Low recoil rifle for elk, deer, etc. but .270 or larger caliber

[UnckleBob]

OP's hunting in Kentucky, .270 caliber or larger is required in the regulations.

To answer the question though, I'd go for 7x57 as a first choice with 7.62x39 as another option.

It's like advocating buying a 223 Tikka in a state where a 6mm or larger bullet is required by law. It is funny to watch.

 

[ColPenguin]

It's like advocating buying a 223 Tikka in a state where a 6mm or larger bullet is required by law. It is funny to watch.

He can shoot 4 deer a year with .223 in KY.

Unlikely to draw a KY Elk tag. The caliber restriction is not a good reason to justify a rifle purchase now for a tag that you might draw in 20 years.

 

[Marbles]

It's like advocating buying a 223 Tikka in a state where a 6mm or larger bullet is required by law. It is funny to watch.

It is funny when people don't read and see the 270 is only required for a drawing elk tag that he might not draw for years.

 

[KenLee]

X-bolt 7mm-08 and 120 gr NBT. Can bump up to 140 gr NBT or 150 gr ELD-x for elk IF you want bigger. I wouldn't be scared to shoot anything round here with the 120.

Tikkas kick like mules for the cartridge you're pushing. X-bolt has spectacular factory recoil pads.

 

[KenLee]

He can shoot 4 deer a year with .223 in KY.

Unlikely to draw a KY Elk tag. The caliber restriction is not a good reason to justify a rifle purchase now for a tag that you might draw in 20 years.

Since when do we need to justify buying a new rifle?

 

[ColPenguin]

Since when do we need to justify buying a new rifle?

The caliber restriction is not justified right now for a tag not in hand. OP doesn't have a KY Elk tag but wants to treat this purchase as if it's only for that purpose.

He can just buy any centerfire rifle, hunt deer, and not pretend that the only justification for purchase is hunting KY Elk.

 

[EastHumboldt]

7-08 Tikka pushing 150 gr pills at 2800 fps doesn’t kick any harder than a 6.5 creed. Put a limbsaver on and It’s a kitten to shoot IMO. Course I learned to shoot and hunted with a 30-06 for 30+ years, so anything in the .308 family is not hard kicking to me.

 

[grfox92]

I would not not buy a rifle based for the rare case you draw a once in a lifetime tag. Just buy or borrow a rifle when that time comes.

I always say, I will never own a $3500 spotting scope....Until I draw a sheep tag, then I'll buy one because I NEED it.

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[Rock’N Tacos]

Browning x-bolt in 6.8 western is what you are looking for. Amazing rifles and cartridge is more efficient for what you are looking to do.

 

[Rock’N Tacos]

I would not not buy a rifle based for the rare case you draw a once in a lifetime tag. Just buy or borrow a rifle when that time comes.

I always say, I will never own a $3500 spotting scope....Until I draw a sheep tag, then I'll buy one because I NEED it.

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Thats what I always said too, now I own a Kowa 66a. Once you compare the alpha stuff to the rest it becomes easier to justify the cost.

Also, the guy is obviously looking for an excuse to get a new rifle and did a great job using the potential for elk to get his wife on board - why are you guys cockblocking a new rifle?! Gotta have this guys back.

The sales pitch to the wife an elk gun! Get rid of the rokslide cult bullshit and help the dude out! No 223s and ammo bullshit. He doesn’t want or need that.

What the hell is the matter with some you guys?!

We moved states recently and a couple guys we go to church with do some thermal pig hunting. Do I have an invite yet? Nope! Did I leverage the chance of an invite to put together a new thermal set up with the wife? Hell yes I did!

 

[Mcsmith]

Thanks everyone. I don’t have the funds available very often to go buy a new rifle so I was trying to justify buying one very nice rifle now with a decent stack of ammo to train with. From what everyone is saying I think I’ll just go the 6.5cm route because that’s something I’ve been wanting for awhile. When the time comes if I get the tag I’ll buy a takeoff barrel or a new rifle and just work some more overtime to offset the cost. Going out west to hunt would be a more realistic option than thinking I’ll win that tag. And I bow hunt so it still leaves that option open to keep putting in for the archery draw. Building out a Tikka or similar with a nice action and putting my good scope and bipod on it to train with in a caliber I like more definitely makes more sense, then swap barrels when the time comes.


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[Rock’N Tacos]

Thanks everyone. I don’t have the funds available very often to go buy a new rifle so I was trying to justify buying one very nice rifle now with a decent stack of ammo to train with. From what everyone is saying I think I’ll just go the 6.5cm route because that’s something I’ve been wanting for awhile. When the time comes if I get the tag I’ll buy a takeoff barrel or a new rifle and just work some more overtime to offset the cost. Going out west to hunt would be a more realistic option than thinking I’ll win that tag. And I bow hunt so it still leaves that option open to keep putting in for the archery draw. Building out a Tikka or similar with a nice action and putting my good scope and bipod on it to train with in a caliber I like more definitely makes more sense, then swap barrels when the time comes.


