Help me put together a rifle

[Hunter mike]

So the backstory is I started hunting 10+years ago as an adult and didn’t really have anyone to show me the ropes. I bought a savage 30-06 package with a Nikon BDC scope and have used it ever since. Comfortable for 200-250 yards and that’s enough for most close-to-home hunting (haven’t shot an animal over 100 yet).

I want to expand my horizons including more high buck and mule deer opportunities. I want to be deadly to 400 and maybe the comfor to stretch that a bit in good conditions. I’m planning on getting likely a Tikka 6.5 Creedmore stainless or similar. Open to cartridges, but partial to the Creedmore and I know I’ll shoot more without a sore shoulder.. Should go without saying that I’m not exactly a gun nut, but enjoy shooting and practicing. I do want to keep this setup simple and effective.

I’m looking for feedback on this rifle or others for my stated goal. I also have no idea on scopes - just don’t want to skimp and be disappointed. My budget for the whole thing is probably $1500-2k. I’m interested in the idea of dialing for yardage but kind of clueless beyond the basic concept.Obviously, this will take some practice and may not get used this season at this point. Just would like to start assembling and tinkering since we’re out shooting anyways this time of year.

[elkslayer069]

If your goal is only 400 yards and your current rifle is accurate id spend the money on a new scope. I don’t think you’re going to  assemble it yourself and be happy with the outcome for 2k plus a scope. I’d buy a factory tikka and spend the rest on a scope if your set on getting a new rifle.

[Hunter mike]

More back story - current rifle is a 30-06. My son is a lefty, so got him a Ruger American in 6.5 Creedmore and gave him the Nikon scope. I’ve actually been using that rifle as well though not ideal. I like the 6.5 Creedmore cartridge a lot better and shoot better with the lower recoil, not to mention my shoulder can’t take the beating it used to.

Budget was under $2k including scope which I’d expect would buy a Tikka off the shelf and leave enough for some adequate glass. I’m not really sure if a $500 scope is much better than a $1k scope for what I’m doing, but I’d like to leave the door open for more upgrades later.

[jrebel]

Buy a 500-600dollar savage (not the axis models), preferably with a threaded barrel and spend the rest of your budget on a scope.  Most factory rifles will shoot 400 yards very accurately these days so the glass is where it’s at.  Repeatable and reliable glass is the most importantly.  Find a demo or used Nightforce SHV (make sure it is a model with ZERO SET) and you will be under budget.  20MOA rail, nice rims and a level.  If you have money left put a brake on it. 

Last thought…..the creed is capable to those ranges.  That said, if you want to go further in the future, look at the 6.5 prc….especially if your shooting factory ammo. 

[dreadi]

Buy a 500-600dollar savage (not the axis models), preferably with a threaded barrel and spend the rest of your budget on a scope.  Most factory rifles will shoot 400 yards very accurately these days so the glass is where it’s at.  Repeatable and reliable glass is the most importantly.  Find a demo or used Nightforce SHV (make sure it is a model with ZERO SET) and you will be under budget.  20MOA rail, nice rims and a level.  If you have money left put a brake on it. 

Last thought…..the creed is capable to those ranges.  That said, if you want to go further in the future, look at the 6.5 prc….especially if your shooting factory ammo.

Nice rims are a must!

This is all good advice.


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[300rum]

Put the Horizontal cross hair juuust over the top of the animals back at 400 and you will kill everything you want with the rifle that you have. 

[Hunter mike]

Thanks for the tips so far - I’m hearing consider a cheaper rifle and spend more on the scope which is common wisdom I’ve heard before. Just too much of  rookie to draw the line on how mich for each. I’m assuming by “rims” you meant rings?

Looked at the Ruger American Predator 6.5 Creed stainless as another option. It seems pretty highly rated.

[jrebel]

Ruger Americans are great for a budget rifle.  I own one in 300 blackout and it shoots just fine for what it is.  I know a lot of guys that really like them.  Here is my take:

Pros:  Cheap / price, accurate enough (especially with handloads, not sure about box ammo), Threaded barrel from the factory, readily available at every gun shop
Cons:  Actions are not smooth at all.  Magazines are pretty terrible....though it works especially for the price. 

For the same price, I think you get a much better gun in the Savage 110 Trail Hunter.

Pros:  Cheap / Price, Savage is very accurate and always has been, Threaded barrel, Ability to change barrels without a gunsmith in the future, great customer service. 
Cons:  May not be as easy to find. 

I have owned and shot a lot of rifles....for a budget rifle, I don't think you can beat a savage.  If you want to spend a little more on a rifle, I think you can then compare Savages mid range rifles with tikka's which are both great shooters.  I have shot both and because I am mildly biased....I would still pick a savage. 

All the above being said....either of the rifles you mention would suit your needs for a 400 yard rifle if you have the right optics.  I am not a kentucky windage guy....i.e. hold high and hope your close.  I like to see where I want my bullet to go and know it's going where it needs to when I send it.  6.5 creed out of both of the Ruger and Savage with 20-24" barrels is going to give you velocities (with box ammo) in the 2600-2750 ish fps.  Ballistically...if you are zero'd at 100 yards, you will be 2 ish inches low at 200 yards and 11 ish inches low at 300 and 23 ish inches low at 400 .... based on hornady's ballistic chart for the 143 eld-X.  Other ammo is wors as it does not have the BC that the eld-x has.  Point being.....23" is a lot of hold over at 400 yards if you are not an experienced shooter. 

