All Around Hunting Rifle

[Flatbush Harry]

For coyote and deer I use my Rem 700 XHR in .25-06. For general use, I choose among my Rem 700 SPS SS in .308, Savage 116 and Win M70 EW in .30-06. I'll bring 110gr loads for coyote, 150 or 168 gr loads for deer, 168gr or 180gr loads for Elk. All four rifles have Zeiss Conquest glass and I'm equally comfortable and confident with each.

My $0.02...opinions are usually worth what you pay for them.

FH

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Jeff56 a few posts back does have a good point about the reduced range of a 30-30 over the other bolt action rifles and calibers. I've found with the Hornady Leverevolution ammo, you can shoot it out to about 250 yards with point of aim and point of impact not being higher or lower than 3 inches. For many people, the limiting factor in how far they can ethically shoot is less limited by the bullet and more limited by their abilities. I'm a 3 MOA shooter most days. My max shot I will take is 200 yards and I would really like to keep it under 150 yards. From that perspective, just about any caliber will be just fine. Good luck and let us know what you choose.

 

[Kachok]

Yeah those new poly point 30-30 bullets really do improve extenal ballistics, no to 308 or 30-06 levels but noticably improved over old flat points. 6.5x55 is the most versitle caliber I can load with 87gr at 3400+fps for varmints (super flat shooting), 120gr ballistic tips at 3050fps for mid sized deer and 140gr Accubonds at 2750fps for our King Kong sized hogs + I have the option for super high SD (over .300!) 160gr Weldcores at 2550fps for larger game if I ever hunt way up North. Only the 30-06, 7mm Rem Mag, and 300WM can boast that kind of versitilty wih standard rifling and all of them have MUCH more recoil. The 30-30 is more of a one trick pony even though it does that trick very well.

 

[christcorp]

If I could only have one hunting caliber in rifle, it would be the 7mm magnum. I personally consider it to be the best all around in north america. Some, like the 300+ magnums are a little too much for the smaller animals. Some, like the 243 and similar, are pushing it against the very large and/or very far shots. Some, like the heavier non-magnums; e.g. 30-06/308 are excellent, but you lose a little in distance. 7mm magnum is very popular. Ammo can be bought anywhere. You can buy or load ammo as light as 110 grain and all the way up to the 180's. It's the right combination of speed, distance, and energy for any animal in north america. Of course, if you're from florida or texas, and your perception doesn't take into consideration moose, mountain goats, sheep, caribou, bear, and those 400+ yard shots; that's another story.

 

[Panzercat]

Probably more deer have been killed with a 30-30 than any other caliber but that's mostly because the rifles were cheaper for a lot of years.

Really? Come on, that's pretty flimsy. The 30-06 is a fine caliber, but cost is hardly the issue you're making it out to be. Sure, economy played a role, but the 30-30 was simply a good rifle with good characteristics. Likewise, the moment you start talking about a 30-06, you are talking predominantly bolt action rifles. I would submit that's far more of a deciding factor than "damn, I just couldn't afford that 30-06."

Any coyote or deer within 200 yards isn't going to care which you smack it with if the hunter does his part. If you really think you'll need more than that, get a 30-06. It's fine too.

That said, +1 for sm3xy 30-30 levers.

 

[Kachok]

A very wise old hunter once wrote that of all the 300 magnums he had used none of them ever killed a deer any quicker or any deader then his trusty 30-30 in the brush. That carries more weight with me than any ballistics chart or killing formula Never diss the 30-30 it is still just as potent as it ever was.

 

[BBDartCA]

Remington 700 bolt action or 670 / 6700 pump in 30.06. I've seen some near-new ones locally for right at 300 bucks. 30.06 can't be beat for flexibility due to wide variety ammo avila. 110 grain for varmints. 180 grain for moose.

 

[Sav .250]

Your local Gun Show would be a good place to start. If you have any.

 

[christcorp]

I love my 30-30's. Both my marlin 336 and my winchester 94. But i'd never consider using them on an antelope, sheep, etc... hunt at 300+ yards. Great deer, javalina, etc... rifle at 100-150 yards. Wouldn't trade those guns for the world. But it wouldn't be my "All in one" gun. That's what the 7mm magnum is for.

 

[Panzercat]

"Why has the 30-30 become the most popular round in America? In my opinion, there are a few reasons.

