My first animal killing tool....... please help me.

[Al Thompson]

Winchester is built here - in SC. IMHO, the .338 has a lot going for it in terms of versatility. You'll be a bit overgunned for whitetail and a bit undergunned for Grizzly. But the ammo is reasonably available, especially as compared to boutique cartridge like the .300 RUM. If I wanted more than a .30-06, I'd move up in diameter as well. Hence the .338.

Savage is an excellent rifle as well and (IMHO) is probably the leader for an off the rack tack driver. I like the CRF actions on the M70 and CZ better from a "uber" reliability aspect.

 

[TGReaper]

I have and use rifles from Ruger,Tikka,and Winchester.I do not personally care for Remington or Savage,no real reason I just don't care for them.
My favorites are the Winchesters, I have them in .264WM,.270,.30-06,30-30and the pick of the litter my Mod.70 Super Express in .375 H&H .
If I was to restrict myself to one rifle it would be this one the rifle can not be faulted and the cartridge is arguably one of the best in the world.
I hand load for it so it works well for anything a person might ever want to hunt.
Enjoy your search,and when you find it ,your rifle.
TGR