View Full Version : What is your Preferred Rifle for mid size game
Just trying to see what all the members are using and what are your sentimental favorites.
I hunt in Northern WI.
My go to rifle is my Tikka T3 T Lite 7-08 with a Weaver 3-10 x 40
My sentimental is my Marlin 30-30 and even though it has it's flaws my little Ruger Mini-30 has never failed me, it may take an extra shot or two for the big one but it has always been a nice little brush gun.
parishioner
08-21-11, 11:56
My go to is a Browning A-bolt in .270 Win with a Nikon 3-9x40. I've hunted in TX and MS with it using 130gr Nosler Ballistic Tips and have dropped every animal with it. I've never had to go tracking.
However, I would like to try a .243 or 7mm-08 one of these days to see what its capable of.
ICANHITHIMMAN
08-21-11, 12:12
In the summer I use 300 win and wsm for crop deer. If im on the stand or driving 30-30 win as most shots are inside 50 yard around here in rifle zones 12g every where else.
I use a Rem. 700 SSDM .260 Rem. with Leupold Vari-X III 2.5 - 8x using my handloads with Barnes bullets to hunt deer in northern Wisconsin. I have been using 100 gr. X-bullets, but the ones I used were discontinued and in a few years my supply of loaded ammo will run out. Then I will have to work up a new load using a different Barnes bullet.
I guess my sentimental favorite was the Enfield Mk. IV .303 British I bought used and sporterized when I was 17. It was my first center-fire rifle purchase.
My go to is a Remington 700 SS DM in .25-06 topped with a Leupold vari X3 4.5-14.
I've done most of my hunting with a Rem. Mountain Rifle in 7mm08. I've topped it with a Leupold VXIII in 3.5 x 10 x 50. I just bought my son a T/C Encore Prohunter in .243 and plan on buying a 7mm08 barrel for it. 7mm08 is a great all around caliber for Elk on down. Of course with Elk it's all about bullet placement and choosing the right bullet.
NinjaMedic
08-21-11, 21:15
Tikka T3 Lite .270 with a Nikon Bushmaster 3-9x40 using 130g Nosler Ballistic Tips. Never had an issue dropping any game.
That's easy for me, I only have 1! CZ550 Premium in .270 Win. Very accurate with 130 gr Fusion ammo and my handloads (Ballistic Tips, Sierra GKs and 150 gr Partitions). It wears a 3-9x40 Leupold VX2
Ruger No. 1 in 25-06. Leupold 3.5-10x40. Nosler Partitions have done the job on several Wyoming Antelope over the last few years.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc271/bradpace/Picture038.jpg
JR TACTICAL
08-22-11, 01:54
Im pretty new to the hunting seen so I did not want to spend hundreds so I bought a savage edge(now known as the axis) in 7.62/51 and love it I have taken a.whitetail in texas and lots of coyote here in az. Just need to get some better glass but cant see myself getting anything new for a while. Its a really nice rifle with a even better pricetag
I have a Savage 110 in 7mm Rem Mag. I got it when I was 14 years old. I don't put money into deer rifles any more because 7mm kills anything I hit with it.
I use a Leupold VXII 3-9X40 on it.
I had the action trued, barrel crowned, and new stock (barrel free floated), that put the accuracy at or under 1 MOA. It was easier than adding another Fudd gun to my safe.
7mm Mag is odd though, I've punched through deer with tiny entry/exit wounds but I have also had fist-sized exit wounds and the surrounding area looked like a crime scene. I shot a Coyote in the guts with it and blew out 3+ feet of intestines...
My next hunting gun will most likely be a Remington Model 7 in .308.
Enfield Mk. IV .303 British
That was my 1st Deer rifle as well.
30-30 336 is my brush gun and 308 Rem 700 I am not shooting anything past 200 yards anyway so they work for me. I use a 150 Coreloc in the 308 and either 150 corelock. They both work. I am thinking about one of the Ruger Compact Lam does anyone know anything about them good bad or other
http://www.ruger.com/products/m77HawkeyeLaminateCompact/models.html
I have a Remington Model Seven in .308 with the barrel cut and recrowned to 17". Topped with a Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8x and bedded in a synthetic stock, it weighs next to nothing, shoots more than accurately enough to take whitetails in the West Virginia brush, and is small and light enough to use when crawling through the crud. It's my favorite hunting rifle.
