I need a gun for hunting

[stapher1]

I thing i have learned from experienced elk hunters is that once a elk is hit it will run like there is no tomorrow and not stop (unlike whitetails) till it falls over dead which can be a very long ways. A 308 will do the job at shorter distances but at 300+ yds it's not the right tool for the job when your hunting animals that can weight 800-1000lbs. And moose up to 1600lbs, they require more energy than a 308 can make.

 

[PREMOD70]

For the cost, availability of bullets, average recoil, the ability to shoot groundhogs to large bear and just because everybody has or has had one, the mighty 30-06, there is no better do-all round out there. Just be sure to make it a Winchester Model 70 that you purchase to make the outfit complete.

 

[rvn1968]

Going through the same thought process myself. I love my .308's but age and spine damage can't take the recoil. I'm planning on selling most but keeping two Savage 99's, 243 & 308. I'll also keep a 6BR for long range,but that is rare in New England. Also selling an almost new 30 yr old 700BDL in 243. Good luck and stick with 243 or 6BR for recoil.

 

[00Scot]

I recently purchased a Savage Predator Hunter in 243. I plan to use this for 99 percent of all my hunting. But if I need to go for something larger like bear of elk then I will bring out my 308.

between those 2 calibers I will have a perfect combination for anything that walks this continent. Sure I can do it all with the 308. But I'd rather have a lighter shorter more maneuverable gun for my everyday hunter. My 308 is set up for long range and has tooo much scope on her to carry around in the field everyday.

So I hope that my 243 will be the best compromise for shooting most of what I may choose to hunt year round

 

[hogan]

If recoil is a concern, might look at a precision AR-15. 6.5 Grendel offers a lot of options for all-around woods use and in 18 or 20 inch barrel would be relatively handy and go between 8 and 9 lbs.

6x45 also an option, or you could always load 75/77gr bthp to magazine length in the .223 and call it a day. Hunt with Nosler Partitions (60gr) or other premium bullet if regs wouldn't allow other options.

 

[jo191145]

Jim,
Since you already have a gun in the making, just waiting for the stock as I understood, chambered in one of America's favorite cartridges the .308. You want to take animals from coyotes through elk, if your able to kill again. In the beginning of the 20th century the 7x57 Mauser was the preferred elephant rifle, I think the .308 can handle anything you want to take with the proper bullet and bullet placement, I personally don't believe it's the preferred elk cartridge but it will do the job. No I don't think you need another rifle at this stage. I own over 300 firearms, my favorite at the moment and for the past year has been a factory Tikka T3 lite chambered in 7mm-08, its a true 600 yard deer and under stopper and I wouldn't hesitate on shooting a elk out to maybe 200-300 yards if necessary with it. If I could only have one for all, out of all that I own 22 hornet-50bmg it would be a .300wm, mine are extremely accurate, with my Quarter Minute Magnum and 210 Bergers it will hold under 1/2 min at 1000 yards and 1/4 minute out to 600 yards if I want to shoot 110 v-max for coyotes as a matter of a fact every bullet I have tried in it has shot extremely well so it is quite versatile, however there are trade offs it weighs 10lbs. 11oz without bi-pod and sling. I still suggest trying the rifle you have and if you end up loving the hunt build one to suit your needs, I guess ultimately the choice is yours, best of luck to you.
Wayne.
[/quote]

As a non hunter I cannot fault anything here Wayne has said. Great post.
The only question left is what suitable bullet for every type of game you plan to encounter.
Don't ask me as a nonhunter but the 308 is capable loaded correctly.
Anyone want to stand in front of one and disprove its capabilities ;D

 

[holstil]

The stock came in, olive drab, it's a beauty. Looks like this rig is gonna have some weight to it as suspected. Not sure yet how much but I think it will aid to exercise.

I just bought the bottom metal for it from Eric Springman, should be here soon. I will go with the factory bolt since I trued it up saving the Kiff bolt for another bench gun later.

All that's left now is parkerize the bottom metal and give it a trigger job then put her together.

I just bought an old 3x9 Japan made Bushnell Banner (Bausch & Lomb) off ebay for her to wear.

I'm gonna run with the 308 for a while. While there are other very good and maybe arguably better cartridges, I think the 308 is GTG. I will steer away from long shots on big game. I hope it will shoot like your 300wsm Wayne.

I love my ar platforms for playing with (could use them for hunting?), I would consider building a bolt gun for hunting/walking with the little critters in the future. Plus I have a 223ai reamer and I'd love another Hogue stock, next one in tan.

Jim