Ok, so I am still in the search for a new gun, and I still have no idea what it is I want so Im looking for some direction. Now I know everyone will have a different opinion and thats great, just gives me more to research and look at. So here is where Im at so far...

I currently have a remmington 700 30-06 which I have had and used since I was 12, basically the only rifle I have. Im wanting something different and fun and that I can use for just about anything. I know that doesnt really say much but thats all I got right now. Budget is going to be around 1000 bucks for the rifle only, scope will be a different fund.

I was messing around with a howa axiom tactical 308 and was really impressed, and have kind of been leaning towards that, but it changes each day. My question on that is do you guys do much hunting with these tactical rifles other than varmint hunting? I understand its heavier in weight and makes it less than perfect for carrying around but I still want to do all my other hunting with it if I so desire.

Also is 308 a good caliber to be looking at, like I said I have a 30-06 but am looking to retire it to the gun closet for awhile, 308 just seems to be a popular all around caliber.

Will be using the gun for mostly deer hunting, but also some pigs, elk, varmints, and possible even bigger game up north,

thanks for any and all input, like I said its still early in the decision but wanting to get my hands on and look at everything I can!

Don't own a 308, but can't go wrong with it. If you want something different though, I'd look at 257 WBY. Get one in a Mark V Ultralight, or a SUB MOA Stainless, or a Remington CDLSF.

thanks, I will check out those models!

308 is close to the 30-06. both are good cartridges. if magnums don't bother you, i would lean towards the 7mag or 300wsm just for something different. the axiom is a very nice gun. i recently put my remington 700 sps varmint 7mm-08 into the axiom stock. sure makes it nice being able to change the LOP for my mife or kids. good luck with your decision.

another excellent caliber you may want to consider is the .270 Weatherby Magnum. I have used one for for just about everything in North America and plains game in Africa. Outstanding performance very flat trajectory:

.270 Wby. Mag. (150 Sp at 3245ft per sec.)BC:.481 (Ballistic Coefficient) 100yds:+2.4"(High) 200yds:+2.6"(High) 3"@160yds MPBR:320yds (Max. Point Blank Range)

You're right, the tactical/varmint style rifles are heavy and do not carry well for extended trips into the woods (spot/stalk hunting). I use my "heavies" for stand hunting hunting, and like them when there's a good rest to shoot from. But carrying them very far is not a pleasant thing.

The 308 is so close to the 30-06, I'm not so sure I'd personally go that route.

Your range of game is pretty wide for any one caliber. But if you assign the '06 you already have to the bigger game on your list, then my recommendation would be a smaller caliber for deer pigs and varmint. Something in the 6mm, 243, 260, 708, 25-06, 257, area. Any of them would be awesome rifles for anything in Tx, and even serve a purpose for some western game as well. Then the '06 could be brought out for spot/stalk hunting and for larger game.

Going with a larger caliber rifle, like a 7mag, 300, 338, or even larger definitely has it's pluses when chasing the larger game. But it's gonna put you right back where you are now when varmint hunting or wanting to shoot for fun.

So what you might need is TWO more rifles. One larger than the '06, and one smaller. Although I've yet to truly see the need for anything larger than my '06. On the smaller side, the 22-250 would be my choice, maybe a 223. On the larger side, I'd be looking at the 338-06. But again, that's me.


IMO, while there are plenty of great rifles out there now days, I like the old Rem700 action. It's a tried and true design, and more accessories can be had for it than any other platform.

Something else you might consider....The Encore! You can get just about any caliber you could ever think of. They are shorter than an equal length/contour barreled bolt action rifle. Lighter too (no action). The barrels can be swapped very easily. And they can be surprisingly accurate weapons. The single shot aspect is the rifle's primary drawback, if you consider it such. I'm just getting into my first Encore/barrel and loving the rifle. With many more calibers to come in the future. Just food for thought!


Jay

I'd say 7mm Rem. Mag. in either the Rem. 700 BDL,CDL or Winchester Model 70 Featherweight. Can't go wrong w/either. If buying new I'd go w/the Win. m70 Featherweight.

I have seen a stainless featherweight and it is very sweet too.

personnaly i really like the 30-06 expecially the rem. 700 that is a great gun, but the 25-06 is also great if your looking at varmit hunting that would be better than a 30-06 but still heavy enough for elk

The .308 is nice becuase you have a large range of rounds. The only reason I would go any smaller if you got into fur hunting where you don't want to do any damage to the hide. Otherise that .308 will serve you nice. If you do plan to use the Heavy barrel for all around hunting I'd highly recommend a 20" barrel. I've been hunting out of a pop-up blind and its alot easier to move the rifle inside and 6" of steel barrel removed saves a bunch of weight.

