new hunting rifle

tracker77

Looking at getting an additional hunting rifle, primarily for deer, but hopefully for other stuff too when I can. Current hunting rifle is a single shot .308 which is great, but want to add another choice. For the new one am considering the .243, .270, & .30-06. I'd like to get some opinions on which would be best. Also, I'll gladly take suggestions on any specefic models around the $400 range. Thanks.

tracker77

I am looking at getting a new hunting rifle I was totaly sold on the thompson center pro hunter in 308. But a friend sugested I take a look at the Savage Model 10FP Tactical and the Remington 700 tactical. I have to admit now I do not know witch to get I like the idea of buying a barrel and I got another caliber rifle with the pro hunter, but I do not think the pro hunter is as accurate as the other 2. I have a long shot when hunting about 345yrds and would like to be able to confidently shot at least 300yrds.What are the differances between a rifle and a tactical rifle. ... more ? ? less

tsr1965

That Encore Pro Hunter will do anything you want to as far as accuracy is concerned. It as it stands right now, is a rifle of much higher quality than either the Remington or the Savage. As for your long range caliber choice, mine might be different(300 Win Mag), but your's certainly will get the job done. As for the switch barrel...I do not have a Pro Hunter, but I have a standard Encore SS. I have a 260 Rem. pistol barrel, a heavy 223 rifle barrel, a 45 and 50 caliber muzzle loader barrel. This is not the only rifle I have, but I do use it a lot. The accuracy...with the right ammo on a calm day, the 223 will print dime sized groups at 250 yards. The Muzzle loader barrels will print 1.5 MOA or less, and the 260 pistol woll print 1/2 MOA.

A tactical rifle is usually one that is designed for certain LE, or Military Tactics in mind. They are often factory production specialized models, like the savage or remington that have a shorter fatter barrel. Not that there is anything special done to enhance accuracy over a regular rifle of the same model.

FEENIX

Welcome to the forum. Don't get too wrap up with what the manufacturer's call them (i.e. tactical, long range, or any other marketing names) and stick to what your intended purpose and match it with the appropriate rifle and caliber that you can shoot. Shot placement is still the key.

I am a big fan of .300WM (currently in Savage 111F and SAKO M995)and use 180G from antelope to elk/moose game. Prefer shots within 200 yards and no farther than 400 yards.

Good luck!

sandwarrior

tracker77,

Welcome to the forum!

First, the TC Pro will go as far as you want for accuracy. Any round you get it chambered in. And yes, I like the fact that you can switch barrels no problem and have a new caliber to shoot. The only thing I don't like is they are single shots. But they also make an Icon five shot bolt rifle.
As far as Remington and Savage, the hunting rifles will get you the accuracy you require to as far out as you need. That is, depending on which caliber you choose. A .308 shouldn't have any problem getting there, but there are better calibers for going that distance. Personally, I like the Savage for "off-the-shelf" accuracy. That followed by a Tikka. At our last deer rifle sight-in this last fall I saw a number of them shoot very well.

As far as the differences between hunting and tactical rifles there are several major differences. One, you noted the barrels are typically heavier on tactical rifles. This is one of the enhancements to accuracy. Two, tactical rifles usually have bedding system to increase stability, therefore accuracy. Custom hunting rifles are usually bedded but standard hunting rifles don't come that way from the factory. Three, a lot of the built up areas of a tactical rifle increase weight. Hunting rifles don't have this as they are accurate enough out to the ranges they are expected to shoot. And you don't want to be packing around all that weight if you don't have to.

laogai

i hunt kansas and nebraska, where 300+ yard shots also occur not infrequently. i have 2 270s, love them both, and have made shots in that range with each with no disappoinments. i handload and practice sufficiently.

one factor i would suggest you consider is trigger pull, which translates to practical field accuracy more so than miniscule differences off the bench from a "tactical" set-up (heavy barrel basically). a trigger pull around 3 lbs with minimal creep makes all the difference on game. good triggers include tikka, savage accu-trigger, CZ, and Howa without spending a ton of money. i've not used a TC.

308 will certainly do the job, and I have one as well, but i feel more comfortable with my 270s at longer range.

agostino

As I recall, a .30-06 will give a bit of added reach over a .308, especially in a handload because of the greater case capacity. And the ammo is probably easier to find in out-of-the-way places you might hunt.