Need an Elk/Deer combo rifle

What would you buy for hunting?

  • AR .308

    Votes: 10 6.0%

  • 30.06 bolt action

    Votes: 111 66.5%

  • 700 mag

    Votes: 18 10.8%

  • other

    Votes: 28 16.8%
  • Total voters
    167
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B

brighamr

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I've used a 700 mag, 300 savage, and 30-30 for hunting, but they were all relative's guns. I'm looking to buy a new rifle, hopefully one that can serve me for deer and elk. Budget is variable, I'm just wondering what others are using and what your likes/dislikes are. I like the idea of the .308 AR, just because I could use it for plinking/competition as well. BUT I'm open to the bolt actions if there's a good reason.

I'll be hiking far distances, so weight is a concern
Whatever I buy it will be scoped
Recoil doesn't matter much to me

Suggestions?
 
If you're hiking, the AR-10 wouldn't be a great choice. Scoped, those things get heavy.

But then again, if you want one, go ahead. It's the most versatile of the ones you have mentioned. Plus some people can carry more than others. The first centerfire rifle I purchased was an FAL. Small scope and full mag it tops the scales at around 10 or 11 pounds. But since that was my first rifle, I didn't really notice how heavy it was until I handled my 30-30 again or when I bought my Saiga.
 
How about a 7mm-08 in a Model 7 type shorter barreled rifle? The flat trajectory of the 7mm in a package based on a short action .308. Light weight, compact, and enough power to drop Elk...
 
I voted other.


I think that the 270 or 25-06 would best serve you.
Some might come back and say that you need the .308 due to it being a short action and it will save you a few ounces in weight. Meh. I own a 308 and a 270. Either one will bring home the critter. The 270 just has a bit longer range, IMO, when it comes to that kind of stuff. I do know that the .308 can do almost as much...ALMOST.

Semi-autos...I dunno...as a hunting rifle I just don't know...I don't wanna sound like a Fudd here but hey..I would NOT want to drag my FAL through the Texas piney woods looking for Bambi or Pumba. Of course, an AR-10 isn't going to weigh as much...but hey...if you get tagged by a Game Warden, his initial reaction might not be too favorable with you having a EBR with a paint-job on her. :(

Of course, you could go with a 30-06. It can do the same as a 270 and has a bit heavier bullet weight to play with. I am simply offering up options. :)

Bolt rifle, perhaps a Savage 110 action in 30-06, 270 or 25-06, a synthetic or laminate stock and a nice Nikon Monarch 2-10x42 will bring home a freezer-full of critter, I think.
 
7mm-08 is just under what I'd want for elk. Yes, it'd probably drop one if the shot placement is good, but a 180 gr. .308 load gives you a bit more leeway, and a 200 or 220 grain .30-06 gives you a LOT of leeway. That, and .308/.30-06 ammo is more commonly available and cheaper than 7mm-08.

The 7mm-08 is an awesome deer round, though.

Edit: For what it's worth, when i asked myself this same question, I went with a bolt action in .30-06 (Remington 700 SPS, to be specific). My grandfather did a lot of elk hunting with an unmodified Springfield 1903 chambered for .30-06 and brought home some fairly big bulls with it.

I haven't been elk hunting yet (not enough time), but when I eventually get around to it I'll probably be packing a .30-06.
 
Tanker,

I understand that. However, I know our game-warden and he's a good guy. If I were to hunt anywhere else and I felt like taking my FAL, I would. If I'm properly licensed and a nice guy to deal with, I shouldn't have much to worry about.

Besides, how many times have you seen a game warden in the piney woods? I've hunted there all my life and never ran into anyone.
 
I also voted for 30-06. It can be loaded with 90 gr all the way to 250 gr bullets. Very versatile cartridge. I have one in a Savage and two 270s, one Browning and one Savage. I prefer the 270 over the 30-06 but that is personal preference.

If your budget allows, take a good look at the CZ 550 American. Great rifle. My second choice would be a Model 700. Remember to save some funds for a good scope (like a VX-III 4.5-14x40).
 
Most will work.

Hey There:
I have no problems with the .308 on Elk.
My .270 Win, Rem. Mountian light weight is really nice for what you are looking at. The .270 should take Elk with out problems also.
I use Nosler Balistic Tips 150 grainers and they drop deer dead fast.
Kimber makes a really nice .308 light weight gun that would be just fine for both, at right around 6 lbs. That is not counting the scope. So you can end up at just over 7lbs.
 
Thanks for the suggestions thus far. I was under the impression that an AR10 would be lighter than the wooden bolt actions I had used before.

700 mag = "Remington model 700, 7mm Rem Mag cartridge"

Not worried about being hassled by fish and game. Half the reason I put in .308 is that I like hunting varmints with my Ar15. then again, varmints and elk are a bit different :D

Hmmm... so far, I'm thinking 30.06. I'll wait to here from a few more folks.
 
all of these will kill ether animal hell my friend kill them with a 7 30 waters which is 7mm 30 30 . i use a custom vz 24 mauser 30 06 and it works great . so will the 270 with less kick. so will the others this is not mine for sale but there is a nice marlin 3006 with scope for around 300. on here now and savage is very acurate and a good rifle at a real good price as well good luck
 
Of options listed, I'd go with the .30-06. Great cartridge for deer or elk. A .308 bolt action would be a close second. In fact, if you plan to do a lot of hiking in and out, a lightweight, short action .308 would have the edge.
 
Faced with the same choice earlier this year I bought a Tikka T3 left-handed 30-06 with a Nikon Monarch scope. I like the fact that you can buy 30-06 in almost any small town in America.

More accurate than I am at the moment, but I'm working at catching up with the rifle...
 
When you get up in years and that 9 lb rifle gets REALLY heavy as you climb up the mountain looking for high country elk. . . . . you will really appreciate a Remington Model Seven in caliber .308 using 150 or 165 grain bullets.
 
30/06 is a great all around gun. .308 bolt gun is a good one too. I was gonna say that a 700 mag might be a bit too much on the elk and your sholder
 
6.5x55. Popular for moose in it's country of origin. Light enough recoil that you won't have to worry about flinching and capable of fine accuracy. You don't need a supermagnum - just a bullet in the right place.
 
Guntech - I've never heard of that round before. Do you have a link or know what company makes guns for it?

It looks like it's coming down to .308, 30.06 or a 6.5x55; all in bolt action.

I'll have to get some specific make/models together and have another poll :)
 
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