1st Hunting rifle

[spacemonkey]

I am looking for my first hunting rifle that I would like to use for feral hogs in california. I can't decide on .243, .270, or .308
I am looking for a budget bolt action and I would like to find a one that can take 10 rd magazines. Any suggestions?

[russt]

Ruger gun site scout in .308 fits the order.

[Dark Mod]

What could you possibly need 10 round magazines for? Theres a reason most hunting rifles have 5 round internal magazines. Your not gonna shot more than a couple rounds anyway.

The gunsite scout looks fun, but when compared to an american rifle at 1/3 of the price it just doesnt make sense. ESPECIALLY as a hunting rifle.

[NytWolf]

I don't understand the need/want for 10 rounds. Seriously, the only thing carrying 10 rounds in your magazine while hunting is adding extra weight you don't need. You'll be lucky to get off 3 rounds while hunting -- either you won't need the 2nd and 3rd shots, or you won't get a chance at it.

With that said, a .270 or a .308 would fit your bill. Since it is your first hunting rifle, I'm assuming you have no hunting experience, so a .243 would/should be out of the question.

As far as which rifle, there are many bolt action rifles under or about $500. Weatherby Vanguard, Savage, Remington 700. Define "budget" and you might get more answers.

[mif_slim]

.270 to be safe from panic's but 308 to have plenty of ammo choice when theres no panic.

[spacemonkey]

why is 243 out? As for the 10rd detachable mag I would use it @ the range for convienience and I would use a flush fit for hunting.

[Cypriss32]

TC Venture Stainless 30-06. Dicks and Buds have them for under 500.00. Best hunting rifle for the $$$ right now period.

[.40CALIbear]

If its for hunting I would go with .270. It a hard hitting and flat shooting round that can kill any mammal in the US. Plus ammo is usually in stock and pretty inexpensive. The 308 is a fine round also but so popular that good quality hunting ammo is hard to find. Alot of people hoard the 308 ammo, so they buy up as much they can when they see it.

[chicoredneck]

I hunt with a 10 round mag in my AR and there has been times when I have fired every round at coyotes running through trees and multiple pigs. In a larger caliber it would be heavy, but in a 243 it is reasonable.

[.40CALIbear]

TC Venture Stainless 30-06. Dicks and Buds have them for under 500.00. Best hunting rifle for the $$$ right now period.

Did they put them back up for sale? Dicks had removed all Thompson Center rifles because of some recall

[Divernhunter]

If you are near me you can come and try out a number of different rifles and chamberings.
Forget the 10 round mag. At the range you have plenty of time to reload. Hunting you will not need it----unless you are a spray and pray type, then you should not be hunting. Another thing to consider. IF you blast away 10 rounds you will heat up the rifle barrel too much. This can cause it to become less accurate but most important it will cause the barrel to burn out excessivly fast. You need neither in a hunting rifle.
The 243 in not a good choice. It is not for a beginner and hunting where you may have to take any shot presented to you. Get the 308Win. Ammo will become easy to get and you will be able to shoot surplus for plinking/fun shooting.
The Savage/Mosberg/Stevens/Ruger American/T/C Bolt action and Weatherby Vanguard are all great rifles at a lower price. A Tikka T-3 Lite cost more but is worth every cent.
DO NOT go cheap on a scope for hunting. Also use the KISS princple and stay away from 50mm lenses. "I" would put a Leupold 3X9X40 or 3.5X10X40 on it. NO NEED for more power. I just got back from Africa and shot many animals(including small monkeys) at ranges beyond 400 yards. All but one were one shot ,no tracking, kills using a 3X9X40 Leupold. I have taken pronghorns at over 600 yards but do not suggest it as a normal practice. Most hunting shots are actually taken at 100 yards or less.
If I wanted a cheaper scope I would get a American made Redfield, which is actually made by Leupold. Or a Burris/Weaver. I have heard good things about Nikon but not used them. Do NOT buy the bottom line scope from any manufacture. You do not need the scope going bad when you get your only shot at an animal.
Feel free to contact me if you want to shoot some rifles or want other help.

[shooter1975]

I say go big! 700 Nitro Express!!!! No but all kidding aside go 308!

[Cypriss32]

Please do yourself a favor and buy a 3006. 3006 has killed more animals then anything else. Ammo is forsale at any place that sells ammo. And bullets range from 110gr to 240 all factory loaded....

[russ69]

...The gunsite scout looks fun, but when compared to an american rifle at 1/3 of the price it just doesnt make sense. ESPECIALLY as a hunting rifle.

Well, the scout is a handy length, durable and you don't need the added expense of a scope.

[CoopsDad]

Don't use a .243 on hogs, it's too light to reliably take them down. A .308 is about the smallest caliber that I'd recommend for a pig gun. I've hunted feral hogs for over 30 years and have seen some absorb enough lead to die of heavy metal poisoning, but somehow keep moving. A cousin emptied an enbloc Garand clip into a big Pennsylvania boar over the course of a chase that went a mile or so. Despite 8 thoracic hits from 180-gr softpoints, it had to be tracked and recovered the next day. It was almost 2 miles from where the first round went into it.

Buy a nice .30/06 and don't look back.