Question about Rifle's

[Duck]

I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to rifles but I am sure there are some subject matter experts here who can help.

There are many different calibers of rifles these days and I have done some research. What is a good caliber all around rifle for game like deer and larger game such as elk and moose? I have been told a 308 would possibly be the best bet. I don't want to have to own a bunch of rifles but frankly if you could only buy one to cover different game what would one suggest?

Most likely I would mainly be using a rifle for deer, but if I could have the option one day of going for Elk or Moose as well..

[crockett]

30-06 would be my choice. I kill 60 pound deer with it STONE DEAD - lol! Seriously, (yes, I HAVE killed very small deer with it) it's a pretty good versatile calibre. Ammo is readily available and inexpensive anywhere you go. In case you're wondering, the meat loss/damage on the small deer was not a significant factor. If you shoot high volume though (target) I find the recoil pretty tiresome by the 20th shot. Low-recoil rounds are available though, but I like to practice with the round I will hunt with.
-Croc

[HUNT247]

30-06

[Beaus_Dad]

Ammo is readily available and inexpensive anywhere you go--

21.00 a box at Dux-N-Dogs

[shermie]

just depends on the shooter,

as for deer in our family its been the lever action ,300 savage

me grandpapy took moose and bear with his,as did my uncles take a 450 plus black bear standing up and trying to get in the front door of his house lol,he shot em right thru the door....

I use a 300savage as well ..

now 308 is a good all round caliber and a 303 is probable the most all round round capable of taking anything in north america too...

now for a raining day with no scope i use the lighter verions of lever the trusty 30/30 winchester...

and lately ive been trying to tag a buck with buckshot every since we got it legalized ,its not that i have not seen the big fellas the craft is getting close enough..

whats funny is ive been armed with a high power rifle of one flavour ofr the other and have prety near stepped on deer but when the 12 gauge is in my hand there always out in the open chopping for instance lol

so here is my questions to you in regards to a rifle

bush hunting or fields and clearcuts?
long humps or short forrays into the backwoods?
can you lug a big 30/06 all day 8 to 10 lbs gets mighty heavy..
are you stand hunting?
are you in preferance of action
lever/pump/bolt/semi
are you using a scope? more weight remeber!
will it have a strap ?/more weight but it saves your arms

so you see there are many things to consider and one does not choose lightly ,you have to match your wants to your needs....

you must spend time at the range no matter what yes thats boxes and boxes of shells to get used to it,,,,you owe the critters your hunting that at the least.a quick and deadly shot ...

now i have a few to choose from so i pick one to match the weather conditions and the hunt im going on...nothing worse then havinga fogged scope and a deer that is a shooter in front of you ,my lesson so i had see thru scope sights put on mine...

I always wanted a semi in 308 or 30 06 or 303 ....someday...when i can afford one...

all the best in your quest for the "perfect rifle for you"

shermie...

[take'em]

30-06 without a doubt.

Ammo is readily available from all major manufacturers in a wide range of bullet weights suitable for varmints right up to the largest game in North America. In most of its configurations, it's a very accurate cartridge with a fairly flat trajectory and good down range power. Like Croc said, I wouldn't want to shoot one all day at the range but it's certainly more forgiving than the WSM loads on the market today. I'll always have one in the cabinet.

[Duck]

Thanks very much for the info guys. I went to the Gun sale today in Waverley. The prices did seem a little high and in some cases ridiculously high on some older shotguns. One guys was actually selling a single shot Baikal for $300. I bought the same gun a few years back at the army navy store on agricola in mint shape for $60!!! Made absolutely no sense? Quite a few guns there and I did speak with some guys who were pretty knowledgeable.

[hotflash]

270,,30-06,308,Good bang for your buck, ammo is easy to find and not overly priced,,hope this helps!!