If you want a little flatter shooting rifle the PRC is an option. 

Hope this helps.  As you get more responses from other members...you will have more to ponder.  Lots of knowledgeable members on this site. 

[Sunbkpk]

Sight in for point blank range and you will be good to about 325 for deer and a drop of about 18 inches at 400 yards. 30-06 is easily good for your ranges. 6.5 Creedmoor also with reduced recoil.

[MADMAX]

Christensen in 300 winmag or 7 rem mag
Leupold CDS scope it
Be happy
Kill anything on this continent
Watch for sales at Sportsmans warehouse
Got mine for around $1600


 
https://christensenarms.com/ridgeline/

[brokenvet]

I will assume that your Savage is a 110 model,  if so you can obtain a new barrel for around $200 or less at JA Outdoors . com or at eabco . com for a bit more and change the barrel your self.  They are very easy to do.  Then you can spend the cash on a good scope.

[Pnwrider]

Springfield 2020 Waypoint in whatever caliber you want. Hard to beat for the price, you couldn't build one for what they sell for. They have a promo where you get free .22 as well right now.
https://www.springfield-armory.com/gear-up-2024-model-2020

[Bob33]

Most modern rifles are capable of 400 yards shots on big game. A rifle that shoots 1.5 MOA should be good enough. The challenge is being able to compensate for bullet drop. You either need to aim high by guess, aim high by using holdover lines in the scope, or adjust the scope via clicks and then aim where the bullet should go. Using clicks is the most accurate method in most instances. Some may disagree with me but I believe there are many mid-range ($300 to $600) scopes that will work fine at these distances. By far the limiting factor on the distance at which a shooter can reliably and ethically hit game animals is the shooter’s skill, and not equipment.

If I were in a similar situation I would probably get a Savage / Tikka type rifle, put something like a Leupold CDS scope on the rifle, and use the remaining funds as a start on getting excellent binoculars.  Being able to find game and know what it is are essential for successful big game hunting.

Once you have the rifle, scope and ammunition figured out you need to target shoot under field conditions at longer distances to fully prepare for hunting at those distances.
 

[Fidelk]

When you say that your current rifle/scope is "comfortable to 200-250 yards" but you want to be deadly to 400 yards and beyond......what are you saying? Is it that you can't see a target very clearly much beyond the 250 yards.......maybe a higher magnification scope?  Or do your group sizes get too large beyond the 250......maybe a better trigger?

I have a Rem. 700LR in .300 WM......which is a heavy rifle with a heavy barrel......and can shoot under an inch at 300 yards (longest range distance found so far). This rifle/barrel would probably do very well at 400-500......but, it wears a 2-10x42 scope and I strain to see the bullseye at 300 yards. I also immediately changed the trigger out for a Timney, since I just didn't like the feel of a factory trigger on a different rifle and had become increasingly dissatisfied with it.

[Hunter mike]

Thanks for the replies, lots of great info to consider!

To be clear, nothing wrong with the current 30-06 and I’m sure it could shoot my intended ranges without issue. I’m just interested in a rifle upgrade and want to build on a caliber I enjoy shooting more. I know I’ll practice more with less recoil, and definitely shoot better with the Creed and appreciate the less-sore shoulderat the end.

The -06 will probably get a low power scope and be my brush/still hunting gun.

[Rat44]

They do make reduced recoil loads for the 30-06 .
That may be  an option that will work for you and you get to keep shooting a rifle you are familiar with.

[Wingin it]

The recommendation on the Springfield Model 2020 is a good one but the rifle alone exceeds your stated budget. I'd look at Tikka or even a Browning X-bolt in the 6.5 Creed or PRC given what you seem to be looking for here. Can’t really go wrong with either caliber but as previously stated the PRC is a bit faster and flatter shooting. Certainly nothing wrong with the tried and true trusty .06 though. I’ve taken several animals with one myself.

[okie john]

The Tikka T3x is the Glock 19 of long guns. Mount scope, zero, hunt. Everything you’d upgrade on other rifles is already there. In Grays Harbor County, I’d pay the extra for stainless.

To stretch the 6.5 Creedmoor’s legs without destroying your budget, get the Nightforce 3-10x42 SHV with illuminated reticle (SKU: C611), then mount it in Warne Mountain Tech rings and a Mountain Tactical 1913 rail.

https://cameralandny.com/ is the place to buy optics. Call them for the deals they don’t advertise.


Okie John

[jasnt]

Any of the budget 6.5’s will suit your needs just fine.  Best just go handle some models and see what feels good to you.  As far as scopes you could shoot 400 with a $99 scope from Walmart.  Where the high dollar scopes really pay the bill is at last light when it actually matters. 

Just getting the rifle you will actually shoot will do more for your shooting skill than any fancy gizmo.   Pick one that fits and get to shooting

[follow maggie]

Lots of good suggestions above. I would add Bergera. They make accurate rifles priced comparable with the Tikka you’re looking at. Scheel’s is having a sale on scopes right now, they have some good deals. I just got a Leupold VX3-hd 3.5-0x40 w/ CDS dial for $399. $100 off so a good deal. The sale has Leupold, Vortex, Zeus’s, Burris, & Swarovski
https://www.scheels.com/c/scopes/sale?start=0&sz=23