Buying a new deer rifle...

[XD Dude]

Want a 700 CDL for No. California hunting...now...here are the questions...

7mm or .300 win mag? ( I already have .30-06)

Thinking Leupold VX III...any reccomendations on the specific scope? I was thinking 4.5-14x50mm...

any opinions? Many here are alot more educated that me at this...this will be my first "better" deer rifle (I have an old remington woodmaster in 30.06)

Thanks in advance!

 

[dakotasin]

if you already have a 30-06, then you really should look at sugnificant bumps up and down... look into the 25-06 and 338 win mag.

25-06 is wicked open country medicine, and 338 win mag is... well, the 338 win mag is just flat out awesome - and kicks less than most 300's (least, less than my wsm and win mag).

if i am stuck to your two choices, 7 rem mag, hands down.

 

[XD Dude]

Im not stuck on those two calibers..they just seem to be common...but thats exactly why I ask! There is alot of stuff out there that I don't know about...I just want to get the best package I can get for 1400.00 or so. I have a sizable Basspro gift cerificate...so my scope and rings would come from there, but the rifle is open...this would be my main deer rifle, as the 30-06 is not real reliable (it needs a little smithing), so I don't want something that is so much is is just too big for california game. So I appreciate any caliber/make reccomendations you guys have.

Now for the scope...do I want duplex or heavy duplex? what is the difference?

 

[dakotasin]

for close shots (sub-50 yards), the heavy duplex is awesome. for anything else - or if you don't know, the regular duplex is great. i really like leupold's fine duplex and zeiss' z-plex reticles.

700 cdl, talley rings, leupold 3.5-10 fine duplex, chambered to 338 win mag... yep, sounds perfect.

good luck!

second choice would be set up w/ a 4.5-14 leupold and a 7 rem mag.

third choice would be 4.5-14 leupold in 25-06.

if your shots are close, substitute in 2.5-8 leupolds, and run w/ 338, or 7-08.

 

[XD Dude]

I dont see the 338 win mag option on remingtons site for the cdl...is that chambering available under a different series 700 than the cdl?

 

[beerslurpy]

I dont see the point. 30-06 is perfectly suited to taking deer out to some very respectable ranges. This proposed new purchase doesnt really give you any new abilities unless the barrel on your existing gun is shot out.

I would either get a much smaller caliber for varmints (and maybe deer) or much larger for buffalo/trex/elephant (and maybe deer). Or something in a similar caliber with different capabilities like a CETME or Garand. A garand would be a particular sexy choice since you already buy ammo for it and it is the finest battle implement every devised, after all.

Variety is the spice of life.

edit: plus, with the garand, when someone mentions putting a clip in their pistol, you can pull out a real clip and wing it at their head *ping*.

 

[XD Dude]

I dont see the point. 30-06 is perfectly suited to taking deer out to some very respectable ranges. This proposed new purchase doesnt really give you any new abilities unless the barrel on your existing gun is shot out.

I would either get a much smaller caliber for varmints (and maybe deer) or much larger for buffalo/trex/elephant (and maybe deer). Or something in a similar caliber with different capabilities like a CETME or Garand. A garand would be a particular sexy choice since you already buy ammo for it and it is the finest battle implement every devised, after all.

Variety is the spice of life.

edit: plus, with the garand, when someone mentions putting a clip in their pistol, you can pull out a real clip and wing it at their head *ping*.

The 30-06 I have is not going out in the woods with me anymore (it has issues, among them being sentamental value). I like the 30-06 cartridge, but as I basically from this point on will have a single hunting rifle, I want to do it right, and let it handle as wide a variety as possible (that could mean some elk and such in the future)

I have a friend with a 300 win mag, and I now know I want to step up a bit from the 30-06 into a bolt action.

I do like the *ping* idea though...i'll keep that in mind for a future purchase

 

[dakotasin]

the 338 win mag thru remington is sometimes hard to find. i saw a couple today, but they were bdl's...

