Hello,

I'm a new-ish hunter that shot my first deer this past winter. I killed it with an AR chambered in .223. I know that's not ideal, but it's what I had. Thankfully it was a decent shot and she went down very quickly. I know that this is not always the case with that round.

My local gun store is running a special on the Remington 783 scoped rifle. They carry all of the available calibers for the same price, and I'm struggling to figure out what would be best. I would like to be able to drop a deer out to 300 yds, and begin to practice at long range target shooting. I might have an opportunity in the future to hunt elk, but for the time being, this gun will be used for whitetail.

I would like to get the most bang for my buck. Could you help me figure out which caliber would be best?

Here are the available models:

223 Rem
243 Win
270 Win
308 Win
30-06 Sprg
7mm Rem Mag
300 Win Mag

And a link to the model info:
http://www.remington.com/products/fi...83-scoped.aspx

270 on up. You'd probably be better of with a 308. A 300 Win Mag is a bit overkill for deer, but not for long range target shooting. I have 3 deer rifles in 30-06. If your going for elk...I would pick the 30-06 or the 300WM.
Look at the CZ line of rifles. A TIKKA is not so bad either --- Or you can go with a Savage. I have a SAKO Model 75 in 30-06, but the SAKO Model 85 is better.

The TIKKA has a butter smooth action, adjustable trigger and SAKO barrels; with accuracy right out of the box. Some hunters don't prefer the Accu-Trigger from Savage.

You will not go wrong by selecting a .30-06 if elk is a possibility.

A .270 would be my second choice.

Either one will do everything you ask of it. The .270 shoots just a bit flatter and has a little less recoil, but the .30-06 handles heavier bullets better. Ammunition for both cartridges is available nearly everywhere.

Depends on what you're going to be shooting. For versatility you can't beat the 30-06. If you're not worried about a bit more recoil but flatter shooting the 7mm mag would be a good choice if elk were ever on your list.

As far as deer calibers, the .308 and 30-06 will do just fine. The 30-06 probably offers the most variety of bullet weights for factory loads. I have also killed a number of elk with the 30-06. The 300WM is another fine choice for elk.

Not sure what your budget is or how much the Remington goes for, but check out the Weatherby Vanguard Series 2. It is very accurate and I picked one up in a 300WM for $500 new from an online gun shop out of Texas.

Good luck.

.223-don't even think about it. Every other cartridge you named can kill elk.

.243-necked down from a .308 case, not ideal compared to other calibers you named.

.308-a little less powerful as a 30-06, think about a 7mm-08 if you want a short action based on a .308 case.

.270-necked down from a .30-06 case. Higher B.C. bullet shoots flatter than parent cartridge.

.30-06-shoots heavier bullets than a .270. A 35 whelen is a beast necked up from a .30-06 case.

7MM Rem Mag-heavy hitter shoots very flat. My favorite magnum cartridge.

300 Win Mag- overkill on deer, expect recoil.

I would recommend a .270 based on your criteria.

As you being a new hunter I will add this. Most shooters will get a flinch if subject to too much recoil. It will ruin your potential to become a good marksman. Staying under 15 pounds of recoil energy is a good gauge for easy shooting. The .270 would put you a tad above that mark. Unless you get some ultra- lightweight rifle that is.

With the options you've given I'd go with the .30-06. It will do everything you ask of it.
-Jake

I would opt for a .270
I would also take a look at a 700 ADL over the 783, its a better rifle imo. Not sure what pricing you are looking at, they shouldn't be too far apart I would think. Good luck

As a "new-ish" hunter recoil is a concern, so I would recommend a .270 for deer hunting.

Remember that a AR is a gas gun and has very little recoil.

The .270 is a perfect deer cartridge that you can hunt with in the East, West, North & South without a concern.



If you become proficient with a .270, you could use it for elk within the limits of that caliber and YOUR abilities !

Cabela's in Wheeling, WV has remmy700 ADLs for I believe $385. That's a very good deal.
-Jake