New Hunting rifle, what to buy?

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Tehoke01

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I am looking at buying a more powerful hunting rifle.

I currently have a Winchester Stealth II in .308.

I was thinking about buying the Tikka T3 Varmint(HB) in .300 or .338 Win Mag.

I will mainly use it for moose, but may occasionally use it for Caribou or deer.

Also, as I have NEVER used either of these calibers, I was wondering about the kick on these, is it comperable to the .308 or .30-06, a 12 gauge 3" magnum, or am I not even in the ball park on those guesses?

Please let me know what you think of these calibers and what you think about the Tikka T3 Varmint(HB).
 
The recoil felt depends on the weight of the rifle, how big you are, and how recoil tolerant you are.

I have shot 3006 for many years in a pretty light Winnie and the last while an M70 classic in 338; the kick on either has not been an issue. The 338 goes about 9.5 pounds fully rigged and it feels like more of a push to me. Yes it is more than my 06 but not much - for me.

I would be cautious of a light rifle in 338.

Not personally familiar with Tikkas but have heard they are good shooters.
 
I have a .338 win mag, but it's a BAR so there is no real kick, my one friend has a Rem 700 in 300 win mag, my other buddy a tikka (don't know what model) in 300 win mag and they both (being lighter rifles) let you know you are shooting them. I can't say stupid kick, but "in my opinion" it would be easy to develop a flinch if one didn't practice alot. 300 win mag is a great round, but I would buy a heavy rifle, same goes if I ever get a bolt action .338, 9 pounds +, heck my BAR tips the scales loaded at 11.5 lbs. A pig to carry but steady to aim.
 
The heavier-kicking the cartridge is, the more attention you must pay to Stock fit. If the stock is too short, you will feel it a lot more. The .338Win I fired I found to kick less than my '06.
 
The 338 is a step up in performance over the 30 cal. I doubt you'd be happy packing around a HB varmit gun for Moose. My 338 weighs 8 1/2 all up and is about the right weight considering recoil. More performance equals more recoil. Put a 338 250 gr. beside a 30 180 and its easy to decide what to shoot your Moose with.
 
Just about any rifle in .300WM will do, but forget the HB. I'd suggest a .30-06, but with a .308 why bother. The recoil of the .300WM is quite tolerable in a Tikka, ( I've had 2), but I'd get a Limbsaver recoil pad for it.;)
 
Thanks for all the replies guys...

...I want the T3 Tikka as I like the removeable mags and want the Varmint Heavy Barrel as I prefer a heavier rifle(I have no problem carrying around a 10-15lb rifle for extended periods), I also happen to like the looks of that particular model.

I do like the way the Tikka Varmint balances when I hold it but would like it to be a little heavier overall. I have read the Tikka stocks are hollow so I'm wondering if they are designed in such a way that would allow me to fill the hollows with weights and fiberglass resin to push the rifle from 8lbs to 10+ while still maintaining a good overall balance of weight. Any knowledge/thoughts on this?

Still debating on the caliber 300 or 338...

...Keep the opinions/thoughts coming.
 
pharaoh2 said:
Keep the thoughts coming? If you ever come to hunt the mountains, leave your new rifle at home.
Click to expand...


+1. you can hump an 8-8.5lb rifle around all day in the mountains. it aint fun, but doable. 10-12lbs? well you better be getting paid.

just picked up a Rem Model Seven SS in .308. Talley Rings, Weaver K6 fixed 6x scope. package is around 7lbs. rather nice to carry all day...
 
Or if your hunting with Crazy Davey, and are way back in, you start to hear the banjo song from Deliverance, remember nobody can hear you scream. :p

But if you hunt with me, in my reserved spot, with a cooler full of beer and burgers, you own that mountain!
 
pharaoh2 said:
Or if your hunting with Crazy Davey, and are way back in, you start to hear the banjo song from Deliverance, remember nobody can hear you scream. :p

But if you hunt with me, in my reserved spot, with a cooler full of beer and burgers, you own that mountain!
Click to expand...

Sorry bud, I think you and your beat up pick up truck have me beat in the deliverance department. Are you sure you weren't in that movie?
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