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Bolt action rifle opinions

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Topic: Bolt action rifle opinions
Posted By: kaptainQ
Subject: Bolt action rifle opinions
Date Posted: January/26/2013 at 21:55
Hello everybody, Just wanted to get your opinions.  If you were going to buy a bolt action .30-06 tomorrow, what make and model would you go with and is there a specific reason why?  TIA!



Replies:
Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: January/26/2013 at 22:08
Browning X-Bolt, Browning A-bolt... Browning is consistently one of the best performers on the market bolt action, semi-auto, pump, lever.  I have several Brownings and they are in my "keep forever" pile...  I may give one to my Marine son-in-law who has taken a particular liking to my 7mmWinMag A-bolt Stalker with BOSS.  It's the only rifle he wants to shoot when he comes to visit... and I have a few to choose from...

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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: Tip69
Date Posted: January/26/2013 at 22:42
Hard to argue with KB.  The 60 degree bolt throw is also nice.. as well as the palm swell!

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take em!


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 01:37
 
  First off WELCOME to OT.
 
  My suggestion would be a Winchester M70 Classic Featherweight.  
  For someone looking for one firearm to do it all (especially in .30-06!) this with the right scope makes for a well balanced,not too light,simple,dependable,hunting rig.  I like the field strippable w/o tools bolt just in case. It also holds it's resale value VERY WELL. I've got one in .270 Win. w/a 2-7x32 Vortex Viper.
 
 Having said all that,any of the major brand rifles would do you fine.  My suggestion is to handle, and if possible shoot, as many different ones as possible.  You'll know when you've found the right one. 
 
 


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: bugsNbows
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 08:05
Older Sako 75. Great ergos (for me anyway), great trigger and very accurate. Hippie

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If we're not suppose to eat animals...how come they're made of meat?
               Anomymous


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 08:38
i like brownings as well, but its still hard to beat a ruger or winchester....

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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: mike650
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 09:44
Bolt action hunting rifle, if you take a peek in my safe your gonna see Remington(s), Browning, Rugar.... and one very old Springfield.  Bandito



Lot's of great manufacturers out there, it's more of a personal preference (specs, ergonomics, experience, etc.) and what your budget is.


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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear


Posted By: tman1965
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 11:14
I would go with the tikka. but all the ones mentioned so far would do just fine by me. 

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Sometimes my tongue outruns my brain and I say something I haven't thought of yet!


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 15:58
If price matters I would buy a Tikka they are guaranteed sub minute of angle or they do not leave the factory (most SAKO products are very good shooters). Considering the relatively low price it would cost double or more to get any better.
In the thousand dollar or so range if .308 or 300 Win Mag was an option the stainless Remmington R5 Mil Spec would be my first choice, but I tend to like a tactical rifle with heavier barrel profile.  I am also quite fond of Savage rifles they tend to shoot very well.    If money was no object I would custom order a rifle from GA Precision or TAC Ops but that will easily be over three thousand. For hunting guns its hard to not mention the Kimber Montana as one worth considering and it is in a more hunting friendly barrel profile. 
 
 
  http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=326984275 - http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=326984275


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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: trigger29
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 18:27
I'd have to have one of these. Lightweight, guaranteed sub-moa accuracy, and good looks for a decent price.
 
http://www.weatherby.com/product/rifles/vanguard_2/backcountry - http://www.weatherby.com/product/rifles/vanguard_2/backcountry
 
I wouldn't expect to pay the price on the Weatherby site for one. I bought a stainless one for $869


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"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."


Posted By: cbm
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 18:50
I would get a Tikka T3 stainless and replace the stock with a BC Medalist. You would have around $800 in it then and the two I have owned have been good shooters. The trigger is very easy to adjust, the action is silky smooth, short bolt throw,and I have had no issues at all with mine. I have other guns, nicer guns, but the Tikka w/ medalist stock is probably my favorite!


Posted By: mike650
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 19:01
Originally posted by cbm cbm wrote:

I would get a Tikka T3 stainless and replace the stock with a BC Medalist. You would have around $800 in it then and the two I have owned have been good shooters. The trigger is very easy to adjust, the action is silky smooth, short bolt throw,and I have had no issues at all with mine. I have other guns, nicer guns, but the Tikka w/ medalist stock is probably my favorite!


I bet it looks and feels great!!!  Thunbs Up  If I owned a T3, replacing the black OEM stock would be a priority for me.