For one thing, the rifles that are chambered for the 30-30 are inexpensive when compared to other rifles chambered for other rounds. It's not uncommon to find a Model 94 Winchester or Marlin 336 in good shape at a Pawn Shop for under $200."

Now it's time for you to post the other resons instead of picking and choosing the ones you like. Even I said that cost was a reason in my last post. THE reason? A PREDOMINATE reason? that's the part I'm doubting and obviously price isn't the only factor based on the very person you are quoting.

Come on, guy.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Why is the .30-30 so popular?

First of all tradition -- it was the first smokeless powder sporting round (yes, there were a few experimental rounds earlier) and that gave it quite a boost.

It's chambered in lever actions -- which have always been uniquely American and very popular.

In carbine form, it's light, short and flat, easy to carry and ideally suited for a saddle boot when on horseback.

It has mild recoil and is easy to shoot.

It has a trajectory flat enough to make any shot most people might attempt with iron sights.

The rifles it's usually chambered in are durable -- so many a man hunts with his daddy or grand-daddy's rifle.

And finally, dang it, we just like the .30-30.

 

[Abel]

Why is the .30-30 so popular?

Because most people kill deer/bear/hogs at ranges closer than 175 yards.

 

[.45Guy]

I'd suggest checking armslist.com for your area and consider throwing something you alrady own up as trading fodder. That would be your best bet to find something decent cheap.

 

[.45Guy]

Another point in favor of the marlin 336 in .30-30... With the short stiff barrel, accelerators would be a decent option for coy dogs. Most people hate them, but they've been plenty accurate in '06 to fill nuisance tags on the farm. Or if that's not your bag, pick up a cheap Lee loader and a box of Speer 110 grain hollow points. Push them around 2800 and you should be good to go.

 

[A strange person]

There are alot of personal factors when choosing an "all around rifle".

- What type of terrain do you live in? If you live in the forest, like me, short-range weapons, like pistol-caliber rifles up to the aforementioned 30-30, will do, and will probably have enough range for your average clear cut as well. They have numerous advantages. If you live in prairie, desert, or tundra, where shots are commonly 200 yards or more (or much more), you want something with a velocity of 3000 fps, give or take, and more is better.

- Are you recoil sensitive? Be honest. If you get a rifle that kicks too hard for comfort, you will not be accurate with it, and it will collect dust somewhere in your house. If you know someone that has a 30-06, 45-70, etc., ask to try it. You should not have to fight the instinct to flinch; that is just going to ruin your shooting. The .30-30 is known to have light recoil, as does the .44MAG when used in a rifle. The .243, .25-06, .257 Roberts, 6.5X55 Swede, and other "quarter-bores" all have very pleasant recoil, and will take deer, black bear, and even larger game at long range. Check to see if they are legal in your state.

- Do you reload? Are you willing to learn? Some of the best calibers are expensive and uncommon.

...But I'm no expert.

 

[whetrock]

I'd hit up a few local pawn shops if I were you and scout around for an older 336 or Winnie 94 however it you insist on buying a new rifle I would take a look at the Savage Axis or Stevens 200.

 

[Russ Jackson]

Marlin XL7 is the best buy in a bolt action today. At around $300 it would be tough to find a better deal. I have never heard a negative review. My 30-06 will shoot sub 1.5 inches at 200 yds and I have poor eyes. My son can get under an inch. Better than a Remington 700. The trigger is excellent as well...Russ

 

[USSR]

This is what I need:

A quality hunting rifle suitable for game ranging in size from a coyote to a nice buck for $300 or less.

Define "quality". At $300 or less, while there are some options available to you (although very few), you do understand that you are starting at the bottom rung in regards to "quality". This is not meant to belittle what you are trying to do, I just want to make sure you understand that "quality" rifles cost more than $300.

Don

 

[JackCrow]

I am a big fan of lever action rifles and the .30-30 caliber. They are far more capable than most people believe them to be.

However, if I were to recommend a single, jack-of-all-trades rifle it would be a bolt action rifle in .30-06 or .270.

 

[Haxby]

Bud's Gun Shop has the Savage Axis with a scope for $302. 243, 270, 308, others. The scope won't be the best, but what the heck.

 

[Allent]

savage makes a good bolt gun. find in 30 cal should be close to 300 especially now with economy.