Hunting Rifle

[McPatrickClan]

Anyone out there have some guidance on how to get started choosing a hunting rifle? I live in Texas and deer will be the largest game I will be shooting anytime soon.

I would like a caliber that is similar to the 9mm in attributes: easy to shoot but a well-placed shot does the trick.

I have been checking out the .270 cartridge but have yet to shoot one.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[buckeye .45]

Well, if deer is the biggest you plan on shooting, the other factor is really how far your shots will most likely be. If more close up (Like under 200m) you could go with the perennial favorite, a "thuddy-thuddy" (.30-30) lever action.

Any other requirements for you, are looking specifically for a bolt action, or other type of action, plan on using optics or irons?

[Reborn]

I would go with a 30.06. Which might be over kill but you could use in on hogs also. Shoots flat and as your hunting takes you to other states; your good to go. Besides makes a excellent sniper rifle unless you have a 308.

[McPatrickClan]

I would a bolt action. I have shot a 30-06 and had fun doing so. I just want to make sure that whatever I buy is fun to shoot. I find that when it's not fun, I don't use it.

Regarding the distance, I will be shooting over relatively long distances. In Texas, the land is flat and shots can be two football fields or more.

[Cupcake]

The Texas deer I remember were pretty small, compared to what I see up here. 30.06 will do long range pretty well, but I believe .308 is a bit more affordable and should do just fine on Texas deer. There is always the remington 700 or winchester 70. Both have seen service as sniper rifles so they'll do fine and reliable for long range.

[BikerRN]

For Texas Deer: 22-250 (No offense, but deer ain't that big in TX)
For Arizona Elk: 270 (little light but can work)
For Buffalo: 45-70 (Traditionalist)
For ANY game animal in North America: 30-06

Those are MY preferences.

You are already looking at a .270, and I think it would be a good choice in your situation. I do however suggest that you get a 30-06 in case you ever get to hunt something else, see my reference about the 30-06 above.

[Kerbouchard]

If you ever get into reloading I think the 30.06 is one of the most versatile rounds, ever.

You can't really go wrong with a 30.06 or a 30-30.

A sporterized old military 30.06 can be had a good price, and you get a piece of history to boot. I wouldn't trade my winchester 30-30 or either of my 30.06's for anything.

[ronwill]

If you're looking for a general purpose rifle you can't go wrong with either a 30-06 or a .270, both are great all around hunting rifles. If you plan on a lot of brush hunting a 30-30 is also a good choice.

[raevan]

A Ruger model 77 in .308 is a good place to start. A Savage 110 in .308 would be good as well. Both are resonably priced and fairly accurate.

I prefer Lever Actions for most of my hunting here in the Pacific Northwest due to visual limitations caused by the mountains and trees. I have a Ruger 77 for when I hunt on the east side where it is flatter.

[4my son]

call me a broken record, 30.06 is a great all around round, you can get light loads for really flat shooting small to mid sized varmints. and if you ever decide to go bigger, it's just a new box of ammo and some time at the range.

That said, a 270 is a fine round also, and not to be discounted. Just like picking out your carry gun, there is no "one" gun, it's all a give and take.

Or just break down and get both, of course it's easy for us to spend your money.

[atctimmy]

GO TO A SHOP AND FIND ONE THAT FEELS GOOD! Any major caliber will do on deer size game .243, 257 roberts, 25-06, 260, 6.5x55 mauser,7x57 mauser,7mm-08, 270, 280, 7mm rem mag, 308, 30-06sp. All of these rounds will kill any deer sized animal, and most of them would be good for elk if you ever want to go that rout. I personally don't like .243 but allot of people do, I think it's a little light for deer.

Point is if you don't know already what you like go to a gun shop (not wallymart). Mokey around with about 10 diferent brands and decide which you like best. Things to look for: safety type and position, magazine type (blind or detachable), wood or composite stock, barrel length and over all size of rifle.

Almost any rifle from Rem., Ruger, Browning, Savage, Winchester, Howa, Weatherby, Kimber, or Marlin will shoot good out of the box and last you a lifetime. I personally like Rem. and Browning. Just pick one that feels good in any major caliber.

[BigEFan]

I usually don't recommend a 270 for the first or only rifle because if its size. As others have said, for your first and maybe only rifle I highly suggest the 30.06 or .308. Size, distance, availability and versatility of ammo are most of the reasons.

Don't get me wrong a 270 is a very nice round and I have recommended it for people who already have a rifle or two. OMO

[archer51]

I'd go with a 30-06. Can get anything from a 22 saboted bullet reaching out at around 4000 fps up to a 220 gr round nose that will take down most any North American big game.

[McPatrickClan]

call me a broken record, 30.06 is a great all around round, you can get light loads for really flat shooting small to mid sized varmints.

Wouldn't a 30-06 explode a coyote like an IED?

[archer51]

Not with light bullets.