Rem 700 30-06 here. She's never let me down and never made me chase a deer very far.
Enfield Mk. IV .303 British
That was my Deer rifle as well.
Ahhh I want one! Good choice, love the cartridge.
I've been using my .375 H&H for everything deer up. It's just such a versatile cartridge.
kelly neal
08-22-11, 11:22
Remington 600 chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor (Kreiger barrel fwt contour), McMillan Edge stock, Leupold 4.5-14X with B&C reticle, in Warne rings and mounts. Hornady 120 GMX ammo.
My dad has a Colt (i.e. Ultralight) rifle rebarreled to 6.5-284 (Kreiger barrel fwt contour as well) also with a Leupold 4.5-14X with B&C reticle. He shoots handloads in Lapua cases with Sierra 140 grain softpoints. That rifle is death incarnate.
I'm a big believer in light rifles with minimal recoil shooting high BC bullets.
Remington Model 700 SPS Tactical in .308 Winchester
Springfield Model 1903 in .30-06 (Custom setup)
The SPS is the go-to, though, hands down.
22" 223ai on a trued up 700 sending 75gr SS2's at 3000 fps. NF 2.5-10x32 mil/mil sits on top. Smokes just about anything that walks in Texas.
For a couple years I have been chasing whitetail with a Howa 1500 chambered for the 300WinMag topped with a Simmons Aetec Elite 2.5-10, or an old New England SBE2 25-06 I bought at a farm auction for $160. The New England is currently topped with a Bushnell Elite 6500 tactical. Odd looking creature she is but she's also very effective. The last whitetail I shot however, fell to a CVA Electra muzzle loader. :D
Ruger #1 in 7mm Rem Mag with Leopold 3-9X-50 scope and 140 grain Hornady spire points over IMR-4350 handloads.
Rob Haught
08-24-11, 16:25
I have used a Tikka T3 in 7mm-08 and Ruger Compact in 308 with great success. I think the Tikka is kind of a best kept secret in the rifle market. I have one in 308 and 7mm-08 and they are good rifles.
Rob Haught
08-24-11, 16:28
30-30 336 is my brush gun and 308 Rem 700 I am not shooting anything past 200 yards anyway so they work for me. I use a 150 Coreloc in the 308 and either 150 corelock. They both work. I am thinking about one of the Ruger Compact Lam does anyone know anything about them good bad or other
http://www.ruger.com/products/m77HawkeyeLaminateCompact/models.html
I had one set up as a hog rifle. I had a Pachmayer Decellerator pad installed and it has been a great little rifle in 308. One of my favorites.
I've got a Marlin XS7 in .308 that I got for $300 and I put a Nikon 3-9x40 ProStaff on it. I have always shot factory rounds but am now in the process of working up some softer Hornady 150gr loads... given the resulting groups it is looking like it is about a 1 MOA rifle, so I'm not sure I'll ever need much else. All I really ever hunt is hogs and whitetail.
Just trying to see what all the members are using and what are your sentimental favorites.
I hunt in Northern WI.
Ruger M77 youth/compact, .308 Win. Leupold 4x. Very light, short, and handy in the brush or open field.
This is my Browning A-Bolt in 7mm Rem Mag. Pictured it has a Zeiss 3-9X36 on it.
Now it supports a Swarovski 4-12X50
http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq86/matemike05/002.jpg
http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq86/matemike05/003.jpg
joshua79109
08-24-11, 16:40
Depends on what I'm hunting, but I do have some favorites.
For mid size game my go to for a while has been a 270wsm. I can really reach out and still have good energy left to take game.
I have recently put together a 308 AR that is turning out to be a favorite of mine. Very accurate and works well on hogs - makes it easier to get multiples. Gonna try it on some deer this season.
