Most powerful sub $700 gun?

Savage 12 gauge bolt action slug gun would have quite a bit of thump behind it.

The 12 gauge rile from hell was built on a Savage 210 action, 12 gauge slug gun converted into a cannon by putting a heavy barrel and a heavy stock onto it. Now it shoot slugs out of a blown out .50 bmg brass. The modifications would bring it up considerably higher than $700 but it is a beast.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197214
 
What about .300RUM?

I'm looking at a Remington 700BDL in a .300 Ultra Mag with a 26" barrel for hunting Elk and Moose in Montana. I want something that will really reach out there and drop 'em in their tracks. This is Rem Model 6410, I can get one NIB for $784 shipped, don't know what my local FFL will charge. What do you guys think? Is this a wise choice? Any recommendations?
 
There is no doubt that any of the big magnums can reach out but whether or not it will drop them in their tracks is a function of the shooter not really the caliber of the gun.

I don't know what your experience is in hunting elk and moose, but many times the distances are not long, so many calibers work. If you have never hunted in the Rocky Mtn. states several things will come into play that are much more important than the caliber of your rifle. Things like; how good a shot you are with whatever rifle you carry? What is your physical condition? Do you understand trajectory for uphill or downhill shots, and how good are you at judging distance? Do you have a "good" range finder and binoculars?

Lots of things go into a successful hunt. Caliber may be the least important. By the way, why do you think you need a 26" barrel? Not very handy when hunting in forested areas where most elk and moose live.
 
Weatherby would be a decent powerful rifle for a decent price.
http://www.weatherby.com/product/rifles/vanguard_2/wby_x_whitetail_bonz
$750MSRP chambered in .300 weatherby magnum. And apparently they guarantee sub MOA groups from this rifle.

SUB-MOA GUARANTEED ACCURACY— All Weatherby® Vanguard® Series 2 rifles are guaranteed to shoot a 3-shot group of .99" or less at 100 yards (SUB-MOA) when used with Weatherby® factory or premium ammunition. Vanguard Series 2 are the most accurate "out of the box" rifles you can buy.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for the input, Meeteetse. You live in Wyoming? I lived in Riverton, on the Wind River Reservation from '01-'05. I did a bit of Mulie hunting out on the Res with my friend's Model 70 .30-06, but it wasn't "Mountain or Forest" hunting. After talking with my best friend, who is quite well connected to the hunting community in North TX, I think I'll go for an '06 with a 24" barrel. I am U.S. Army trained Expert Marksman, and did a little sniping in Desert Storm with a 'Nam era Model 70, but the farthest kill-shot I had was about 900 yards (aimed for the head, hit just under the rib cage...but a hit's a hit). I just like the longer barrels for long range accuracy. And thinking the RUM for it's ballistic properties, as well as downrange energy transfer. But to answer your question: no, I really don't have any experience hunting the bigger fellas in the mountains. Truth is, I really need an all-around rifle that is reliable, rugged, very accurate, and will put the meat on the table. Honestly, most of my hunting life was centered around upland bird hunting...pheasants mostly, the only rifles I own at this time are a 30-30, .22LR, and a Yugoslav SKS. Not much for range, and the blunt nose is not very good much more than a brush buster. I'm not claiming to be a crack shot these days; hell, I haven't fired a rifle in 6 years! I'm gonna be a little rusty. Any more thoughts and advice for my future hunt plans (moving to Missoula area in July) from you guys with the experience I so sorely lack would be greatly appreciated. BTW, what are the good web sites for quality gear at reasonable prices, as well as advice and tips and tricks, etc.? Thanks again for your wisdom!
 
Sbaker,
If "powerful" is kinetic energy, You may be able to find a used, older in poor to fair shape single shot .50 BMG, like a friend bought in AZ in 2010, for $750.
That's probably a stretch though unless you find a private, desperate seller.
 
How about a sub-$300 gun? H&R Handi-Rifle in .500 S&W magnum.
Over 3,000 ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle with a 350 grain bullet from a 7 pound rifle. Your shoulder better brace itself :eek:

Remington chambers the model 700, 783, and (don't buy this one) the 770 in .300 win mag all under $700. Heck probably all under $500 if you get the cheaper 700 SPS. The .300 WM will get you over 4,000 ft/lbs muzzle energy.

Howa chambers their rifle for .375 Ruger which will get you to about 5,000 ft/lbs ME for $450-$500. This is the one I'd go for if I really wanted some punch. I personally have no need (or want) for such a rifle

http://www.legacysports.com/hogue
 
Big guns

Sweet some people with Wyoming roots chatting around. I am in Gillette now, but have lived in every corner of the state and many places in between. I am not sure about websites for cheap gear and stuff. There is a gunsmith here that is really nice so I tend to go that route. For hunting tips and stuff, nothing exotic but outdoor life, field and stream, and even cabelas all have a tips section that I will pa-rouse every once in awhile. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundtion is a pretty good deal I think. I am sure there are better web-sites.

Missoula has some awesome elk hunting right out the back door. Wolf hunting is getting big, too. Moose tags are a hard tag to draw where ever you are I think.

As far as big guns, I can understand the curiosity about big guns, they would be fun to shoot. I have always wanted to try a 45-70. A ten guage is about as much shotgun as I want, but that would be fun, too. Saw off some wooden fence posts. I have only shot up to a .338 Weatherby Mag and after about three shots I wanted it to be mounted in a truck, but still its fun. The sound it makes is pretty cool. Then the thump on a target is even better. but it hurts.
 
Well, what are some of the better places to find good used rifles on the internet? Somebody mentioned GB; what is that? I'm really just getting into the bigger game, and my main goal is to harvest an animal or two each year for food. As far a wolf hunting...I don't kill it if I don't want to eat it! That being said, I have shot a few coyotes over the years to keep them away from my livestock and pets. When I was a teen, we used to go plinking at prairie dog towns out in the Panhandle...lots of fun, but ultimately not wise. So guys, sound off on your favorite hunting rifle. I've been looking at Rem 700 and Winchester 70s...I'm a real Browning fan, as well; so I guess FN would be in that bunch. Like I said, I'm either gonna go .30-06 or .300 Win Mag. Give me some of your favorite suggestions!!

Thanks,

Jason
 
Born, raised, lived and hunted in Wyoming for more than 50 years. Lived in Casper and Cheyenne but hunted every corner of the state for everything. Most of my big game hunting was done with .308 caliber bolt guns and once in a while a 30/30. I was lucky enough to hunt all the big game and I always got an elk each year. Once I started elk hunting, most everything else got put aside. Nothing like it. We rarely needed more meat than a good elk can provide.

Biggest thing about hunting is to have a rifle you enjoy and shoot well no matter the caliber. If you were a good shooter before, it won't take long to get the skills back. Enjoy your hunt and enjoy Montana.
 
look at the h&r handi rifles, multiple calibers new for under 400. all single shot , but they have a 45-70 and a 444 marlin. if you just want to get the crap knocked out of you, get the 45-70, i have one, and am currently trying out trapdoor loads for it, the modern loads jusy hurt cause the gun is small and fairly light
 
I can get you rigged up with Enfield in our 585HE,
for about that and depending on Mag work a little more.
And have 13,000 ft lbs energy if you want. Or load
down to mild 577NE levels.

Cases and dies extra. Check the 585HE or 12ga FH
thread on these forums..Ed
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top