Looking

[Novice]

I have a question for all the experts.

I am beginning to save up for a rifle that will be used for deer hunting in Tennessee, but I would like a caliber I can feel confident in should I ever get the chance to hunt out west. I am deciding among these: 7mm-08, .308,
30-06, and 7mm mag. I am leaning toward .06 first, .308 second, and the other two third.

I have looked at Weatherby (the $399 gun and others), Tikka, considered Remington 700, Savage, Ruger, but am leaning currently toward Browning and CZ.

Question: Which caliber do most recomend AND which gun makers currently have the best/worst reputation for quality, bang for buck, trigger, etc...

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Novice

 

[nekwah]

7mm, Prefferably Savage or maybe Weatherbee. Some people like Remington. Theres someone everywhere that will stand up for each of those you listed. Mostly prefference i thinks.

 

[mljdeckard]

I usually start at Remington and then decide if there's any reason to get anything else. (I usually stick with Remington.)

In all fairness, a lot of guys really like the new Savage triggers.

I would flip a coin between '06 and .308 to start, if I were more serious about elk I might lean toward the magnum. As it is now, I always hunt deer, I only hunt elk sometimes, so I don't have a magnum yet.

 

[Clint C]

I like the .30-06 it will kill them all. Maybe check out the Howa 1500 Hogue package. It comes with a Nikko Sterling scope at a price of $479.00 for the whole set up. Its the one I'm getting in a few weeks.

 

[moooose102]

the 30-06 and .308 are pretty much the same round balisticly. there is going to ba a slighly better ammo selection for the 30-06. in fact, it is the one round that has the most versified ammo selection of any rifle. being old enough to know now, if i had to do it all over again, i would go with the 30-06. it will do anything you will most likely want it to do. although for moose, or big bear, i would feel a little more comfortable with a big magnum. i can not run, so if it isnt down, I AM!

 

[Novice]

Thanks

Thanks guys for the feedback.
Novice

 

[interlock]

all of the above

Novice,
All of your choices are good. i would choose a remmy 700 in 7mm08.

for most of your hunting needs a 7mm08 is a great round. with 150 gr bullet class there is little to choose, the .308 is also a great round, you will be equally well served.

The .30-06 starts to raise it's head at 165 gr bullet wieght delivering an entra 500 fps at 200 yards over either 7mm08 or 308 with 150's for a very slightly flatter trajectory.

i don't know what your land is like. If you have bigger fields and longer shots then .30-06 might be the way to go. Up to 200 yards all will serve you well. it the shots are a bit longer i would leen .30-06 way.

I have a 7mm08 and a .30-06. I use the 06 where i have to shoot longer shots. One piece of advice would be to get a 24 inch barrel. my 7mm has an 18.5 inch barrel and that handicaps it with heavier bullets, where a slower powder is required.

I think all modern rifles are good and some old ones.

i have:
ruger m77 mk2 in 243....... a good rifle, i use it for foxing
a remmy model 7 in 7mm08...a great rifle i use it for deer hunting
a columbian custom mauser in .30-06 sprg ....... a great rifle i use this for hunting deer where i expect extended ranges

My cousin has a cz in .223.........it is a great rifle as are all cz products.

interlock

 

[Titan6]

They all get the job done. If you plan on shooting a lot the .30-06 and .308 are cheaper to feed than the 7mm. The 7mm sure is nice though.

 

[oldcj5guy]

I have had the opportunity to shoot at all large game in N America except for brown and polar bears with a 30-06. It has never let me down. All of the calibers you have listed are each good in their own way to accomplish what you want. My go to hunting rifle is a 1903A3 that has been sporterized. It has had a little work done to it, but I am still into it for less that $350 without the glass (glass adds another $800 to the gun).

Buy a good quality gun that feels comfortable to you. Get good glass on it and take it out and get very familiar with it.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

A Savage 110,111,112,114 etc. in long action. You can switch barrels to any standard (almost) caliber you want. 7mm/08,.308/30.06 in Tenn to .35 Whelen out west.

 

[Novice]

Thanks again. This is all great information. I'm becoming a bullet junkie.
Novice