could manage recoil I did in fact go hunting sage rats with it. Usually game over with one miss place shot. Shoot. a 210gr 338 bullet is almost as big as a sage rat! Hit it in the butt and the other side of the bullet takes out the chest cavity!

Think the rifle you'd like first and then think a cartridge that will cover your bases that you'd like to shoot.

 

[smoshtag]

My first rifle was a Mossberg Patriot 30-06 with a vortex scope included.

Besides a kick I wasn't expecting as a newbie I really enjoy that rifle. I was able have a good grouping my first go round at the range, and had my first successful hunt with in from about 160 yards. While I plan on getting a higher end left handed bolt action (Tikka T3x) I'll keep the Mossberg and pass it down someday.

 

[Jwlovie]

I am building a Howa 7mm08 for similar hunting . Best of luck

 

[SalCP]

Lookig to get started hunting whitetail, currently, I am looking at the .308 or the 6.5 Creedmoor but can't figure out what bolt action rifle to get. I been looking for wood stock options but they seem fair and few between, with a price range of 800-1100 dollars range. What rifles would you recommend for someone looking to get into hunting?

Tikka T3X in .270 Winchester is my first rifle and I don’t see myself getting another. It has a smooth action and is a good all around gun that will take down just about anything. Have a Leupold vx5hd on it and it’s money. You can upgrade trigger, stock, etc if you want to go down the rabbit hole but if you’re a meat and potatoes guy like me it gets the job done.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I’m selling two Remington Model Seven rifles. They are in 308 and 7-08 with 20” barrels. Both are stainless with synthetic stocks. You can put an aftermarket wood stock on it. They’re great rifles.

 

[dreadi]

For someone starting out? A Ruger or a Savage with a synthetic stock, stainless steel barrel and action.

But if you're really into wood, Mossberg Patriot, Ruger Hawkeye Hunter, Ruger Hawkeye Predator are a few.

 

[horpensky]

I started out with a Mossberg Patriot 6.5 CM + Vortex Crossfire scope. It was a Cabela's package and it was much cheaper than the Tikka my buddy who got me into hunting was telling me to buy. Compared to the Tikka it's heavier, finish isn't as nice, and bolt is far less smooth. That said, it shoots good (not great) groups (although haven't tested many different ammo), and it's been fine as a hunting rifle.

The scope on the other hand, while decent enough to look through, is terrible at holding zero. As a newbie, I had no idea at the time that scopes losing zero was a thing. It was fine for the first few years, but then I must have bumped it hard enough at one point that it led to one bewildering and highly discouraging hunting season where I questioned my ability to shoot anymore. Turned out I was no longer on paper at 50 yards. Rezeroed it and used it successfully to hunt for a few years more, but my trust in the combo was never the same. I've since moved on to a Tikka T3x.

If I were to start over and money was still a factor, I would probably still consider the Patriot, but would ABSOLUTLEY NOT skimp by putting an unreliable scope on top. At OP's budget, I would not hesitate to jump right to the Tikka T3x, and the 6.5CM is a great cartridge to shoot. I think the ideal value choice would be to pick up a used T3x and putting the extra money towards a good solid scope.

 

[shol92779]

This is an older thread, but I'll throw my $.02 in if you're still deciding. Tikka or Bergara or both great rifles. Either caliber will be good, but I'd lean toward the 6.5 CM if you will be doing any long range hunting. Someone mentioned not being afraid to buy used. I second that. You can pick up a lot more bang for your buck at times going that route.

 

[3855WIN]

257 WBY wasn’t one of your choices, but you’d rule the plains with it.

 

[swampmaster]

My advice is hit every shop that sells new and or used rifles. Handle as many different makes and models as you can. Caliber wise there are a whole lot that will easily kill white-tails out to 300 yards. Settle on one like the 308 or 7mm-08 or 6.5cr that are easy to find ammo for. I have shot a Savage 110 in '06 that was extremely accurate, but I just didn't care for the action feel. I have been a Remington fan for almost 50 years and for some reason the sound and the feel of the bolt make music for me. I'm sure others will tell you to shy away from them due to triggers or whatever, but they have been relatively trouble free and accurate for me as far as 700's and model 7's. Remember bullet/load selection is important not only in the performance of the round on animals, but also in the performance of the rifle. I love my 7mm-08 because it's short light and I can count on it at 50 yards and out beyond 300 yards if I put a bullet where it needs to be.

 

[MarkOrtiz]

I would check out 7mm-08. My son shoots a youth model Mossberg Patriot, but they make an adult version with a wood stock. He harvested 4 Texas whitetail over the past 3 days with it from 80-240 yards.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

My advice is hit every shop that sells new and or used rifles. Handle as many different makes and models as you can. Caliber wise there are a whole lot that will easily kill white-tails out to 300 yards.

Very much this. There’s no substitute for handling them and seeing what you like.

And bullets matter more than head-stamps.


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