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Before you commit to that you already have two cheap to shoot guns. Get yourself an awesome hunting rifle. Seriously look at the xbolts in 6.8 western. Swapping barrels isn’t cheap.

 

[rookieforever33]

Thanks everyone. I don’t have the funds available very often to go buy a new rifle so I was trying to justify buying one very nice rifle now with a decent stack of ammo to train with. From what everyone is saying I think I’ll just go the 6.5cm route because that’s something I’ve been wanting for awhile. When the time comes if I get the tag I’ll buy a takeoff barrel or a new rifle and just work some more overtime to offset the cost. Going out west to hunt would be a more realistic option than thinking I’ll win that tag. And I bow hunt so it still leaves that option open to keep putting in for the archery draw. Building out a Tikka or similar with a nice action and putting my good scope and bipod on it to train with in a caliber I like more definitely makes more sense, then swap barrels when the time comes.


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Whatever rifle you buy make sure its a true upgrade. This site has a big push for tikkas because they are under $1000, they have great actions, are generally accurate out of the box, and have TONS of aftermarket options. X Bolts seem to have good rifles under $1000, but no aftermarket options. There are other rifles below $1000 that are not as known, but are an upgrade over your Axis. Go over $1000 and it can be hard sometimes to get a rifle as good as below $1000, its just prettier. Beyond that its a deep pocket rabbit hole. Good luck on deciding.

 

[Turkeytider]

The savage is very accurate, I just can’t stand the function of it. I can keep it steady and cycle the bolt, you have to muscle it too much. Everyone I’ve had shoot it has complained about it. I’d be interested in another savage but never another axis.


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Have you considered looking at the 110 line? In the interest of complete honesty, I’ve not cycled any Axis line rifles to compare them to the action out of my 110 Storm, but I DO know that the 110 action that I have is surprisingly close to that of my Tikka Super Varmint in 6.5 CM. Just generally, the 110 line is a grade up from the Axis line.

 

[KenLee]

The caliber restriction is not justified right now for a tag not in hand. OP doesn't have a KY Elk tag but wants to treat this purchase as if it's only for that purpose.

He can just buy any centerfire rifle, hunt deer, and not pretend that the only justification for purchase is hunting KY Elk.

Or he can buy what he wants now and get proficient with it.

 

[WBT]

I may have missed it, but why not suppress your 308? That will bring recoil down significantly.

 

[Mcsmith]

I’m going to go cycle several rifles and find what feels good. Check a few stores even some used rifles. I’m ok spending over 1000 on a new rifle especially if ammo cost is reasonable. I have good glass for it already and have a good rangefinder, bipod, bag, all the general shooting gear. Main concern is a good rifle. I’m going to look at stats on suppressors and brakes to see what kind of recoil difference there is. I’m capable of shooting a .300win or something similar but I shoot significantly better on the lower recoil rifles.


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[Mcsmith]

I may have missed it, but why not suppress your 308? That will bring recoil down significantly.

It’s a lightweight barrel without threads. I could buy an adapter or change the barrel but the action on my current rifle is junk. Struggles to cycle with anyone who has shot it


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[Rock’N Tacos]

Whatever rifle you buy make sure its a true upgrade. This site has a big push for tikkas because they are under $1000, they have great actions, are generally accurate out of the box, and have TONS of aftermarket options. X Bolts seem to have good rifles under $1000, but no aftermarket options. There are other rifles below $1000 that are not as known, but are an upgrade over your Axis. Go over $1000 and it can be hard sometimes to get a rifle as good as below $1000, its just prettier. Beyond that its a deep pocket rabbit hole. Good luck on deciding.

What do you mean no aftermarket options for x-bolts? Are you sure about that or just regurgitating stuff you have heard on this site to push tikkas?

 

[Rock’N Tacos]

I’m going to go cycle several rifles and find what feels good. Check a few stores even some used rifles. I’m ok spending over 1000 on a new rifle especially if ammo cost is reasonable. I have good glass for it already and have a good rangefinder, bipod, bag, all the general shooting gear. Main concern is a good rifle. I’m going to look at stats on suppressors and brakes to see what kind of recoil difference there is. I’m capable of shooting a .300win or something similar but I shoot significantly better on the lower recoil rifles.


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Food for thought…x-bolts are made in japan. Same country that manufactures toyota/Lexus and some of the best glass on the market. I have owned several of both and you have much better odds of getting an accurate x-bolt than a tikka. Plus you get a better stock right out of the gate and most of them come with a brake. There is a reason you rarely see guys on here shooting stock tikkas. Most swap the stock and trigger and many rebarrel.

Yeah and I know some of you are going to scream not me! Mine is all stock! Its because you don’t have the funds to upgrade it yet.