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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear


Posted By: rustic
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 20:01
I agree with others T-3 lite stainless no downside... even with the stock STOCK.

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Light is alright.<br /><br />The end is just... the beginning   -soul surfer


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 20:15
what you should draw from this is that there are as many different LIKEs as there are rifles...  I happen to prefer Browning, Winchester, and Remington... pretty much in that order (Weatherby is in there somewhere and others)... for bolt action rifles... Single shot, Ruger #1, Winchester High Wall.  I don't particularly care for Tikka.  Not because they don't shoot well, they do, I just "don't believe the hype... it's a sequel".  Nothing wrong with Tikka, not as great as the press... it shoots fine and if you want one, get one.  Try out Kimber, Sako, anything you can get your hands on.  If you like lever guns, Marlin and Henry are great...  There's nothing like a good lever action rifle... 
Go pick a bunch of rifles up at a gun store, hold them, bring them to your shoulder, sight down the barrel if they don't have iron sights, get the feel.  When you find one that FEELS RIGHT, feels good... get it.  You won't be wrong...


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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: rustic
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 20:59
A Tikka T-3 lite stainless may not be the best looking(not bad though). The appeal is one of the lighter rifles out there with being above average accurate and won't break the bank.

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Light is alright.<br /><br />The end is just... the beginning   -soul surfer


Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 21:22
Hard to go wrong with any of the above choices (the Browning bolt lift helps with mounting some scopes), but I would just get a Savage 116.  It would be reasonably priced, shoot like a custom, and be ugly enough to abuse in the field.

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-Matt


Posted By: kaptainQ
Date Posted: January/27/2013 at 23:01
Thanks for the replies guys!  I currently own a Rem 700 30-06, two ruger M77"s (35 whelen, 280 rem),and a Marlin 336 35 rem.  Im just debating what my next purchase should be.  My wife probably wont allow me to spend more than $800- 900 on a rifle.


Posted By: AstroVic
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 00:06
I am a big fan of Savage rifles.  I own several of them.  While I can afford more expensive rifles, I'm drawn to the quality:price ratio of almost everything I purchase and Savage rifles easily fit that bill.  They are more than acceptable in the accuracy department and they just WORK like they should....every time.  Good options would be the Savage 114 American Classic (stainless or blued) or the Savage 116 Weather Warrior.  The rifle alone would run you about $700.

If your $800 budget includes the cost of glass, then you might consider a Marlin.  I once owned a Marlin XS7Y in 7mm-08 and that thing was a dead-on shooter.  I literally hit everything I aimed at with that gun.  It was far better than I expected.  (The Marlin XL7 would be the comparable model in .30-06.)  I think I paid around $300 for the rifle new at Academy Sporting Goods, so if you put some respectable glass on top of it you'd definitely stay within the $800 price range and you'd have a great shooting rifle.

There are plenty of good options out there.  You just have to find the ones that suit your needs and budget.  Let us know what you decide, and be sure to post a short review of it!


Posted By: tman1965
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 01:16
Originally posted by kaptainQ kaptainQ wrote:

Thanks for the replies guys!  I currently own a Rem 700 30-06, two ruger M77"s (35 whelen, 280 rem),and a Marlin 336 35 rem.  Im just debating what my next purchase should be.  My wife probably wont allow me to spend more than $800- 900 on a rifle.

Well, you've already got some right fine one's! I especially like the 336 in 35 rem.  one of mine is a 1960 that accompanies me on my hunts quite often.... if there is anything prowling these Ga. woods and swamps that it won't drop, I sure as heck ain't come across it yet!


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Sometimes my tongue outruns my brain and I say something I haven't thought of yet!


Posted By: Peddler
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 05:31
     CZ anyone?

Peddler YippeeYippeeYippeeYippeeYippee
         

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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.

It is the same when you are stupid.


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 08:00
 
  VERY GOOD firearms.
  I had actually thought about a CZ 550FS when I decided on aquiring a 9.3x62.  Although I never handled one the drop comb on their stocks are like the one on my S&W(Husqvarna).  It's just too much drop FOR ME to get a decent sight picture through a scope. GREAT with open sights though.
I find that for me get the most out of my shooting,especially in field positions,the LOP and comb height of the stock have to be right.   


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: Tip69
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 10:09
Originally posted by kaptainQ kaptainQ wrote:

.  My wife probably wont allow me to spend more than $800- 900 on a rifle.


