[learningman]

If you had to chose one rifle that you would use for varmit hunting and some big hunting as well what would it be? As far as big game I'm talking about deer sized game maybe elk. I'm looking for a gun that would be good for both. I'm thinking a 308 caliber which would be a bit big for gophers and such but would be acceptable for larger game. I already have a 223 varmit style rifle so I don't want another one in that caliber. This question may be somewhat strange but what I'm looking for is a rifle that serves more than one purpose. I like the Savage bull barreled rifles but thet're a bit heavy for a walking rifle, especially if I do use it as a large animal hunting rifle. I have looked at the Remingtons and the only one so far that meets my criteria is the new VTR, but still waiting to hear more reviews about it. It is nice and lite though so it intrigues me. So ok let me have it and thanks for all the input.:)

[Pilot]

If you had to chose one rifle that you would use for varmit hunting and some big hunting as well what would it be? As far as big game I'm talking about deer sized game maybe elk. I'm looking for a gun that would be good for both.

Do you reload? If you do or if you start reloading that opens up larger possilbilities. I was going to recommend a .243 or 6MM but then you mention Elk. I would not use those on Elk, but would on Whitetail Deer, but that's about as large as I would go. For Mulies and Elk that you could also use for varmints I would suggest these, 7MM has a wide range of bullet weights:

7MM-08
7x57 (7MM Mauser)

6.5x55 Swedish Mauser (Maybe)

[brian923]

pluse one on the 6.5x55. in europe, its used to hunt moose, and is an exceptionally accurate round. and it has taken plenty over its 100 years infancy. its a great round, and will never be forgoton. just isnt that big over hear for some reason. it out-performs the raved .260, which outperforms the .308. as to .308 being to big for varmites... if you aint going to be eating them, anything works. theres no such thing as "TO BIG" for varmite hunting.

the other choices that are good for both, but not magnumized would be the above mentioned 7mm-08, 7 and 8 mm mauser, .308, and 30-06.

if you own and AR-15, the 6.8 spc can be loaded to hunt varmites to elk and black bear. its an awsome round. (i am expecting one on my doorstep soon!!)

[John4me05]

If it were me.... A Handi Rifle... You can say carry the 308 on the gun and the 223 on your back and swap if need be in under 1 minute....

[Vern Humphrey]

I like the Savage bull barreled rifles but thet're a bit heavy for a walking rifle, especially if I do use it as a large animal hunting rifle

Get a Savage that meets your weight requirements, and get an extra barrel, barrel wrench and action vise with it, plus the other parts needed to convert it to another cartridge.

For example, you might get the Savage in .308, with a .22-250 barrel. Put the .308 barrel on during elk season, and use the .22-250 in the summer months.

[conwict]

Handi Rifle came to mind.

[dagger dog]

Who made those .308 saboted .22cal
Excellerator? for '06 and .308 Win.
Haven't seen 'em advertised in a long time but were supposed to be quite accurate and flat shooting. Anyone ever shot any? If you could find some of those and had a trusty .30 cal rifle you'd be set!

[jeepmor]

Another vote for a Handi rifle, or a 270. Bit much for coyotes, but fine on elk with shot placement.

[one-shot-one]

6.5x55 if you can place your shots well on the larger (elk) game.

[eliphalet]

24 or 25 caliber for varmints to deer in a sporter weight in a good rifle will shoot as well or better than most of us in the field.

[Bear2000]

I have a Tikka T3 Varmint in .308. Just under 8 lbs without the scope, the lightest heavy barrel I could find. Ray Tanner on Gunbroker has one in stainless for $639, about $100 less than I paid at the local gunstore.

It is a VERY accurate rifle - sub MOA to be sure.

[Art Eatman]

I guess being a handloader makes a bit of a difference...

Anyhow, my 700Ti is certainly light enough at 6.5 pounds, ready to hunt. The 7mm08 would be more than needed for little stuff, but it would certainly work. A tad minimal for elk, but again, limiting the range and being extra careful on shot placement should work okay.

