So what is the best hunting rifle for hunters at every price point?
Best hunting rifle for the low-tier Winchester XPR at $479.99
Best hunting rifle for the mid-tier RUGER AMERICAN® HUNTER at $989.00
Best hunting rifle for the high-tier T3X Lite Roughtech at 1099.00
The question this article will discuss is what makes a hunting rifle great, and what rifles adhere to all the important factors. The factors are included below:
Rifle optics like scopes or iron sights and how that plays into your choice of rifle.
What is the caliber or animal you want to hunt?
Weight and length.
Bullet drop
Cartridge price
Stock material
Safety and trigger mechanism.
This article will look at the best rifles for different brands at different price points.
The brands to be discussed are Winchester, Ruger, Remington, and Tikka rifles will be chosen.
We will be looking at rifles that are the best for all sorts of hunting from deer to hogs.
All rifles will be right-handed models so make sure to check before buying.
No rifles with folding stocks were discussed.
With the choice of animals, the following cartridges will be chosen throughout the article and why they were chosen, and their advantages and issues: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC 30 .06 .308 Win. Most of the same caliber rifles are chosen.
All brands will be talked about at multiple price points to help shorten the list of possible choices for however much money you can afford to pay for a rifle. The three tiers spoken of are low, medium, and high tiers correspond to less than below 700, 700-1000and 1000+ dollars for each rifle. Rifles with no scopes will be chosen to keep prices even between each.
This article will talk about some suggestions for scopes and how all the parts and details of the gun will affect your performance. Companies will be discussed to give you an idea of what the company does and how it affects the industry and governs its business ethically.
Hunting Rifle brand Winchester:
History and current governance:
The Winchester repeating arms company was founded in 1866 and is currently owned by the Herstal group a Belgian company that owns browning as well. In the late 1800’s most of the more notable and historical guns still used today were created back then when Winchester and Browning created the Winchester model in 1897 and many others like it. A Japanese company also owns some of the brands for models 1885 and 1892.
Manufacturing locations:
The guns are made in Portugal, Japan, and Belgium currently.
Environmental impact:
The Winchester name is significantly involved with worldwide hunter safety and the safe possession of firearms through their Real Solutions Safer Communities program.
Along with a Winchester conservation group that used 400 million dollars to increase the preservation of hunting lands.
They are working on recycling and reuse, but have no firm measures.
Best Low tier hunting rifle Winchester XPR Bolt-Action Rifle:
Price $479.99
Caliber 6.5 Creedmoor
Game: smaller animals up to elk.
Range around 250 yards for an elk, but up to 800 yards for deer.
Great for beginners: This rifle would be great for your first hunting rifle, I think it’s an affordable rifle these days, but this rifle gives you the choice of going for larger animals if you want. It’s one of the more affordable bolt-action hunting rifles considering all the inflation nowadays. One of the better bolt action rifles in the game.
Cartridge: With using a 6.5 Creedmoor which uses a smaller bullet that is longer, and dangerous game should not be hunted with it. Depending on the shot, it could cause a hairy situation for you considering you will need to be fairly close to get a kill with this gun on any animal larger than a deer.
The perfect deer rifle for someone on a budget.
Weight and length: 6lbs 12 ounces. The length of the pull is 13 3/4″, the barrel length is 22″, and the total length is 42″ all are fairly normal.
Stock is synthetic and has a matte black finish, I think the black guns look quite nice, but camo is obviously the better choice in woodland environments, but black should be fine for most environments.
Action length: action length is the length of the cartridge essentially, 6.5 Creedmoor is always a short action rifle, which means it uses short bullets that weigh less. This won’t be pointed out for every cartridge just something to think about when looking at rifles.
Bullet drop: about a 9.2″ drop per 100 yards.
Range: for elk the range is about 300 yards at 1500 ft/lbs
Low grain range: normally 140-150 grains.
One of the best hunting rifles at this price.
Advantages:
Very affordable hunting rifle.
Lightweight rifle: lighter rifles are easier to run around with, and easier to control when firing.
Shorter barrel: at 22 inches it’s a good length and should not hurt the range of the rifle, or affect anything.
Great stock and build: Uses a composite stock and trigger guard that is matte black, and should be quite durable and resistant to the elements.
Great range: since this cartridge is known for maintaining its power throughout the shot,but the problem is that its smaller than most other rounds.
Issues:
6.5 Creedmoor: not a heavy round and may not do the most damage to a larger game, results may vary. A lot of people swear by this round, I think it’s solid and is fairly easy to get. A bit cheaper than other rounds like the 308 Winchester.
Not a threaded barrel, so you will have to install one to get any accessories added to the barrel. This is just nice to have, not too important for hunting rifles. If you normally have muzzle attachments may be annoying.
