duckhunter175 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 CWT-- Always appreciate the advice and ideas from here. I'll have some pics soon of the final product from my 'back up rifle' thread. My brother in law has been itching to get into hunting and I think this season will likely be his first. Texas is and will be the primary location for his hunting and whitetail deer / hogs will be the primary game. Just based off terrain and experience I don't expect shots to be 'long range' so anything that has ample energy at 300m with be adequate. He will need to be able to buy ammo off the shelf (or shoot something I shoot). Budget: $700 for rifle, rings, scope. This leaves me torn on where to focus the majority of the buying power. Your thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildwoody Report post Posted July 19, 2017 A good 270. killed deer , elk, and a buffalo with one.. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Browns Report post Posted July 19, 2017 300 blackout or 6.5 creedmoor 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
duckhunter175 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Thoughts on platform? I went and played with a Ruger American Predator in 6.5cm today. Not crazy about the stock but I've read good reviews on them. Savage also came to mind... Maybe a 111 combo-- I think they come with a Nikon scope? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muledeerarea33? Report post Posted July 19, 2017 I like big browns suggestions! I'm thinking a 45-70 sharps replica or lever action. Or build an AR in a 6 6.5 mm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trphyhntr Report post Posted July 19, 2017 7mm with a brake Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
singleshot Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Weatherby vanguard in 30.06, .270, or .308 with a Leupold Rifleman 3x9x40. Right around $700.00 and a solid set up. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke-BE Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Tikka baby!!!! Light weight and always shoots sub MOA. .270, 260 comes in their standard rifle. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Omotose Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Tikka T3 Lite 30-06 270 7mm 08 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted July 19, 2017 With the budget, maybe a Tikka T3 (cheaper than newer T3x) or Ruger American in 6.5 Creedmoor. Scope with a Ballistic Plex like Leupold w Boone and Crocket reticle, Vortex. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dustin25 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Ruger American predator 6.5 cm with vortex viper scope is what I have. Spent about that much on it, free floated the barrel (just a bit of sanding the barrel channel) and it shoots .75 moa using hornady precision ammo. Might be a great option for ya 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuckster Report post Posted July 19, 2017 +4 on the Tikka T3. Just picked one up myself in 6.5X55 and it shoots ~.3 moa with three different handloads. Nice smooth action and the stock is a lot better than most. There are some killer online deals right now. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoss50 Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Tikka Howa Weatherby vanguard Savage CZ Pick a caliber you like, and see ammo on the shelf for normally. 6.5cm 270 3006 308 7-08 25-06 All should be readily available and be plenty for what you describe. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dse Report post Posted July 19, 2017 I would find the cheapest used rifle in whatever caliber it happens to be and buy the best scope he can possibly afford. I've seen a few howa's for around $275. On the scope I wouldn't consider anything under like a Ziess Terra, Leupold Vx-3 in 3-9 to 4-12. Caliber would be the last thing I would consider so long as you pick one that has good ammo selection, between 6.5 & 30 Cal. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted July 19, 2017 Rudy, I say a .308 bolt action. Low recoil, usually very accurate. Most factory rifles are light to carry. More than enough for any deer/hog and enough for elk should he decide to head west. If you get a 1:10 twist barrel you can shoot 180 grain SST or similar. I shoot the 178 out my 1:12 just fine but factory ammo might be a little more finicky on twist. You can buy .308 ammo at any Texas gas station, Walmart etc, coffee shop...etc 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
