Let's here those opinions. What is your favorite or in your opinion the best bolt action rifle for hunting all around? I know people out there have specifics for specific animals but in general, for a "beginner" hunter, what do you believe would be a good one to use for multiple animals and why?aaaaaaaaannnnnnnnndddddddd GO!
Priest78
Nothing like the good old .30-06. Bought one when I was 16 and even though I have many many more options, that rifle still gets hunted with and at the very least, it travels with me as a back-up hunting rifle because I can get ammo anywhere, anytime, and it just plain works. The -06 is better now than it has ever been thanks to new powders and bullets. Mine is a Remington 700. I could go on many different tangents on this, but as your question is answered I will shut up and leave it there.
Nice, believe it or not I was debating the Remington .39-06 last weekend. Headed to Cabela's again this weekend so might just have to make that buy.
I have a Remington 700 in 7mm mag. Great rifle but if I were going to do it again I'd probably go with the .30-06. Reasons:
#1 - .30-06 is likely the second most common rifle round out there (I'm thinking the .30-30 is the most common). No matter where you go hunting you can probably find some .30-06 ammo. .30-06 is enough gun to handle any game in North America, except maybe a grizzly. Not saying it wouldn't kill a griz but I'd personally want more gun going up against one of them critters since if he/she takes a dislike to you that you'd probably want something more likely to stop him/her in their tracks instead of 20 or 30 seconds after you shoot them.
#2 - the .30-06 is probably more versatile, especially if you reload. You can get bullets from (if memory serves) 120 gr to 220 gr. You can even get .223 bullets in .30 caliber sabots for shootin' them pesky varmints.
#3 - (vs. the 7 mm) - in the factory rifle, the 7 mm mag has a 24-inch barrel. The .30-06 has a 22-inch barrel. I always found that that extra 2 inches of barrel always stuck out over my head when I carried the rifle on a sling and would constantly snag on any tree branch or brush I ducked under. I solved that on my 7 mm by taking it into a gunsmith and having the barrel cut down to 20-inches. I also lightened it some more by putting it in a fiberglass stock.
Anyway, my 2 cents.
#1 - .30-06 is likely the second most common rifle round out there (I'm thinking the .30-30 is the most common). No matter where you go hunting you can probably find some .30-06 ammo. .30-06 is enough gun to handle any game in North America, except maybe a grizzly. Not saying it wouldn't kill a griz but I'd personally want more gun going up against one of them critters since if he/she takes a dislike to you that you'd probably want something more likely to stop him/her in their tracks instead of 20 or 30 seconds after you shoot them.
#2 - the .30-06 is probably more versatile, especially if you reload. You can get bullets from (if memory serves) 120 gr to 220 gr. You can even get .223 bullets in .30 caliber sabots for shootin' them pesky varmints.
#3 - (vs. the 7 mm) - in the factory rifle, the 7 mm mag has a 24-inch barrel. The .30-06 has a 22-inch barrel. I always found that that extra 2 inches of barrel always stuck out over my head when I carried the rifle on a sling and would constantly snag on any tree branch or brush I ducked under. I solved that on my 7 mm by taking it into a gunsmith and having the barrel cut down to 20-inches. I also lightened it some more by putting it in a fiberglass stock.
Anyway, my 2 cents.
Personally I like my Ruger in 7 Rem Mag. I can load 100gr pills up to 168’s with three bullet weights in between.
I'm a big fan of the Ruger 77MK2, but really you couldn't go wrong with about any of the major gun companies offerings. As for caliber, I like both 30-06 and .308, but once again, there are dozens of calibers that would do a credible job. All boils down to what YOU prefer.
I have a varmint gun in .22 mag, but my best all-rounder is a pre-64 Winchester 70 I got for under $400, from a gun shop that was about to close, two years ago.
.30-06 is easy to reload. I love how it shoots.
.30-06 is easy to reload. I love how it shoots.
I think a .270 Winchester is about the best all around cartridge, followed closely by the .308. Couple them with a Winchester Model 70 and you have your near perfect hunting rifle.
All around champ is the .30-06. For a beginner that wants a great choice for deer, antelope, and hogs the .270 Winchester gets it done with less recoil. Elk and predators are well within its capabilities. Remington, Winchester, Ruger, Tikka, TC, Sako, Savage, and many more make good rifles. Decide on the features you need (type of safety, trigger design, magazine, threaded muzzle, etc.) and see what fits your budget. Avoid package combos unless you are on a really tight budget, or are fine with upgrading your scope very soon. There are so many accurate rifles on the market that it's just a matter of deciding what you can afford and what features you need.
For a bolt action all-around hunting rifle, I'd recommend a 30-06 in a Ruger M77 MkII or Hawkeye. Get a stainless/synthetic version if you have any concerns about being out in the weather, but the walnut/blued is simply a classic and more than capable of handling rain and snow if you take care of it after. With the controlled round feed and mauser style extractor, these things are rugged, well built, and simply work (almost boringly so). And ruger's customer service is top notch.