I have also used a 5.56X45 AR on a lot of hogs (if we are considering them mid size game - they are big). And it has really served me well for a long time. I like to use some heavier ammo and I have no issues with taking them ethically. I know many folks have horror stories, but in my reality my 223 handloads have performed very well.
platoonDaddy
08-24-11, 16:46
Purchased a post Win Model 70 30-06 (1964) and with the wide range of manufactured ammo have successfully harvested:
1. Moose (largest moose harvested for the year 1997 in Maine)
2. Mule Deer
3. Whitetail
4. Coyote
5. Grouse (lucky shot) :)
6. Jackrabbit
7. Groundhog
I've got a Weatherby (Howa) Vanguard in .30-06. I use it for deer, elk and black bear. It's good for a 2 inch group at 200 yards with 180gr Nosler partition handloads and a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40. It's worked out well for me. I will sometimes hunt the thicker Pacific Northwest forests along the coast with a Swiss K-31 7.5x55 and the same Nosler 180gr bullet in a hand load. That rifle has a Vortex 1.75x5x32 scope and affords me the use of the irons due to the scope being offset. Heavy, but fun to hunt with nonetheless. Got a raghorn bull elk with it three years ago.
For stalk hunting for deer and hogs I run a Wilson Combat 6.8 with handloaded Barnes 95 TTSX and a S&B 1.5-6x42 Flashdot #9
Have also cleanly taken deer past 300 with it but usually go to a bolt action if hunting out of a stand and expect long shots.
Had a ton of hunting rifles over the years
Passed down my 59 Sako 243 to my son a few years ago and ran a Sako 270 for a while, Tikka 308 and the last 2 years an LTR 308 with a Jewell trigger...
This year I decided to run the 308 exclusively for long range and set it up that way and am going back to a flatter shooting rifle.
Recently picked up an older Sako 25-06 and got 100g Barnes TTSX loads worked up for it.
Also got a Nosler Trohpy Grade in 280AI in for T&E and will hunt with it assuming it's a tack driver, may opt to purchase it... only time will tell.
I just ordered a custom Cooper in 25-06 with a lightened up stock and lighter barrel profile than standard, it is a T&E item as well that if I fall in love with will probably buy
Optics change often with items coming in for testing
I am very fond of the Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40 mildot / green dot I have for a hunting scope. It's a very dependable, capable and light scope.
We are in a hot drought in Texas and I can't wait for deer season.
Cold crisp mornings in a blind with my boys, out stalk hunting, watching the sun go down and scanning the tree lines for movement at last light.
Grilling a steak with my brother at camp, talking about the days hunt, sipping a crown on the rocks and planning the next day's hunt.
Hope everyone has a good season
This is my Browning A-Bolt in 7mm Rem Mag. Pictured it has a Zeiss 3-9X36 on it.
Now it supports a Swarovski 4-12X50
Shooting a doe from a ground blind with a Browning A-Bolt like yours (with the BOSS) is the reason I started wearing ear pro while I hunt.
I have used a Tikka T3 in 7mm-08 and Ruger Compact in 308 with great success. I think the Tikka is kind of a best kept secret in the rifle market. I have one in 308 and 7mm-08 and they are good rifles.
Mr. Haught,
How would you compare the lighter Tikkas, recoil wise, to other rifles of the same caliber? What kind of accuracy do you get out of yours?
Stormrider
08-26-11, 08:34
I'm with Wiggity on the 375 H&H. I have a Rem 700 KS that shoots very well. I'll use it on everything from pigs on up. Wonderful caliber.
I can't speak for Mr Haught but I have owned several Tikkas and the have all been sub MOA shooters with multiple types of factory ammo and .5 or better with handloads
The lightweight 308 has got a little snap to it but not abusive by any stretch
Tikkas and Sakos share the same barrel and trigger that's adjustable between 2 and 4 lbs and is very crisp and clean
I use a few but for medium game I'd say my 243AI is a giant killer, especially since it's in a Remington Mountain rifle and weighs just over 7 pounds scoped.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v374/TOM64/guns050.jpg
It's actually a discontinued Mountain Guide, I have one in 22-250 as well and my son in law talked me out of the one in 7-08 in the pic.
How is field serviceability and parts supply for the Tikkas and Sakos?
Not interested in what the factory will do for me, I need systems I can stock spares for and fix on my bench if I have to.
Toyoland66
08-26-11, 18:58
Mr. Haught,
How would you compare the lighter Tikkas, recoil wise, to other rifles of the same caliber? What kind of accuracy do you get out of yours?