I'll pass along the best advice I ever got....   Build your wife a big closet for all here shoes, even encourage her to buy more... and you'll never have to worry about buying guns!

It has served me well!


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take em!


Posted By: bugsNbows
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 10:29
Originally posted by Tip69 Tip69 wrote:

Originally posted by kaptainQ kaptainQ wrote:

.  My wife probably wont allow me to spend more than $800- 900 on a rifle.


I'll pass along the best advice I ever got....   Build your wife a big closet for all here shoes, even encourage her to buy more... and you'll never have to worry about buying guns!

It has served me well!


LOL. I took a different approach. I got my wife into shooting / hunting many years ago. Now, I buy what I want, when I want (for both of us)!


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If we're not suppose to eat animals...how come they're made of meat?
               Anomymous


Posted By: Tip69
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 10:48
Q....  what caliber you thinking about?

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take em!


Posted By: Rancid Coolaid
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 11:02
Remington 700 can be infinitely modified and altered/upgraded, and they usually shoot pretty good. Some of the new Remington stocks are as bad or worse than Tikka's synthetic stock.

Tikka T3 is a very well made rifle, great accuracy, smooth action, and can be altered/upgraded too, just not as many after-market parts as Remington.  T3 stock sucks, but there are now options.

I don't own Savage or Browning.  




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Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.


Posted By: medic52
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 12:13
Many good rifles available in your price range you just have to handle them and see what feels the best to you. Good luck in your choice....sorry can't help you with the wife my secret is I never reveal the whole story.

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"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." G.K. Chesterton


Posted By: kaptainQ
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 13:25
Not completely sure what caliber.  If I had a favorite it would probably be the .30-06.  However, I kinda like having calibers that aren't very common.  Not sure if its the current political climate or just a passion for firearms and hunting, but I feel like adding to my collection.

What caliber do you guys prefer? 


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 13:37
 
  Seems you have both the middle ground and upper ground covered.  I'd suggest a .25-06.


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: Tip69
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 13:45
I prefer many!   LOL  I was just asking as far as mentioning a real lite weight rifle in a heavy recoiling caliber isn't much fun to shoot... to me anyway.   A buddy of mine picked up a beautiful Tikka wood/stainless steel 30-06 and it hardly gets used cause it kicks worse than his 300 Win Mag - that is not BS either. Now his 300 is heavy... but still.  He needs to put a break on it if he intends to shoot it much.

I am a big fan of the '06, I have two of them.  as far as just shooting.. I like the .204.  I can shoot that longer than any other caliber I have except for .17HMR.  I just got a .260 in a Savage Model 11... I like that round although looks like I'm gonna need to do some loading of my own.  If I can get it to group, it will become my go-to whitetail set-up.  btw, we have 4 of those Savage 11s.

are you looking for a shooter (target/plinking) or hunting rig? 


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take em!


Posted By: tman1965
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 16:21
Maybe the tikka t3 hunter in 6.5x55, or a CZ in 6.5x55 or 7x57? or a ruger m77 in either of those calibers?
As was already stated, the list just goes on and on, however, at the end of the day it comes down to whether or not you are happy with your choice.... if so then its hard to go wrong! 


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Sometimes my tongue outruns my brain and I say something I haven't thought of yet!


Posted By: medic52
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 21:10
7x57 hard to beat or 257R also another good one

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"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." G.K. Chesterton


Posted By: sakomato
Date Posted: January/28/2013 at 22:29
Browning 270, lots of ammo selections, flat shooter, hits hard
 
Light rifles, 60* bolt is nice, tang safeties are nice
 
Most are real shooters out of the box
 
Don't get one with the BOSS, it's easy enough to find an accurate load in a 270 without it
 


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Guns only have 2 enemies, rust and politicians


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: January/29/2013 at 01:24
I have limited experience with Brownings and I have not use for Remingtons.

My preferences lean toward Savage, Tikka and CZ.  With 30-06, I would likely lean toward the CZ.  There is something about combining such a classic cartridge with Mauser action that appeals to me.

ILya




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http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: January/29/2013 at 21:24
I'd go with a Kimber 84M Montana in 7-08. Why?

It's super light and handy.
It balances and points very well.
It has one of the best OEM synthetic stocks I've seen on a factory rifle, in terms of ergonomics, weight, and quality.
It has a really nice trigger.
I like 3 position wing safeties.
I like CRF, but not so much for the reasons the gun scribes tell me I should like it.
The action is scaled nicely to the cartridge family it chambers; nice and trim, with no excess weight.
Fit and finish is very nice.
I like short action rifles.
7mm is my favorite bore size because it delivers a great payload on the business end while still being mild on the butt end.
I have a tremendous fondness for 7-08.

