Newbie in search of first long range rifle

[Long Time Long Ranger]

Of what you mentioned I would do the Tikka in 300 wsm. It meets all the criteria. Light, accurate, no recoil, on and on and large selection of good bullets to kill anything you mentioned. I am working with one right now shooting 150 grain Barnes TTSX at 3400 fps with one hole 5 shot groups at 100 yards. It weighs 7 pounds scoped out and I would not hesitate shooting anything in Wyoming with it. I don't think you would ever have to buy another hunting rifle unless you wanted to get into beyond 700-800 yards long range hunting.

 

[BountyHunter]

I would recommend the 300 WSM. Easy to load, wide variety of bullet weights, top notch accuracy capable and extremely good barrel life.

I would look at really two guns. Either the Tikka or the Savage (heavy barrel)

Both can be had for under $700 and you have $ to buy a decent scope and shoot a lot.

I would lean towards the heavy barrel with the savage. easy to change barrels with a simple wrench vise and $50 set of go/no-go guages. Does not get any easier than that and can be tweaked to shoot very very good.

BH