What's a good rifle for hunting all ungulates??

[mysta02]

I'm just starting out hunting and haven't yet purchased a rifle. I only want to buy a single gun right now, but will likely hunt a number of ungulates with it over the next few years. What is a good single caliber for hunting deer, elk, moose, caribou, etc? What is the real-world application for different calibers (ie: why do some people like .338 and others 30-06, etc)?

Any information is greatly appreciated
Thank you so much
Cody

[835]

Have a look at this
http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showth...0-Why-a-magnum

It kinda helps understand it a bit,,, sort of.
.380win .270 30-06 will do all you need and not hurt your shoulder or pocket.
.270Win Rules!

Magnums dont kill deer,,,, bullets do.

[mysta02]

Thanks. The thread was somewhat helpful, but still everyone has their own personal preference. What makes someone have a preference for one caliber over another? Why do you like the .270Win so much? I've shot quite a bit in the past, but not enough to know the difference between the calibers of rifle. I know I want bolt-action, though.

I'll likely be doing some range shooting, as well, so effective range is important, as is (obviously) accuracy.

[sakohunter]

A bolt action rifle is a good place to start. The caliber selection is the difficult one. A .308 caliber bullet is a happy compromise in BC it gives you a huge selection of bullet weights and and action length options and if you don't reload a great selection factory bullets to choose from. The time tested 30-06 springfield is a great first caliber to start with it is considered a long action rifle. I am biased as it was my first hunting caliber. What ever you narrow your selection down to do your research, read reloading manuals (look at muzzle velocities and bullet energy at various distances, bullet drop) if you have access to them. Talk to people at the shooting range they may let you shoot thier rifle so you know more about a specific caliber. It is your hunting rifle start out right and you may hand it down in your family, start out wrong and you will be look for the right one again. Good Luck

[835]

Why do you like the .270Win so much? .

Well, partially because every one i grew up hunting with had one. But there was a reason for that. It is a very flat shooting Cartridge with ample "Power" to take all but the nastiest animals down. You can buy ammo for it anywhere and for cheap. The Cartridge has a great history to it as well. And you can shoot it all day at the range without beating your self up.

The thing is you dont need a magnum. Any of the "Medium" Cartridges will do what you need. It is just that in some cases with experiance a Mag does it better. The trouble with the internet is when you ask a question like you did there are thousands of opinions, to make it worse most of them are right. You just need to find a Rifle that YOU like and that fits YOU and YOUR budget.

Just dont buy the 30-06 because some guy says there are a million different bullet weights to shoot, I hate that reason. How many different bullets do you need! You will find that you shoot one or two of them.

[FirePower]

Have a look at this
http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showth...0-Why-a-magnum

It kinda helps understand it a bit,,, sort of.
.380win .270 30-06 will do all you need and not hurt your shoulder or pocket.
.270Win Rules!

Magnums dont kill deer,,,, bullets do.

Agreed lad, 270 is the cats meow for sure.

[Weatherby Fan]

Have a look at this
http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showth...0-Why-a-magnum

It kinda helps understand it a bit,,, sort of.
.380win .270 30-06 will do all you need and not hurt your shoulder or pocket.
.270Win Rules!

Magnums dont kill deer,,,, bullets do.

I disagree magnums kill deer just fine ! Mysta02 don't believe a word 835 says-if his lips are moving he's lying

[mysta02]

Lol. Thanks. From what I understand, Magnum isn't a better version of the same caliber, but rather a clever marketing scheme that takes advantage of the myth that it is better.

Anyway, I may or may not get magnum and it won't be determined by one person's post I'm not swayed that easily.

@nap. Wrong already. No pump for me; I'm a (lever-action) bolt-action guy We'll see about the rest of it, though.

[nap]

Lol. Thanks. From what I understand, Magnum isn't a better version of the same caliber, but rather a clever marketing scheme that takes advantage of the myth that it is better.

Anyway, I may or may not get magnum and it won't be determined by one person's post I'm not swayed that easily.

@nap. Wrong already. No pump for me; I'm a (lever-action) bolt-action guy We'll see about the rest of it, though.

well never said I would be right on my guess, just threw that pump in to add a bit of spice, most I guess would not buy a pump, what ever you decide caliber type of rifle, have a great time with it and most important be careful.

[elkeater]

i have a 30 06 and like it alot. at the range i shoot at in the woods it will kill anything. just get shooting your gun and know it well.