 

[WHITEY338]

If you are primarily hunting deer, then I would just buy a nice bolt action 30-06 again. You are already familiar with the cartidges' ballistics, so your could stay with what you know. If you are going to throw elk and hogs into the mix then just use the Barnes TSX's or Nosler's Accubond. In as much as the 7mm is concerned when compared to the 06 you get another 50 yards out of the 7mm and the 06 handles 168's as well (read nearly identical velocities) as the 7mm. Also, as far as the 300 win goes, if you are already shooting through deer at any responsible distance with the 06 then how much further into the hillside do you want to shoot? Then there's the whole recoil factor, larger slightly heavier gun, .....................

 

[MachIVshooter]

third choice would be 4.5-14 leupold in 25-06.

That would be my first choice for deer (just happens to be exactly what I use). My rifle is a Remington 700 BDL. The gun, scope, bases, rings, sling and bi-pod cost me $1370 6 years ago. Using my 100 gr. Barnes Triple-shock X boat tail loads at 3570 FPS, I will take a 600 yard shot if I can't get closer (I carry a custom trajectory chart slipped into the buttstock shell holder that has wind, angles, temp, altitude and barometric pressure figured every 50 yards to 600; windspeed and angle are in incriments of 5). Up until 2 years ago, I used Sierra 117 gr. BTSP at 3220 FPS.

And yes, I load quite hot. I once had a long-time gunsmith point out that you simply can't get enough IMR 4831 in the case to ever worry. I took his advise and ran with it.

IMO, there is not a better open-country deer or antelope round than the .25-06 (except maybe the .25-06 AI or .25-300 Ultra wildcat ). .25-06 AI has the same capacity as the .257 Wthby mag. But the difference between standard .25-06 and .257 WM is very little.

 

[berettashotgun]

UH- a ruger #1 in 280 or 7mm rem mag. This sounds kinda "I know more than you do" about what you want, but my 1st "real" gun was a 300 win mag. Somewhere along the way I got 25-06, 270, 7mag-regular,stw, & ultra,7-08, 7x57, 280, 243,260,6.5-06, and the normal vermin rounds; 223,22-250. I use a 270 most all the time now, in ruger #1. Leupold vari-x 2, 3x9x40. 140gr. handloads. works great on most anything in Oklahoma, rifle has very short overall length and also has a 25 1/2" barrel. Never needed a second shot, but do want a 280 in that rifle, just from the possibilities opened up with the incredibly larger bullet selection in 7mm, have tried every combo in the 30 cal stuff, but found the regular old 180 in the 300's is the right balance.For me. BTW, I do envy you on your forthcoming purchase. Good luck, but don't forget to get a great case for the new family member

 

[XD Dude]

Wow! I have to say I am innundated by the caliber decision! Where does the 25-06 go in line with the 30-06? Am I losing any velocity or take down power? I am sad to admit I have never even seen a 25-06 cartridge...I have alot to learn!

I just need something that would be as versatile as possible, as I dont forsee myself with alot of different caliber bolt actions...just not enough play money for that Im afraid.

It looks like the Leupold seems to be the choice though...so that will be ordered up tomorrow

Anyone have any suggestions on rings and mounts for it on the CDL?

I'll say it again...thanks a ton for all of you guys helping on this...a few years ago this same purchase could have turned out to be a mis-informed and wrong decision!

 

[dakotasin]

for your mounts, i am very partial to talley lightweights. run ya about $35-40, and are very nice. the base is integral to the ring.

the 25-06 is a 30-06 case, necked down to take a smaller bullet. case size/dimensions are essentially the same. the 25-06 gives lots more velocity for a flatter trajectory, but gives up heavy bullets (foot pounds of energy). my 25-06 has dumped deer, antelope, coyote, etc. very versatile round, though it comes up short on elk.

mk4- check out www.baitshopboyz.com/forum - one of the gunsmiths there has come up w/ his own line of cartridges, and one of them is a 257 pill, loosely based on the rum cartridges, pushing 140 (!) grain bullets (its an extreme range kind of deal). wicked round - not for anybody that needs more than 60 or so loaded cartridges out of a pound of powder. also, i think a 25 rsaum would have it all over a 257 roy...

 

[Marshall]

I would repeat in 30-06.

The choices for available factory ammo are unbelievable. You get a great range in bullet weight, type and manufacturer while providing velocity and energy options out the wazoo. The "light magnums" and "heavy" loads will give you the ability to take anything in North America at affordable prices.