700 sps-t
Savage Model 10 tactical
or a custom would be my suggestions.

With you extra money you could modify stocks triggers and plenty of ammo to really set up the rifle nicely.

Yes the 30-06 is similar to the .308 but the .308 isn't as punishing on the shoulder.

Savage Model 10 with accutrigger in any caliber, The Savage is the best bang for your buck out there. They are just accurate and have the best trigger design of any production rifle. Just my .02

wow, thanks for all the replies, the list is getting longer not shorter, lol! I like the idea of maybe going to a smaller gun, since most of my hunting is here in texas.

I just really want something that is a little different, fun, super accurate, and I guess you could say something that can turn some heads. I guess that is why I was drawn to the howa, it just was so different than anything I have shot and it made me really want it!

I really dont mind it being too heavy, like most of you have said, the 30-06 is more than capable of doing everything I already need to do, so this gun is not filling a need, just a want!!!

257 wby or 25-06

Depends on what you want to use the gun for. I was recently in your exact situation and I ended up going with a .308 rem 700 vtr. Thought about going with a .22-250 for yotes and pigs but wanted to be able to use it for deer hunting, and I wanted a little more knockdown. I love this gun though. I did put a better scope on it than the simmions in the pic.

I would go with a .257 roberts. It is very accurate and flatshooting. Just my thought.

I definately think that a 308 is the right caliber for you,If you want something light and extremely accurate you might want to check out a TIKKA T3 LITE.

If 308 is what you are looking into go for it! The weatherby mags. Are awesome but expect to pay close to $50 per box! The 7mm mags. i would still stick to the 308. Way more accurate, just about any 308 you pick up will shoot great and you have tons of different factory loadings to choose from. If you want long range and think you need a 7 mag. You don't, there are a few factory loadings from federal and hornady that are alomost on par with it! My buddy shoots a 308, i shoot a 22-250 or my 257 weatherby and he has no problems keeping up with me! By the way you can buy 308 rounds at almost $12 per box! With those prices you can shoot it often and get alot of practice with it. Try the magnum calibers at $40 or $50 dollars and you won't ever want to shoot it often at those prices. If you have not decided between the 308 or 30-06, don't even choose the 30-06 great caliber but compare the ballistics with the excellent factory loads we have? They are almost indentical! Hope this helps??

If you are going after big a wsm is a better choice
The heavy barrels are a pain to carry but good for varmints.
Please ask you self these questions:
1 How far will I need to shoot
2 What sized game will I hunt
3 Will I be stand hunting or walking
You have to make an informed decision don't get in a hurry.

Thanks guys, definitely not in a hurry, just really want to do as much research as possible, Im getting great suggestions that I can go and look at. Think Im going to stick with a 308 just because I do more deer hunting than anything and want that extra knock down power.

And I just really like the look of the tactical rifle, thats what kind of drew me to that howa axiom with the pistol grip and floating barrel. Do you guys do a lot deer hunting with the tactical rifle. I really think I would enjoy something that I could shoot far away and have some fun with, I think I could live with the weight!

So as far as tactical 308, what do I need to be looking at? Anything other than what has been mentioned? thanks

Why is everyone thining of a tactical bolt action? How about a true tactical rifle like many of the AR based guns? It seems like it fits your criteria.

there was a whole thread not too long ago about all the caliber choices in the AR platform. Of course the 308 is there and the newer one that I have be covetting is one in a 243.

i have no experience in owning an ar,but i have shot a few that are pretty damn accurate.

the Howa tacticals aren't bad rifles at all but not as popular for whatever reason. If your going to get a bolt rifle then many would suggest stick to remington then savage.

However the .308 AR-10 is an interesting suggestion for your price range. These days the DPMS LR-308 are just barely over 1k. Most will shoot sub moa at 100 yards and you get a 19 round mag for the fun paper shooting/tactical factor.

Yeah, the more I research the more confused I get and the more lost I feel in getting one. I really want something with long accurate range for shooting mostly deer and pigs. The only reason I suggested howa is because thats the one I was looking at last night at the store. I really like the 700 but there are like 30 different models and then different custom options and etc... I just am feeling more and more out of my league, lol!

I want a fun, eye catching, deer killing, long and accurate, bolt rifle for around 1000 bucks, I can go a little more if needed or a little less if I can get what I need. Lol, and I have not even started doing my research for a scope!

ar10 in .243 or .308 , i know its not a bolt but don't think you will want to hunt with a bolt after hunting with an ar. see if you can find somebody in your neck of the woods and try a pig hunt with one. try it before you buy it

What about deer hunting with an ar?

As far as I know it is legal. i'll talk to a game warden tom or fri, for clarification