Looking for input on first hunting/long-range target rifle.

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JW85

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I am looking to get a rifle to use for deer-hunting and also dabble in some long-range target shooting.

After some digging around I am leaning towards a Savage Axis II LH in 243. Here's my rationale:

  • Affordable but good accuracy potential
  • Not a fine rifle that I'll be reluctant to drag around in the woods
  • 243 seems like a great cartridge that is suited to deer but also longer sessions at the range without fatigue

I'm sure someday I may end up wanting to do a dedicated precision build but this seems like a good way to get started, get a feel for what I like, and get some good practice with the rifle rather than waiting another season or two before I can build something nicer.

Any thoughts?
 
Good on ya for not starting with something $>2k.

People seem to like the little 100gr bullets these days.

Something in 200gr /.3 with the same recoil would do better in brush and retain more energy at range, but have a more curved path.

If you’re using bullets with a “fancy” expansion mechanic, a more gradual deceleration widens the range window over which it will work. But the fancy patterns smell like a gimmick to me. A round lead front I believe.

At long range the smaller ballistic drop of the faster bullet would make things simpler, but by then I don’t know that the .243 would have much energy left.

And whatever you buy, I hope it brings you joy.
 
I bought one of these guns in 308. Kicked like crazy. I studied this and sounds like Savage has been known to use their machine tools past best before date and the bbl. was too tight. So might not be a problem, might be.
 
I bought a t3x stainless LH in .270 as my first. Little more pricey and a it is bigger and it will kick quite a bit more but I threw a limbsaver on it and it made a night and day difference. I've shot targets with it and I have shot gophers (lol) with it and I plan to shoot a deer with it this fall.
 
The 242 is known for short barrel life compared with say the 270 win and 308. It is also not very effective beyond 200 yards for deer. If I were you I would choose a 308 or a 6.5 caliber in 6.5x55 or 6.5 CM. All will be plenty enough for deer, excellent for long range and with longer barrel life.
 
JW85 - Just a note here - If you're looking at "longer sessions at the range" I'd try to find something with a short & heavy 'Varmint' barrel to 'take the heat' better. It would also give you less harmonics for better accuracy. Are you shopping at brick stores or on-line ? I understand that LH makes the shopping harder, but online may help there as well as give you more options. And I agree with Rayleigh that .3xx might be better if you're in bush/brush - .308 gives you the best selection of ammo, from $15/box up to $50-ish in many bullet formats. Also, you could check the EE listing, maybe get something 'nicer' than a Savage Axis. Often some are barely used, like 'hunter only' would only get 10-ish rounds per year! JMO-YMMV
 
My pick would be the Ruger American Predator model in either .308 or 6.5 Creedmore.
Rationale:
1. Affordable ($700 ish)
2. Tried and true action, well constructed, Ruger reliability.
3. Even the base Ruger Americans are known for feeling and shooting like a far more expensive rifle than their price point.
4. Available in a variety of rounds but .308/6.5CM would be my top 2 choices. .308 for the better big game hunting round, 6.5CM for the lighter recoil and better long range ballistics.
5. Lots of aftermarket support and parts available for upgrading the rifle over time.
 
^x2. maybe a ctr for a bit nicer stock and heavier barrel for extended shooting strings. Buy a Yodave trigger spring for $10 and you're off to the races.
 
x3 used Tikka, varmint model would be nice. In its factory configuration it will very likely shoot good and there is a big selection of aftermarket parts to upgrade over time.
 
>trigger spring

I can see that light triggers would be good for bench shooting, but in the cold and after a long hike I personally can't manage a controlled break unless there's enough trigger force to give solid feedback. That's likely a training issue for me from learning to shoot with a ratty old Enfield.

It might also be a question of whether you expect to be carrying it through bush or grass. If I was pushing through bushes I'd want a stiff trigger as a layer of safety for those reachy little branches.

I had a branch pull the trigger on a slung shotgun I was carrying once. I don't carry chambered, but hearing that *p-clink* was still un-nerving.

Like crowbarring a big nail out of board and having bounce hard off your safety glasses. It's not reassuring to know that you were only one layer away from severe troubles.
 
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As far as I am concerned, the best value rifle for a new hunter/shooter is a used Husqvarna from Trade-ex and some other forum sponsors. One such rifle built on a modern action (M98 or Husqvarna 1600/1900) chambered in 6.5X55 would be perfect for long range shooting and deer hunting. It can likely be had for less than the price of a new Ruger American/ Savage Axis/Remington 783, and will be way better in terms of quality and durability.
 
243 is a great option but I would look at 6.5 Creedmoor, tons of reasonably priced factory hunting and target ammo available if you plan on shooting lots, lots of aftermarket brass if you handload, lots of factory rifles chambered in the cartridge, low recoil and great for long range target shooting as well as hunting, really hard not to like the 6.5 Creedmoor.
 
JW85 said:
I am looking to get a rifle to use for deer-hunting and also dabble in some long-range target shooting.

After some digging around I am leaning towards a Savage Axis II LH in 243. Here's my rationale:

  • Affordable but good accuracy potential
  • Not a fine rifle that I'll be reluctant to drag around in the woods
  • 243 seems like a great cartridge that is suited to deer but also longer sessions at the range without fatigue

I'm sure someday I may end up wanting to do a dedicated precision build but this seems like a good way to get started, get a feel for what I like, and get some good practice with the rifle rather than waiting another season or two before I can build something nicer.

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

243 for a long range deer rifle......exactly how far are we talking?
 
i would also steer you toward the 6.5 creed .flat shooting, ammo is getting much cheaper as there are so many components brass and factory ammo, very low recoil,long barrel life.also works well in shorter barrels .many more options than 243 rifles in todays market of guns and you can still reach out and touch mid game animals with authority. 6.5 and 260 rems also great but not as available as the creed.most creeds are accurate too and not finicky with factory ammo.
 
JW85 said:
I am looking to get a rifle to use for deer-hunting and also dabble in some long-range target shooting.

After some digging around I am leaning towards a Savage Axis II LH in 243. Here's my rationale:

  • Affordable but good accuracy potential
  • Not a fine rifle that I'll be reluctant to drag around in the woods
  • 243 seems like a great cartridge that is suited to deer but also longer sessions at the range without fatigue

I'm sure someday I may end up wanting to do a dedicated precision build but this seems like a good way to get started, get a feel for what I like, and get some good practice with the rifle rather than waiting another season or two before I can build something nicer.

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Axis is a good starting point during your range days I would recommend to let the barrel cool down - don't worry about recoil and I will be the first to say this the stock it comes with is good enough no need to glass bead it or anything - it will shoot good - spend the time / money on buying some good ammo it like and your way ahead in the game - if you can put four shots in a 4 inch circle at 400 yards your good to go even though they may not be touching each other.
 
I like what others have said, I’d also veer towards a tikka or an xbolt.

When you try and do a target/hunting build it’s the weight that you gotta keep an eye on.

I’d also consider the 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC or a 270 (the 6.5’s are pretty easy to get reloading accurately apparently).

Lots of stock options but keep an eye on weight for your optics and stock.
 
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