New to the forum. First post. I've been reading several suggestions and figured I've give you my specs. I had planned on getting a winchester model 70 in a supergrade but my buddy talked me out of it. He says it's wood, pretty, and will get scratched if you take it to the mountains or on long hikes. Get a composite stock, stainless barrel
So, he suggested Tikka, Sako 85, Browning X-bolt, ...or potentially the Sako 85 Long Range due out later in the fall according to some phone calls I've made.
I'm going to pass on Remington and Winchester....I have other rifles in remington and winchester and would like to try something different. I would like something with a fluted bull barrel and stainless for weather conditions and hunting in a wet environment- potentially elk hunting.
I've also thought about getting a Sako 42 300 win mag. Although this may be too heavy for hunting. I'm 5'11" 220 and I am used to carrying weight as I often Hike with backpack on my back.. 30-40 pound range but if this is too heavy, then I'll pass.
I am looking for a 300 win mag because I do reload and there's lots of options for 30 cal out there. Some components I already have on hand as I reload for the 308 AR-10. I would really like to stick to a 300 win mag. Not interested in a Lapua 338 for now
Scope: I have a vortex Viper PST 6-24 50 FFP milrad sitting in the safe. I'll start there and upgrade later but I want the expense to be on the rifle for now.
Application:
1. I want something for ELK and black bear. Mule deer. and some day an african hunting trip. Nothing too big. Mostly plains game.
2. Sub MOA at 100 yards and want the ability to shoot out to 1,000
Rifle budget. I'd like to spend around 1,000 to 1,500 but I have 3,000 saved up currently and can go that high. What ever I don't spend, I'll save for a different scope or get started purchasing reloading components. I reload on a dillon and will need dies and the kit for 300 win mag. Powder, bullets, primers. I reload for all my rifles and have a fair hand on that.
Reason I'm asking my question. Tikka is a nice rifle. Cheaper than a Sako 85 and I tend to lean towards spending the money where I need to. Sako 85 doesn't have a 26 inch barrel for 300 win mag out currently. The Long range will when or if it's ever available. I think 26 inch barrel, preferable with a 1:10 twist is what I'm looking for.
Browning X-Bolt. Never owned one. They website says the Japan made barrels are pretty good. But I called Browning and Winchester and none of the techs would tell me anything about long range capabilities other than the spec sheet. Pretty disappointing.
So, what say you? Any recommendations. I can piece one together but I don't know where to start. I've built AR-15s and am fairly confident but this is a whole other deal for a precision rifle.
Is there a combo hunting, long range shooting option, 300 win mag, accurate, stainless- no wood, bull barrel - 26 inches? I don't go elk hunting that often, so if I see I can't get both, I'll look into a SAKO TRG 42 and just keep it on the bench.
So, he suggested Tikka, Sako 85, Browning X-bolt, ...or potentially the Sako 85 Long Range due out later in the fall according to some phone calls I've made.
I'm going to pass on Remington and Winchester....I have other rifles in remington and winchester and would like to try something different. I would like something with a fluted bull barrel and stainless for weather conditions and hunting in a wet environment- potentially elk hunting.
I've also thought about getting a Sako 42 300 win mag. Although this may be too heavy for hunting. I'm 5'11" 220 and I am used to carrying weight as I often Hike with backpack on my back.. 30-40 pound range but if this is too heavy, then I'll pass.
I am looking for a 300 win mag because I do reload and there's lots of options for 30 cal out there. Some components I already have on hand as I reload for the 308 AR-10. I would really like to stick to a 300 win mag. Not interested in a Lapua 338 for now
Scope: I have a vortex Viper PST 6-24 50 FFP milrad sitting in the safe. I'll start there and upgrade later but I want the expense to be on the rifle for now.
Application:
1. I want something for ELK and black bear. Mule deer. and some day an african hunting trip. Nothing too big. Mostly plains game.
2. Sub MOA at 100 yards and want the ability to shoot out to 1,000
Rifle budget. I'd like to spend around 1,000 to 1,500 but I have 3,000 saved up currently and can go that high. What ever I don't spend, I'll save for a different scope or get started purchasing reloading components. I reload on a dillon and will need dies and the kit for 300 win mag. Powder, bullets, primers. I reload for all my rifles and have a fair hand on that.
Reason I'm asking my question. Tikka is a nice rifle. Cheaper than a Sako 85 and I tend to lean towards spending the money where I need to. Sako 85 doesn't have a 26 inch barrel for 300 win mag out currently. The Long range will when or if it's ever available. I think 26 inch barrel, preferable with a 1:10 twist is what I'm looking for.
Browning X-Bolt. Never owned one. They website says the Japan made barrels are pretty good. But I called Browning and Winchester and none of the techs would tell me anything about long range capabilities other than the spec sheet. Pretty disappointing.
So, what say you? Any recommendations. I can piece one together but I don't know where to start. I've built AR-15s and am fairly confident but this is a whole other deal for a precision rifle.
Is there a combo hunting, long range shooting option, 300 win mag, accurate, stainless- no wood, bull barrel - 26 inches? I don't go elk hunting that often, so if I see I can't get both, I'll look into a SAKO TRG 42 and just keep it on the bench.
