Remington 7600 synthetic in .30-06...opinions & recommend specific purpose loads

[kmrcstintn]

my father has a 1972 Remington 760 Gamemaster in .30-06 and has relied on it for over 30 years for Pennsylvania whitetail and he is not ready to part with it; I recently got a Stevens 200 in .30-06 and mounted a Sightron SI 3-9 X 40 and this will be my primary hunting setup;

what I am looking for is a 'companion' rifle in the same caliber for 'bumpin' around the camp, recreational shooting, a pump action for using in the thickets, and having something on hand for bear and nasty 2 legged critters in case we get 'uninvited guests'; my favorite shop has a Remington 7600 (synthetic w/ high comb buttstock) that was a raffle gun (unshot, new in box, sold for cash) for $439 and I feel this might fit the bill...

opinions of the Remington pump action rifles???

if you had to have a load to stop a Pennsylvania black bear and had to consider the same load as a two-legged critter defensive load, what would you use (brand, type, grain weight in .30-06); basically something that has a lot of energy, penetrate deep enough to do the job, and minimize overpenetration; BTW: I do not reload

 

[TBeck]

I once owned a Remington 7400 that I was unable to get to function reliably, even after switching factory magazines for new factory magazines. I would hope that a pump-action rifle would be more reliable. I used to know a man who hunted with one and he seemed to like it well enough.

 

[TrybalRage]

The 7600 has a loyal following, I have heard good things.

Never shot one myself.

 

[zinj]

Only have read praise from 7600 owners.

 

[Art Eatman]

150- to 180-grain for in the woods.

If you're concerned about over-penetration for a defense load around the house, go with the 110-grain varmint bullet. Most likely create a double-handful of yuck in anybody.

Art

 

[45crittergitter]

I've had a 760 for almost 30 years. They are far, far more reliable than the autos. In fact, it's hard to believe they are both Remingtons. The only problems I've ever had were one bent magazine, and some light rust in the chamber once. I think you will be satisified with it. As a bonus, mine shoots groups like a fine bolt gun.