Finally getting to WA and got a new rifle for it.

[jackmaster]

You guys use a lot of gun for deer!! Keep it simple !! Especially if most of your huntn will be on the wet side , especially ft Lewis  simple 30-30 is great for Lewis , I spent a lot of time out there when I was stationed there, of course I am from here so that helped a lot !! Either way, it's easiest to keep it simple, I am sure you have heard that a time or two !! Welcome to Washington  thank you for your service !! What MOS ?

[Tjkride]

I mostly hunt with pistol caliber lever guns. I got the rcm for a bolt gun to do whatever I need and only need one gun if stuff isnt going the best. There isnt much my 44 winchester 92 wont do but distance is not its friend. I have heard an awful lot of bad stuff about the sst's grenading in most calibers lately.

[jackmaster]

I mostly hunt with pistol caliber lever guns. I got the rcm for a bolt gun to do whatever I need and only need one gun if stuff isnt going the best. There isnt much my 44 winchester 92 wont do but distance is not its friend. I have heard an awful lot of bad stuff about the sst's grenading in most calibers lately.

i don't know what areas you are use to huntn but huntn the wetside is probably like nothing you have hunted before and a lever 44 isn't heavy enough for brush !!! But you will see for yourself soon enough!!! Idk if it's huntable anymore but on the south west slip of the old mout city holds some absolute stud blackies, I seen one of the biggest blacktail bucks my entire life up there!!

[Bofire]

  I think you need at least one or two more guns for Washington. Maybe 3. and  number of handguns, perhaps a shotgun and a lot of ammo. do not forget the mandatory fishing gear and archery stuff.
What is life with out new guns???
Carl

[kselkhunter]

I was eyeballing that 338 RCM caliber in their Guide Gun model last year, but didn't pull the trigger. It is no longer listed as one of the options this year for that model on their website.   As mentioned above, the Nosler 210 grain bullets would be good.  I'm also a fan of Woodleigh bullets, but lately I've been loading more Speer bullets....does the job for less money and I've been shooting more these days.

I didn't see anybody above answer your optics question.  Between the Leupold and Swarovski that you listed, I'd go for the Swarovski.  So much better glass.  I have one of their Z5 models on one of my rifles, and love it. 

[Tjkride]

If I buy anymore more guns too soon my wife is likely bury me in these new woods. I have a good in with Swarovski and can get there optics at an 80% discount so I will probably go that route. The z6i 1.7-10 looms like a good option withput the illuminated reticle. Ive never been a fan of having to use batteries in anything my life may depend on.

[Tjkride]

I ended up with the Leupold vx-3i 2.5-8x36. I found it locally for a deal I couldnt ignore. Now I will mount it and find a place to sight it in around here.

[Skyvalhunter]

 

[Woodhunter]

I ended up with the Leupold vx-3i 2.5-8x36. I found it locally for a deal I couldnt ignore. Now I will mount it and find a place to sight it in around here.

Very good choice.  I have the same scope on my lightweight 338 Win Mag.   After you prowl the brush for a season after elk you will appreciate the light weight and small size of this scope.  And, low power for those times in the river bottoms and dark timber yet enough power for a 400 yard clear cut shot.

[Tjkride]

It is a light scope, seems clear enough and fits the gun well. Atleast she is all american and looks like a traditional american woods bolt rifle

[NW SURVEYOR]

My experience with the 225 Grain Speer Hotcore .338 has been great!
Good accuracy and performance on both deer and elk.
I have a .308 and a 7MM Mag, but prefer the .338.
The Hotcores are affordable and perform great.

For a scope I have a 2X7 VariX-2 with a 4 minute dot installed by Lee in Birmingham, Alabama.
This has been a flawless scope for decades and is still my first choice.
I rarely shoot over 300 yards and most of my shots are in timber at less than 100 yards, some 50 feet.
The Dot reticle is fast and works well in low light, which is common in the heavy timber.

The rifle of choice is an old Sako Finnbear, circa, 1970.
I've had this for years and have shot dozens of critters with it.
Still shoots 1 inch groups which is fine with me.

I can afford better, but don't see the need for it.

Good Luck.
Rob.