Narrowing down on a new big game rifle

[HuntandFish]

Well…it’s time to upgrade my deer/elk/bear rifle. Currently shooting a Rem. 700 30.06…I think I have most of the details worked out but am spinning my wheels on selecting the cartridge…I am looking to pick up a Tilka T3 top it with a zeiss v4…but can’t decide between 300wsm, 300wm, 30.06 or 7mm…Shots will be typically at 400yards or less but the occasional 600yrd shot may present itself… I like to keep bullet weight around 180gr.

What say all you guys? Opinions on my overall set up are welcome!

Thanks all!
H&F

[NRA4LIFE]

I gave up when you said Tikka.  Good luck.

[Skillet]

600 is a relatively long poke with a 30-06.  I'm a huge -06 fanboy, but I'd look to a higher case capacity for that work.

Any of the other 3 would do the job better.

[Magnum_Willys]

Well…it’s time to upgrade my deer/elk/bear rifle. Currently shooting a Rem. 700 30.06…I think I have most of the details worked out but am spinning my wheels on selecting the cartridge…I am looking to pick up a Tilka T3 top it with a zeiss v4…but can’t decide between 300wsm, 300wm, 30.06 or 7mm…Shots will be typically at 400yards or less but the occasional 600yrd shot may present itself… I like to keep bullet weight around 180gr.

What say all you guys? Opinions on my overall set up are welcome!

Thanks all!
H&F

Guys reload and shoot game to 1000 yards with the 300wm, 300wsm, and 7mm.   Its harder to spot shots with the 300’s if you don’t use a brake.   Safe bet is the one in the middle - 300 wsm can be good to 700 on elk with factory loads imo.   For 1000 yrds elk 300wm with 215 bergers but you didny ask that….

[Igor]

Well…it’s time to upgrade my deer/elk/bear rifle. Currently shooting a Rem. 700 30.06…I think I have most of the details worked out but am spinning my wheels on selecting the cartridge…I am looking to pick up a Tilka T3 top it with a zeiss v4…but can’t decide between 300wsm, 300wm, 30.06 or 7mm…Shots will be typically at 400yards or less but the occasional 600yrd shot may present itself… I like to keep bullet weight around 180gr.

What say all you guys? Opinions on my overall set up are welcome!

Thanks all!
H&F

My vote would be to stay with the '06 caliber........you won't be sorry.  I don't think you can improve on the '06 with either 165 gr. or 180 gr. bullets.

If the 7mm you are considering is a 7mm Remington Mag, I would avoid it like the plague.  I had a Browning A-Bolt in that caliber, and the recoil was brutal.  I eventually ended up with a .300 WM to replace it, and, in my opinion, the .300 WM has less felt recoil.

I like the Tikka T3 rifles, but don't like the fact that they only hold 3 in the magazine.

[bearpaw]

If you want to shoot beyond 300 yards very often I would scratch the 30/06. (I have seen elk killed a couple times over 700 with a 30/06 but it's not great for energy when you start getting beyond 300 yards.) I would choose the 300WM or the 7MM RemMag due to cost and availability of ammo and better performance beyond 300 yards. The 300WSM almost duplicates the 300WM but ammo will cost more and is harder to find, IMO there is no real advantage for that extra cost unless you are trying to buy the absolute lightest rifle you can find, the 300 WSM is available in slightly lighter weight rifles due to the shorter action capability.

[NW SURVEYOR]

My three cents....

I bought a Tikka TX3 Superlight in 7MM Mag a few months ago and had a brake installed, replaced the floor metal and has it cerakoted down in Oregon, it came back lookin and performing great.  my buddy also bought one in 300 Win Mag, same rifle.
That said, the magazine on the Tikka limits the COAL that you can use as it seems a little shorter than what a guy may desire when reloading.  I have a bit more freebore than I care for but can't take it up because of the short magazine.  I bought an after market  (Mountain Tactical) magazine, but it's still not long enough to allow me to seat me bullets as close to the lands as I would like.
If I had purchased a 300 WSM I would be able to utilize that magazine length as they are all the same and the shorter case will accommodate the extra length.
I am really happy with the 7MMMag, but for one gun, the 300 WSM may be a better choice.