My Kimber 84 Classic Select in .260 was finicky and gave me some initial troubles before I finally got it to shoot. Not so with my Montana. It's been a shootin' son of gun right out of the gate, shootin' bugholes with boring regularity! I couldn't ask more of a hardcore hunting rifle!


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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: rustic
Date Posted: January/29/2013 at 21:42
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

I'd go with a Kimber 84M Montana in 7-08. Why?

It's super light and handy.
It balances and points very well.
It has one of the best OEM synthetic stocks I've seen on a factory rifle, in terms of ergonomics, weight, and quality.
It has a really nice trigger.
I like 3 position wing safeties.
I like CRF, but not so much for the reasons the gun scribes tell me I should like it.
The action is scaled nicely to the cartridge family it chambers; nice and trim, with no excess weight.
Fit and finish is very nice.
I like short action rifles.
7mm is my favorite bore size because it delivers a great payload on the business end while still being mild on the butt end.
I have a tremendous fondness for 7-08.

My Kimber 84 Classic Select in .260 was finicky and gave me some initial troubles before I finally got it to shoot. Not so with my Montana. It's been a shootin' son of gun right out of the gate, shootin' bugholes with boring regularity! I couldn't ask more of a hardcore hunting rifle!




What do you like the most about 7-08? I have been looking for another do all cartridge/rifle to loan out to some of the under privileged in my community.



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Light is alright.<br /><br />The end is just... the beginning   -soul surfer


Posted By: Sparky
Date Posted: January/29/2013 at 22:47
+1 on the CZs. I have shoot a number of different CZs and they all have been shooters. They have a nice classic appearance and they are very reasonably priced. And for some reason I want a CZ 527 carbine in 7.62x39. 


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: January/29/2013 at 23:04
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

I'd go with a Kimber 84M Montana in 7-08. Why?

It's super light and handy.
It balances and points very well.
It has one of the best OEM synthetic stocks I've seen on a factory rifle, in terms of ergonomics, weight, and quality.
It has a really nice trigger.
I like 3 position wing safeties.
I like CRF, but not so much for the reasons the gun scribes tell me I should like it.
The action is scaled nicely to the cartridge family it chambers; nice and trim, with no excess weight.
Fit and finish is very nice.
I like short action rifles.
7mm is my favorite bore size because it delivers a great payload on the business end while still being mild on the butt end.
I have a tremendous fondness for 7-08.

My Kimber 84 Classic Select in .260 was finicky and gave me some initial troubles before I finally got it to shoot. Not so with my Montana. It's been a shootin' son of gun right out of the gate, shootin' bugholes with boring regularity! I couldn't ask more of a hardcore hunting rifle!
 
I'd go Kimber as well. Available in wood or synthetic, and darn near any chambering you could ask for.


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 09:41
Originally posted by rustic rustic wrote:


What do you like the most about 7-08? I have been looking for another do all cartridge/rifle to loan out to some of the under privileged in my community.



How much time you have?

- It's very efficient -- requires little powder consumption vs. its effective range and velocity on target due to excellent BC combined with medium burn rate powders optimal for .308 family cases.

- 7mm bullets combine decent mass with very high BC available, fantastic bullet selection in any major design available.

- I've never not been able to get one to shoot. It doesn't seem to be finicky about powders. RL15 & 17, Varget, 4064, 4350, W760... have had great results from all. If there's such a thing as "inherently accurate" cartridges (and I happen to think there's something to that), this is one of 'em.

- It has greater terminal performance (penetration, wound channel size) than its case size would seem to suggest, due to a combination of high BC bullets for high retained velocity, combined with excellent bullet design selection. Not too "underpowered" for elk size critters, within reasonable shot distance. The bullet chosen is what matters.

- Short action = slightly lighter, shorter rifle, given same bbl length.

- Case size allows good OAL latitude for many, if not most rifle magazines to seat bullets close to or touching lands.

- All this in exchange for mild recoil. Milder recoil = average shooter will shoot it better.

- Excellent brass availability, and in a pinch, can size cases from very plentiful and inexpensive .308 brass.

What's not to like? Need I say more?