30-06 is probably your best balanced option for an all-around rifle. Its one of the bigger and more powerful rounds that falls within many people's recoil tolerance range. Its not too big for deer sized game, and is a wonderful choice for elk, black bear, or even moose at reasonable ranges. Ammo variety, availability, and price is hard to beat.
If you plan to only shoot deer sized and under, there are other rounds that offer a better balance of recoil vs effectiveness (i.e. 7mm08, 308, 257 roberts, 270, 280, i could go on), but if you want one to do it all, 30-06 is the way to go.
30-06 is probably your best balanced option for an all-around rifle. Its one of the bigger and more powerful rounds that falls within many people's recoil tolerance range. Its not too big for deer sized game, and is a wonderful choice for elk, black bear, or even moose at reasonable ranges. Ammo variety, availability, and price is hard to beat.
If you plan to only shoot deer sized and under, there are other rounds that offer a better balance of recoil vs effectiveness (i.e. 7mm08, 308, 257 roberts, 270, 280, i could go on), but if you want one to do it all, 30-06 is the way to go.
I might add, when looking for a rifle, I find that I prefer a three-position safety for the safest operation and loading/unloading. Position 1: Bolt and/or firing pin locked; Position 2: Trigger safety only; Position 3: Fire.
In some two position safeties, you need to put on "fire" to load/unload a round. On the others, the "Safe" doesn't lock the bolt (if that is a deal breaker for you).
In some two position safeties, you need to put on "fire" to load/unload a round. On the others, the "Safe" doesn't lock the bolt (if that is a deal breaker for you).
"All around" hunting rifle? I lived this, moving around the world to various countries and continents, and with limited ability to pack more than one rifle.
No doubt the .30-06 is king for the one all-around rifle. There were a couple African countries that had old laws on the books prohibiting former military cartridges so I started off with a Ruger MkII "boat paddle" chambered in .280, but when I gave that away and stopped moving around so much, I went with the same thing in a traditional wood stock, iron sights as backup, and the good 'ol 30-06.
If I were to ever lose that Ruger, I don't know what I'd do. Few mainstream manufacturers build a good traditional bolt gun anymore with good wood, good bluing, and iron sights as backup. I'd probably spring for something from Dakota Arms, etc.
If I knew I'd never leave the US again and never shoot anything bigger than a mule deer, I'd probably down-size to a .270.
No doubt the .30-06 is king for the one all-around rifle. There were a couple African countries that had old laws on the books prohibiting former military cartridges so I started off with a Ruger MkII "boat paddle" chambered in .280, but when I gave that away and stopped moving around so much, I went with the same thing in a traditional wood stock, iron sights as backup, and the good 'ol 30-06.
If I were to ever lose that Ruger, I don't know what I'd do. Few mainstream manufacturers build a good traditional bolt gun anymore with good wood, good bluing, and iron sights as backup. I'd probably spring for something from Dakota Arms, etc.
If I knew I'd never leave the US again and never shoot anything bigger than a mule deer, I'd probably down-size to a .270.
I like the Savage Axis II XP in .223 REM, but I got it for a very specific function, and it is not really for hunting.
I like to keep my ammo stockage simple, and .223 is part of that.
I don't hunt (love the critters that share our land) but wanted a humane capability to dispatch a rabid critter at a distance. Around here, the largest is a 'yote. BTW - heard several of them nearby at 0100 hours today. Yup, I have what might be called a "sleep disorder"...Seems they prefer not to cross the stream that mostly encompasses our property, which is good. Perhaps the temps (32°) had something to do with that, but they were close and numerous, and pretty much south, west, and north.
Our horses were rather "animated" this morning, so perhaps the 'yotes went for a short swim...Or the smell of a kill bothered our ponies...
So there may be better bolt guns out there, in various calibers, for various purposes. Mine is only for dispatching rabid critters on our farm. And for that, .223 REM is fine and I have plenty of that for other weapons...For less than $320 delivered and MOA capable (with a 3-9X40 scope and Accutrigger), can't hardly beat it...
I like to keep my ammo stockage simple, and .223 is part of that.
I don't hunt (love the critters that share our land) but wanted a humane capability to dispatch a rabid critter at a distance. Around here, the largest is a 'yote. BTW - heard several of them nearby at 0100 hours today. Yup, I have what might be called a "sleep disorder"...Seems they prefer not to cross the stream that mostly encompasses our property, which is good. Perhaps the temps (32°) had something to do with that, but they were close and numerous, and pretty much south, west, and north.
Our horses were rather "animated" this morning, so perhaps the 'yotes went for a short swim...Or the smell of a kill bothered our ponies...
So there may be better bolt guns out there, in various calibers, for various purposes. Mine is only for dispatching rabid critters on our farm. And for that, .223 REM is fine and I have plenty of that for other weapons...For less than $320 delivered and MOA capable (with a 3-9X40 scope and Accutrigger), can't hardly beat it...
7 rem mag 308 win or 30-06. all have enough umph for almost any animal in the lower 48 and are not rediculously over powered for smaller animals. A stainless action and synthetic stock do indeed make less work cleaning and avoid rus. However if you are in a desert area I would not worry abut rust. A remington 700 or ruger 77 hawkeye fill the bill very nicely. A very verstile rifle is the ruger scout rifle 308 winchester chambering and a 5 or 10 round detachable magazine. It has been described as the one rifle to ave when you only haave one rifle.
