Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles New rifle, what to buy?

I have about $400 in cabelas gift cards to blow, dont want to drop more than $200 of my own money, as i plan on spending a bit of money for some glass on my current rifle. This rifle is a Ruger m77 mkii stainless in 7mm wsm. The current nikon 4.5-14×44 will go to the new rifle.

The hope will be to make it out west in the next 5yrs. The ruger shoots well, so this new rifle will be a "backup" so to speak. Looking for something good to 4-500yds, probably factory ammo. I will tinker , but of course would like the best bang for my buck.

Criteria -
Game- possible elk, mulies, whitetail
Range- 4-500yds
Ammo- factory
Price- $600 max

Guns under consideration-

Rem 700 adl
Savage 110, various models
Ruger American, various models
Browning AB3

Cartridges under consideration-

308
6.5cm
300wm

Gun, barrel length, cartridge? Appreciate the knowledge around here. Thank you for any help!

I'd not even consider anything on that list. In that price range, It'd be between a Weatherby Vanguard and a Tikka T3X light. I'd probably need to flip a coin to decide between those. The Tikka would likely be the most accurate.

Mauser M18

A used Winchester Model 70 Classic. Tough as nails.

I agree with black heart and sakohunter

I bought a cheap TC Compass to try out the 6.5 Creedmoor and was happily surprised. It shoots under 1/2 inch for 5 shots with Winchester factory loads. I have not shot it without a suppressor so I don't know how much that helps but it definitely beats there MOA guaranty

Of the ones you listed, definitely, the M700. Off the list, I'd buy a Remington Model Seven SS.

For Christmas I got a Ruger American Predator in 6.5CM for $299. I added a Magpul Hunter Stock for another $200. With 42.5 grains RL16 and 140 grain Speer Gold Dot my best was .43 inch at 100 for a 5 shot group, with 41.6 grains IMR4350 and 143 grain Hornady ELD-X My best group was .54 inch for 5 shots at 100 yards.

Like this recommendation as I am breaking in a new M18. I don't think cabelas carries this line. Had a 5 shot group today that measured 1.25" overall, but 4 shots measured. 5". Imagine what a serious bench shooter could do.

Yeah I would not consider any of your listed rifles, I'd go with a Tikka T3X stainless chambered in .300 Win (which IS on your list).....Good hunting...Hb

T3X Stainless Lite in 6.5CM is going to be the easiest to shoot well and have the largest selection of high quality, affordable factory ammunition (with good bullets). It’s turnkey, plain and simple.

I'd not hate a stainless 700 in 270 for a western rifle.

Don't rush the decision
Buy what YOU want
If you need time to save a little money for what YOU want then do so
Look at all models
Do the research and look at what will best fit your needs now and in the future
7 wsm's may be fuzzy in the future

Thats how id roll

Can you use them on the guns in their Gun Library?

I'm not sure a Tikka will stay within your budget, but is close enough that I'd find a way to come up with the money. I'd go 6.5 CM without a doubt.

That said both of my 6.5's are a Ruger Predator and a Bergara. I paid $389 for the Ruger, $575 for the Bergara, those are OTD prices. They shoot equally well, which means both will outshoot everything else in my safe. I don't think you can get a Bergara under $600 anymore, but if you can it would be an option.

With a hard limit of $600 I don't think the Ruger is a bad option. They have redesigned the magazine and I like the new ones MUCH better. I always thought the mag was the weak link and they appear to have fixed that.

One thing you have working against you is that Cabela's firearms are over priced. I'd consider purchasing the rifle elsewhere and using the $400 in gift cards for optics and ammo at Cabela's. They still have Ruger's in my local gun store priced at $389 OTD. That same rifle at Cabela's is $499+ tax and other fees.

My buddy just bought a new creedmoor RAR and we shot it yesterday. The barrel is pretty rough, so we shot and cleaned, shot a group and cleaned, ETC. We fired 70 rounds downrange trying to break in the barrel. It gradually smoothed up, but it still needs a hundred or so rounds down the tube before it is fully "broke in". I've never had to do that with a Tikka. Also, his magazine is garbage. It wasn't working right, cartridges were getting stuck in the box and not feeding into the rifle. Accuracy was in the 2-2 1/4" (for 5 shots) range, with everything he tried in it. From cheap sellior and bellot ($15.00/box) sp hunting ammo, to Hornady 95 gr. varmint ammo loaded with v-max bullets ($28.00/box). It shot my handloads into 1 1/8" for 5 shots. If the op wants a good rifle, I'd look elsewhere and save a little longer and just buy the Tikka.. Chances are, it's going to shoot better and function better. JMHO...

OR 7mm RM


My first Tikka is T 3 Lite SS 270...... They're great.

Jerry

Oooooops......B14 Bergara is out of your price range. Otherwise a Bergara.

Not Cabela’s but this (JRTXB382) can be found online for sub $600. A lot of phenomenal 6.5CM ammo can be had for your Cabela’s gift cards (read: cases of Hornady Precision Hunter). SWFA 6x42 MQ is $299... put a WTB in the classifieds and get one for even less. Nothing more is needed in the glass department. Unless you want to spend more, for less.

You’ll have to work hard for it to get “more easy.”