All-around gun/caliber for Texas?

[TORCHRIDER]

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I decided to go with a .308 bolt gun for my all around hunting rifle. It isn't as glamorous as some of the others mentioned but works for me for several reasons.

• It is powerful enough to take most any game I am likely to go after.
• It can be loaded with 110gr. to 180gr. bullets for varmints to big game.
• It shoots flat enough for the ranges I am likely to shoot.
• Ammo is cheap and plentiful.
• 30 caliber bullets for reloading are cheap plentiful.
• I shoot and reload 7.62x51 (.308) in several semi-autos so can use that ammo and know how and where it shoots.
• Recoil is mild
• My suppressor can be used on it for Legal suppressed hunting in Texas

I bought a Savage Hog Hunter with a 20" threaded barrel. I will put a decent 1-4 or 2-7 scope on it. Replace the stock if necessary. Total cost will be under $1k including the optic. The suppressor is already bought and paid for.

I am already contemplating my next rifle, so am looking hard at the recommendations many of you made. Merry Christmas! gun)

 

[BergerBoy]

Nothing is more tried n true than the .308
gun)
It's one of the most versitle rounds out. Shoot subs with ~11 gr. of TB or Supers in most any weight. If your already set up for it.

 

[Unofficial Gun Addict (UGA)]

Excellent caliber and it should serve you very well! Post a pic of your gun when it arrives. We'd love to see what you want with!

Straight shootin!!

James

 

[TORCHRIDER]

Excellent caliber and it should serve you very well! Post a pic of your gun when it arrives. We'd love to see what you want with!

Straight shootin!!

James

Sure will. I got the gun. Now waiting on the Leupold VX-1 2-7 x 33 scope and Warne Quick Detach rings to put on it. It is nothing special compared to many of the rifles I see on this site, but if it shoots MOA I will be very happy. I have already loaded up a bunch of Nosler 150/165 Ballistic tips, Hornady 150 SP Interlocks, and Hornady 178 AMAX's to try. Hopefully one of those will shoot well and be my go to round.

 

[TORCHRIDER]

Here is the finished product, so to speak. I believe this setup will work very well for all the Texas game I am likely to encounter. I am in the process of working up loads with the 178 AMAX, 150 Ballistic Tip and 150 Interlock. A suppressor I have will also be going on it occasionally.

Stock .308 Savage Hog Hunter
Leupold VX-1 2-7
Warne steel bases and QR rings

 

[bogger01]

good looking setup.should suit you well

 

[jonthomps]

What bogger said: great looking set up. Look forward to a range report!