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New to rifle hunting where to start? #6480837 10/04/16 09:41 PM
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I am a paper puncher started with handguns 9mm, wanted to get into rifle so got a CZ american in 22lr. Been working on bench and off hand shooting 25-50 yards some time a bit further. I also got a 300 black out sbr that i just got the stamp back a couple of weeks ago with an aimpoint pro (waiting for stamp for sandman L). I have an opportunity through work to go to a large guided hunt in the Brady area for a weekend in November. 90% of my shooting will be paper 200 yards max. Hopefully in the future my hunting time will grow. I have 2 boys 7 and 4 that I would love to get out and experience the outdoors.

I have been looking on and off for awhile calibers/rifles but the past week since I found out about the hunt I have spent all my free time researching. I have some money saved up was planning on getting into reloading then into a rifle, but that got flip flopped.

I know 300 blackout can take a deer with a scope added, I would feel funy carrying around an SBR AR while every one else carries around a traditional hunting style rifle. Also I know its about accuracy but I would prefer a larger caliber in case I am a bit off. I would hate to wound and not kill a deer.

Is there any reason not to get a 6.5 Creedmoor besides price of round/rifle. I do not want to have to tinker too much after I buy it so I was looking at Tikka T3x CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor, or Tikka T3 in a smaller caliber maybe .270. I am not set on Tikka just seems to get good reviews.

I am open to any suggestions on other guns. I will need an optic and rings as well. My price max would be 2,500 but anything I save will go for ammo and saving for reloading!!!

Thanks for reading cheers

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6480849 10/04/16 09:45 PM
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I don't think you could go wrong with a Tikka.

I shoot a 270 for my deer hunting and love it but bc of BC I can't really go past about 600 yds. With the 6.5mm Creedmoor you could have both of best worlds. Knockdown power and long range capable gun. There are a few on here who know way more then me about the 6.5 creed but from what I've read its a great round.

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6480854 10/04/16 09:46 PM
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If your max is $2,500 (with optics) you have a whole world in front you. You can go semi-custom, Sako, or any number of fine production bolt action rifles. The oldage, spend as much more on the scope as you did the gun - should hold true.

Also, any caliber from the 243 up to the 30 caliber mags will work for Texas hunting.

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6480857 10/04/16 09:48 PM
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get the tikka ctr in 6.5 creedmoor and put a $1500 scope on it -- should keep you close to your max budget.

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6480879 10/04/16 09:56 PM
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Agree on the Tikka in 6.5 but there's really no need to spend $1500 on a scope for deer hunting. There are plenty of quality optics for deer hunting for 1/3 that and you can spend the rest on ammo or even get started on your reloading. You could also visit JG for his class and Chad for the ammo and be way ahead of the game. P_102


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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6480888 10/04/16 10:00 PM
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If your hunt is in November, you need to move pretty quick. A semi custom probably won't make it in time. There are a ton of good deals in the classifieds on here right now. I've bought several guns off of this sight and all have been stand up deals. I'm also a fan of the 6.5 caliber and I've got a new .260 Rem that I may drag out this year. Its a long range rifle and super heavy, but I'll most likely be shooting from a stand, not going on some two mile stalk.


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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6480906 10/04/16 10:12 PM
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As a owner of the 6.5CM, I can attest to it's great performance. It has quickly proven itself and is my go-to rifle. If you are considering a Tikka, the best prices I have found on them is at www.grabagun.com I have made several purchases from them and they are top notch in every way. The Tikka is a fine rifle. As for the scope, P-102 gave you good advice. Unless you are talking NV, a great scope can be had for $500 or less.


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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6480912 10/04/16 10:14 PM
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Any centerfire from a .243 up will do just fine.


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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: P_102] #6481010 10/04/16 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted By: P_102
Agree on the Tikka in 6.5 but there's really no need to spend $1500 on a scope for deer hunting. There are plenty of quality optics for deer hunting for 1/3 that and you can spend the rest on ammo or even get started on your reloading. You could also visit JG for his class and Chad for the ammo and be way ahead of the game. P_102


If you go to JGFiremans class you are gonna come away wishing you had a Burris xtr ii or a NF Shv F1 or a SWFA SS 5-20. I cuss him every time I see him.

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: RedSnake] #6481038 10/04/16 11:44 PM
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I picked up my NF NXS 5.5-22x56 for $750. Nanner nanner. bolt
Originally Posted By: RedSnake
Originally Posted By: P_102
Agree on the Tikka in 6.5 but there's really no need to spend $1500 on a scope for deer hunting. There are plenty of quality optics for deer hunting for 1/3 that and you can spend the rest on ammo or even get started on your reloading. You could also visit JG for his class and Chad for the ammo and be way ahead of the game. P_102


If you go to JGFiremans class you are gonna come away wishing you had a Burris xtr ii or a NF Shv F1 or a SWFA SS 5-20. I cuss him every time I see him.


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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481042 10/04/16 11:47 PM
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243, 6.5 CM or 260 are more than adequate for deer. 308 is like an old pickup truck, no flash, but very reliable. Shot placement trumps power. 7-08 is a good choice. The 270 is a step up in recoil, but a classic choice for a reason. 243, 270 and 308 ammo will be on the shelf most anywhere if you need ammo in a pinch.

Tikkas shoot well, but they feel cheaply made to me. If you like CZ, they make some nice rifles. Montana Rifle Company is a very good design, essentially an improved copy of the pre-64 Win M70 and usually with good accuracy. The Mauser 12 really provides a lot of value for the price.

