Need Advice for All Around Caliber / Rifle

[TORCHRIDER]

I am looking for advice on which rifle and caliber to buy for shooting whitetails, mulies, hogs, etc. in Texas. Would be nice to have a gun I could use on an Elk hunting trip in a pinch.
Looking for a hunting weight rifle that is easily carried, reasonably flat shooting to 400 yards or so, and wont break the bank (sub $1k without the optics).

Thanks!

 

[d.id]

If your only reaching out 400: the 270 or 30-06 will be more than you need for dear and still serviceable for elk. I reach farther and if I only had one it would be a 300wsm but inside of 400 not necessary. We used a 270 out to 400 for elk just fine, 308 or 6.5creed/260 could do fine as well especially if it's going to see allot of range time.

 

[ShootDots]

If I was going to have exactly ONE rifle for all that you are asking about, I would opt for a .280Ackley. Brass is easily obtainable and fireforming is a cinch! It is VERY flat with 140 class bullets and with 160gr projectiles it will flatten an Elk!
I have never shot an Elk, however, I spoke extensively with an Elk guide in New Mexico one year. It is his opinion that a "regular" .280 Rem is the perfect Elk rifle for most shooters. Turn that "perfect" Elk rifle into an Ackley improved and you have "more of the same"..

 

[CaptainMal]

Set up two Ruger Americans in 270 for two different "causal hunters". Minor bedding change (cleaned up bbl channel), set trigger, mount quality scope and it's on.

Both are moa rifles with factory ammo after I broke in their barrels. Both are sub-moa with reloads of mine I tried. Both men took deer with them this season and one practiced and killed at 300 yards. That's alone was an astounding feat for a person who could barely hit anything at 100 yards.

Another good thing is neither paid over $350 for each rifle.

If you are not a serious handloader, dedicated rifleman that appreciates quality construction, it's a real winner for the normal hunter at less than the price of a good barrel.

 

[lawman29]

Consider a 6.5 creedmoor - it will do the job you're interested in and there is good ammunition available if you don't reload. Both Savage and Ruger offer rifles in this caliber. Look at the Savage 10/110 & 16fcss models.

 

[Cort]

My buddies here in Texas like either a 7mm Remington magnum or a 300 Winchester magnum for a do-all rifle. I think the 30-06 or the.270 would be a good choice also.

Cort

 

[DBailey]

30-06 or 280 Remington, either one will more than get the job done and they are simple, easy and cheap.
The 280 will spank the 30-06 at long range.

 

[GSPV]

If you do not reload, a 270 or 30-06 are going to be hard to beat.

 

[2506]

I would get a Remington 700 or a Savage in 300 Winchester Mag. You can hunt most anything in North America with it comfortable. Plus you can find ammo for it most any place if you don't reload. The 30-06 will do but when elk is in the mix the 300 mag just gives you that much more edge.

 

[CJ6]

308 Win.

 

[Scott Harris]

308 WIN

 

[savagedasher]

308 WIN

I feel the same way. Low recoil and as good as a 06 With the right bullet it will kill any north American game. Larry

 

[nosualc]

The incredibly capable, popular, and pedestrian .30-06.

Ammo available almost anywhere, will kill anything in north america.

Yawn.

-nosualc

 

[thekriebles]

If you do not reload, a 270 or 30-06 are going to be hard to beat.

Great point above and great cartridges to achieve your objectives listed in your post.

 

[bblackwell]

.308 would be a good choice . Short action cal. makes for easy carry and relatively low recoil for smaller game and shoots the 175-180 grain bullets very accurately at long range for the Elk.

 

[slm9s]

Kimber Montana 84M in 7-08 or 308
Kimber Montana 84L in 270, 280ai, or 30-06. (you might have to find a sale or buy a used one to be under $1000)
Tikka T3 Lite or SuperLite in the same chamberings.

 

[400short]

" The 30-06 is never a mistake." Whelen

 

[6fatrat]

I would get a Remington 700 or a Savage in 300 Winchester Mag. You can hunt most anything in North America with it comfortable. Plus you can find ammo for it most any place if you don't reload. The 30-06 will do but when elk is in the mix the 300 mag just gives you that much more edge.

+1 THis is the best advice you will get for North America

 

[justinp61]

270 or 30-06.

 

[Beruisis]

A lot of good suggestions here. I've gone around & around & now shoot a CZ 7x57, 24" Lothar Walther barrel, 1/9.5 twist for the same type of hunting you've described.
Regards,
Beruisis