PoliceLink

I am looking for a new deer rifle. I already have a Marlin 336C lever action in a .30-30 which I love , but I want a bolt action to have something new!  Would you guys get a .308 or a .30-30? I am leaning towards a Savage in a .308!

Thanks,

Ryan

wcp3rd says ...

 Ryan, a lot depends on the terrain that you are hunting and the distance that you will be shooting, for short range (up to 200 yards) , fast shots 30-30. The round or flat nose of the bullet limits the performance at distance. 

Most of the terrain on my property is short distance. There would be rare cases that I would have to shoot past 200 yards, but I would also like to have a gun that could if that makes sense.

Thanks for the link! I see what you are saying. I guess that is why I hunt with the .30-30 currently and have taken down quite a few deer!

EricF517 says ...

I would say to go with the 308.  It's an all around great round for any game in North America.  Easy recoil if you wanted to do target shooting, not to mention the excellent ballistics of the 308.  If your going to be shooting at 200yds run some Corbon with the 180 Barnes X tips on top.  The are a devistating round and will more than likely leave whatever you shot lying right there.  Also if you decide to go out and do some mule deer hunting where you might have to take a 400yd shot the 308 will do you great.

That is what I have decided on! Waiting for the gun show that comes through St. Louis next month. Going to grab a .308 and going to get an assualt that I have been wanting for awhile!

Ray_Tremblay says ...

I agree, go with the .308 the 3600 meeter range thing sould not be a problem if you are shooting at a deer, unless the deer is at the top of a fire tower, in a helocopter, or on a plain. Don't get me wrong you should be carefull, but seriously, in the woods on a cutdown, you need to know your back stop but you don't have to worry about the next county over. It is an all around great round with lots and lots of ammo selection. Have fun, and be safe.

Helicoptor? LOL LOL! Agreed on the .308

I've used a 30-30 as a Blacktail bush gun, light and quick, Great gun, especially with the leverEvolution ammo.  I would prefer the .308 for any other terrain.  I hunt w/ a .30-06 when I'm going for muleys(150gr.) or elk(180gr.).

How much do you want to put into a rifle?  Is the question.  Personaly if money was not an object it would be a Tac-Ops, AI, or Sig Blaser  Now if you just want a hunting gun that will out shoot you forever.  Go with a Reminton 700P.  Get it glass bedded if you would like and you will have a tack driver.  If stainless steel is your thing then you can get a R700 5r .308.  It has a little tighter twist rate so you can send a heavier piece of lead down range.

I've owned 2 Savages.  22-250 and 300 Win.  Both great guns.  The accu-trigger is great and accuracy is too.

I would stongly reconmend The Savage Weather Warrior Series Model 16FHSAK(in .308win or .270wsm). This rifle is amazing and the adjustable accutrigger, muzzle break, and accustock seriously makes all the difference in accuracy. I own several Remington model 700s and this rifle constantly out shoots them. This is a great rifle when pin point accuracy is the essense. You will retire all your old rifles if purchase this one. .308win or .270wsm are plenty powerfull for any big game on the North American continent.

Kilo1 says ...

 Mags,

Not to throw a monkey wrench into the works, but...have you checked out the new 30-30 ammo made by Hornady? (I think that's who makes it)  The ammo is designed specifically for the tubular magazine guns and has pointed bullets with soft tips. It will bring up the performance of the 30-30 to that of near 308 balistics.  Something to look into if you don't want to spend the money on a new rifle. Course, I always look for a reason to buy a new rifle but that's just me.

 

 

Yes I have looked at that and I did consider it. I have convinced myself I just need another rifle :) Waiting for the gun show here in  St. Louis next month!

As far as lever guns go, I love my Marlin Guide Gun 45/70 baby, all day long. Will take out anything in North America and most other places as well.

Rem .308 SPS Tactical. I've never looked back!

It's a SWFA Super Sniper, 10X.

It's standard with the tactical, but does not come with the regualr SPS. Can't tell from the photo, but it's an over molded Hogue that has the barrel free floated. This thing is SCARY accurate....

As far as the 'cheapest', I'm not sure...they are only available from dealers that are signed up as Remington 'Premium', so you'll just have to shop around. Fortunately, they're relatively inexpensive for what they are. Got mine a year and a half ago and it ran me somewhere around $595 (not including the scope, rings, etc...). Best bolt action I've ever owned!

Same as the above the my R700 5r.  There is no doubt that the rifle shoots better than I ever will.