jeeptim
Member
SKS IS with out question the best all around gun,(for the money) yeah I know you can buy a better rifle that dose one thing really well but an sks dose all pretty well cheap ammo low cost and fun fun fun.
I love lever actions, but IMO for deer size game 200 yards is well out of range for pistol caliber lever actions and just barely in range of a .30-30 with modern (Leverevolution) ammo. Thus neither is suitable if you really want 200-300 yard range.I've been reading a lot about lever actions and am now thinking a lever in .357 or .30-30 might be contenders.
My ranges probably won't be more than 200-300 yards except possibly the occassional test of ability.
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Do they allow pistol caliber rifles for deer hunting in IL? I moved out years ago so I'n not sure but I don't remember that being allowed. You migth want to double check. As far as the rest of your requirements, I agree with RPRNY that a S&W M&P 15 Sport would make a good choice. The 5.56 ammo is about as cheap as you are going to get with centerfire rifle ammo, its accurate and usable for varmint size game out to 300+ yards, and its lots of fun for plinking as well as a good choice if you want a rifle for HD.Purposes would be mostly plinking, possibly the occassional coyote, though I'd probably get a dedicated varmint gun if I were going to get serious about it. And home defense. I live in slug country for deer, so my only option for a deer gun is pistol caliber.
AR10 in .308 best all around platform and caliber ever.
30 06 is dated and overkill in most situations. That's why it was replaced by the .308, also there are not many semi auto platforms that are chambered in 30 06. The 7.62 NATO/.308 is far more available than 30 06 also.Very close to it's 30 caliber brother, the 30.06. But I still see 30.06 in gas stations and general stores way out in the sticks and they won't have .308. That gives the 30.06 the edge IMO but they are mighty close of course. Still the 30.06 can go heavier and you can go down as far as the .308 does too. Again, advantage 30.06. Until I see a 220 gr. .308 I'm gonna think that. I know some of the roll your own guys use 220 gr. bullets in a .308 but you don't see them on store shelves made into cartridges.
Until I see a 220 gr. .308 I'm gonna think that. I know some of the roll your own guys use 220 gr. bullets in a .308 but you don't see them on store shelves made into cartridges.
Yep CZ, Tikka, Howa and Sako chamber it (T/C only sells theirs overseas). Fantastic all around cartrage, as balanced as the 06 but is not a gross overkill on deer sized game. 243 is a little on the small side for my liking (on deer), 30-06 is a little too big .264-.284 are just right. To each their own though.Fella's;
I believe we were suggesting the 6.5 Swede as available in modern bolt guns, not mil-surps. Believe me, they are available from several manufacturers, in modern actions.
900F
I also like to 30-06 better as a big game HUNTING cartridge, but for other things, the .308 has the edge.
Your all purpose approach is fine, if you intend to only purchase one rifle.
Specialization can go too far even though for the most part this is not something most people have to face. But if you become a gun nut like many of us then specialization can go way too far
I remember a time when I could only afford one centerfire rifle. That time lasted a lot longer than I would have liked too.