The SWFA SS fixed 6x is a good value choice for $300. It is unusually good quality, well beyond the price point. Beyond that, I would recommend looking for a used Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42. They can be found for $1300, sometimes less, on ebay, amazon and hunting forums. The illuminated reticle is a very helpful tool, especially for pigs in low light. The SHV's do not have illuminated reticles.

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481164 10/05/16 01:06 AM
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Tikka t3 lite in .270. Deadly accurate. Tikka is made by sako. They get good reviews for a reason. I looked at many rifles and tikka was they way to go for me. No regrets.

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481185 10/05/16 01:24 AM
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Originally Posted By: akared


Is there any reason not to get a 6.5 Creedmoor besides price of round/rifle. I do not want to have to tinker too much after I buy it so I was looking at Tikka T3x CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor, or Tikka T3


There is no reason to not get a 6.5 Creedmoor.

Tikka are my favorite mass produced rifle.

I've got bolt action .223, .22-250, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7-08, 7 Rem Mag. And AR in .223 and .308. If I had to pick only one cartridge to "do-it-all" I would have to flip a coin between the 6.5 Creedmoor and 7-08. If you're not a hand-loader, 6.5 Creedmoor is absolutely the way to go!


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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481233 10/05/16 02:03 AM
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Is Tikka importing the Creedmoor yet? Last time I looked they were not.


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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481249 10/05/16 02:11 AM
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One of my rifles is a Tikka in 25-06. Tikka is a quality rifle and yes, it get great reviews. I'm sure you can't go wrong with a Tikka in the 6.5 Creedmore if it is available. Take a look at the ballistic for the 25-06.

As fas as scopes, one of my favorites is a Vortex HS-T 6x24 which sells for a little less than $600.00. I very happy with the Vortex brand and is a good value for the money.

Last edited by TexasVine; 10/05/16 02:14 AM.

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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481266 10/05/16 02:15 AM
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How's the recoil on the 6.5CM? Since he has a couple of young boys I know that might play a role though I don't know much about the CM myself.

If you're just deer hunting, I'm a big proponent to fixed power scopes and lighter weight rifles when possible. Depends where you're hunting really, but I like to be in close to them. Plus, I can't shoot past 400 yards very well with the shakiness of my hands anyways.

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481271 10/05/16 02:17 AM
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Wow thanks for all the information so quickly. Really thinking about 6.5 Tikka, I wouldn't mind buying used just don't know what to look for buying used.


What about a good scope from my understanding it will be a stand. But if it matters I don't want something that will lose zero by being hauled around a field or in a truck. I have a Leupold VX-2 Ultralight Rimfire EFR Rifle Scope 3-9x on my .22 I really like it for paper haven't had a chance to hunt with it. I think I would like a little more magnification with a higher power rifle. Special since I will be punching paper more then deer/hogs.



Again thanks for all the positive feedback!!!
http://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3x-rifle...p;i=18&d=18

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481342 10/05/16 02:50 AM
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If it's a stand a good variable will work. You can get them in higher magnifications without losing the low end, just check your eye relief (especially if you use glasses).

Number 1 thing for me is getting my gun setup to where I don't need to adjust so much when I shoulder it. I hate having to crane my neck forward on some guns when the magnification is cranked up on lower end scopes.

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481486 10/05/16 10:57 AM
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JG will happily customize his class to your wants/needs. It's nice to have a top of the line scope to reach out to 800 but not mandatory, The Vortex PST in second focal plane does a fine job and is known to hold zero and get back to zero very well when dialing. I agree on more magnification if you're going to do more target shooting than hunting, something in a 4-16x50 would be a good compromise. Also, and hopefully not adding confusion, pay attention to the reticle...a good MOA or MIL reticle is extremely helpful. If you and the boys want to get more serious about the target shooting you will eventually want to move to a first focal plane scope, a few hundred $ more but well worth it. P_102


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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481634 10/05/16 01:22 PM
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Im not a caliber guru but can u buy the 6.5 creedmor ammo at most stores? dont think i have ever seen a box of that ammo anywere.


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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: Hoytman] #6481667 10/05/16 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted By: Hoytman
Im not a caliber guru but can u buy the 6.5 creedmor ammo at most stores? dont think i have ever seen a box of that ammo anywere.


You must not be looking. Academy and Cabela's in Lubbock both stock several brands and bullet weights.


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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481814 10/05/16 03:00 PM
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Maybe they are slacking off in east tx. hammer


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Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481827 10/05/16 03:10 PM
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Ammo availability in small towns are the regular. 3030, 270, 3006, 308, 7 mag. Just in case you do forget or run out. Have had it happen to me, I'm sure it has happen to others also.

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481893 10/05/16 03:37 PM
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Well the model I was really wanted just came back into stock today so I pulled the trigger elmer Tikka t3x CTR

I looked around and called some places in town and its all out of stock and unknown wait times.

Sorry tried to search but where can I find info on the JG class? I am looking into 4-16x50 scopes now.

Thanks for all the help.

Re: New to rifle hunting where to start? [Re: akared] #6481922 10/05/16 03:51 PM
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If your not planning on long range hunting or shooting (I believe you said 200 yard max) there are a bunch of much less expensive scope options that will fill the bill. You could complete your set up (rifle and scope) for approximately $1000 and use the other $1500 to get a nice reloading set up.


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