I have a t3 light 300wm with a limbsaver pad, it isn't bad to shoot but I am sure the pad helps quite a bit. The biggest thing that bothers me recoil wise is the trigger guard hitting the top of my middle finger.
I am launching 180's at about 2975 fps and 200s at about 2800 so it could probably be hotter. I get about 1.5 moa with 180 partitions but haven't done a lot of load development.
I use an FN Mauser, early 1950s production, with double set trigger in .257 Roberts.
My hand me down Remington Mohawk 600 in .243 works great for me.
Rob Haught
08-27-11, 08:43
Mr. Haught,
How would you compare the lighter Tikkas, recoil wise, to other rifles of the same caliber? What kind of accuracy do you get out of yours?
I have had very good accuracy from my Tikkas. The recoil isn't objectionable. The synthetic stock seems to soak up some recoil. I originally bought the 7mm-08 for my wife who is small and she had no problem with it. Pleasant recoil is one of the big reasons I like this caliber and it's a death ray on whitetails.
Rob,
what load are you running for the 7mm08?
I don't own one but have been very intrigued by it and have come close several times to getting one...
Like the short action and it's about an ideal case to bore diameter ratio
Like the idea of the Barnes 120 TTSX pushing 3K out of 22" barrel
Stormrider
08-27-11, 14:08
My 7-08 runs the TSX/TTSX ~2900 out of a 20 inch barrel. Great shooter, lots of fun and low recoil. What's not to like?
what zero range are you running?
I have ran the #s on the calculator but would like to hear someone's real world reports
Browning BAR MK2 safari .270 Winchester with a Leupold vari-x II 3x9
Stormrider
08-28-11, 01:13
what zero range are you running?
I have ran the #s on the calculator but would like to hear someone's real world reports
I use a 100y zero. Chances of a shot farther than that where I hunt are slim...
titsonritz
08-28-11, 06:29
I use either Remington 700 BDL 30-06 w/ a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5x10x40 or Marlin 1895 45-75 depending on game and terrain. I bought my son a Savage 10 7mm-08 w/ Simmons 3x9x40 and have come to really like both rifle and cartridge.
I use a 100y zero. Chances of a shot farther than that where I hunt are slim...
Thanks
Where I hunt I have the need to be able to reach out to 500
I shoot to 1k with my 308 and 500 yard is easy off a bench and having time
Hunting the deer may be 75 yards or any where out to 500
and you may only have a second or two to decided if it is a shooter buck and make the shot
Hence my interest in going back to flatter shooting cartridges
I love the 25-06 having hunted with one growing up a bunch
The 280AI has an almost identical trajectory with 140g bullet out to 500 as the 25-06 with a 100g and has less wind drift.
I shoot lots of deer every year & mix it up.
~700 280AI is the go to & main blind / sitting / driving gun.
~722 257 Roberts that belonged to my Great Grandmother for walking / rattling.
~700 vssf 220 swift for serious doe control.
~Sako/Shilen 7mm Firebird (lazzeroni) for long range.
I'm wanting to play around with the 257wby next.
titsonritz
08-28-11, 14:16
~700 280AI is the go to & main blind / sitting / driving gun.
Great round. I plan to rechamber a 7mm-08 barrel to 280AI for my Encore.
I shoot lots of deer every year & mix it up.
~700 280AI is the go to & main blind / sitting / driving gun.
.
what load are you running?
got this put together tonight
Nosler Trophy Grade 280AI
Leupold VXR Patrol TMR
http://tacticalgunreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Nosler-Trophy-Grade-28AI-picture1.jpg
what load are you running?
120gr barnes tripple shocked tipped and a healthy dose of N165...the nosler brass sure is a nice addition for this round too. No more fire forming.
cool
that's the bullet I want to try running as well
handlebar1980
08-31-11, 20:45
Rem 700 22-250, Savage 7m-08
I am impressed to see so many have the 7m-08 :D:D:D
I am impressed to see so many have the 7m-08 :D:D:D
I am too. Around my area the 30-06 is by far the most common caliber among deer hunters. There has also been a lot of interest in bigger calibers as of late but I think that is mostly because of people trying to compensate for their lack of marksmanship skills.:D
Rem. 700 280 (7mm Express Remington) with Leupold 3X9 AO using 140 gr. loads.
