Help to choose caliber.

[bod]

where's the popcorn

[huntnphool]

7mm is ghastly overrated.  I would avoid it.  Go with 300 WM.

 

[slm9s]

For one rifle for elk and deer, I usually suggest the 270.  Unless you want something cooler, get a 280.  If you have a background shooting centerfires - i.e. used to recoil, get a 30-06.

Please don't get a magnum as your first rifle.  It might work out fine, but you'll have more fun practicing without one, and that will lead to more practice and make you a better shot.

[blackpowderhunter]

For just one rifle? 30-06...
there are factory 180 grain loads will carry 1500 ft-lbs of energy out to 500 yards.
you can shoot lighter loads for less recoil when starting out or smaller deer and have some pretty potent rounds with a plethora of choices of factory loaded premium 180 grain bullets available all over the counter at most stores.
whatever you end up with, practice, practice, practice 

[lokidog]

I shoot 30-06 for most of my modern hunting, however, if I was looking for a new rifle, I would look at the 300 wsm. This was from my guides gun, 314 yards, very impressed with the performance. I have no idea what brand gun it was

Ignore my fingernails, they need a trim...   

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Magnum_Willys]

If I was going to give a buddy or relative a gun I would pick a 300 WSM.  Great do everything rifle, light, good to elk out to 700 yards .   Not too big, not too little.  Won’t out grow it.   

[Bofire]

  a saying oft repeated thru out American Hunters    "you can't go wrong with a 30/06"        it is true. If you had more experience and a few rifles/guns I might speak differently. You can add what ever you want, caliberwise, later, for specific things, but from 110 thru 220 grain bullets, at good velocity and good trajectory with moderate recoil...... what else do you need?

my 2
Carl

[bman940]

I have 2 6.5 CM's and can't say enough good things about them. I haven't shot anything but steel with mine yet but the time is coming. That being said, I do love my .308 and I will be taking my .300 Win to KS this year just like last year and the year before. Tough to beat the impact a .300 Win shooting a 190 gr bullet has on a 250+ pound KS buck. That being said I will use a .308 AR for hunting in OK this year just like the last 2 years. When I lived in Oregon I hunted deer/elk with a 30-06 and thought there was nothing better for all around hunting. Lot's of choices for you and truly no bad answer's. Wait until you ask about optic choices, then you're really in for it! 

[W_Ellison2011]

Just an fyi. A magnum rifle with a premium bullet, ie barnes or some others, will do very little damage to meat. I have a friend who shoots blacktails with a .338 win mag and barnes tsx bullets and has very little meat loss! If you want my $.02 on it the savage 11/111 in .308 or 6.5 cm is a really good start. Both will do amazing anywhere from 0-1,000 yards and especially if you do handloads for them eventually. Another rifle i might recommend is the savage model 12 fv in either 6.5 cm or .308. For $419.99 its a hell of a deal.

[TimBaleia]

Thank you all again for your input.

Just came back from my hunting trip to Idaho. Got my first deer!

I think i will end up with one rifle for mid range and later on if descide to do so with another one for long range.

Was impressed with Ruger M77 Mark II in 270 win. nice rifle.

Also start looking into smaller calibers like .270 win and 7mm -08. Light fast flying bullets. Shooting flat. Ammo available on gas stations etc.

[bman940]

Great thinking. Then again, pick a .300 Win and use it for everything. I am all about the idea of using a cal. on hunts that I can stop almost anywhere and pic up ammo. Especially if you are flying with your rifle and TSA makes you seperate the rifle and ammo! Can't go wrong with a .308 either. Congrat's on your deer, Tim.

[kselkhunter]

Congrats on your first deer!  And good to hear your thoughts on looking at the 270 and 7mm-08.   Light recoil, great on deer, and can be used on elk at proper ranges with proper bullet selection.   I took my first deer with a 270 over three decades ago.   Great caliber.   

You can always pick up a bigger caliber at a later time should you feel the need. 

[TimBaleia]

Thank you all again! I really appreciate all your input!

I end up buying Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP with cheap 3-9x40 Nikon BDC scope as a combo in .270 win at Cabela's. After rebate out of the pocket its 470$. Great deal IMHO. Later on will throw better scope and rings on it. But for now should be more than enough.

Thank you all and good luck! )

[bman940]

I just sighted the exact same gun in for a lady friend and that Savage can shoot. I did miss not having the fine focus eye piece but she's younger then I am and has better eyes so I'm sure she will be fine. The .270 shot sub MOA with Remington ammo. Unfortunately opening weekend here in TX has given us temp's in the upper 80's and the deer just aren't moving. I did get my first ML buck last weekend in OK. The last day I was there I went from 34 in the mornign to 94 when I got home 4 1/2 hours later. Gotta love the weather in the South! I think you'll be very happy with your purchase and I hope you pass on what ammo you are using and how it shoot's after getting it zeroed. I zeroed this gals at 200 yards bacause that's what she felt most of her shots would be around. Dialing in the BDC reticle with Spot On was a piece of cake.

[TimBaleia]

Dialing in the BDC reticle with Spot On was a piece of cake.

How do you like Nikon scopes in general? Is it worth to spend 500-600$ for a good Nikon scope or its better to invest this money into Leupold or other brand?

I had professional DSLR Nikon cameras with Nikkor Lenses and was happy with quality of the glass.
Also i personally like the Idea of BDC but never used it. Will try it out next week.

Thx.