One more thing, I don't really care for .30 calibers.
Big 7MM fan.
More .338 fan.

God Luck,
Rob.
 

[b23]

I'm certainly no Tikka aficionado, just picked up my first one last week, but I think all the Tikka actions, regardless of what it's chambered in from 204 to any of the magnums, are all the same length.  Bolt face size will be different but other than that, they're all the same.

I'd vote 300 WSM.  IMO, the 300 WSM is one of the best do everything well cartridges you can get.

[Stein]

600 is a relatively long poke with a 30-06.  I'm a huge -06 fanboy, but I'd look to a higher case capacity for that work.

Any of the other 3 would do the job better.

 

For elk, 30-06 is a 400 yard rifle, maybe 500 if you are stretching it but I can't see it being a 600 yard cartridge on elk.

[NW SURVEYOR]

To further add to the conversation, is the Tikka available in 325 WSM?
I don't think is is, but the ballistics on that cartridge are fantastic.
For elk in the timber and out to 600 yards, you'd be hard pressed to find a better round.
Otherwise, for the Tikka, go with the 300 WSM and have the option of seating the bullets out a bit towards to lands.
As for Igor's opinion of the recoil of a 7MM Mag, I don't think it's any worse than a 300 Win Mag.
My Tikka is the Superlight, so I did put a brake on it and I am confident out to 700 yards.
160 grain Speer Hot Cores with 64.0 grains of 4831 at 2940 fps.

[jakeweb]

If you reload and want to shoot 180 class bullets I’m the 7rm with 180 vlds will be hard to beat. Ballistics of the heavy 7mms Will smoke the 180 class .308 cartridges.

[MHWASH]

My vote is 300WSM. I just bought one. I’ve had Tikka's in 223, 22-250, a couple 270’s plus one 270 we bought for the oldest boy’s birthday a few years ago, 300 Win Mag. Almost forgot my favorite, 6.5 Creedmoor.

Although the action lengths are the same, the shorter cartridges have a shorter magazine and a bolt stop. Both can be changed out, but I haven’t done that yet.

[carpsniperg2]

I would vote to the 300wsm/300wm. I own and shoot all the calibers listed. I
I think for what you are looking for with the 180's the 300's do it easy and will be perfectly fine at any of the ranges you listed.

My 300wsm is in a tikka and its light and accurate.

[Buck Rub Jr]

In picked up a weatherby vanguard in the first lite model and have zero complaints. It’s an amazing rifle. The main 5 other guys I hunt with all have tikkas except one and he has a vanguard. Every one of us loves our guns. 2 are 7mm rem mags, 3 are .270’s and 1 is an 06. Mine personally is a .270 and I Just dropped a bear dead in his tracks at 415 yards. Watched him hit the dirt in my scope, dead before he hit the ground. I went 270 so it’s something my wife can shoot with no issue at all especially with the break and eventually my kiddos will be able to use it as well. It really has no kick to it at all and packs a punch, shooting 140gr Berger’s out of it. I love that gun. I killed a Muley with my buddies 7mm rem mag tikka t3, it’s a fantastic gun as well and is a tack driver. I will say I think I’d limit myself to 400 at the very most for elk with my 270.

[Bob33]

I vote for one of the 30 caliber magnums. My preference could be the 300 WSM due to slightly reduced weight and recoil.

[Jarrett]

I like the choice of the Tikka, they are great factory rifles. I would vote 300WSM in that gun because of the slightly shorter action length. This would still allow you to shoot some longer, heavier bullets while keeping the overall cartridge length shorter than a 7mmRM or 300WM, as others have stated.