Ruger Guide Gun 30-06. Mauser CRF action, matte stainless, laminate, good iron sights and the most versatile caliber ever invented.
While I know it is pretty much dealers choice as to the desired weapon and caliber. It seems the majority consensus is the .30-06 or the .270 for caliber and then brand being Remington. While brand is a little more diverse it would seem I should pick a rifle comfortable for me between those 2 calibers. I do have my lovely 223/556 rifle. I have always had an interest in bolt action.
Another vote for the 30-06 or 308 here. World-wide availability and they're up to nearly any task with the correct ammo if you do your part.
My favorite bolt guns are the M77 MkII or the Rem 700. Again, easily obtainable parts worldwide and supremely reliable.
My favorite bolt guns are the M77 MkII or the Rem 700. Again, easily obtainable parts worldwide and supremely reliable.
Can’t go wrong with a Remington or Winchester bolt action. I have the Remington 700 VLS in .308 and the Winchester Super Grade in .243. I would say the .308 Winchester is hands down a more popular hunting round today in bolt actions. It’s my favorite round across all centerfire platforms. If I could only keep one rifle; it would be my .308 AR. It’s the most versatile rifle and round I have; it will do it all.
I own both a .270 and 30/06 and flip a coin. The M77 .270 will group 3/4" all day with the load I worked up with H4831 so I usually grab that when I am heading to rifle territory plus it is stainless/synthetic so less worry about the elements. The M700 in 30/06 will actually handle factory better than the M77 which doesn't like to much powder. I have worked up a decent load for the M700 with IMR4064 if my memory is working this morning.
The only critters I like to hunt are feral hogs, yotes, and other varmints.
I sometimes fire a couple hundred rounds per session. 30/06 isn't fun even with lighter loads.
I've got a Rem 783 Walnut in 6.5 Creedmoor and Ruger M77 FTW in 260 Rem. Both are accurate with 90g up to 140+g bullets, out to about 1000 yards.
I sometimes fire a couple hundred rounds per session. 30/06 isn't fun even with lighter loads.
I've got a Rem 783 Walnut in 6.5 Creedmoor and Ruger M77 FTW in 260 Rem. Both are accurate with 90g up to 140+g bullets, out to about 1000 yards.
I bought a .30-06 as my first big game rifle because I subscribed to - what I now consider to largely be nonsense - the idea of “one rifle for all of North America.” Unfortunately, that doesn’t pan out well in reality. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel out of state to hunt many times, but EVERY year, I found myself hunting Midwest Whitetails with far too much rifle - let alone talking about Arizona coyote hunts or East Texas hogs. When I did get out west for Elk hunts, I preferred a 300wm or 7 Rem Mag to that .30-06 for the additional assurance - considering the high non-resident tag costs and the short duration available for these hunts. I did use the .30-06 for bison once, and did wish it had been a .338Win Mag the entire time - although it did perform as required. Black Bear in Minnesota might have been the only hunt where I felt I had the right cartridge in my hands. For Argentinian water buffalo, naturally, the .30-06 had no play at all.
So inevitably, I circle back to a multigun battery. Give me a fast 22 centerfire for hogs and coyotes, and a 243win/6.5creed/7-08 class rifle for whitetails, chased by a 300 or 338 magnum for everything which may go 600+ pounds in North America. If I lived somewhere which had a zero point rifle season resident draw on high success trophy elk units, where I could hunt weeks on end with a rifle, I might be more satisfied with my .30-06’s, but that’s not my paradigm. Going out of state means high costs, limited scouting, and limited availability for access - so I take enough rifle to give me confidence to take the shot presented, when it’s presented.
I suppose I could get on board with the idea of something like a Seekins Havak with interchangeable bolt heads and multiple barrels - run a 6.5-06 AI for whitetails at home, and swap to a 300 PRC for big game out of state. Chased with an AR packing uppers in 6.5 Grendel and 5.56 for hogs and coyotes, with some extra comfort in back-up for whitetails.
So inevitably, I circle back to a multigun battery. Give me a fast 22 centerfire for hogs and coyotes, and a 243win/6.5creed/7-08 class rifle for whitetails, chased by a 300 or 338 magnum for everything which may go 600+ pounds in North America. If I lived somewhere which had a zero point rifle season resident draw on high success trophy elk units, where I could hunt weeks on end with a rifle, I might be more satisfied with my .30-06’s, but that’s not my paradigm. Going out of state means high costs, limited scouting, and limited availability for access - so I take enough rifle to give me confidence to take the shot presented, when it’s presented.
I suppose I could get on board with the idea of something like a Seekins Havak with interchangeable bolt heads and multiple barrels - run a 6.5-06 AI for whitetails at home, and swap to a 300 PRC for big game out of state. Chased with an AR packing uppers in 6.5 Grendel and 5.56 for hogs and coyotes, with some extra comfort in back-up for whitetails.
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