New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost

[taylorb]

Its time for s new rifle...  I'm sure lots of passionate comments will ensue 😀.

  I do a lot of hiking and more overnights each year so weight is important.  I've been looking at a lot of different options currently leaning towards:
- Browning X-Bolt hells canon speed in 300 WSM
- Leopold VX-5 or VX-6


I looked at the Kimber hunter and Subalpine, the Subalpine lacks an external mag so it's out and the hunter's stock just didn't feel contestable to me.  I already have a Remington 700 in .308 that I love but want to try something different and the 700's don't get below 7lbs without custom.  I've had a Tikka and never liked it so I sold it.  Anything else I should be considering?

As for chamber, I grew up a 308 shooter but the new options are interesting.  I looked at 6.5 creedmore but its a little light for elk bear for my taste (yes i know it will work etc...) 270 wsm is on the table as well.  Other options i should consider?

[Magnum_Willys]

That xbolt 300wsm would be a great choice for a packable all around rifle.  Add  Leupold with turrets.   Buddy got his 330 bull last year at 680 yards with same gun and vx6 - 4-24. 

[huntnphool]

 Kimber Adirondak in 7mm-08

http://www.kimberamerica.com/adirondack

 Or if that's too much $, Ruger M77 Hawkeye Compact in the same caliber.

http://ruger.com/products/HawkeyeCompact/specSheets/37140.html

[savagehunter]

Savage lightweight hunter 5.5 lbs model 16 stainless and comes in 6.5 Creed. I just bought one and I'm in love.

[X-Force]

Savage lightweight hunter 5.5 lbs model 16 stainless and comes in 6.5 Creed. I just bought one and I'm in love.

Been looking at that one a lot... looks like a great little gun

[TVHunts]

Its time for s new rifle...  I'm sure lots of passionate comments will ensue 😀.

  I do a lot of hiking and more overnights each year so weight is important.  I've been looking at a lot of different options currently leaning towards:
- Browning X-Bolt hells canon speed in 300 WSM
- Leopold VX-5 or VX-6


I looked at the Kimber hunter and Subalpine, the Subalpine lacks an external mag so it's out and the hunter's stock just didn't feel contestable to me.  I already have a Remington 700 in .308 that I love but want to try something different and the 700's don't get below 7lbs without custom.  I've had a Tikka and never liked it so I sold it.  Anything else I should be considering?

As for chamber, I grew up a 308 shooter but the new options are interesting.  I looked at 6.5 creedmore but its a little light for elk bear for my taste (yes i know it will work etc...) 270 wsm is on the table as well.  Other options i should consider?

Looks like you have made an excellent selection to me!  Have a blast with it.

[jdb]

Remington model 7. Or look for a used ruger 77 ultralight

[vandeman17]

I love my Winchester model 70 featherweight in .270. Killed a lot of animals with this gun.

[kukusya]

Tikka T3x lite or superlight top with Leupold VX3i =7lb package

[goosehunter12]

In January got an xbolt western hunter in 300 win mag, awesome shooting gun, get sub MOA groups off a backpack with factory ammo, highly recommend!

[blackpowderhunter]

i don't rifle hunt much..
but my one bolt rifle for an all around gun, that seems to meet your criteria of light, versatile, reliable, and affordable.
tikka t3 superlite, 30-06, leupold vx-3 3.5-10 CDS

[Alchase]

Sako Finlight

[Bob33]

I have an X Bolt stainless in 300 WSM. It weighs about 7.5 pounds with scope, base, and rings. It's is surprising easy to shoot and mine was accurate out of the box. It's made several trips to other states and countries without failure, and has killed quite a few critters. I couldn't wish for anything more from a big game rifle.

Factory ammo group:

[bod]

Maybe a Howa Alpine

[Ridgerunner]

I picked up a howa alpine in 6.5 creedmore recently and have been impressed so far.


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[kselkhunter]

I have an X Bolt stainless in 300 WSM. It weighs about 7.5 pounds with scope, base, and rings. It's is surprising easy to shoot and mine was accurate out of the box. It's made several trips to other states and countries without failure, and has killed quite a few critters. I couldn't wish for anything more from a big game rifle.

Factory ammo group:

Another vote for the X-bolt.  It is a very accurate factory rifle with factory ammo.
   

[Skillet]

Other than biggerhammer will unfriend you, specifically what didn't you like about the Tikka  T3?

[taylorb]

Re Tikka just didn't like the feel and action.  I'm sure they are great rifles but not for me...  I did look at the savage but I prefer a synthetic stock.


I picked up the hells canyon yesterday and have a vx-6hd on the way...  Let you all know how it goes in a few weeks when I get it all built out, sighted in and what not.  Have to be ready for bear camp in Oregon.

Thanks everyone!

[highside74]

I too decided on the X Bolt but in the 6.5 Creedmoor and I'm ordering a VX-5HD 3-15x44 windplex reticle. This will only be a deer or bear gun and target shooting so I will be joining the 6.5 Creedmoor fanboy club. Do they have a secret handshake? I don't want to look like an outsider.

[Magnum_Willys]

I too decided on the X Bolt but in the 6.5 Creedmoor and I'm ordering a VX-5HD 3-15x44 windplex reticle. This will only be a deer or bear gun and target shooting so I will be joining the 6.5 Creedmoor fanboy club. Do they have a secret handshake? I don't want to look like an outsider.

Thats going to be a sweet rifle.  Thinking that may be the next on my wishlist. 

[yakimanoob]

Savage lightweight hunter 5.5 lbs model 16 stainless and comes in 6.5 Creed. I just bought one and I'm in love.

Ditto, except mine's in 7mm-08.  Light as a feather and shoots like a dream.  Aesthetics are debatable, but I happen to love the way it looks with the factory poly stock.  I'm toying with the idea of duracoating it somehow...  we'll see. 

Carry-ready (rifle, strap, Nikon Prostaff 5 2.5-10 x 40mm scope, and loaded mag) it comes in just over 8lbs.  Hard to beat!


Now let's fight over whether 6.5crm is too light for elk.  I say it's not.  Come at me, bro.

[highside74]

300 and under 140gr 6.5 creedmoor and 7mm08 have plenty of punch for an Elk. After that it's iffy to 500 and after that I'm not so sure. But how many times are you going to shoot an elk past 300 yards? And for me, my elk round is a 408gr gold tip hunter XT at 60 yards or under. Lol so I don't have to worry about my rifle.

[G-S]

Sako Finnlite

[yakimanoob]

300 and under 140gr 6.5 creedmoor and 7mm08 have plenty of punch for an Elk. After that it's iffy to 500 and after that I'm not so sure. But how many times are you going to shoot an elk past 300 yards? And for me, my elk round is a 408gr gold tip hunter XT at 60 yards or under. Lol so I don't have to worry about my rifle.

[Magnum_Willys]

But how many times are you going to shoot an elk past 300 yards?

more than half once you leave the wetside......