[huntnphool]

 Another 7mm fan, recoil has never been a issue.

[Igor]

Another 7mm fan, recoil has never been a issue.

The OP asked for opinions......I offered mine.  Opinions are like.......well, you know........everybody has one.

[10thmountainarcher]

Another 7mm fan, recoil has never been a issue.

I’ll toss my vote for the 7mm in. I’ve got the hells canyon LR with a break and the recoil is comparable to my 6.5 creedmoor.

[Mulie87]

This is a good dilemma to have. I’m a huge 300wm fan. The ithers can do what you wanting, but the win mag can do what you want and more. With that being said, winnies recoil is stiff. Get a brake on it or get the WSM. I’ve only shot a WSM once, but for some reason the recoil was less, and it has the the same ballistic performance as the win mag and in some cases better. Hope this helps.

[huntnphool]

Another 7mm fan, recoil has never been a issue.

The OP asked for opinions......I offered mine.  Opinions are like.......well, you know........everybody has one.

 I simply gave mine, get over it.

[HuntandFish]

Really great feedback, I appreciate it everyone. With all the research I have done I am surprised I didn’t notice the 3 round magazine limit with the Tikka, guess I just assumed it was a standard capacity bolt action rifle and skimmed past those specs….I can’t remember ever shooting more than 2 times at a deer or elk, but did shoot 3-4 times once at bear to put it down…I am now second guessing the rifle… but feeling better about the direction I was going to head with the caliber, I am now fairly confident I am going to go with the 300wm as you guys gave me the nudge I needed to go that route. 30.06 was never a huge contender as I agree it is not really up to the task much past 500 yards.

I hunt in grizzly country which is probably my main concern with the 3 round limit…but that’s another topic all together, as it’s unlikely a guy would get much more than a round or two fired off in a grizzly encounter with a bolt action rifle…but it doesn’t instill confidence that’s for sure….Vanguards are nice rifles for sure, was also looking at the Ruger American Rifle Hunter, but there is not much out there in the way of any serious shooters giving it the thumbs up….

Really enjoying all the feedback thanks guys!
H&F

[HuntandFish]

This is a good dilemma to have. I’m a huge 300wm fan. The ithers can do what you wanting, but the win mag can do what you want and more. With that being said, winnies recoil is stiff. Get a brake on it or get the WSM. I’ve only shot a WSM once, but for some reason the recoil was less, and it has the the same ballistic performance as the win mag and in some cases better. Hope this helps.

This is exactly my hesitation… only reason I am not jumping both feet in on the wsm is availability of factory ammo….I guess I just need to jump on the wagon and start reloading like everyone else and not worry about it. I am not a huge fan of a heavy recoiling rifle, but the wm shooting 180’s has to be similar to the wsm shooting 180’s one would think?

[Igor]

Really great feedback, I appreciate it everyone. With all the research I have done I am surprised I didn’t notice the 3 round magazine limit with the Tikka, guess I just assumed it was a standard capacity bolt action rifle and skimmed past those specs….I can’t remember ever shooting more than 2 times at a deer or elk, but did shoot 3-4 times once at bear to put it down…I am now second guessing the rifle… but feeling better about the direction I was going to head with the caliber, I am now fairly confident I am going to go with the 300wm as you guys gave me the nudge I needed to go that route. 30.06 was never a huge contender as I agree it is not really up to the task much past 500 yards.

I hunt in grizzly country which is probably my main concern with the 3 round limit…but that’s another topic all together, as it’s unlikely a guy would get much more than a round or two fired off in a grizzly encounter with a bolt action rifle…but it doesn’t instill confidence that’s for sure….Vanguards are nice rifles for sure, was also looking at the Ruger American Rifle Hunter, but there is not much out there in the way of any serious shooters giving it the thumbs up….