[redneck2]

If I were getting just one, it would be a .270 or 7mm-08.

A .270 was a flat shooting hyped up magnum before they existed. If you look at ballistics charts, it's pretty close to the trajectory of a 22-250. Plenty adequate for elk. I suspect ammo would be easier to find since there are more around and have existed at least since the 1950's.

[Sunray]

"...Who made those .308 saboted .22cal..." Remington and accurate they ain't. Accelerators were an abysmal failure due to the poor accuracy.
Any middle calibre(.25 to .270) in a hunting rifle(no heavy barrels) will do nicely for a multi-purpose rifle. Think in terms of killing elk first and use the same rifle and ammo for varmints. There's no reason to not use heavy for calibre bullets on varmints. Varmint hunting is great practice for larger game hunting.

[moosehunt]

Several possibilities. I really like the 6.5x55, but it is a bit light for elk. My choice would be a .270. I use one a lot for varmints, also for deer & prognhorn. I don't use it for elk because I have better options, but I wouldn't be hesitant to use it for such if I had nothing bigger, just load/buy the heavier bullet loads. Many folks have said that the best all around cartridge is the 30-06, but I believe that when that case was necked down to .270, it created a better yet "all around" cartridge. There probably is no "best" all around cartridge, but I suggest that the .270 comes closest. Let's say it another way: if, heavan forbid, I was told that I had to get rid of all but one gun, I reckon I'd pick the .270 to be the one to keep.

[Evocatii]

I use a .270 win in a Rem 700. It has served me well as an all around rifle. I generally use a 130gr bullet for elk and mulies. I like to go after prairie dogs and coyotes with a 90gr bullet. It has proven to be the "Jack of all trades, ace of nothing" rifle. I like it, but I think it burns too much powder for varmints and a smaller load would serve you better, but it gets the job done.

[learningman]

Thanks a bunch guys for all the input. I didn't realize that you do a barrel change on a Savage as easily as that. I did some research on it and thats pretty cool. I was qurious what caliber would win out on this subject and so far the good old 270 seems to be winning. I do have a 270 but am sitting on the fence as to what to do with it. To be honest just looking for input on my next shooter. Will most likely get something in a varmit configuration, just not sure what caliber yet. Am leaning toward a 308 so far. Its a caliber I've never owned so something new would be fun. I agree that the 270 is extremly versitale but I want the next gun to be suited for variuos situations that may present themselves during a hunt. I would love a medium contour barrel, synthetic stock, and a caliber for all occasions. I'm not asking to much am I?:D To many choices out there. Thanks again for all the opinions.

[Titan6]

If you had to chose one rifle that you would use for varmit hunting and some big hunting as well what would it be?

A 12 GA shotgun? Probably not a rifle in that particular case, unless range was an issue.

[moosehunt]

You stated you've never had anything in .308 caliber before. That being the case, I'd suggest the .30-06 as the most versatile .30 caliber over the big case magnums (.300 Win, .300 Ultr Mag, etc) or the smaller case .308 Win. There are quite a few cartridges in this caliber, but the old '06 is the most versatile.

[308win]

110gr V-Max in .308 is a great varmint load.

[Vern Humphrey]

If you go the Savage route, you could start with .204 Ruger, then rebore to .223 when you shoot that barrel out, then go to .243 (changing boltheads) when you shoot that out, then 7mm-08, followed by .308 and .358 Win. All in the same barrel, shot out and rebored many times.

Or you could have a .22-250 with a .308 barrel.

[627PCFan]

May I suggest a 7mm Rem mag. Im loading 120 Hornady Vmax's for G hogs in Md. Loaded with real bullets can bag you your Elk too-

[mlw332]

7mm-08

[Clipper]

Check out a Ruger compact in .260rem.

