future ranch hunt...firearms options & ammo choices...budget tight

[kmrcstintn]

This is a summary of several other threads that I have posted recently; my questions here will be more directed due to the fact that I just realized that I will owe Uncle Sam this year since I was unemployed for a while last year and I didn't have taxes taken out and most likely I am in a higher bracket due to the amount of overtime I have worked in my new job...here we go

the ranch is in Tioga County of Pennsylvania and they import animals; I want to go since it is 'once in a lifetime' event for me; the largest game I am seeking to hunt is a European Stag Deer which is close to the size of an elk; average shot distances are 25 to 100 yards;

1) IF I get another rifle, it will be Marlin 336 w/ scope combo from Dick's (@ $300); is .30-30 enough and what ammo choice for such a game animal?

2) I have a Remington 870 SPS-T in 12 ga w/ 22" barrel; I am thinking of mounting a scope (receiver hump mount) and inserting a rifled choke; is this a viable option and what type of sabot slug for such a game animal?

3) My father owns a Remington 760 Game Master in .30-06; if he doesn't hunt this coming season I might borrow it; he usually shoots Remington Core-Lokt in 150 grain; would this load be a good choice for such a game animal?

Thank you for your patience since this sounds like other postings...

 

[Grumulkin]

My choices:

1. My number one choice would be the 30/06 which is quite adequate for what you want to do.

2. In number 2 goes the 30/30. It is adequate at the ranges specified.

3. The shotgun would go in the number 3 spot. If you hit your quarry, it would be quite adequate. If you limit your shots to 50 yards or so, the accuracy might be adequate as well. I have a rifled slug barrel for my shotgun and, after trying a variety of loads, came to the conclusion that the accuracy wasn't sufficient for dependable 100 yard shots.