Trying to decide on a Bolt gun!

[Jordankrgr]

I've been at odds with myself. I'm trying to decide between a new blot action rifle for hunting and long range shooting. I'm fairly new to hunting, but I've been shooting long range for about a year now. I have a Savage Axis in .308, but I've been wanting to step it up to a caliber that can really reach out and touch something like an Elk at 600 plus yards and still have enough knockdown power to get a clean kill. I've been looking and several different rifles in 300 win mag, 300 PRC, 7MM, and 6.8 western. The rifles in question are the Browning Xbolt speed, Weatherby Vanguard, Bergara B14 Wilderness, and the Christensen Mesa. Budget is around $1500/$1600 so I was thinking $1000-1200 for the rifle, and $500-$300 for a scope. Let me know you opinions.

 

[JCC]

6.5 Creedmoor is one I have had recommended to me which the round itself is pricy

 

[Jordankrgr]

I know that. I've been looking for ammo for my .308, and that hasn't been cheap. So I can only how much the 6.5 Creedmore costs.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Jordankrgr]

Thanks man.

 

[Lonesome Dove]

For Elk at 500-600 yards get a 7mm mag.

 

[Sam7sf]

Burn your barrel. 30-378 weatherby. That’s what I’m saving up for.

 

[Jordankrgr]

Better BC than the others I'm assuming??

 

[mongoose]

.300WM. Will do what you want and you will be able to find affordable ammunition most places.

 

[Jordankrgr]

Thanks man, I just need to find a good rifle and scope combo

 

[Sam7sf]

Better BC than the others I'm assuming??

With modern bullet manufacturing everything will have good bc. Nah the 30-378 is a novelty and I just want one just cause. It’s a powder burner. Bad. And you won’t see a long barrel life. Of the magnums I would say the best bang for your buck is 300 prc, 300 win mag and short mag.

 

[mountainbull]

300 win mag. Been shooting it for 25+years,4 to 600 yards, drop anything in the USA.
Easy to find ammo.

 

[Jordankrgr]

Awesome!! Now just to find the rifle. Any suggestions?

 

[mountainbull]

I've got a ruger model 77, heavy but very accurate with my hand loads.

 

[skfullgun]

I'll be the detractor and say, limit your shots to 300 yards and stick with the .308.

 

[Sam7sf]

Most production guns are gtg. I never tried one but too many people said good things about tikka. I trust their opinions.

Savage offers good guns. Howa has good guns. Ruger offers good guns. Though from time to time Ruger has head scratching qc issues. Cz makes good bolt guns. I’m happy with my tc compass made by sw.

If money isn’t an issue, production gun, I’d say try tikka or Christensen Arms. I hear too many good things.

 

[toddnjoyce]

I’d be thinking real hard on the ethics of a 600yd elk shot with 6.5C. That little zinger is only putting out 1100ft-lbs of energy at 600yds. You’ll want 1500ft-lbs minimum for a reliable shot at an elk.

6.5C is a neat little cartridge, but there’s only so much it can do.

ETA: I own a Savage 6.5C and it’s suitable for deer or a sub-300yd elk shot.

 

[Jordankrgr]

That's why I was considering 300 win mag, 300 PRC, 7mm, and 6.8 western

 

[toddnjoyce]

..300 win mag…

Is probably your answer

 

[Jordankrgr]

Thanks, any suggestions on a rifle?