Recommend a .308 Bolt Action Rifle?

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I have a Tikka T3 Stainless in 7-08 and like it a lot. That said my son and I bought a pair of Remington 700's for $250 each at Walmart in 308 and 243 and both are sub MOA with factory loads. Most factory rifles today are accurate. I like the Tikka better because it doesn't need upgrades like a new stock or magazine conversion, A must with Savage or Remington in my opinion.
 
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I have the Ruger Gunsite Rifle in .308 and it’s my “go to” for hunting. Light, comfortable to carry, and a tack driver. It’s also a bit pricey.

I also have a Ruger American Ranch in 7.62 x 39 and it shares the same characteristics. So I’d imagine that another Ruger American in .308 would be equally satisfying.
 
For me this would be an easy decision if Tikka .30 cal rifles had a 1:10 twist barrel. Since they don't, I'd opt for something that does have a 1:10 twist such as a Winchester M70, Kimber 84M Hunter or Montana. I want the option to shoot long and or heavy bullets in cold temperatures and that requires a 1:10 twist. I like the Barnes 175gr LRX for hunting and it's long for caliber. If you shoot standard cup & core bullets, bonded or not, 1:11 is just fine and the Tikka T3x is a great choice.
 
I am more into older rifles, mainly manufactured pre WW2, but last year I purchased a Winchester Model 70 Coyote Lite. I like it a lot, I haven't worked up any hand loads yet, but it is very accurate with the Hornady ammo I've run through it. It is one of two synthetic stock rifles I own, but the stock is solid, comfortable, and not at all plastic or cheap feeling.
 
I bought a Hog Hunter last spring and really like the gun. The big reason I bought it was the fact it comes with open sights, I figure if I'm at my hunting camp which is two and a half hours from home and something happens to the scope I can take it off and still hunt. I worked a load up for it and it shoots less than an inch groups at 50 yds, and that's with sixty four year old eyes. And that's also with the open sights.
 
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Few years ago I picked up a Ruger Hawkeye Standard and really like it. Great fit and feel, trigger isn’t bad but wish a timmey could be added. Couldn’t pass it up for the price. That said, the Tikka Lite will be my next rifle. I’ve shot a couple of them and they are tack drivers and silky smooth.
 
Another vote for the Ruger American. I have several in 223, 243, 30-06, and 6.5 CM.
Everyone of them are VERY accurate straight out of the box with Wally World ammo. With handloads, everyone of them are tack drivers, no brag, just fact. Without a doubt, the most accurate rifles, straight out of the box, I have ever owned. Price is right, so spend the rest on a decent scope ( I have Redfield Revolutions on 3 of them, works great) and ammo.
 
Just to throw a wrench into it, how about left handed models? I have been looking very hard at a Savage 110 Tactical LH. I like the 10 round magazine and Accufit stock. It only comes with a 24" barrel though. I'd prefer 20", but it's not a huge deal and the little extra velocity appeals to me.
 
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DMW1116 said:
Just to throw a wrench into it, how about left handed models? I have been looking very hard at a Savage 110 Tactical LH. I like the 20 round magazine and Accufit stock. It only comes with a 24" barrel though. I'd prefer 20", but it's not a huge deal and the little extra velocity appeals to me.
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I was looking hard at one of those exact (well, right handed) models. I went with the similar 110 Varmint, because I thought 223rem would be better for a pure range toy.
 
I know you said bolt action but if you want a light, handy, accurate 308 check out a Browning BLR. They are as accurate as many bolts and faster follow up shots than any bolt. They also are not fussy about reloaded ammunition. Its good to have choices. But if you are set on a bolt I second the Winchester featherweight model 70.
 
That's a good suggestion. I'm a lever kind of guy and were it not for the desire for a detachable magazine, a BLR or Henry Long Ranger would be a great alternative. The OP may not have the same limitations, I don't remember.
 
On a budget, TC Venture every day and twice on Sunday. I don’t know why more people don’t recommend these rifles. (Tony the Tiger voice) “They’re Grrrreat!” Seriously. They are good rifles. Super accurate. Really nice trigger. Great ergonomics. Slim(ish) profile. Smooth action that gets much better with use or valve compound and 30 minutes. It’s not sloppy like the Mossbergs. But the Mossberg action locks rock solid. And they are shooters. Plus you can afford to pretty decent glass on them if you want.

More moderately priced: I’d step up to a Tikka Lite ($800+ today) or Superlite (cheaper $750). But now you’re starting to have to get a lot cheaper on your optics. But a heck of a rifle. Twice the price of TC. You’d have to decide if it’s worth the extra cost.

And then there’s the higher end factory. Sako (makes Tikka), Winchester 70 (Miroku of Japan), CZ 550. All beautiful that rifles. Will definitely last you. Built as good as anything. But you’ll be buying your optics at the Dollar General.

Another possibility is buying used. Can’t guarantee you save money. Not today. Just saw a guy pay $3,200 for a Ruger M77 Lipsey RSI in 275 Rigby about 3 days ago. The identical gun in 7x57 (same exact cartridge as the Rigby also) sold for $1,300.

I buy most all of my rifles used I inspect them really well before I buy. Never had to refuse a sale. And I’ve gotten some great prices doing it that way. Why spend more that you have to? But you won’t find many good deals on the internet today. Not in this market. Go walk in some shops. Take cash.
 
Hugger-4641 said:
I'm sure most folks here know this, but there is a big difference between the CDL or long range and the Walmart version ADL 700.
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Maybe but I bought 2 Walmart 700's and both are sun Moa out of box with factory ammo. Not as fancy as my Older BDL but just as accurate.
 
DMW1116 said:
That's a good suggestion. I'm a lever kind of guy and were it not for the desire for a detachable magazine, a BLR or Henry Long Ranger would be a great alternative. The OP may not have the same limitations, I don't remember.
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The BLR has a removable clip magazine.
 
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