New rifle and caliber suggestions

[muleywannabe]

I am tossing the idea of buying a new rifle. I am left handed so finding a rifle in itself is a challenge on its own. I want a stainless/synthetic combo. I have narrowed it down pretty much to the Savage 16/116 weather warrior LH model.

I plan to put a tactical scope in it...still a learning curve there. I would really like some suggestions on the caliber though and your thoughts on the rifle too.

i would like to get something different...like a 6.5-.284 norma or a .270 WSM. I will hunt antelope and deer with this rifle and sheep some day...

thanks

tyson

 

[tdcour]

In my opinion, you cant go wrong with a 300 win mag or wssm. You can custom load this caliber like crazy to shoot flat, fast, and accurately. I have two loads for mine that shoot very similar. One is a 165 grain and one is a 200 grain. I know its not a "different" caliber, but there are a lot of different loads you can run in the 30 caliber. I shoot my 30-06 more than anything, but you can get something to shoot much flatter than a 30-06. I would definitely look at the versatility of the rifle if it is that hard to find a rifle (I'm right handed so I don't have that problem). I like a 30 caliber for shooting at big game, but I have killed some deer with my .243 as well.

As for the scope, all I shoot is a regular Leupold 3x9 duplex, so I can't speak for the more tactical style scopes.

 

[muleywannabe]

One thing I need to add is that I own a .325 WSM and a 7MM Rem Mag.

 

[buckbull]

I think having a 325WSM already qualifies as having something a little different. It will be interesting to see if Browning and Winchester keep this cartridge alive for much longer.

I prefer .30 caliber cartridges as well. I carry a .300 wm for elk and a .30-06 for deer and antelope. With that said, you already have something comparable in the 325 and the 7mm to those.

If it were me, I'd get a .25-06 to add to that list but thats not very "different". Perhaps the Creedmoor would be a good choice for something different if savage chambers for that cartridge.

 

[spark]

Take a look at the Forbes 24B in 25-06 or 6.5 x55. They will make other calibers but if you're just hunting deer,lope and sheep this will do. Left hand stainless is not a problem. Good luck

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Since you were thinking LR/Tactical, you might as well get the awesome LR cartridge you mentioned: 6.5X284.

 

[muleywannabe]

All good advice

 

[hvfd21walker]

Im with BB 6.5X284.

 

[packmule]

I'm a fan of the 270WSM. Have 2 that are mine and got my wife one to repo one of mine back.

 

[cali_hornhunter]

Since you were thinking LR/Tactical, you might as well get the awesome LR cartridge you mentioned: 6.5X284.

Agreed my grandfather uses this caliber for long range competitions

 

[xtreme]

What BB said 6.5x284 Really good round with high BC

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I am a big proponent of .25 caliber. I built my first .25 back in the early 60"s. It was called a .25 Neider which later became the 25-06. I have shot somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 animals with it (about 50 deer/50 antelope) and lots of feral hogs and have NEVERfelt undergunned. I also have a .257 Wby. Never used it on elk , but will use it on sheep if I can ever get drawn for a tag. As with any caliber, shot placement is the most important concern.

I also shoot left handed and have tried almost everything out there (Win M100, M88, BAR, Rem pump) that was not a bolt action. All of them just don't seem to shoot as well....at least for me and my expectations. I started out with a normal right handed bolt when I was 12 and still shoot them 60 years later. I guess it's all in what you get used to.

Good luck.

 

[muleywannabe]

Its almost like a disability in a way to be left handed. Its harder to find a lot of things in this world. I always had to learn to shoot with a right handed gun until I was 15, then my dad bought me a left handed .243 and I have always been in search of left rifles. Example: Browning makes a bunch of new models this year, yet they still only have 4 total left handed models. Same with savage etc. drives me nuts! As far as the calibers I own...

.325 WSM
.243
7MM Rem Mag

the 6.5-.284 is looking like the way to go

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

The problem I have is that I'm not naturally lefthanded. I am almost blind in my right eye and have to use the left eye. Pistol shooting, I am amberdextirous and can use either hand equally. Really is an advantage in my competiton shooting with handguns.

 

[muleywannabe]

I am left handed through and through. I loved it for baseball and other sports.

 

[packmule]

Have you looked at the Tikka T3 lites for you ss/syn criteria? Doesn't come in the 6.5x284, but does come in 270wsm, 6.5x55 & 260.

 

[spark]

I guess I missed the point about just a different caliber and long range the intended purpose. I have 3 6.5x284's two are target rifles for competion and one for hunting. One of them is getting a new barrel now,the other has 980 rounds through it and don't know how much longer it will be good for and the hunting gun will probably last my lifetime. If you hand load you will not be disappointed. We have killed with one shot whitetails to 1100 yds With the 6.5 and 140 Amax bullets. What more do you need? By the way your 7 mag will do that also and the .243 will almost get there with105 Amax. Not trying to start anything just my experience. Enjoy and if you need any reload info just pm me.

 

[muleywannabe]

Spark,

thats exactly what I wanted to hear!!! I will be in touch because I love to reload and would like to get some info from you. I will send you a PM.

thanks

 

[robsev]

I have owned several different caliber rifles over the years. Picked up a Remington 270 WSM a few years ago and it is my exclusive antelope/deer rifle. I think it's an awesome cartridge.

 

[MtnBoy]

As mentioned above I'd go with the Tikka T3 Lite, great guns....light, guaranteed to shoot 1", tons of caliber options in left handed.

Just picked one up myself in.270wsm