[Auburn1992]

Ever hold a CZ550 Varmint Kevlar? Beautiful gun fairly light with bull barrel. .308 win or .204 is what it comes in. The one I held had a set trigger on it, you could push the standard trigger forward and it became a hair trigger (something like 14oz.)

[skinewmexico]

I think varmint all the way to elk is a little too big of a bite. I don't think I've ever taken over 30 minutes to change a barrel on one of my Savages.

[learningman]

skinewmexico you make a valid point. It is a rather broad spectrum that I'm asking one rifle to fill, there's no doubt about it. I've been hunting since I was twelve but it hasn't been until the last few years where I have slowed down and really researched rifle's and variuos calibers rather than just buy the gun and then find out what it's about. I currently own a few guns that are just to expensive to go varmit hunting with them. I don't reload at this time so I am slave to man when it comes time to get ammo. Ammo for my 300wm is horrible and that why I'm thinking of getting rid of it and a few others, then I will only have to buy ammo for a select few guns and in the long run save some coin for the gas tank to go hunting. So in the end thats my main reason for looking for that "all in one gun". It really comes down to pure economics for me at this point in my life. I love guns, but when you have to pay so much for ammo for all of them then the cost becomes an issue, at least for me. I'm trying to start a new business and right now any place I can "cut the fat" is a good place to save money. But I can't give up all my guns no way. Thanks again to every one foe the sugestions.:)

[K3]

Another vote for the .270. If you handload, you can tailor it from varmints up to elk. I like 140gr Gamekings leaving the muzzle at 2850fps for deer. Pretty sure this would be fine on elk too. I'll use that combo 'yote hunting if I'm not after pelt $.

Savage or Model 700? Yes please.

[ArmedBear]

I think varmint all the way to elk is a little too big of a bite.

I dunno. I shot a jackrabbit with a 520 grain .45-70. Killed it dead.:D

Worth a look: http://www.legacysports.com/products/howa/howa_ranchland.html

Semi-lightweight (Model 7 class) 7mm-08 or .308 in a Hogue stock. Howas are accurate and very solid, with bolt-locking safeties, which I'd consider a must-have feature in a walking rifle here in the brushland (and which Remington apparently has ditched instead of fixing a problem they had with theirs). This particular model is just coming on the market. It looks to be about half the price of a Model 7 and, if past experience with Howa is an indicator, it's every bit as good a rifle.

http://www.legacysports.com/images/_products/HOWA_Ranchland.jpg

I don't know if a bull barrel is a great feature on a "walking rifle". Unless you're walking around with a lot of ammo and a shooting bench, it's just extra weight.:)

[Vern Humphrey]

I dunno. I shot a jackrabbit with a 520 grain .45-70. Killed it dead
But is that what you'd use if you had an opportunity to clean out a P-dog town, firing hundreds of rounds at ranges of 300+ yards?

I'd go with three rifles in this category:

My Kimber M82 in .22 Hornet is a great "walking varmiter."

A good .223 or .22-250 would be my dedicated varimit rfle.

And my M70 in .30-06 my "everything else" rifle.

[ArmedBear]

But is that what you'd use if you had an opportunity to clean out a P-dog town, firing hundreds of rounds at ranges of 300+ yards?

Nope. But I wouldn't use ANYTHING I'd consider a "walking around" rifle, to do that.

Kinda like a CCW gun for Grizzlies. A real headscratcher.

[Vern Humphrey]

Nope. But I wouldn't use ANYTHING I'd consider a "walking around" rifle, to do that.

But you could. I could fire hundreds of rounds a day from my .22 Hornet. Hitting with any regularity at 300+ yards would be a real challenge -- but I'd consider it an educational experience.

[ArmedBear]

Hitting with any regularity at 300+ yards would be a real challenge -- but I'd consider it an educational experience.

So was getting the elevation right on a .45-70 BPC rifle, shooting something as small as a jackrabbit.:)

Six of one, half a dozen of the other, same conclusion.

