Bolt action question

**thirteen/autumns** · 11-20-16, 11:12

At a bit of a crossroads here. Looking at getting a mostly hunting rifle for here in the Western states (White Tail, Elk, Mule Deer). Rifle will be for 75% hunting and 25% long range paper shooting occasionally. I was looking for the collective opinion on some of the users on here about higher end bolt action rifles as I am new to the game (bow hunter here). Best guess hunting distance will be about 200-400yd for known ethical shot placement but if possible would like to dabble out to 1000yd for paper punching if I feel the urge. As for weight I would like to stay away from 9lb rifles leaning towards <7lb just the rifle weight.

Caliber:
mostly looking at 7mm REM MAG
26/28 Nosler
300 WIN MAG
6.5 CM

Box rifles:
Nosler M48 Liberty
Fierce Fury
Weatherby Mark V

I have approx. $1600 +- planned on spending for just the rifle. My questions is will the above rifle companies/products suit my needs "out of the box?" If I spend $1600+- I would rather not have to have the actions trued, lapped, glass bedded, etc.. Or if I am spending that kind of money already is it just better to save more and piece together a rifle over time and have it custom, IE trued action/lapped, new barrel, McMillan stock, bedded, etc? I have no real contacts in my group that are knowledgeable about this stuff, and I am a very much "buy once, cry once" and would rather put $ into quality the first time.

Or perhaps I am over looking a quality rifle that is cheaper and will suit my needs?

**Rekkr870** · 11-20-16, 11:24

For your purposes, I'd lean towards a factory Tikka rifle in 6.5CM. the Tikka rifles are extremely accurate and quality rifles for the money. Take a look at the T3X CTR in 6.5 CM. The 6.5 is more than adequate for whitetail, mule deer, or elk. Well into the .3's as far as sectional density goes for punching through animal hide/bone/muscle.

My second choice would be to buy a Howa barreled action in 6.5CM and drop it in a stock/chassis of your liking.

The 6.5CM will give you the best performance for cost/availability/ballistics and barrel life.

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**thirteen/autumns** · 11-20-16, 11:35

Originally Posted by Rekkr870

I'd lean towards a factory Tikka rifle in 6.5CM. the Tikka rifles are extremely accurate and quality rifles for the money. Take a look at the T3X CTR in 6.5 CM. The 6.5 is more than adequate for whitetail, mule deer, or elk. Well into the .3's as far as sectional density goes for punching through animal hide/bone/muscle.

My second choice would be to buy a Howa barreled action in 6.5CM and drop it in a stock/chassis of your liking.

LOL when I went to a couple local outfitters and that was the first rifle they all grabbed when I told them my needs. I liked everything about it except the stock, which sadly I couldn't find a positive reason to like it based solely on "it doesn't feel right" to me. Maybe I should look into how much I would spend to re-stock it since that has been a first pick more than once so far from people and now you too.

I will also look into a Howa rifle barreled in 6.5CM and see how much it would be to re-stock it. Thanks!

**Rekkr870** · 11-20-16, 11:38

Originally Posted by thirteen/autumns

LOL when I went to a couple local outfitters and that was the first rifle they all grabbed when I told them my needs. I liked everything about it except the stock, which sadly I couldn't find a positive reason to like it based solely on "it doesn't feel right" to me. Maybe I should look into how much I would spend to re-stock it since that has been a first pick more than once so far from people and now you too.

Ha! That's funny. Yeah, that rifle is popular for a reason these days. KRG, MDT, and Manners all make stocks for the Tikka. You'll be in a little over $1600 but I'm willing to bet that you'll have a damn fine rifle that shoots as good as most customs.

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**thirteen/autumns** · 11-20-16, 11:46

Originally Posted by Rekkr870

Ha! That's funny. Yeah, that rifle is popular for a reason these days. KRG, MDT, and Manners all make stocks for the Tikka. You'll be in a little over $1600 but I'm willing to bet that you'll have a damn fine rifle that shoots as good as most customs.

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So you believe going to buy a cheaper complete rifle and dropping in the stock of my choice is better than purchasing the above higher end rifles? I guess it's kind of a mute point if you don't have any time on the above rifles but I value other's opinion on a subject I am just starting to obsess over LOL.

**Rekkr870** · 11-20-16, 12:03

Originally Posted by thirteen/autumns

So you believe going to buy a cheaper complete rifle and dropping in the stock of my choice is better than purchasing the above higher end rifles? I guess it's kind of a mute point if you don't have any time on the above rifles but I value other's opinion on a subject I am just starting to obsess over LOL.

I have no experience with the rifles you mentioned, however I do with the Tikka and Howa's. I know they shoot, first hand experience. I just think you'll be hard pressed to find a more accurate rifle than the Tikka for the money. Save some of that extra money to buy some reloading equipment and work up a load specific for your rifle. If you still decide that's not what you want, you'll have a solid action to build around.

Disclaimer : precision rifles become an addiction.

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**Rekkr870** · 11-20-16, 16:08

Yes, Weatherby actions are rebranded Howa actions. Howa actions are what I use.

The Bergara rifles seem very nice as well. I totally forgot about them.

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**masan** · 11-20-16, 23:00

Take the advice and get a Tikka, put it in the stock/chassis of your choice, then put the remainder of what you were willing to spend into better glass.

Factory Tikka are about the best thing out there right now, with decent aftermarket support.

I am in no way associated with Eurooptic, but I will say they have a decent amount of Tikka's left in there Tikka sale, best prices you are likely to find.

**anatolian B** · 11-20-16, 23:13

All.Good options listed. I would go with Weatherby (Howa) Sub MOA model in 300 Win. That's a lot of gun for the money. If you can swing it go with the Nosler in 300 Win. Tikka is also a great option.

The good news is you are buying a hunting rifle during one of the best rifle revolutions in history. There are great rifles to be had from many manufacturers for less than $1,500.