Really enjoying all the feedback thanks guys!
H&F

You didn't ask for opinions on a make of rifle, since you seemed set on a Tikka.  I will offer my opinion, and my recommendation would be to look at the Browning.  I bought A-bolts for both of my sons.  Both the tang-mounted safety and the 60° degree bolt lift were features that we found to be very desirable in a hunting rifle.

[Hovel Downs]

300 wm and I am a 30/06 fan.  Look at the new wonderful 30 mag cartridges.  30 PRC and 300 Nosler show small improvement over the 300 wm.  The only drawback you read from any article is it has that damn belt.  There is a trend towards lighter rifles, that doesn't mix well with magnum cartridges.  Don't get sucked into getting a light weight rifle for your primary elk rifle. 

[kselkhunter]

I prefer Browning over Tikka, but Tikka/Sako are fine rifles.  If you prefer Tikka then get the Tikka.


Regarding caliber, you mention 180gr. bullet weight as your focus  That weight bullet really is the cut off between 7mmRM and 300WM.  If you think you will go >180gr + then go 300WM as 300WM excels at 180gr and above bullet weights.   If you think you'll stay 180gr and below then 7mmRM would be the choice, as the better BC on those heavy for caliber 7mm bullets help if you know you'll stay in that bullet weight range.  From a pure ballistics perspective.   Both cartridges are widely available in factory ammo, as well as components for reloaders. 


I would avoid the WSMs.   Short action is literally only 0.5" shorter rifle, and 99.99% of people don't notice the 1/4lb weight savings in the rifle after adding all their scope/muzzle brake/bipod/etc..  Just go 300WM if you want the 30 cal.   Better factory ammo offerings, and brass availability of reloading.


Just my 2 pennies, for whatever that is worth....

[Hovel Downs]

I prefer Browning over Tikka, but Tikka/Sako are fine rifles.  If you prefer Tikka then get the Tikka.


Regarding caliber, you mention 180gr. bullet weight as your focus  That weight bullet really is the cut off between 7mmRM and 300WM.  If you think you will go >180gr + then go 300WM as 300WM excels at 180gr and above bullet weights.   If you think you'll stay 180gr and below then 7mmRM would be the choice, as the better BC on those heavy for caliber 7mm bullets help if you know you'll stay in that bullet weight range.  From a pure ballistics perspective.   Both cartridges are widely available in factory ammo, as well as components for reloaders. 


I would avoid the WSMs.   Short action is literally only 0.5" shorter rifle, and 99.99% of people don't notice the 1/4lb weight savings in the rifle after adding all their scope/muzzle brake/bipod/etc..  Just go 300WM if you want the 30 cal.   Better factory ammo offerings, and brass availability of reloading.


Just my 2 pennies, for whatever that is worth....

and the WSM have some reports of feeding problems.  If you handload, WSM's are already near max while 300 wm has a lot of room at the top.  There is no all all around rifle.  Look at the kind of hunting you actually do. If you want a light rifle then get a 7mm mag. 

[Alchase]

I have own Brownings, fine rifles, but to put them in the same comparison as Sako, ridicules. Tikka, yes.
Sako, Not in the same ball park.

To the Op, I agree with what others have said, there are many caliber options that would be an advantage over the 30-06, though an excellent caliber, within its capabilities.
At the ranges you are asking for, .270 win (at the minimum), 300 WSM, 300 win Mag, 7 MM, etc… would by my choices.

And a quality rifle, in 300 WM, will have less felt recoil, then your standard Remy or generic rifle in 30-06.
It is not just the caliber that effects felt recoil.

[jrebel]

300 wsm or 300 wm would be my choice.   The 300 wsm has had factory ammo available throughout the pandemic if you knew where to look.  The 300 wm ….. not so much. 

I have two 300 wsm and absolutely love them. 

On the tikka….not my flavor, but I have friends that love them.   They also like man buns and wear socks with sandals.   

[huntnphool]

On the tikka….not my flavor, but I have friends that love them.   They also like man buns and wear socks with sandals.   

[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.