Need a Go-To Rifle

[Three_Oh_Eight]

I have owned a bunch of rifles that fill niches.  Open country rifles, timber carbines, etc etc.  As crazy as it sounds, I'm getting kind of tired of getting each rifle ready to hunt every year.  It takes a lot of time in shooting practice and reloading for each rifle.  Plus, it never fails that one becomes possessed by some accuracy eating demon that requires me to waste more time and money.

For my style of hunting, I almost never shoot further than 300 yards.   I've only killed two animals beyond 300 and both were right at 400 yards.  I consider that my practical maximum under perfect conditions.  Some of my rifles are heavy, but great long-range shooters.  Some of my rifles are really light, but not nearly as stable when shooting from field positions.  I do prefer to be able to hunt with my rifle in my hands and not slung on my shoulder.

So, I'm thinking I need a sorta-light-but-stable-enough rifle to hunt deer and elk from 25 to 400 yards with the vast majority of shots in the 100 to 200 yard range.  I'll most likely go with stainless because its practical.  I'll eventually re-stock into a McMillan stock.  I'm debating on cartridge between 270 Winchester, 308 Winchester and 30-06.  The 308 makes the list because of how much 308 reloading stuff I have (I feed my M-1A, so a 308 bolt gun would be easy).  The other two cartridges have been killing stuff forever and will keep doing it (though they are both boring as heck).

What do you guys think?  Do you believe in "go-to" rifles?  I've been following the golf club theory (you don't play a whole round with a 5 iron, so why would you only hunt with one gun?) but its getting tedious. 

[wadu1]

My  .308 or my preference is the 30-06. I load both; my longest kill shot was 350 yards with the 06 in Wyoming had a good rest one shot and down went a nice 4X4 Mule. Since they both use the same bullets and powder I stick with one or the other. I do use others for special hunts; 45-70 or 9.3X62 for bears and I have a 6.5X55 Sweed for speed goats if I ever get to go.

[hillbilli]

I say any cartridge in the .30-06 class of power- which includes all 3 you mention, will do just fine. find an accurate sporterweight (7 to 8 lb?) rifle, with a 2-7, or 3-9 optic.. and a decent trigger, and it will do almost anything short of small game or really big dangerous stuff up close..  Mine is a win m-70 classic stainless in .308. I have other rifles, but the Winchester is my primary big game rifle, and my go-to, need only one-big game rifle. A good friend of mine uses a .30-06, and has a spare about the same weight in the same cartridge that often ends up being a loaner or a backup.. As to the cartridges, as long as it is in this class of power-and that includes about a dozen different cartridges- it doesnt really matter which one it is, as long as you can get ammo for it, use proper bullets, and it's accurate...

[Three_Oh_Eight]

I figured anything in the 270, 7mm, 30 caliber range would probably do the trick.  I think I want to stick to something fairly common.  I have a pre-64 M70 in 300 H&H that I've used quite a bit, but its a real hog to carry around (nearly 10 1/4 pounds field-ready).  I've got over 1300 .308 caliber bullets of various makes and styles.  In a perfect world, I would probably get a 308 and use the same 155gr Sierra MatchKing load that I use for my M-1A as a good plinking/practice load.  BUT, its doubtful that the load would shoot well in both rifles.

The 30-06 makes a lot of sense, but it is SO FREAKING BORING.  I guess it got boring from setting a standard that hasn't been surpassed in over 100 years.  I recommend the 30-06 to my friends all of the time but I don't own one myself.

[KFhunter]

I call    You just want a new gun and are trying to justify it 
 
I'm good with that!
 
So to answer your question, a 30-06 will do it all very well.  You can find anything from 150g up to 220g at any walmart.  I'd get a removable box magazine and a good 3x9 with a pretty large objective to help find your target in the brush at closer ranges.  50mm would be good but it wouldn't have to be that big.
 
I carry an old interarms 30-06 mark x and have yet to miss a shot with it and it's taken a lot of game.

[wadu1]

My 06 is a Browning A-Bolt SS Stalker;I use it for long hikes. I have a Winchester M70 LW for a backup if needed. My .308 is a Remington 700 VTR that tack drives a 150 Barns TSX out to 200 yards; a little heavy for long walks. In my younger days I carried a M1-A with a short mag and iron sights; like the M-14 I trained with. Before I got the M-16 POS made by GM with the 3 prong flash hider (yep I'm over the hill).

[bearpaw]

Of the calibers you mention, 30/06 would be the easy choice for me. Most of your 308 reloading components will work and I bet you can get some brass and dies on here real easy.

But for the sake of making things more complicated, I think a 280 would be better than the 06.   

[deleted BGS]

.270 wsm, dont have one but the ballistics are sweet and its a cool caliber

[CAMPMEAT]

6.5 Creedmoor.

[Bean Counter]

I've been happy with my .30-06. It was used, beat up, and rusty when I bought it for dirt cheap, and it will be even more used, beat up, and still a tad rusty when I pass it on to my progeny. It isn't just my go-to rifle, its pretty much my only hunting rifle. I wouldn't criticize a rich man for insisting upon a separate caliber for each animal he hunts, but IMHO that's a huge waste of money for us middle class folk. It is always my opinion to spend money on better optics and plenty of practice ammo. I have several years inventory for this rifle and have absolutely no plans to 'upgrade' unless the barrel wears out and accuracy tanks. 

