New hunter and pretty new to fire arms

if you are looking at deer, you might want to consider a bolt action in 7.62x39... ballistically close to 30-30 it is accurate can be had with quality softpoint bullets.. and practice ammunition is cheap.. Shoot lots and you will shoot better. Consider the CZ527, Ruger American or Rem 783. I started with a 30-06 and used a Ruger No.1 in 270 for mule deer for many years. Muzzle loader in 50cal. they all took game. Last year I went with the CZ 527, because I was hunting in an area that lent itself to a medium power calibre. I like the weight and compact rifle, and it looks nice with the walnut and blue steel.

Just my 37 cents worth (inflation).

Paul
 
A 7.62x39mm is inferior to the 30-30, lower sectional density bullets at the same velocity as a heavier 30-30. Nothing wrong with a 30-30 for deer, and a 7.62x39 would probably work fine, but it would not be near the top of my list for general purpose deer cartridges - too many other low recoil and ballistically superior cartridges out there.
 
Some really good suggestions on here. Consider the availability of factory ammunition if you don't hand load. I shoot both the .270 Win and .30-06. Both are very capable and easy to shoot. The .270 being lighter recoiling. Nearly every sporting goods store sells ammo for these two. Just a thought. Both will bring down much larger game than deer.
 
I was going suggest the same as PWear57. Find something that ammo is easily available. Like others have said. Try and buy a used higher quality rifle. Tikkas have always performed well for me. Don't cheap out on a scope...not all are created equal. Stay to the major manufacturers. Leupold has always been my go to for hunting rifles something in a 3x9 is a perfect starter scope.
Caliber selection is not as important as a good scope rifle combination. All calibers mentioned above will work. I do tend to agree that a lower recoil rifle is a good way to start.
Just my thoughts...but have never been told I am smart guy. Good luck
 
Handle as many rifles within your price range as you can. Try to find one the feels right. Caliber isn’t really all that important, but you’re in BC, so you might want to shy away from the 243 (although I got one to start my son with). Even if you’re primarily going to hunt deer, you’ll probably end up hunting black bear at some point just cause they’re so available. A 243 will kill a bear just fine, but bears are tougher than deer and tend to be harder to track if the hit isn’t perfect.
I’ve never tried one of Remingtons 783’s, but I noticed one in 270 on the EE the other day with an upgraded scope and some brass for $575. If it fits you could use the left over money for some binoculars, you’ll spend a lot more time looking through them than through your scope.
Shoot lots, have fun
 
Snafu-92 said:
deer for the most part in BC
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Get yourself a 6.5 Creedmoor, an excellent hunting cartridge for deer, being your first rifle its low on recoil and a pleasure to shoot, tons of cheap factory ammunition as as well as excellent long range target ammo as your going to want to shoot lots, if you get a 30-06 you won't shoot lots !

Many factory rifles chambered in this cartridge, since your a BC boy and live in Mission there's a good chance you'll hunt in the rain, pick up a Tikka T3x SS Lite, add a Leupold VX3i 3.5-10x40 duplex or my favourite scope a Leupold 4.5-14x40 30mm duplex CDS and you can shoot until your hearts content without a sore shoulder ! see you at the Mission Rifle Range !
WF
 
Snafu-92 said:
deer for the most part in BC
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I grew up hunting deer in the BC bush. Others are welcome to their opinions but I never had a good shot opportunity over 175 yds.

If i moved back there I’d do iron sights (if your eyes are good) in a comfortable calibre. Try a 30-06 at a range (after the aforementioned .22) and if it kicks a bit much, 30-30 or 7.62x39 would be a perfectly acceptable deer cartridge.
 
As mentioned above, you can go on tradeex and find yourself a great rifle for under 1000 like a zastava m70 in an assortment of cartridges or take a look at alot of their swedish rifles. If I had to recommend a cartridge for deer I'd say either .308 considering you can buy bulk ammo for practicing or .270.

You wanna use a caliber that's widely available and can be bought at even a hardware store, and effective. Personally, I'd go with a .308
 
I would say 30-06 will do but is a bit over kill. 308 or 270 win are nicer to shoot. And drop deer very nicely.
########### is always a nice place to find a good deal on a used rifle.
 
I would call up Mark at Nechako Outdoors, explain your situation and budget and do what he tells you.

A 30-06 is a good around cartridge but there are plenty of other options these days with less recoil and good factory ammo availability like the 308 and 6.5Creed. Gone are the days when it was just "get a 30-06 or a 303SMLE if you are on a budget"
 
I started hunting with a 303British. A very capable round but not the greatest ballistics.
Moved to a 25-06Rem. My fav all time round. Shot a few thou of those. Mild recoil and it has everything you’ll need for deer. Have taken moose and elk with it too but I’ll get lots of arguments on that statement. Have to be much closer in and be very sure of your shot placement. Which is very easy to do with a 25-06. Find yourself a used Tikka in 25-06 or .270 and you’ll never look back. Get someone you trust that knows what to look for to look at it first.
Just make sure the glass you get for it is of a decent quality or the recoil will make it unreliable. I recommend buying Leupold glass. Lower end models are just as durable as the higher end and they come with a lifetime warranty that stays with the glass not the owner. Warranty claims are sent to Okotoks AB and the turn around is fast. I dropped a rifle onto its scope, dented it and they replaced the tube for me for the cost of the tube no labor charge. I’m sure it happens but I’ve never heard of a warranty claim with Leupold, I’ve got 4 and a couple are on big magnums.
 
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