Savage 110 gets my vote. If deer is the biggest thing you will hunt, go with the .270, it's great on deer and can be used for smaller game also. If you will occasionally hunt game larger than deer, then go with the 06.

whelen36,,,thanx fer mentioning the 280,,,what an overlooked caliber,,i wouldnt trade mine fer nothin. (i own it in rem tho) nothin against savage)

Weatherby's and not in any way over rated at all. I have two and just love them more than any rifle I own. Just a reply to the person who stated they were over rated. NOt by far.
but back to your question the savage is great and you will be happy. If you do handload the 280 would be a great choice. If you don't the 06 IS the way to go.

Brian

PSSssssttt, Cool down this all around rifle title the wives may see it!<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle>

Okay,
After much thought <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>, I think I will go with the Savage 110 in probably .270. I looked at one last night at Wally World and I thought that it was alright. They had a 7mm Mag but said that they could order a different one and have it here in a week. I just can't decide whether I want the '06 or .270. I would like the '06 cause you can get cheap, fun military surplus (tracers!) and one of my buddies is going to start reloading in the '06. I would like the .270 because of the way it shoots. Ahhh, decisions, decisions! 'Ya know, us guys really do have it rough, being forced to make a decision like that.

Edited by - Deer1 on 02/27/2002 07:41:19

I'm really surprised noone has recommended the .308 as it is pretty close to the others. My Dad's favorite rifle is his Savage mod.99 lever action in .308 . He uses it for deer, bear, and moose. It is really a great rifle. Should fall into the price range mentioned too.

Personally, I like Winchesters! But for the money, Savages are hard to beat these days.

Good point Mainehunter my dad also shoots a 308(rem. though)and I think it is a great caliber. Good distance and knockdown. I wish I owned one.

All that said...you can get near .300 win mag performance in your 30.06 by using Hornady &quot;Light Magnum&quot; loads. Check the numbers!

I like a 270. I think Winchester and savage is a good gun. One REALLY good lever action 30-30 is a Marlin model 336 cowboy. I have one. Never missed a deer. My dad got his Virginia 10pt buck with it.

Bubba