[JLS]

With the quality of today's reloading components, if I was buying a rifle to fit your criteria I'd buy a .270 and shoot Barnes TSX bullets into anything I wanted to hunt in the lower 48.  A 30-06 is absolutely fine also.

[Dan-o]

I'm  a big fan of the go-to rifle.....   especially for most guys (like me) who realistically can't/don't spend time at the range every week (might struggle for 5-6 range days a year and 5-6 field prep days a year before hunting season.).


I've hunted with the same 7MM Rem Mag for 0 years, and for the last almost 30 years I've known that rifle really really well.    I really enjoy being able to take the shot - even a fairly long shot - with supreme confidence that I'll put the round right into the vitals.     That trumps having situational rifles for me.

I did just break down and buy my 2nd hunting rifle but that was because my original finally started acting badly.   

[Limhangerslayer]

Just to add another one in the mix,  300 win mag.  It's a proven caliber and can handle long range.  Some people don't like the kick is all.

[Biggerhammer]

A 30-06 will fit the bill but a .300 WSM will do it in cruise mode.

[Huntbear]

But for the sake of making things more complicated, I think a 280 would be better than the 06.   

There is a couple of real nice .280 Rem. rifles in the classfieds..  the 7mm bullet is great ballistically, and will kill anything from coyotes to Black Bear and Elk...

It all depends if weight is an issue, do you like long actions vs. short actions??? 

7mm=08 and .308 on up will do all you want...

[Curly]

For what you're talking about wanting out of a rifle, I'd say In order of preference:

1) .280 AI
2) .280 Rem
3) 30-06
4) .270 Win

Catch me on a different day, I might have those in a different order and/or I might throw in the .300 WSM or 7 mm Rem mag......... 

[Bob33]

All of your choices can easily meet your requirements. Each has pros/cons. The 30-06 is tough to beat. It is "boringly" good for what you are looking for.

[bobcat]

You really can't beat a 30-06, and I sure don't know what's "boring" about it. It's common yes, but that's a good thing. Means ammo is always easy to come by, and always will be. Nothing wrong with the 270 either. Go with the 270 if you want a little less recoil. If you want the option of heavier bullets, go with the 30-06. I have one of each, but my 270 is my "go-to" rifle.

[demontang]

My go to gun is a 338 win. I would like a 25-06 or 25wssm Ar for a go to gun too.

[Ducknut97]

'06 all the way it'll take care of anything you need it to.

[carpsniperg2]

30/06 sounds like your cupcake.

I would also really look at the 270wsm.

[rebal69972]

an 06 always fits the bill for an all around rifle. my savage has been for 20 years

[blacktailcody]

Tikka t3, stainless/synthetic in 30/06

[et1702]

The 30-06 is probably your best option.  This being the case, 25-06, 257, 280 Rem (nice one in classifieds section), and 300WM are great options too.

ET

[pianoman9701]

I just got a .280 Remington this year - won it! I've been blowing through some ammo in it lately and I love it. I also love my .30-06 Remington, both are model 700.

[headshot5]

Go with a 30-06.   

[Skillet]

I have a couple of 30-06's (one is probably going to be the subject of a 338-06 build), a 7 Mag and a 25-06 as my long guns.

Guess what I just bought as my new "go to" rifle?  Tikka T3 Lite Stainless in 270 WSM.  If you reload, it has pretty impressive ballistics.  But if you don't reload, ammo for it has pretty impressive prices... you may want to consider that combo.  Light and has a reputation for accuracy.  I believe it's plenty of gun for the deer as far as you dare shoot and elk out to 400 yards with the right bullet.

I swore I would never, ever, go into the woods without enough shells to get 'er done.  Always thought that "get ammo anywhere" argument was not really valid.  Guess what I did last year?  Spent some on a coyote and some thunderchickens.  Felt a little light in the ammo dep't for the rest of the trip, so I decided to go down into Winthrop to pick up some fresh grub and shells.  Damn glad I had a 30-06 instead of the 270 WSM with me that time.  So, that's a thing to consider as well.

30-06 is boring, yes - but when you're looking for ammo in a small town, do you really need that kind of excitement?

[woodswalker]

Go-To guns...I have a pair of Winchester 70s in 30-06, one 50's vintage Featherweight that is a do everything gun with its ancient (but period to the rifle) optics and can-see-can-hit accuracy with a pet load, the other is a modern SS M-70 Classic with good Leupy glass in a composite stock...its a spitting image of the old rifle...but has all the modern advantages for hunting in the Pacific North'Wet.  Those two go everywhere with me to hunt.  Same load for both, it is a tack driver in the SS, is MOA in the oldster.  I'll take that, yeah it may be BORING....but its BORINGLY repeatably accurate...and BOTH rifles shoot Factory Remmy 165 grain CLSPs more or less to the sights with the custom 165 grain loads.  SO, I can get factory ammo that works in both and hits more or less to the sights even if less accurate than my handloads.

