Narrowing down on a new big game rifle

[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.