Deer Rifle

[Lars]

For what you want I say the .243 or the 6.5 Creedmoor. Excellent for all the needs you have listed. But the 1903 would be a great choice as well.

[trlcavscout]

243, good ammo selection, won't ruin to much meat. Great for coyote, P-dogs, deer, antelope etc.

[<MADDOG>]

I'd prefer though to start with a modern firearm, as that is one area that my collection is hurting.

I've always had great luck with Savages so I'd like to start there, but what have you guys had luck with? Calibers?.

Guys; I'm sorry if I miss-read this.. Appears to me the OP is looking to keep heirlooms out of the equation.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Rem 700 in 243 or 270. I personally own 270 WSM, 30-30, and 308 for big game. You can legally hunt big game in Kansas with any center fire rifle.

[Dave]

Rem 700 or Savages are good rifles for the bucks spent. Honestly a Rem 700 in 30-06 will be able to take a wide variety of game depending the the glass and round type used without breaking your bank.

[Zombie Steve]

Yep. I know you didn't ask about what rifle to get (and didn't mention a budget)... but I'm going to throw in another vote for a 700. So many aftermarket parts and good smiths out there, it can go from good to great without a ton of time or money invested.

I've always been a 700 guy... I shot an entry level Savage in .30-06 a few days ago, and was underwhelmed to say the least... and don't even get me started on the Ruger American.


There. I'm glad I got that out. That should sufficiently stir the pot.

[buckshotbarlow]

Other option is buckshot if you have shotgun...gotta get in close though. Use your 03a3, that would be frig'n awesome war story for the ol war dog. I like to stay in the same caliber, get a long action savage or remmy in '06 and then you have an elk gun or moose gun if needed.

Comparing rounds, 243 doesn't drop like the 06, but it is also not legal for elk or moose hunting...

[Zombie Steve]

Other option is buckshot if you have shotgun...gotta get in close though. Use your 03a3, that would be frig'n awesome war story for the ol war dog. I like to stay in the same caliber, get a long action savage or remmy in '06 and then you have an elk gun or moose gun if needed.

Comparing rounds, 243 doesn't drop like the 06, but it is also not legal for elk or moose hunting...

I thought it was a 6mm / .243 caliber minimum with 1,000 ft / lbs energy at 100 yards. Wouldn't a .243 Win suffice? Maybe I'm wrong. I never hunted elk with one, so I never paid it much attention...

[buffalobo]

Other option is buckshot if you have shotgun...gotta get in close though. Use your 03a3, that would be frig'n awesome war story for the ol war dog. I like to stay in the same caliber, get a long action savage or remmy in '06 and then you have an elk gun or moose gun if needed.

Comparing rounds, 243 doesn't drop like the 06, but it is also not legal for elk or moose hunting...

You sure about 243? Would like to see link to that.

Lobbed from my electronic ball and chain

[Robb]

.240 is the legal limit in CO. It may not be an ethical choice for elk/moose but it was legal for Colorado big game when I read the game regs for 2013.