Getting opinions on the first rifle

[Jbehredt]

I’ve got a tikka t3x 7.5 Creedmoor, Sportsmatch rings, nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42 and I load the Barnes 127g LRX, it’s a killer set up and I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for lots of different game. I’m hoping to build the exact same set up but in 300wsm this summer.

I’ll admit to googling “7.5 creedmoor”. After reading this.

 

[BjornF16]

I get that this will be the OPs first hunting rifle, but the guy says he wants to hunt elk and bear. Frankly, I am with Formidilosus and his opinion of going with a big 30 cal for elk. I don't see bear any different. For the naysayers thinking that a 300wsm or the like will kick to much for the OP, there are these things called breaks that make a significant reduction in recoil. IMNSHO, based on some of the suggestions, I believe the OP will be significantly under-gunned. for the larger species. But hey, if he is going to work up to the larger species, at the point he does, he can buy a better suited rifle, scope...

OP mentioned elk and black bear. I don’t think he is under gunned at all with 6.5 CM through 308 suggestions.

I’m with EagleMtnMan...Kimber Montana in 7mm-08 or 308.

Pair that with Swarovski Z5 2.4-12x50...perfect light gathering for forest low light and good enough for mountains as well. I have one on my Fieldcraft 6.5 CM and really like it. Weighs 16 oz.

The one scope I like better is Z5 3.5-18x44. It has parallax focus and also weighs in at 16 oz.

 

[MHWASH]

Can you post up your comparison?

These are my loads that I’ve chrono’ed.

 

[BjornF16]

Regarding Formidilosus and caliber “minimums”, I’ll link to a post of his that seems to infer a disregard for “cartridge minimums” on a thread discussing .223 on elk

.223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose.

To jump in on said dumpster fire, my take is this: Hunting big game with a .223 is the equivalent of all the IGFA 4, 6 and 8 pound test line class records. Can you spool a TLD 25 up with 8 pound test and catch a marlin? Yes. It is certainly possible. Is it less ethical? Probably. The fish...

www.rokslide.com

Perhaps Form can weigh in himself.

 

[Rob5589]

Question: How did we learn to shoot before the ‘moor?

Long and painful range sessions.

Apparently

 

[Bubblehide]

Regarding Formidilosus and caliber “minimums”, I’ll link to a post of his that seems to infer a disregard for “cartridge minimums” on a thread discussing .223 on elk

.223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose.

To jump in on said dumpster fire, my take is this: Hunting big game with a .223 is the equivalent of all the IGFA 4, 6 and 8 pound test line class records. Can you spool a TLD 25 up with 8 pound test and catch a marlin? Yes. It is certainly possible. Is it less ethical? Probably. The fish...

www.rokslide.com

Perhaps Form can weigh in himself.

I think you missed his point. But yes, lets hope he weighs in himself.

 

[OXN939]

Wow, gentlemen, no need to get in to an argument argument about ballistics if we are splitting hair. I will not know the difference simply because I can not shoot for shit. I'm looking at the mid price range because I know that once I start shooting I will know what I need form the rifle and I can sell or upgrade. before that happens you can give me the nicest the most custom Mt Everest high end rifle but it still will not make me a better shot.
If you are to split the budget between the scope and the gun, what is the reasonable ratio? 50/50? 40/60?

I started out the same way you are- doing some general firearms deer in VA before getting into western hunting. Your original post about .308 is super solid, and I'd definitely go with that over any magnum round that will do nothing for your purposes other than kick harder and cost you more money in ammo. Also, you have about two months to get one private sale, completely legally, if that appeals to you. Some solid rifles on VA Guntrader right now.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

These are my loads that I’ve chrono’ed.
View attachment 178067View attachment 178068View attachment 178069

What bullet did you use for the 270, both 130 gr and 140 gr? I ask since the AB (your 7mm Rem Mag load) tends to run out of steam fairly quickly.

Using commercial Precision Hunter, things start relatively close but the gap between the 270 and 7mm Rem Mag gets more pronounced the further you go.

 

[Teaman1]

I started with a 308, got my first job when I was 14 and bought a model 70 300 wsm that I really enjoy.
I really like tikkas and have heard a lot of good things about 150 grain partitions in a 270 Winchester. I just got a 270 for my wife last week for her all around rifle.

 

[Teaman1]

Will add that I’ve bought 4 rifles from the rokslide classifieds and all turned out good for less than I would’ve spent new

 

[BjornF16]

I think you missed his point. But yes, lets hope he weighs in himself.

Possibly...but it sure sounds like he is advocating smaller caliber/cartridges with appropriate bullets for the task at hand.

So we take bigger rounds and use bullets that are designed to minimize tissue damage because we don’t want the above. That’s is equivalent to buying a V8 and then because it’s too fast, start yanking spark plugs out to tone it down. NO ONE does that. Why not drop down in calibers until when maximized the damage/effects are what we want? Then we can also gain less recoil, weight, cost, muzzle blast, length, while having more fun and the ability to spot your own impacts. That’s leads to higher hit rates, and more success.

 

[MHWASH]

What bullet did you use for the 270, both 130 gr and 140 gr? I ask since the AB (your 7mm Rem Mag load) tends to run out of steam fairly quickly.

Using commercial Precision Hunter, things start relatively close but the gap between the 270 and 7mm Rem Mag gets more pronounced the further you go.

View attachment 178090

The 140 .270 is the Accu Bond. Don’t recall what the 130 is as I don’t shoot 130s.
I don’t disagree with your spread sheet, but those ranges don’t fit with this discussion as he’s looking for his first rifle. If someone is shooting those distances, they are dialing, and the difference in trajectory if your dialing doesn’t come in to play.

 

[brettdunn7]

.338 Lapua.

Lol no jk. .308 is a solid rifle. I see 6.5 creed a lot but wonder why not the 6.5 PRC.


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[Apollo117]

.338 Lapua.

Lol no jk. .308 is a solid rifle. I see 6.5 creed a lot but wonder why not the 6.5 PRC.


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Going out on a limb and suggesting that lack of ammo availability and price are why the 6.5 PRC hasn't been suggested. The 6.5 PRC would fit the bill nicely, but it's just not as readily available nor as cheap as previous suggestions.

 

[brettdunn7]

Going out on a limb and suggesting that lack of ammo availability and price are why the 6.5 PRC hasn't been suggested. The 6.5 PRC would fit the bill nicely, but it's just not as readily available nor as cheap as previous suggestions.

Ah ok. I honestly didn’t know. I’m looking at Browning’s new X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Max Long Range in .300PRC.


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[Apollo117]

Ah ok. I honestly didn’t know. I’m looking at Browning’s new X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Max Long Range in .300PRC.


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I owned a Browning A-bolt in 22-250 for a short time before a friend talked me out of it. I regret being suckered out it now.

Sounds like you picked a good rifle and cartridge to me. Be ready for about $50+ per box of 300 PRC. Unless you reload of course and then it's only marginally cheaper.

 

[alexanderg23]

I’ll vote for Tikka in 7mm-08 and a Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x40. CDS would be nice too.

 

[TxxAgg]

I've tried A LOT of off the shelf rifles the last 5 years or so. If you want blued/walnut go with a CZ 557. If you want stainless/synthetic go with a Tikka T3x.
I like Warne rings and Meopta Meopro scopes for both. (The BDC reticle makes target shooting out to 500 yds doable unless it's really windy).

 

[16Bore]

Last 3 or 4 pages is why 30-06 rules. Don’t forget that bullets matter.

 

[Woodrow F Call]

Tikka, SWFA, 6.5 Creed/7mm-08

The two thirtys are fine, but I'd probably start with one of the above.