Guns

[bsktball55]

I know everyone will have their own opinions here, but I am looking at getting a rifle for next year and am looking for some recommendations. I have only bow hunted and do not know much about the different calibers of rifles, pros and cons. Can anyone help me out and let me know some of the pros and cons of some of the more popular calibers such as accuracy, range, economical to shoot, etc. Also particular models would be helpful as well, I don't want to spend a ton, but I don't want a piece of junk either. I will mainly be using it for whitetails, but like to be able to use it for bigger game in the future.

[hobiecat]

As far as most bang for your buck, I'd go with a Weatherby Vanguard in 30.06. You can prolly pick a new one of'em up for around 4-hunert. There ain't much you can't do with that round... deer huntin wise.

[Warmouth]

30-06 is one of the most versitile cartridges you can find. Ammo is fairly cheap, and can be bought anywhere that seels any sporting good eqipment.

For deer, anything from 25-06 through 300win mag is not a bad choice.
270, 308, and 30-06 are the most popular and will be the most available when you are looking to buy ammo.

I like Ruger, but Savage makes an accurate rifle, and CZ is a nice rifle in the price same range. Don't skimp on the scope, a 3x9 is plenty for big game. Sight 2" high at 100yds when you get your gun.

[bsktball55]

Are there any major advantages or disadvantages between the different calibers like a 270, 308, 30-06, or 300 win mag. I know they will all take down a deer, but are any of them flatter shooting, or more accurate at longer ranges.

[Warmouth]

You need to google a ballistics chart for cartridges that you are interested in. The bigger calibers will start to kick pretty good once you get over a 30-06.



Just about all bottle neck rounds when sighted x at 200 will be 1.5-2" high at 100, and 6-9" low at 300yds.



Not a whole lot of difference this side of 300-350yds or so.

[Tigerhaze]

Any of the rifle calibers Warmouth mentioned would be just fine for whitetails in the Midwest. You mention "bigger" game- I would say if you are serious about big-game hunting in the near future that will affect your choice.

Pronghorn and even mule deer can still be taken with the same rifles mentioned before, but if you are talking mature elk or bear then you probably need to go bigger. However the larger caliber rifles have more recoil and are more expensive to shoot.

My advice would be to get a rifle in one of the calibers Warmouth mentioned and consider a different rifle for big game hunting once you are comfortable shooting center fire rifles. I have a Remington 7600 in .30-06 and love it.

[Keith@AimLow]

I can't pull away from the .270 It has always done the job and shoots very flat. I have never had any regrets and will most likely choose this caliber do to the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." phylosphy.

[Two Tall the Neanderthal]

I truly think if anyone just wanted to get one rifle for most any adventure then go buy a new .270WSM... From elk to coyotes you are going to be fine. It shoots flatter than most mid range cartridges and it's popular shelf ammo if you don't reload.



If you are planning on hunting some dangerous game in the future on big expensive hunts, well then you probably have enough money to get a new rifle for it when you book it.



I've shot and reloaded all most everything from the wsm lines, and standard calibers, and bigger magnums. I think the .270 wsm is one fine package for someone who wants a g cartridge with less recoil than its parent cartridge and a far outpaced performance.





I'd suggest a Savage, or a Browning A-bolt.