Best hunting rig for moose and deer under 1200

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rl4930

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So I have recently purchased a savage American Classic left hand in 300 win mag. A Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 CDS along with Leupold std bases and rings, a lee breech lock reloading kit and a set of 300 win mag dies for a bit over $1200. I Probly could have gone cheaper and just bought the axis rifle and scope package. I however researched the #### out of every aspect of this purchase and found this to be the best bang for the buck. I plan on loading 190 grain Berger VLD hunting bullets on top of h1000 powder.

Anyway, I guess what I'm asking is, is there anyone else on here that has done the same research looking for a good hunting rifle package that is accurate and affordable??
 
I applaud you for doing your research and not falling into the axis trap to save a couple hundred bucks. The Model 14 is a nice, well made rifle and they shoot very accurately. Good scope choice as well. Should serve you well for years.
 
I get that, I'm just looking for what other people have put together. $1200 is a pretty strict budget And you have to compromise between gun, mounts and optics. Not to mention including a reloading kit and dies.
 
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Ok then... Ruger M77 Hawkeye All-Weather in .260 Rem with Nikon Pro Staff 5 2.5-10X40mm BDC... dropped into a Boyd's Varmint Thumbhole stock... $1250.
 
How do you like the Nikon scope? I was looking into them as well but have heard horror stories about their customer service. I love rugers, I have a real soft spot for them. But their accuracy seems to be hit or miss on the m77. I do however want one!
 
Nikon makes a nice scope at this price point... they have a new sport optics division to deal specifically with sport optic customer service... Pro Staff scopes are tough, clear and hold POI.

Nothing "hit and miss" with M77 accuracy IME, after about thirty units...
 
rl4930 said:
Picking a decent model 70 off the EE would limit your scope options. What kind of scope would you pick to keep you under 1200?
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If you are patient you will find a 06 for 6 to 700 bucks. At that price there is a really good chance it may have bases and rings.

You mention you want a hunting rig - so for me the scope I would personally run would be a fixed leupold 6 power. If you watch those are running about 250 bucks. If variables are your gig - 300 should find you a leupold 3x9.

Leaves you a bit of a buffer even.
 
I picked up a used browning X-Bolt in 270 WSM as my first purchased (not hand-me-downed) hunting rifle, topped with a Nikon Monarch (older model now) BDC 3-12x44. Couldn't be happier as far as a load up and shoot hunting rifle. Been able to develop a few loads capable of sub MOA, although it doesn't like the 140 Gr. TSX's that I wanted originally to use so desperately :X I think I paid $850 for the rifle and ~$300 for the scope, both second hand but next to new. You'll be happy with the Savage, if it's not everything you want it to be out of the box, it can be with the vast aftermarket support.
 
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