Rob Haught
09-03-11, 16:13
Rob,
what load are you running for the 7mm08?
I don't own one but have been very intrigued by it and have come close several times to getting one...
Like the short action and it's about an ideal case to bore diameter ratio
Like the idea of the Barnes 120 TTSX pushing 3K out of 22" barrel
For years I used the 140 Nosler Ballistic Tips but have pretty much switched all my loads to Barnes TSX stuff. Not sure the powder for the 7mm-08 off the top of my head. Never had an issue with the Nosler, they worked very well. When I was going to take the Tikka to Africa for my wife to use I switched to the Barnes bullets. Ballistic Tips are frowned on by most PH's there. Although my friend made several one shot kills in 2003 with them on our trip to South Africa much to the amazement of the staff. I guess shot placement is the key as with all things.
jasonprox700
09-05-11, 20:09
My go to rifle for the last 17 years has been my Ruger M77 MkII in .280. For the last 5 years, I've been using 140gr Accubonds over 57grains of RL19. I loaded some 139gr GMX's, but haven't had a chance to shoot them yet.
For the last couple years, I've been using a DPMS AP4 in .308. I'm really liking how it handles. I use it when I'm doing deer drives with my in-laws. Unfortunately, I haven't drawn blood with it yet. According to the WI DNR, I should be tripping over deer. That has not been the case for me:(.
Where in WI are you looking.
I am fond of my Kimber Montana in 308 with a Minox 3x9 in Talley LW mounts, this rifle usually gets carried over the other ones, its 6.5 pounds with sling, scope, mounts, and 3 130 grain TTSX bullet loaded cartridges.
jasonprox700
09-06-11, 12:36
Where in WI are you looking.
Jackson County. I hunt both public and private. Almost no luck at either. There are some pockets where multiple land owners or landowners with large tracts have refused to partake in the doe hunts. These areas are also off limits if you aren't family or friends. Finding landowners that will allow hunting is very difficult.
My parents own a little bit of land, however, the neighbors have shot every doe they've seen for the last 10 years, and now I get excited just seeing one deer from a stand. Almost wants to make a guy give it up.
I have always shot .308 and .30-06 hunting rifles. They do everything needed and great selection of ammo and reloading components.
But I am finding some of the younger members of the family prefer lower recoil such as my 6.5x55 Swede. The problem is I don't want to sporterize my Swede and there does not seem to be a lot of rifles chambered for 6.5x55 or .260.
What would be a more popular cartridge for up to deer size game (200 lb max) that is available in a variety of Rem, Ruger Savage rifles? I like stainless steel and synthetic stocks for the woods but often the less popular cartridges are only available in the basic blued/wood.
I'm not a good judge of recoil as I am fine with .30-06 180 gr loads (but I do notice recoil from 12 ga slugs!). Does the .270 have recoil more like the .30-06 or is it much less with the 130 gr load? The 7mm-08 seems a little more available than the .260, but is the recoil more like the .308 or .260? Finally, is the .243 perfectly fine for deer--any reason to not just go to .243 for the recoil shy?
if you aren't family or friends. Finding landowners that will allow hunting is very difficult
I hear you, I hunt up in Washburn Cnty, the folks have a farm up there, and even with the hundreds of acres of public land around if you do not lure them into you they are gone after opening morning.
If having land bought up all around was bad enough now we also have to deal with the explosive wolf population.
i use a Rem. m700 ADL in 30-06 it's topped off with a simmons 3x9. not the best scope but it works. this rig has put alot of meat in the freezer over the years. i use a hand load of 165gr. ballistic tips on top of a nice charge of imr 4350.
I have hunted in Europe , Conus , and Alaska . 3 different worlds .
There have usually been been 2 medium hunting rifles at the house .308 or 30'06 and of late a 7mm-08 BLR ( ambi ) . Medium heavy bullets for moose , big pigs & bear , medium for deer-sized hoofed animals.
On a business trip to Alaska , I ended up spending the weekend hunting moose and bear north of Fairbanks with a Garand and black tip AP. Wasn't too keen on using the ammo our hosts provided.
