One rifle????
08-11-2010 | 07:52 AM
#12
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Though I don't ascribe much to the one gun for all theory, if I had to limit myself to one rifle only it would be in 30/06.
Preferably a Mauser 98 action, Winchester 3 position safety, upgraded trigger, (Timney or such) 4X fixed power scope, synthetic stock, detachable sling, pillar bedded and free floated. It wouldn't make me ooh or aah with finely figured walnut or flashy high-gloss blue, or telescopic sights to shoot 1000 yards, but it would put a lot of meat in the pot from little things to big things.
Probably use 180 grain bullets all the time for deer to larger elk and moose, but would just change the style of bullet construction to match the game. For littler stuff I'd try to find some 125 gr or 130 gr bullets that would behave.
Preferably a Mauser 98 action, Winchester 3 position safety, upgraded trigger, (Timney or such) 4X fixed power scope, synthetic stock, detachable sling, pillar bedded and free floated. It wouldn't make me ooh or aah with finely figured walnut or flashy high-gloss blue, or telescopic sights to shoot 1000 yards, but it would put a lot of meat in the pot from little things to big things.
Probably use 180 grain bullets all the time for deer to larger elk and moose, but would just change the style of bullet construction to match the game. For littler stuff I'd try to find some 125 gr or 130 gr bullets that would behave.
08-12-2010 | 04:55 PM
#18
Fork Horn
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Dixie County FL
I just came back from my local Wally World (not out in the country either) & bought some Remington 180 grain for 17 bucks - they had 4 different types of ammo to choose from. All the other calibers, one or two choices max if they had any at all. 30.06 will shoot anything in America & is the most commonly found factory ammo IMHO.
08-12-2010 | 06:04 PM
#19
Typical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
From: PUEBLO, CO, USA
Funny you should ask, I anguished over this questin for last three years. I read every book in my library, priced ammo til I was cross eyed, swapped guns right and left and swapped RH bolt for LH bolt and etc etc... went from 30.06 to 7mm RemMag to .270. In the past 40 yrs I've had 6 30.06 and 4 7mm RemMag and at least 6 .243 and I think FINALLY i have settled on the .270 with the new Hornady Superformance 130 SST or 140 SST for a do it all ( except grizzlers ) rifle. I have a LH Sav (with 3-9x40 Nikon dupplex) that I sorta like with the carbon stock but now am gonna switch to a LH Ruger 77 wood stock if I can find a older one. That otto last me til Im dead.
Good luck on your quest.
Good luck on your quest.
08-13-2010 | 01:09 PM
#20
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 2
From: Kansas
The .30-06 is hard to beat, it was my first high powered rifle, and it's been my stand by (Ruger Mark II Model 77).
Honestly, looking back knowing what I do now, and planning for ONE rifle ever (thank God I don't have to live with just one!), I'd pick up either a heavy barreled .308 in stainless and laminate, or a standard barrel .270 in a standard sporter.
I'm a heavy barrel nut, and the .308 will take down absolutely anything on the north american continent with ease, AND is easier on the shoulder than say the .30-06, or .300win mag. With a heavy barrel and the punch of a .308, I can reach out over 400yrds with confidence on anything from coyotes to heavy whitetails (probably want to be a little closer on elk).
Passing on the heavy barrel (PRICEY), I'd pick up a .270. A little lighter recoil than the .30-06, .300WM, 7mm Mag, etc, but plenty of punch to take out even heavy Elk, or even moose, but still light enough to limit hide and meat damage on lighter game like coyotes or antelope. The .270 is a shooter's cartridge. I think it's one of the most underrated cartridges running.
If you have the money, then heavy barrelled rifles are worth the extra expense, and since you're limiting yourself to only ONE rifle, then I'd strongly recommend a heavy barrel. I personally favor stainless steel and laminate stocks. Mount a bi-pod, a very comfortable sling (double shouldered preferably), and a 4-12x50mm glass, and you'll be able to take down ANY north american game animal that comes within eye-shot. This set up in a Savage rifle, with a harris bi-pod and a budget conscious Bushnell Elite scope will run you right around $1100-1200.
On the more budget wary side, a standard rifle in blue/walnut chambered in .270 with a budget (yet quality) 3-9x40mm glass will run you about $800-1000. Personally, for the money, I'd rather have the heavy barrel, but the standard rifle is easier to carry and a little easier on the wallet.
Honestly, looking back knowing what I do now, and planning for ONE rifle ever (thank God I don't have to live with just one!), I'd pick up either a heavy barreled .308 in stainless and laminate, or a standard barrel .270 in a standard sporter.
I'm a heavy barrel nut, and the .308 will take down absolutely anything on the north american continent with ease, AND is easier on the shoulder than say the .30-06, or .300win mag. With a heavy barrel and the punch of a .308, I can reach out over 400yrds with confidence on anything from coyotes to heavy whitetails (probably want to be a little closer on elk).
Passing on the heavy barrel (PRICEY), I'd pick up a .270. A little lighter recoil than the .30-06, .300WM, 7mm Mag, etc, but plenty of punch to take out even heavy Elk, or even moose, but still light enough to limit hide and meat damage on lighter game like coyotes or antelope. The .270 is a shooter's cartridge. I think it's one of the most underrated cartridges running.
If you have the money, then heavy barrelled rifles are worth the extra expense, and since you're limiting yourself to only ONE rifle, then I'd strongly recommend a heavy barrel. I personally favor stainless steel and laminate stocks. Mount a bi-pod, a very comfortable sling (double shouldered preferably), and a 4-12x50mm glass, and you'll be able to take down ANY north american game animal that comes within eye-shot. This set up in a Savage rifle, with a harris bi-pod and a budget conscious Bushnell Elite scope will run you right around $1100-1200.
On the more budget wary side, a standard rifle in blue/walnut chambered in .270 with a budget (yet quality) 3-9x40mm glass will run you about $800-1000. Personally, for the money, I'd rather have the heavy barrel, but the standard rifle is easier to carry and a little easier on the wallet.