One Game-Hunting Rifle -- What Would It Be?

[nockhunter]

Probably this guy, Rem mtn rifle 7X57 with a 3x-9x B&L Elite 3000.

Mike

 

[jcloer1]

Pre-64 model 70 Winchester in 264 Win Mag.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

270. End of discussion.

 

[Evan]

The issue I see with a 30-06 is recoil. One of the most vicious rifles I ever owned was a 30-06 Remington 721. It was violent when shot. More so than my current 338 and on a par with my 375.

Now I do have a carbine 760 Remington pump in 30-06 that has a bit of the same problem. The recoil is sharp and nasty but manageable. Some 06's, like my old 721, are flat out violent.

A 130 gr. bullet out of a 270 just always seemed more manageable. Of course, you could shoot something like that out of an '06. Also, the 308 case and small diameter variants are way more manageable than the '06 and its' variants.

I think it's down to stock geometry. Subtle changes to the drop, heel, grip, etc. really change how the recoil is delivered. I've always been impressed with the Weatherby Mark Vs that I've shot (small sampling - two 300s and a 257). They all pushed hard but weren't painful. Shot a basic Rem 700 in 30-06 that was set up pretty light at about 7lbs for hunting and that thing hurt. My grandpa's Mauser in 30-06 that I inhereted has a stock shaped much like the weatherby's and is also pleasant to shoot, even with just a 20 inch barrel and weighing no more than 9 pounds.

 

[PRR1957]

Saw this here in the 6mm forum earlier today, a real drooling quality piece. Fits the bill nicely
View attachment 1220065

Is that a Wichita ? Sure is a pretty boom stick.

 

[17TACnes]

Remington 700 chambered in 25-06 has been my go to for over 40 years now.

 

[Hydenseek]

These answers are surprising.

 

[hunter67]

Anything 6.5 or 30-06

 

[pintopete]

Ok, I’ll be the outlier...

Marlin 336 in .35 Remington, 2.5-8x scope is plenty, 200gr bullet! - factory
6.5x55 in a modern action, Rem 700 LA is fine, 3-9x or 2.5-10x scope - custom

OP didn’t state range or lay of the land. Where I have the opportunity, these work quite well!

Edit: one rifle for varmints & medium game? 6mm Rem/.244 or .257 Robert’s.

 

[ebb]

Not a good question, am I really going to use the same gun to kill a squirrel as i would to kill a grizzly bear? Game is a real big category. Loin country safari is very close so the big 5 African game is a maybe if a fence gets broken. There was a big presence of wildlife officers in the neighbor hood when a lion got loose from a private citizen a few years back. He was shot by FWC with of all things and AR15. would not have been my choice.

 

[paul castelli]

Is that a Wichita ? Sure is a pretty boom stick.

Yes, and it is a gorgeous high performance piece. Sadly not mine. Original thread below.
What is Excellent Achievable Accuracy from a Medium Weight .243 Win. with Handloads? | Shooters' Forum (accurateshooter.com)

 

[matchking]

Sake L61R in .270W.

 

[David Milisock]

I think it's down to stock geometry. Subtle changes to the drop, heel, grip, etc. really change how the recoil is delivered. I've always been impressed with the Weatherby Mark Vs that I've shot (small sampling - two 300s and a 257). They all pushed hard but weren't painful. Shot a basic Rem 700 in 30-06 that was set up pretty light at about 7lbs for hunting and that thing hurt. My grandpa's Mauser in 30-06 that I inhereted has a stock shaped much like the weatherby's and is also pleasant to shoot, even with just a 20 inch barrel and weighing no more than 9 pounds.

I agree the 8MM Mauser and the 30 06 both come from a time where less thought was put into the stock. Some HAMMER you while after restocking behave themselves.

 

[284winner]

280AI or 300WSM

 

[stork]

In a Factory Rifle, 6.5x55 in a Tikka T3.

 

[searcher]

I really had to think about this. I chose a rifle I seldom shoot - but if I could only have one... It would have to be adequate for big deer in open country. Ideally, it could be capable of getting a second shot off quick and be accurate., though lighter than an AR-10. I chose a Browning BAR in 7 mm Rem Mag.

 

[Rednexx]

I think either a 256 Newton or 7X64 Brenneke in a '98 Mauser action

 

[Treerat-sniper]

SInce I'm in a straight-wall state, my 77/44. If I move, it would be my Tikka "practical rifle" .308.

 

[john 800]

SInce I'm in a straight-wall state, my 77/44. If I move, it would be my Tikka "practical rifle" .308.

The southern half of mn is a slug or muzzleloader, norther half of the state is non restricted high power rifle. (I do some hunting in both areas) I wish they would let us use straight wall cartridges over a slug, i hate dealing with slugs, i would much rather load for a 44 mag bolt or lever than deal with slugs. I have been using my muzzleloader in the slug zone lately and its much easier to maintain accuracy with. I would love a 77/44 or similar

 

[10XSHOOTER]

A Remington 700 in .300 win mag! Change the stock to something that fits you. Can shoot any bullet from 110 gr to 200 gr. Will kill any food in North America