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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: rustic
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 10:35
^ Sounds like a winner.

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Light is alright.<br /><br />The end is just... the beginning   -soul surfer


Posted By: Tip69
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 10:35
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:


What's not to like? Need I say more?



No... but if you do, we'll read it and be amazed!


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take em!


Posted By: mike650
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 11:23


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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 11:41
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

Originally posted by rustic rustic wrote:


What do you like the most about 7-08? I have been looking for another do all cartridge/rifle to loan out to some of the under privileged in my community.



How much time you have?

- It's very efficient -- requires little powder consumption vs. its effective range and velocity on target due to excellent BC combined with medium burn rate powders optimal for .308 family cases.

- 7mm bullets combine decent mass with very high BC available, fantastic bullet selection in any major design available.

- I've never not been able to get one to shoot. It doesn't seem to be finicky about powders. RL15 & 17, Varget, 4064, 4350, W760... have had great results from all. If there's such a thing as "inherently accurate" cartridges (and I happen to think there's something to that), this is one of 'em.

- It has greater terminal performance (penetration, wound channel size) than its case size would seem to suggest, due to a combination of high BC bullets for high retained velocity, combined with excellent bullet design selection. Not too "underpowered" for elk size critters, within reasonable shot distance. The bullet chosen is what matters.

- Short action = slightly lighter, shorter rifle, given same bbl length.

- Case size allows good OAL latitude for many, if not most rifle magazines to seat bullets close to or touching lands.

- All this in exchange for mild recoil. Milder recoil = average shooter will shoot it better.

- Excellent brass availability, and in a pinch, can size cases from very plentiful and inexpensive .308 brass.

What's not to like? Need I say more?



It is an excellent cartridge for a reloader.

Then again, since my needs are a little different, I used almost identical arguments to talk myself into a 6.5x47 Lapua and it is a reamarkably well mannered cartridge with impressive ballistics.

For a non-reloader, the same rifle in 308Win is hard to beat.

ILya


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http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 12:24
 
  I feel the 7mm-08 is the BEST of the short action cartridges.  But since the good kaptain has rifles in .308 caliber and up how about a .257 Roberts (#1 pick for me) or a .243 Win. in a Kimber?


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 12:46
If I was somehow forced to suffer the angst of limiting myself to only1 rifle cartridge for all of N. America (and, believe me, I'm not a 1-rifle kinda guy and hate to even entertain such a horrendous thought, even momentarily for the sake of debate), I would go with either one of the .300 or 7 mags (likely the WSM variation of both, being a short action aficionado), but for a "deer and sometimes larger game" rifle, I cannot envision a better choice than 7-08. The same attributes that make 7mm's so attractive also apply to 6.5 mm's. What one will do, the other will do, and I'm quite fond of .260 Rem for the exact same reasons I love the 7-08. But, I think 7mm has the slight edge due solely to a little better bullet selection.

I've always had a soft spot for .25's too, but removing all emotional attachments and viewing the quarter bores objectively, I can't ever recommend them over a 6.5 or 7mm... or even 6mm cartridge for that matter... due solely to poor bullet selection.

Though I do love my .25-06 and .257 WBY, but I digress.

My real answer:  GET AT LEAST ONE OF EACH!!!


-------------
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: rustic
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 12:49
Originally posted by 300S&W 300S&W wrote:

 
  I feel the 7mm-08 is the BEST of the short action cartridges.  But since the good kaptain has rifles in .308 caliber and up how about a .257 Roberts (#1 pick for me) or a .243 Win. in a Kimber?


I much prefer a .22-250 over .243 for the game in this part of the country. If I wanted something a bit larger I would go with the above mentioned 7mm-08 or an .308.

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Light is alright.<br /><br />The end is just... the beginning   -soul surfer


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 12:53
I'd pick 7-08 over .308 any day of the week and twice on... any day of the week! There is nothing .308 will do that 7-08 won't do as well or better, with less recoil and less drop thrown in for good measure. The only advantage I can see for .308 is the greater number of factory rifles chambered for it.

-------------
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: rustic
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 12:59
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

I'd pick 7-08 over .308 any day of the week and twice on... any day of the week! There is nothing .308 will do that 7-08 won't do as well or better, with less recoil and less drop thrown in for good measure. The only advantage I can see for .308 is the greater number of factory rifles chambered for it.



What is the biggest advantage to 7mm-08 over an .308 in your opinion??

