Thread: Good caliber to start hunting with?

Originally Posted by mikee

Sorry, can't help myself any longer 7-08 and preferably a Tikka

Knew someone would pipe up with that sooner than later.
308 would be a good choice as reasonably large bullet travelling at reasonably good speed and doesn't come with funny ponsonby coffe

I have done target shooting most of my life so im not new to shooting and thanks haha

AH no don't get a Ranger scope. Get a Nikon, Burris, Leopold, Weaver etc. You will be crying when it goes out of adjustment/fogs and you miss a big deer! On the other hand A T3 is a good choice for a first rifle.

Originally Posted by TyrinnS

Something liek this?
Tikka T3 Scope, Bag, Sling & Cleaning kit package

That would get you started, scope is the first thing I'd replace. If its really worth $300, ask them for $250 off the price and buy a second hand Leupold...

Would it be better to buy one with out the scope then buy a scope to go on it?

Personally I reckon Tikkas are overrated - they're ok, but no better than their competitors. In any case go to gun shops and handle a few different brand/models of rifle in your price range before you decide what to get, they all have their own fit and feel and the most important thing is to get one that suits you rather than a salesman or some guy on the internet.

Calibre-wise as others have said - 243, 6.5x55, 7mm08, 308 all good options, or 270 if you don't mind more recoil and noise for the same effect.

Originally Posted by TyrinnS

I have done target shooting most of my life so im not new to shooting and thanks haha

That is good, but what are you used to shooting?
,22?

Theres only one to consider ..243. They just awesome, no recoil, bowl anything over to a certain range, cant go wrong . But if you want a balance opinion i suppose you have to chuck in the 6.5x55 25-06 the hip 7m=08, 308 (mans rifle). No point getting a loud 270, 30 06 or 7mm mag for a newbie. In time with experience you can move to the cannons

Alright I am in .
You have to take into account what you are shooting and how far.
Bear in mind that most guys with the bigger calibre are shooting longer range and put in alot of practise on paper.
learn on something with less kick and then update if you feel the need later on.
One thing I got wrong was going to cheap on the scope .
buy the best scope you can afford.
For the ranges I shoot my 270 is too big and I are considering changing to a 243.
I love my 22-250 but its a little small for larger game in the bush but its so accurate out to 300 m.
oh yeah go the Tikka value for money .

As long as its not a shitty old .303 or a .270 you'll be on the right track for a first rifle

haha Shot fired against the .270 lovers...

Generally as stated above most calibers (.223 throught to .308) will do the job, just invest in a good scope and good set of rings as you can't shoot shit if you cant see shit.

No such thing as a shitty old 303 toby. Show respect for your elders.

A 308 will kill almost anything that you would want to hunt. There reasonable cheap to run and are available in several makes and configurations.

Hard to argue with the .308 as a great all-rounder.

7mm-08 or .270 are good options too.

All three will knock over deer out to normal ranges, ammo is cheap enough and readily available.

510 nitro express would be an excellent starting point, moving on to something with a bit more authority as you progress