I was exactly wrong . That stuff would not be my 1st choice , but now I am convinced that it would have been almost as good as the average commercial 180grn 30'06 hunting ammo for that application .
Not " just as good as " but plenty good enough for subsistence hunting in a pinch. I passed up a couple of shots that I should have taken. Waited that extra moment for a better shot that never came.
billybob19606
09-11-11, 20:12
30-06 is a great all around size. Just buy bigger or smaller bullets :-)
Does anyone have any experience with the .350 remington mag?
I have a soft spot for remington mohawk 600's and 660's. I think a .350 would make a bad-a elk/deer/hog gun...
Lost River
09-15-11, 15:21
Tikka T3 Lite stainless .308.
Chopped to 20"s, topped with a Nightforce 2.5-10x24 NPR2, in Talley lightweights.
Carried with a VTAC 2 point sling:
Very light and very accurate. It is my all around "practical rifle".
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/001-10.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/070-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/PracticalTikka003.jpg
I Have a Savage 110 Scout in .308 with a Bushnell 2 X 6 pistol scope. It is light and fast to get on target. It has become my go-to rifle for most hunting now days (when I am not deployed).
NWPILGRIM, You may want to check out the 7mm-08 I have never shot one but I have hunted with a petite woman who loves hers. The .243 is totally fine for deer and easy on the sholder, I have even seen a big cow elk killed with the .243 but I don not advise it unless it is in the hands of a very skilled shooter. I assume from your question that you know the worst thing you can do to a new hunter is over gun them.
I am a big 30-06 fan and carried one from age 12 to 21, then the 300wm became my go to for deer and elk. I have killed a deer with .223 many years ago but I was more than not impressed. Killed two with my 375 H&H two years ago and I have to say the tracking was real short. Seems a 260 grain nosler accubond is just about right for mule deer.
30-06 ruger M77 (tang safety)
300wm ruger M77 MKII all weather
.223 Sako, sold, still kicking my self.
.375 H&H, CZ safari 550
NWPILGRIM, You may want to check out the 7mm-08 I have never shot one but I have hunted with a petite woman who loves hers. The .243 is totally fine for deer and easy on the sholder, I have even seen a big cow elk killed with the .243 but I don not advise it unless it is in the hands of a very skilled shooter. I assume from your question that you know the worst thing you can do to a new hunter is over gun them.
Thanks for the recommendation. My thinking exactly, I want them to keep enjoying it and use enough gun, but not more than they will have fun with. I love big guns and recoil but new folks to shooting sometimes like to ease into it. I have never had a "light" hunting gun so am not familiar with the recoil of modern options. Thanks again USMC!
Remington 700 BDL .308 Win. barreled action in a classic stock. Refinished myself.
Leupold VX-III 3.5x10x40mm optic. Leupold medium rings with bases.
Currently shooting Hornady 165gr SST Interloks.
She'll really put them down if I do my part.
http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz229/Scoby/IMG_0908.jpg
http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz229/Scoby/IMG_0909.jpg
Picking up an 1896 30-40 Krag this weekend. Its what i'm going to use this year for deer and hogs. Open sights, old school.
I'll be reloading for it, probably hornady 180 or 220gr bullets.
(scoby, thats a beautiful rifle)
Browning ShortTrac in .308, Nikon Buckmasters 3-9x40 scope. I'm looking for a .223 cartridge that would be suitable so I could use my VTR-15, but don't know what to try, other than a DPX bullet in something. Would love to hunt deer with it, it's accurate as hell. The deer in far NE Wisconsin are pretty big, though. Have to try it this year I think.
Kronos451
Get some ammo loaded with the 70 grain Barnes bullets, that should work.
I use a Weatherby Vanguard .308 with a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 when I need optics. Otherwise, I use my trusty Mauser K98, made in 1940.
The only hunting rifle I currently have is a Remington SPS in .308 with a Nikon 3-9x40. It's a little heavy but it's all I've got.
Rem 700 CDL chambered in .30-06. Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10x. Currently trying out the Federal Fusion loads in 150 gr.
