Looking to purchase a new toy need input pls!

[tdwarburton]

A few years back when times were a little tougher I had bought a Rem 710 in a 30.06 I will blame that decision on having an ultra slim pocket book and very little gun knowledge. I love the calibre but would like to purchase a better gun.
The last few months work has been pretty good to me, had a buch of OT & I sold a rope horse I trained. Now I am thinking it is time to upgrade. My wife is rolling her eyes but is willing to let me splurge. In addition to a new rifle I would like to add a Muzzle loader to my arsonal.
So with all that out in the open here is one of my thoughts:
Rem 700 SPS Stainless in a 300win M and a TC Triumph 50 cal front stuffer. I know a few fellas with the 700 sps and they claim its a pretty good rifle for the $$ I also know one fella with the Triumph and he LOVES it
My second thought is to buy a TC Encore and purchase the second barrel. Not sure if I want a single shot rifle but seems to work for alot of them on Wild tv.
I would love to hear from you fellas what would you do. I am wide open to talk about other options/opinions on guns, brands, cal etc. I mostly hunt Deer but plan to try my hand at Bear, Moose and Elk in the near future. I know I said I liked the 30.06 cal but feel I may get a little flatter shooting out of a 300mag rifle.
Ok guys help me out here, My wifey says too make the best decision possible she don't want me un-happy with my new toys and trying to replace them in the near future like I am doing with my 710.

 

[sheephunter]

If I were buying a dedicated muzzleloader, the Triumph would definitely get the nod. Quite honestly, I think it is a better muzzleloader than the Encore but the Encore does give you the benefit of interchangeable barrels. I've shot hundreds of animals with a single shot and have never felt handicapped. The Encore is a fun gun to own and most are great shooters but I still pull the Triumph out of the safe if it's a day for muzzleloading. If I was looking at a new bolt action.....it would be the new Winchester M70. Nothing wrong with the 700 but the M70 is new and cool!

 

[1899]

I prefer the tradition muzzle loaders, and of them I like the T/C Hawken the best. Try your hand with 777 or Pyrodex and a conical. I think you will like it.

Have you considered a Tikka T3? The T3 Lite is only a little more money than the SPS. I have a .300 Win Mag and I am not sure there is a practical difference between it and the .30-06 for 90% of hunters. You can load a 150 or 165 grain bullet to fairly high velocity in the .30-06 and have a flat shooting rifle. You can also use the 130gr Barnes TSX or TTSX and that will shoot even flatter. The benefit is much less recoil, which makes for better shooting. Plus it is more economical because it burns less powder.

There are also quite a few .30-06 rifles for sale at Trade Ex. These rifles are Husqvarnas, Kricos, M98 mausers etc. They are very high quality and cost as much or less than a T3 or SPS. In my opinion they are better quality rifles than the new ones. I would specifically look for a Husqvarna 1600.

 

[604shooter]

It's pretty hard to go wrong with a Remington SPS. There are tons of aftermarket parts available in case you get bored with your stock gun. Tikkas are accurate and have their place if you can look beyond all the plastic parts.