Cant beat that deal with a STICK.

I DO have a 300WM and a .338WM...but I'm mostly duffing around with those.

The Winchester M-70 30-06s just flat DO the job.  Hard to mess with success.

[coachcw]

a great all around choice would be the 300wm or .300 wsm or 7mm . then a 338 ulrtra and a 6.5x284 for back ups !

[Curly]

I saw a potential go-to rifle in the classifieds: Link

[FC]

With the quality of today's reloading components, if I was buying a rifle to fit your criteria I'd buy a .270 and shoot Barnes TSX bullets into anything I wanted to hunt in the lower 48.  A 30-06 is absolutely fine also.

 

I would get a stainless tikka t3 lite in 270 and shoot Barnes bullets...Oh yeah, I already did/do!

[Kowsrule30]

My go to for any big game in WA or the lower 48 for that matter is my 243.... But that's just me....

I'd reccomend something in the 7mm-.300.... Magnum or not.... Don't matter..... For what your set up is and the guns you mentioned I'd say the 06 is more practicle....      

[JLS]

I have a couple of 30-06's (one is probably going to be the subject of a 338-06 build), a 7 Mag and a 25-06 as my long guns.

Guess what I just bought as my new "go to" rifle?  Tikka T3 Lite Stainless in 270 WSM.  If you reload, it has pretty impressive ballistics.  But if you don't reload, ammo for it has pretty impressive prices... you may want to consider that combo.  Light and has a reputation for accuracy.  I believe it's plenty of gun for the deer as far as you dare shoot and elk out to 400 yards with the right bullet.

I swore I would never, ever, go into the woods without enough shells to get 'er done.  Always thought that "get ammo anywhere" argument was not really valid.  Guess what I did last year?  Spent some on a coyote and some thunderchickens.  Felt a little light in the ammo dep't for the rest of the trip, so I decided to go down into Winthrop to pick up some fresh grub and shells.  Damn glad I had a 30-06 instead of the 270 WSM with me that time.  So, that's a thing to consider as well.

30-06 is boring, yes - but when you're looking for ammo in a small town, do you really need that kind of excitement?

I have a .338-06 that I had rebarreled about 13 years ago.  I love it.  The best bullet I found for it is the Barnes TSX 185 grainer.  I've shot a pile of elk with it, and the performance is excellent.

[sticky]

With the quality of today's reloading components, if I was buying a rifle to fit your criteria I'd buy a .270 and shoot Barnes TSX bullets into anything I wanted to hunt in the lower 48.  A 30-06 is absolutely fine also.

I agree, but I'd go 30-06 and say a .270 is fine too.  ;-)

[1bugman]

My Go to is 270 win, had it for years and it never let me down. Just got a 300 win love it. I don't think the recoil is to bad. 30-06 is a great round, all buddies use 'em. I don't think there boring.

What ever you choose, I like Stainless and synthetic. Not as pretty to look at, but will hole up to the elements better.

[PlateauNDN]

Was my .308 but now it's my .270 as of last year.

[Three_Oh_Eight]

So, I picked up a new rifle that I hope will fill the bill.  I went to a local gun store and was going to buy a Remington M700 SPS Stainless in 30-06.  I don't have any stainless rifles and consider them "beaters" in a way.  So, what would make a better beater than that?  Then, the guy behind the counter says, "Hey, I ended up with a couple of NIB M700 XCRs in 7mm Rem Mag that I need to get rid of".  So, I bit.

I got a new M700 XCR (the original one) in 7mm Rem Mag.  A little longer than I wanted, a bit more recoil too.  But heck, whatever.  It will kill stuff.

[pianoman9701]

So, I picked up a new rifle that I hope will fill the bill.  I went to a local gun store and was going to buy a Remington M700 SPS Stainless in 30-06.  I don't have any stainless rifles and consider them "beaters" in a way.  So, what would make a better beater than that?  Then, the guy behind the counter says, "Hey, I ended up with a couple of NIB M700 XCRs in 7mm Rem Mag that I need to get rid of".  So, I bit.

I got a new M700 XCR (the original one) in 7mm Rem Mag.  A little longer than I wanted, a bit more recoil too.  But heck, whatever.  It will kill stuff.

[webbspinner]

An excellent choice   

I have become a fan of my 338 wm, but have a 7mm and a 300 as well as 270 and 30-06,  any will do the job but if I had to just keep 1,  it would probably be my 300 or my 06, just for ammo options.  All that said I've killed more mule deer and whitetail with a 25-06, which i regret ever parting with, and all my elk with my 7mm and all one  shot flops with the ole 7.

[Three_Oh_Eight]

Once I get the rifle put together and get to the range, I'll put up some pics.  Pretty nice looking rifle for stainless/plastic.  I kind of wanted an XCR II since they are coated with black trinyte and have a slightly shorter barrel, but I got a great deal on this one.