Rifle recommendations

[aclapper]

I am looking for advice for my next rifle - I already have a 30/06 Browning A Bolt that has taken a few elk over the years along with some wild pigs, always without fuss. But I am looking for a rifle that is a little different and is more comfortable to shoot, since I can't stand the recoil on an 8 lb rifle shooting 180 grain partitions for more than a few shots.

My budget is $1500 for a bolt action rifle that preferably is a 6.5mm caliber (I don't reload, yet) with a heavy contour barrel and a great fiberglass stock. I'd like for it to be comfortable enough to shoot for an afternoon but not so heavy that I can't go for a hike with it. I'd like to be able to spend some serious time with the rifle and grow confident out to 400 yards or so with it. Any thoughts?

[bobcat]

If you don't reload I'd recommend a 270, or maybe a 257 Weatherby if you don't mind paying twice as much for your ammo.

Another option but not as much fun as buying a new rifle- switch to 150 grain bullets in your 30/06. Recoil should be a lot more tolerable.

[JJB11B]

Grab one of the many 7mm-08 that are out there, Factory ammo available

[bobcat]

7/08 is a great option too. 

[Bob33]

I'm not sure why you want a heavy contour barrel. It adds weight and is of little value on a big game rifle.

[257wbymagkiller]

If you don't reload I'd recommend a 270, or maybe a 257 Weatherby if you don't mind paying twice as much for your ammo.

Another option but not as much fun as buying a new rifle- switch to 150 grain bullets in your 30/06. Recoil should be a lot more tolerable.

You can't go wrong with a 257 wby. Roy weatherby  took every big game animal with one shot    it was his favorite from what I've heard and has been mine since I first shot it

[elkaholic123]

6.5 X 284

[coachcw]

I'd look hard at a rem  700 in 260 rem  with a 2.5 lbs  timely trigger 24 to 26 inch pipe . 4x14 vx 3 glass .... I think  if you shop around you can fit the budget  .

[coachcw]

The savage long range is a good choice as well in 6.5 284  and would keep you in  the $600.00 glass market .if you go 6.5 I'd keep the pipe 24 plus .the light wieght hunters don't like the 140s

[aclapper]

I'm not sure why you want a heavy contour barrel. It adds weight and is of little value on a big game rifle.

I'm interested in a heavy contour barrel for the heat and harmonic properties that it has, not to mention the reduced recoil from the reduced mass.

[aclapper]

I'd look hard at a rem  700 in 260 rem  with a 2.5 lbs  timely trigger 24 to 26 inch pipe . 4x14 vx 3 glass .... I think  if you shop around you can fit the budget  .

That's what I'm leaning towards right now - a stainless 700 with a stock upgrade and a barrel upgrade. Are there any smiths you would recommend to do the work?

[bobcat]

Howa has a nice rifle with a heavy barrel in the 6.5 Creedmoor. Pretty sweet rifle, 8 pounds, recoil should be barely noticeable.

MSRP is $681.


http://www.legacysports.com/hogue

[coachcw]

I don't think you will mod  one for 1500 but a 24 pipe will shoot well in a 260 . You can  barrel down the road . I'd spend money on glass and trigger first. A good bypod  like a extreme  would be sweet to.

[coachcw]

700 are the most cost effective to customize as the budget allows if that's your fancy

[coachcw]

The  shooters shop can hook you up with a hart barrel  and accuracy  job .