Rammer

I'm not a big fan of the 30-06 to tell the honest truth. I think they kick way more than they should, and I've never found one thats overly accurate. I have a Ruger M77MKII in 30-06 that collects dust, as well as a Remington 700 30-06 (still never been fired, I won it).

The Remington is more than likely going to be used for a donor action someday for a future project. The Ruger was my first deer rifle so it isn't going anywhere.

VT Outdoorsman

Those thoughts by Mr. Wakeman are very true. Thanks for the input.

Brown Dirt Cowboy

VT Outdoorsman,
Folically Challenged has offered some insight I think you will find indispensible.
I foundit worthwhile also.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2d.rifles.htm

Enjoy!!!!

...."Captain Fantastic"..........................E.J.

VT Outdoorsman

Chuck Hawks has some great articles. I think i am leaning towards a M77 Hawkeye chambered in .270 Win for the rifle i am getting. I have been thinking about a lever action too, seeing as i am going to be hunting primarily in the woods in Vermont. But i think i like the idea of a bolt action better. Thanks.

Rebel Hog

I used Ruger .270 for years. In 1995 I switched to Ruger 6.5mmSwede. If it were today, I would go with CZ 6.5mmSwede......

c j

Ditto. Although I personally like 25-06 for a chambering, I've been dying to get into a .280 and that would likely suit you better if you want to get into elk or bear. Heard many many good things about 7mm-08. Same with 6.5x55.

VT Outdoorsman

I have also heard many good things about the 7mm-08. My buddy just got one and he loves it. He uses it in pretty much the same hunting situations which i plan on being in with this new gun.

Brown Dirt Cowboy

VT Outdoorsman,
"They" say, that the 7mm shoots as flat as the 270 with the knock down power of the 30-06; not a bad combination.

c j

As for which Ruger *model* to go with, I don't think you can go wrong with the 77. They're tough to beat, IMO. You might need to get some trigger work done, but that's not a given as some might have you believe. The 77 target/varmint triggers are excellent. Of the last two 77 Mk II's I ordered new (25-06 and 7 wsm), one had an outstanding trigger and the other was fair to good.The25-06felt like it had either work done already or a custom trigger in it and the7wsmhad a decent trigger for hunting. The 7wsm's could be better, but it wasn't bad, by any means.

I don't know anything about Ruger's lever actions (96) except that I think they're ugly. The new Mini-14 Target is quite a rifle though, from what I understand, although I'm not a fan of using a .223 for deer. Looks like it would be an excellent choice for prairie dogs/coyotes/etc or just the fun of shooting.

The Ruger model I'm in love with, though, is the #1. Unless a single shot is absolutely not your cup of tea, that would be the way to go, IMO.

Retaks

I jsut got a new rifle a few weeks ago and was debating between a Ruger M77 Hawkeye and a Tikka T3 Stainless Lite. Im not gonna say what i picked but they were both great feeling rifles and i know i would have been extremely happy with either of them. I couldnt decide between the rifles because i loved them both so i used the cartridge they were chamberd in decide for me. I ended up with a 300WSM. Now im kicking myself for not getting both of them so i know what Santa is bringing me for Christmas!