Buying my first rifle: Advice

plentycoupe

New Member
May 27, 2011
21
0
52
North Pole AK
If I was gonna hunt elk every year I would opt for the 30-06. I would do this because of the heavier bullets that you can put in it for elk and if you reload you can go pretty light for dear if you wanted to.
Don't get me wrong. I know a .270 winchester is adequate and I would use mine in a heartbeat. I also know a heavier bullet is optimum as elk are tough.
On rifles I would go with a Tikka ultralight. Brownings are very nice, but I bought a tikka 2 years ago off of a friends recommendation. .270 win. This gun shoots 2-3 inch groups at 300yds all day. I use Barnes Vortex. It really is a great shooting rifle. I shot a turkey in the neck at 182. Awesome gun for the money.
Good luck brother
 

Old Hunter

Banned
Dec 28, 2011
1,104
0
Buena Vista, Co.
I use a Rem 700 in .270 for both. I don't have time to reload anymore. I spend too much time tying flies for fly fishing.

So, I use a 130gr core-lokt for deer. Mule deer in my case, so your whitetails will be fine. For elk I use the Federal Premium ammo in 150gr Partitions. More than enough for elk.
 

Wyoflightmedic

New Member
Mar 11, 2011
42
0
He was considering the 270 but was not sure. After seeing this reply below i figured the 30-30 should be looked at. I took a large mule deer 3 years ago with Hornady lev ammo and I was every impressed.

Hey I appreciate the insight! You were very helpful. My two main concerns are 1. Weight (I dont want to pack a heavy rifle around the mountains) and 2. Power (I want to make a clean ethical shot and be able to shoot from distance, 300 yrds max)

My sister just moved to Longmont, CO and I'm expecting to make atleast one hunt a year, maybe more if I have the chance. Also, Im kinda set on the Browning X-bolt. I was raised on Brownings and they are buy far my favorite maunfacturer. Your thoughts....

Thanks again for all of your knowledge and any more advice is much welcomed.[/QUOTE]
 

jay

Active Member
Mar 10, 2011
462
0
TriCountyNM
i purchased the browning xbolt 30-06 last year and put a vortex 3x9 scope on it. I really like it, very light, very accurate, and minimal recoil. I don't reload so i am shooting the Nosler Custom 165's out of it. Haven't killed anything with it yet as i drew all black powder tags last year but on paper it shoots great! Hope this helps.
 

nvarcher

Very Active Member
Sep 28, 2011
610
0
Reno, Nevada
I'm sorry I misread the post I accidentally read and thought that page 2 was the first page. I was not meaning to sound rude I was trying to be funny.
 

jenbickel

Veteran member
Feb 22, 2011
1,064
1
37
Sheridan, Wyoming
www.facebook.com
I definitely agree with a .270. Someone said that they think it's a little light for elk but I don't think so at all. I have shot elk with my .270 and have only had quick, clean kills. I shot one at 300 yards and it didn't even move a muscle after. As long as you have good shot placement, you won't have to worry at all.
 

crumy

Member
Jun 19, 2011
122
0
Laramie, WY
As you can see there are a lot of opinions. I had the same question about three years ago after moving to Wyoming. I opted for the 300 Win Mag. I hunt everything with it and it has never let it me down. But at the same time, my son has taken a nice mule deer with a .243 so it is just about shot placement. A suggestion I heard several times was shoot the largest caliber you are comfortable with. I have to agree with that as the best suggestion.