Nightvisionary
11-02-11, 06:37
Used an Austrian STG 58 (FAL) for several years hunting elk. Before that I used a WW1 German Mauser with iron sights. This year I will be trying out a 20 inch barrel AR in 6x45.:cool:
I use a Rem. 700 SSDM .260 Rem. with Leupold Vari-X III 2.5 - 8x using my handloads with Barnes bullets to hunt deer in northern Wisconsin. I have been using 100 gr. X-bullets, but the ones I used were discontinued and in a few years my supply of loaded ammo will run out. Then I will have to work up a new load using a different Barnes bullet.
I guess my sentimental favorite was the Enfield Mk. IV .303 British I bought used and sporterized when I was 17. It was my first center-fire rifle purchase.
Cheers on the No.4! I've never hunted, but I'd love to take some hogs with mine.
Great rifles.
Right now I'm hunting with a Remington 700 300WM that was sent to Hill Country Rifles. It has been rebarreled with a 24" Lilja Stainless Match Grade barrel. The action has been trued and blueprinted, lugs lapped and bedded into a HS-Precision stock. I'm shooting Federal 130gr Barnes TTSX ammuniton right now for Deer and love it. My rifle is very accurate with this round and it is a very very flat shooting cartridge. MV is 3500fps and with a 200yard zero the drop at 300 yards is only 5". It is fairly heavy though. With a Leupold VX3 4.5x14x50mm scope it weighs a good 8 1/2 lbs. I'm really interested in going back to a lightweight rifle in 7mm08. I'm having a difficult time finding a rifle that I like though. Remington's stuff really looks cheap now. Sako may be an option.
nineteenkilo
12-29-11, 13:42
Sentimental Favorite - First CF Rifle I got as a kid is a Marlin 30AS 30-30. I have killed an absolutely ridiculous amount of whitetail with this rifle. It gets fed a steady diet of Core-Lokts and whatever I reload. It is ugly, isn't picky, and ALWAYS does the job. Currently topped with a short rail and holo. Great out to 200 or so with this sight and fast as hell on target.
I also hunt with:
Mod 70 in .243 (Wife's gun). She has yet to chase a critter of any variety and her shot placement is spectacular. I like it for the short action and mild recoil. She also uses either 100gr Core-Lokts or whatever I load her. If it's my work, it is normally Partitions or Game Kings.
Rem 700SPS in .308 - bull barrel and tacky stock. This is my go-to for long range shooting at med-large game.
I have a pile of other rifles that I probably shouldn't own. Most were willed to me, traded to me by friends, or were IGOTTAHAVEITITIS buys.
Weatherby MK V chambered in 300 Wby, custom work by Bill Wiseman of College Station, TX, 26" McMillian match grade barrel, action blueprinted, bedded with a 2# trigger. Swarovski 2.5x10x56 illuminated reticle, dipped in Game Guard camo.
Other favorite is a Remington LTR topped with a USO SN3 3.2x17x58, hunt with it a lot when I don't have to carry it to far.
Browning A Bolt stainless stalker with BOSS in .270win, topped with a Leupold 3.5-10x 50 VX III. Ammo is Federal Premium Nozzler ballistic tip 130grn.
iracecars4fun
01-16-12, 22:34
Savage 110 in .30-06 it's the standard for a reason
Kimber Montana in 243AI, for everything from "mid-sized" on up to just short of coastal bears.
I really like my old & trusty bolt action 30-06. My dad used that cartridge, his dad, and if it worked for them it definitely serves my uses.
WilsonCombatFan
01-23-12, 15:25
Honestly,i hate scopes.I just carry my lil Rossi.Shes a lever action "pistol" .44 magnum.Easy to carry and get up to speed if ambushed by a hog or what-not.Not bad at all for pigs,bear and what the like.
To me,deer is small game.But the little rifle works well for them too.
When I am fortunate to have private land to hunt, I use an old Remington 600 in .308 & now I also have a AR barreled in 6.8X43
blasternank
01-30-12, 21:33
My Browning A-bolt 270 or my Tikka Big Boar 308 and of course the one I am increasingly using my AR 15 in 6.8 spc.
JackFanToM
01-30-12, 22:56
Apparently for deer I prefer a 2007 Nissan Frontier, as I just bagged one about 2 hours ago with it :(
Ha, in the early 90's I got two deer within several weeks. One was with my Remington 700 .280 and one with my Chevy K5 350.
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