As for "something different", I don't remember what all Remington offers in that gun but take a look at the Browning A-Bolts. An A-Bolt with Boss and your Leupold Vari-XIII would be a great set up! They offer the gun in .338 Win Mag and .375 H&H with Boss!

Browning A-Bolt Rifles.

 

[XD Dude]

I would repeat in 30-06.

......

As for "something different", I don't remember what all Remington offers in that gun but take a look at the Browning A-Bolts. An A-Bolt with Boss and your Leupold Vari-XIII would be a great set up! They offer the gun in .338 Win Mag and .375 H&H with Boss!

Browning A-Bolt Rifles.

Wow! That white gold A-Bolt is just beautiful! I am going to see if anyone around the area has one for me to fondle! A little more pricey than I wanted to go...but it is worth a look i'd say! It looks like Im back in the 30-06 game again...you guys all give it too good of reviews!

Anyone else have any more makes for me to take a look at? A Buddy suggested Kimber...what do you guys think?

 

[JOKEN]

Look at bullseyesupplies.com. I got the vx111 4.5x14x50 with the b&c reticle for $549 last year. The 50mm is somewhat akward, wont fit in ATV scabbard or lean against a tree. Do not expect to talk to a person, but you will get the scope. Ken in Oregon

 

[rbullom]

Xd
I'm A Big Fan Of The 25-06. Of All My Rifles, This Is The One I Take On Deer And Antelope. But Considering You Have 30-06 Woodmaster I Would Tend To Agree That Upgrading To A Better 30-06 May Be The Best For Your Situation.

 

[todd-45]

I am partial to the .308. I have a Ruger M77 sitting under a Nikon scope. It's a great gun. I bought them both about 5 years ago and I haven't had to touch the scope since I sighted it in then. I also have the same scope mounted on a Weatherby .243. If you already have a 30-06 maybe consider the .243. It's a good coyote gun as well as a somewhat overlooked deer rifle. I've taken several with mine.

 

[XD Dude]

Purchased. Went against the grain...Browning A-Bolt White Gold Medallion in 7MM mag, Leupold 4.5-14x40mm with B&C reticle.
Thanks for all of your help!

 

[dakotasin]

may it treat you well.

now... go get a couple boxes of hornady light/heavy mags, and have a ball. sounds like a good system.

 

[adaman04]

.300 Win Mag gets my vote.

 

[GunGoBoom]

if you already have a 30-06, then you really should look at sugnificant bumps up and down... look into the 25-06 and 338 win mag.

+1

Well, congrats - your new 7mm, though perhaps overkill, will do the job of killing deer. My .02 would have been (had I got here in time) that a rifle caliber "better", in your words, than a .30-06, for being a deer specialist, would be something much easier on the shoulder than a .30-06, not harder on the shoulder. Something like a .243 win, .250-3000 savage, .257 robts, .260 rem, 6.5x55 swede, or .25-'06 (or even 7mm-08, or 7x57 mauser, but that's getting almost toward duplicating your .30-06). But 7mm remmag is a fine cal too, and the Browning is a very good rifle, so enjoy!

 

[Onmilo]

Cripes you must have some big deer in California!

7mm Mag is a great 500-600 meter antelope cartridge.
Much better suited to the western open plains than the deer woods.

.338 is overkill on deer size animals, good on elk, wicked on Black bear.
Reports from way up north is that it is losing favor to the .375 H&H Magnum and the 416 caliber rifles.
You need a really big gun when facing really big bears!

I use .30/06 and .45/70 on my trips to Wisconsin, 12 guage sabot slugs here in Illinois.
As I get older I too am considering a .250/3000 Savage rifle for my deer gun.
Preferably a 99A.
My .30/06 is a BAR or on occasion a Springfield 4.2 Million M1 Garand
.45-70 is an 1886 lightweight Winchester.
The shotgun is just old.

 

[todd-45]

Good choice in rifle. Great gun, though not my favorite caliber. Of course here in GA we don't really need a 7 mag, I wish we did. A good 30-06, 270, 308 does the job.

 

[Pilot]

Why people buy magnums for Whitetailed deer or even Mulies is beyond me. 30-06, 308, 7MM-08 and some of the others metioned are fine. These are good for everything up to and including Elk.