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new deer rifle

captainkiekcaptainkiek Member Posts: 7 ✭✭
edited January 2007 in Ask the Experts
I currently have a marlin 30/30 and I'm looking to upgrade. I was wondering what recommedations you have for a rifle and ammunition, ultimately I would like something for a shot between 150 and 250 yards.

Comments

  • captainkiekcaptainkiek Member Posts: 7 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am going to add to my collection this year. I usually have shots under 200 yards. I am looking for a quick pointing rifle with the ability to have a quick follow up shot. I already have 2 lever guns in 30-30 and .35rem. and I have bolts in 7mm-08 and .270 so please don't suggest those. Also, I don't want a .44 mag carbine. I am considering a new rem 7600 in 7mm-08 or a rem 7400 in .308 what do you guys think? As always thanks for your replies.
  • captainkiekcaptainkiek Member Posts: 7 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hello everyone, I have been reading this forum casually for the past couple of weeks, and it seems like a good place with some knowledgeable people. I have finally decided to break down and buy a new deer rifle. Right now, I have a Marlin 30.30, and it is time to get a longer gun. I am looking at a BLR in either a .308 or a 7mm 08. I hunt in Missouri so I want a short lever for fast handling in thick woods, but I also want a round that can reach out and touch something on the other side of a wheat field. I know the .308 will work well for both, but how well will a 7mm 08 work when threading it through some brush. If you have another suggestion for a rifle or cartridge, then I would like to hear that also.

    Thanks,

    Will
  • iwannausernameiwannausername Member Posts: 7,131
    edited November -1
    Got a scope on it already? If not, consider scopign it and using some of that new ammo from hornandy that lets you use pointy tipped bullets.

    Failing that, got anything that tickles your fancy? Browning makes a lever gun that takes a box mag, so pointy bullets (and therefore calibers) aren't an issue. Or maybe a nice bolt gun? Or how about a semi of some sort, either a browning BAR or maybe a FAL wiht a 5 round mag?
  • RedtailRedtail Member Posts: 155 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    .270 with 130 grain pointed soft point PERIOD
  • nards444nards444 Member Posts: 3,994 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Theres a lot of choices for a rifle that shoots 150-200 yards, what you have is probably one of the best for that range. But if I were to go buy a rifle today I would a rifle chambered in 30.06. Theres a lot of specialty rounds but everybody would agree that the 30.06 is the best all around round and best bang for your buck. Past that I would go buy a Savage, they have deals that run with a scope in 350-$450. Ive seen articles where the savage 30.06 was tops in its class
  • captainkiekcaptainkiek Member Posts: 7 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a bushnell scope on the marlin already, I should have specified I'm looking to purchase a bolt action rifle, but would like info on what model gun and caliber do you guys use and or would like to use. thanks for your help.
  • Colonel PlinkColonel Plink Member Posts: 16,460
    edited November -1
    If price is an object, you can't go wrong with a Savage in 30-06. If the sky's the limit, well, use the "highest price first" search feature here on GB. In any case, I think a 30-06 is a great all-around cartridge. (And I don't even own one...yet)
  • deerhntrdeerhntr Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The 30-30 is an EXCELLENT caliber if you keep it within its limitations of 100-125 yards. for the ranges you are mentioning i would recomend something like a 7mm-08 with 140 grainers or as recomended by Redtail the .270 winchester with 130 grainers, these are VERY flat shooting calibers and deadly with pretty mild recoil.....you can easy reach out to 250 yards+ with them.
    I would recomend a Remington 700 in the configuration you choose, stainless/synthetic , matte/synthetic or the traditional Blued/wood In my experience the 700's are the Most accurate Out of the box reasonably priced and well made production bolt actions rifles made in the USA, for a scope I would get something like a 3-9x40 or 4-12x40, I would stick with either Leupold, bushnell elite 4200 or the Nikon Monarch line. Dont buy a cheap scope! good luck.
  • oldgunmanoldgunman Member Posts: 1,779 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    30-06 cal is what I would get.
  • nards444nards444 Member Posts: 3,994 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    be careful in getting something small like a 7mm-08, because it is good to 200yds, but drops 400fps already at that distance. So if you ever did decide to go get something bigger or go long range, you wouldnt have it. On the other end theres something like 300 mag, thats over kill for what most hunters would do. Stick with the 30.06, you can use the 180 grain or 160 for deer. If you want to go bigger you can go up to a 220. Like I said unless your looking for a rifle for a specific animal or territory stay away from specialty calibers, they work great for certain instances but are not an all around gun for the average hunter. Another idea would be .308. Most would agree the 06 is your best bet
  • allen griggsallen griggs Member Posts: 35,695 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree with you, the 30-30 is not the rifle for 250 yard shots.
    A Savage in 30-06 would be a great rifle. Also the .270 is very good.
  • 7.62x397.62x39 Member Posts: 1,994 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Dont fall into the "30-06'ers", you dont get anything more out of it and all you are going to get is a heavier gun and MORE recoil. Get a .308 but +1 on the Savage, its a model 11 with a 3X9 scope on it
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