I want to buy a new rifle to use for game at longer range and thought I would consult some advise on this forum before I go out and purchase a new rifle. First, I live and do most of my hunting in Alaska so the intended game for this rifle will most likely be: Dall Sheep, Mtn. Goat, Sitka Blacktail Deer, Elk, Caribou and possibly Moose (with larger species like moose being less likely to be taken at longer range). Anyhow, I want to be able to shoot out to around 700 (more or less) yards with this rifle when the perfect conditions arise. Thus I am left with choosing a rifle that can shoot this accurately. I am left handed and would like the rifle to be stainless/synthetic due to the climate that we have here. I have looked at a number of factory rifles and really like feel and features of the Tikka T3 Lite. However I will consider all opinions or advise on what to get. As well as this, I would like a smaller caliber with somewhat mild recoil so I can practice enough to gain the proficiency required to shoot at long range. With that in mind, I am looking at the following calibers for this rifle (.260 rem, 6.5x55, .270 win, 7mm08) since this is what the factory Tikka is offered in. However, like I said before I will consider all calibers including custom varieties. As well as this I will be reloading for this rifle and will also consider turning the gun into an Ackley Improved if that will help. Anyhow, essentially my question is what gun and caliber would you pick for the conditions I have outlined. Any advise is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Luke
Thanks,
Luke