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Light is alright.<br /><br />The end is just... the beginning   -soul surfer


Posted By: BeltFed
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 13:14
I was going to say something about the 7mm and 8mm Mauser, but.......................Peeker

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Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.


Posted By: tman1965
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 13:33
Originally posted by Tip69 Tip69 wrote:

Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:


What's not to like? Need I say more?



No... but if you do, we'll read it and be amazed!
yep.


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Sometimes my tongue outruns my brain and I say something I haven't thought of yet!


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 13:52
[QUOTE=RifleDude] If I was somehow forced to suffer the angst of limiting myself to only1 rifle cartridge for all of N. America (and, believe me, I'm not a 1-rifle kinda guy and hate to even entertain such a horrendous thought, even momentarily for the sake of debate), I would go with either one of the .300 or 7 mags (likely the WSM variation of both, being a short action aficionado), but for a "deer and sometimes larger game" rifle, I cannot envision a better choice than 7-08.    
 
 
  I'm the opposite. Worse thing I ever did was to buy more than one rifle for myself (later on the kids had one each). I did pick up a customized 98 Mauser early on but only for a "future project" so never used it.  So for 25yrs +/- I used my 300 S&W for everything from groundhogs and up.  Never wanted for more or less.


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 14:01
Originally posted by rustic rustic wrote:

Originally posted by 300S&W 300S&W wrote:

 
  I feel the 7mm-08 is the BEST of the short action cartridges.  But since the good kaptain has rifles in .308 caliber and up how about a .257 Roberts (#1 pick for me) or a .243 Win. in a Kimber?


I much prefer a .22-250 over .243 for the game in this part of the country. If I wanted something a bit larger I would go with the above mentioned 7mm-08 or an .308.
 
 
  OP already has a .30-06 though.  My son killed his first deer with a borrowed 788 in .22-250 at just over 200yds.  Just me but if I'm getting a small caliber cartridge I want it to be capable of handling a 100gr bullet. Old dog,you know the rest.


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"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: JGRaider
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 14:13
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

I'd pick 7-08 over .308 any day of the week and twice on... any day of the week! There is nothing .308 will do that 7-08 won't do as well or better, with less recoil and less drop thrown in for good measure. The only advantage I can see for .308 is the greater number of factory rifles chambered for it.

Amen brother!  The 7-08 w 120 ballistic tips or 140 accubonds is a killing machine.  


Posted By: Tip69
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 15:14
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

The same attributes that make 7mm's so attractive also apply to 6.5 mm's. What one will do, the other will do, and I'm quite fond of .260 Rem for the exact same reasons I love the 7-08. But, I think 7mm has the slight edge due solely to a little better bullet selection.


I'm hoping to enjoy the .260 myself this upcoming season.  Can't wait to get a good load developed and zoned in!

Will post a pic when I get r set up and shootin well.


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take em!


Posted By: Peddler
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 16:36
Originally posted by 300S&W 300S&W wrote:

Originally posted by rustic rustic wrote:

Originally posted by 300S&W 300S&W wrote:

 
  I feel the 7mm-08 is the BEST of the short action cartridges.  But since the good kaptain has rifles in .308 caliber and up how about a .257 Roberts (#1 pick for me) or a .243 Win. in a Kimber?


I much prefer a .22-250 over .243 for the game in this part of the country. If I wanted something a bit larger I would go with the above mentioned 7mm-08 or an .308.
 
 
  OP already has a .30-06 though.  My son killed his first deer with a borrowed 788 in .22-250 at just over 200yds.  Just me but if I'm getting a small caliber cartridge I want it to be capable of handling a 100gr bullet. Old dog,you know the rest.


I've got a .257 Roberts in a Model 7MS Remington and it's a honey !!!!! And all these opinions are like you know what. Everybody has one.

Peddler CoolCoolCoolCoolCool


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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.

It is the same when you are stupid.


Posted By: Trigger slap
Date Posted: January/30/2013 at 16:54
Originally posted by 300S&W 300S&W wrote:

 
  I feel the 7mm-08 is the BEST of the short action cartridges.  But since the good kaptain has rifles in .308 caliber and up how about a .257 Roberts (#1 pick for me) or a .243 Win. in a Kimber?
I have a Remington 700 classic in .257 Roberts, and a Kimber 84m classic stainless in .243 win and both are very sweet! I don't see how anyone could go wrong with either.

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How can we call it unalienable when we allow it to be suspended revoked or restricted?



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