[Vern Humphrey]

So was getting the elevation right on a .45-70 BPC rifle, shooting something as small as a jackrabbit
Find me a guy who has shot several hundred rounds of .45-70 in one day, and I will show you a guy with one shoulder higher than the other.

[marksman13]

I'd go with a 7mm-08. Just about a perfect balance. As far as rifles go, I'd pick up a Remington 700, Browning A-Bolt, or a CZ 550. Don't remember if CZ makes a 7mm-08 though, so in that case I would get it in 243. Too small for elk, but excellent for everything else you mentioned.

[ArmedBear]

Find me a guy who has shot several hundred rounds of .45-70 in one day, and I will show you a guy with one shoulder higher than the other.

LOL

Just avoid shooting guns with steel crescent buttplates off the bench. OUCH! Standing offhand or kneeling rested on sticks, they're not that bad.

You're right, though, a .22 Hornet would have a tad less recoil.

[BroughtEnoughGun]

+1 on .308 or .30-06

Both are good choices for big and small game, personally I use my .300 Win Mag on everything I can and plan on hunting, whether it be coyotes, boar, deer, elk or black bear.

[PAULREVERE]

I would recommend a Browning BLR lightweight in .308. Good caliber, great rifle. Put a 2-7x power scope on it and your good to go.

[22-rimfire]

I think you're trying to take too big of a versitility bite with your thinking. The 223 is great for varmints and your thinking on a 308 is sound although I would prefer a 30-06.

The 300 win mag is a good elk caliber, but a bit strong for most deer hunting. You actually shoot it a lot?

You might think about getting a 17HMR for those pesky little varmints.

[learningman]

I have shot my 300wm alot and used it for deer and elk. The problem with that gun is an old shoulder injury that just won't go away. Now I can't spend as much time as I would like shooting it because of the recoil. It's a great round and I love it, it just hurts now to shoot much. My 223 is set up for varmit, but would like a second gun that has a little more reach, and more versitility. So get rid of my big boomer and get something that can fill different roles effectively. I understand all of the points and arguements that all of you have given to me and I appreciates all of your feedback. The problem is that there are to many choices.:) I'm leaning toward a rilfe in 308 but not sure which one yet.

[eliphalet]

OK 308 then, or install a pad on your 270. Either will take anything you can buy a tag for in Idaho. Remember with a tender shoulder you'll need to balance weight for carry against the weight to help absorb recoil, also a good pad can do wonders to soften the blow to your shoulder.

We have identical 700's one in 30-06 another in 270, one's stock is as it came and one has a nice pad installed. Off the bench both shooting 150 grain bullets there is a world of difference in felt recoil to your shoulder between the two. Pads may not be the sightliest thing you can do to your rifle but they work.

[Andy W]

I like the 270 Win for deer & coyotes. The 90 grain Sierra HP is a good varmint bullet.

[Turbozag]

The new Remington VTR (varmint tactical rifle) is available in 223, 308, 204 Ruger and 22-250.

http://www.remington.com/images/products/firearms/centerfire/700_vtr_410.jpg

Unique triangular barrel (added rigidity, lightweight, rapid cooling), integrated muzzle-break, vented synthetic stock with soft rubber overmolded panels where hands grip, 2 swivel studs for sling AND bipod.

I just got one in 308.

Lightweight, great balance, and they claim the accuracy on these will be around 1/2 MOA.

We'll see. I just got finished mounting a Nikon Monarch 4x16x42 side focus scope on it with TPS steel rings and Leupold Mark 4 2-piece base.

I have a Remington LTR 308 with a Leupold Mark 4 I will be comparing it to.

[john917v]

Ooooh, the venerable VTR! Say, Turbozag, you don't need a shooting buddy, do you?

[skinewmexico]

The people in the Marketing department love you guys........

did you mention the same VTR is in the For Sale section?