Narrowing down on a new big game rifle

[NW SURVEYOR]

Having five Sakos', a CZ, Ruger's and Rems, and a Savage 110, I was reluctant to purchase my TX3 Superlite Tikka.
Well I was at the range yesterday and finally settled on 65.0 grains of 4831 with 7mm, 160Grain Speer Hotcores.
Three shots, one ragged hole measures 0.4 inches.
I would not hesitate to buy a Tikka.

As for Rebels manbun, he can keep his hat on and no one will see it.
Also, it helps to wear good boots and leave the sandals at home.

I, unfortunately, don't have as much hair as I used to, but I can shoot straight.
I also don't have friends who wear manbuns or wear sandals and socks, that's just weird.

Buy the Tikka or go large and buy a Sako.
You won't regret it.

Later,
Rob.

[Alchase]

I guess I'm just getting old and boring.  A 30-06 with a good quality 180 grain bullet has killed everything on this planet that can be killed with a rifle. 

It's not sexy, it doesn't when any coolest contests, and it won't impress your buddies...

Your not wrong, 30-06 with a good quality bullet will kill anything in North America.

Are there better calibers for shooting longer ranges?
Of course!
Are there tons of rifles that do that better then a budget rifle?
Of course!

[MADMAX]

I sure like the Kimber mountain ascent

[thinkingman]

Tikka is a great choice.
I own a T3 300WSM and 7-08.
They are just boring...Never need to touch the scope turrets....ALWAYS MOA or better.
As for capacity, if you can't close the deal with 1+3, you're either hog hunting or need to give up shooting.
Zeiss is another excellent choice.
I have purchased a couple of boxes of 300WSM hunting ammo over the last 12 months at the same price I would have paid in 2019.
You never hear of people chasing accuracy with Tikkas.

[10thmountainarcher]

I sure like the Kimber mountain ascent

My brother has one in 6.5cm, it’s a great gun but after about 3 consecutive shots it really starts throwing them everywhere.

[Mike450r]

Sportsman's has an exclusive to them Weatherby Vanguard Meateater edition.  Really good looking rifles and the Weatherby calibers now have a 26" barrel where previous Vanguards only had 24' which kept them from truly seeing Weatherby ballistics.

Got one in .257 wby, next one will be .300 wby. Link below.

https://www.sportsmans.com/meateater

[baker5150]

I sure like the Kimber mountain ascent

My brother has one in 6.5cm, it’s a great gun but after about 3 consecutive shots it really starts throwing them everywhere.

This is a common trait with rifle barrels of that size.

[Igor]

I sure like the Kimber mountain ascent

My brother has one in 6.5cm, it’s a great gun but after about 3 consecutive shots it really starts throwing them everywhere.

This is a common trait with rifle barrels of that size.

I have a Ruger Ultralight and a Winchester Featherweight, both with the lightweight barrels......both in .270.  After 3-4 shots the barrels are very warm, or even hot.  If you don't let them cool down, then you will just end up frustrating yourself when sighting in.

[buckfvr]

ANY/ALL light contour barrels and even carbon barrels heat up quickly.  They are hunting rifles.  It is necessary to allow them to cool down more than you think.  Whats important is from cold bore (as it would be while hunting), the first 2 shots have the same point of impact.

[NW SURVEYOR]

Per Buckfvr I do this,

Prior to a trip, I shoot 2-3 rounds through a clean barrel and the cover the muzzle and brake if applicable with black electrical tape,
The point of impact is consistent with the 2-3 shot at the rifle range.
This enables you to be ready for that important first shot at game.
With the Tikka, or any rifle for that matter, the first and second shot should be all you need if you practice.
As a side note, I bought a second magazine for my TX3 Superlight, it will go in my pocket should I need additional shots in a hurry.

Go to the range and try the tape thing, it works.

Good Luck,
Rob.

[Jason]

I too was against buying a Tikka for many years. I religiously talked sh*t about them every time they name came up.

Then I bought one last year after looking at all the others. I got the T3X superlite in 300wm. Smoothest action of any factory gun under $1500, it shoots great and feels good.

The Sako Finnlight will be my next hunting rifle purchase.