Best mid-tier hunting rifle Model 1895 Springfield Lever-Action Rifle with Black Walnut Stock.
Price $979.99
Caliber: 30 .06
Game Small deer to moose:
Range max: around 400 yards fore elk
Price: For what you get I think this is the top Winchester rifle.
A lever action Winchester model 1895 should be quite reliable using a 30 .06. The model 1895 is a time-tested rifle that will do you justice.
30.06: which is not one of the greatest rounds made today but works and is fairly cheap and easy to get. Recoil may be a problem for smaller shooters and it may just be uncomfortable for long periods of time, around 1.44 for the cheapest rounds.
Wood stock: This uses a walnut stock that just looks great, is resilient, and really adds to that old-school look. Maple is normally the more expensive stock.
Length and weight: 42″ total length. Pull length is 13.25″, slightly smaller than the average of 13.5″. Weight is 8 lbs, so this is a heavy rifle. Barrel Length is 24″, a bit longer but should help with accuracy but not weight.
Has Iron Sights.
Twist Rate: 10:1, normal twist, rifles will have a shorter twist rate for longer range rifles.
Not a threaded muzzle, will need to be added to get a muzzle brake.
30.06 bullet drop is 9″ for the first100 yards and rides flatter than a 30-30. Has an effective range of 1000 yards. Quite a wide range for powder weight from 110-220 grams. at 800 yards drops 15 feet.
Shorter Range Rifle: Not meant for long-range hunters, up to 500 yards away for an elk. So for deer and elk, I would say it’s for medium range.
Nondetachable Magazine: This can be an issue depending on your taste, I personally like detachable magazines.
Large grain range: Up to 220 grains.
Advantages:
Should be a great rifle their arent many complaints about this one.
Should be one of the most accurate rifles you own, the engineering is quite flawless, but the range is not great. The twist rate with a 160-gram cartridge should be great, with a slightly longer barrel should do wonders.
Cartridge: Great reliable cartridge most hunters know exactly what they’re getting with the 30 .06. The twist rate is 10:1 and most people will shoot this cartridge around 160 grams. The rifle barrel is on the long side and the Model 1895 is a hell of a gun. accurate shooting should not be an issue. It can use many different grain weights for the bullet to increase or decrease power depending on the hunt and range.
Long action: long action is more versatile in round choice for future mods if necessary. Bullets will be longer on the other hand, but the point is there ain’t much difference between short and long-action hunting rifles.
Accurate rifle: should be fine for maintaining your precision shots, it’s used in competition.
Longer barrel by 2 more inches than the 6.5 Creedmoor from the last section.
Issues:
Stock: The handsome walnut stock is a beaut, but maple is a better wood and the synthetic stock is more durable. Price vs quality is a constant battle though.
Not many issues with a great rifle. My only gripe is hunting is already expensive and $1000 on a gun just seems like a lot. More of a 600-dollar rifle guy.
Not great for long-range: Due to using a 30.06, but should get the job done at most medium ranges.
Heavier rifle: Smaller people might have a hard time trekking around the mountains with this rifle.
No sling swivel studs for adding a sling to your rifle. I like slings cause I’m lazy.
Best high-tier hunting rifle Winchester Model 70 Super Grade Maple.
Caliber 30.06
Bolt action rifle
Price $1319.00
Game Small deer to moose:
Range around 400 yards for elk.
The extra couple hundred dollars on this rifle does not really do it for me, it’s just some nice-to-haves that don’t affect the experience. The Winchester model 70 is still a great rifle.
This rifle and the last rifle use a 30.06 so bullet aspects are the same. Each rifle should have a similar cartridge performance, but this rifle has a nicer stock, trigger system and the bells and whistles.
Maple stock: This is one of the highest quality woods you can use. I like the color of the black walnut, but the maple looks classic and sleek. Still one of the prettiest bolt action rifles I have seen
Weight and Length: The barrel length is 24″, fairly good for range. Total length is 44 3/4″ one of the longer rifles reviewed. 8.2 lbs is pretty heavy.
Has sling swivel studs.
3 position safety increases safety and is easier for loading.
Steel barrel: with a good coating should have no issues, free-floated barrel.
5-round magazine non-detachable.
Uses a sporter barrel to relieve some of the weight from the design.
Uses an M.O.A trigger system, which is a 3-point system that is known for being light and crisp. Uses a 2-1 mechanical advantage to fire more easily and accurately, insert mumbo jumbo.
The trigger guard is steel just like the others.
Threaded Muzzle: This can come with it, so you can put on a muzzle device.
Advantages:
All the same advantages as the last rifle, but to reiterate the differences are the trigger system being more fluid and softer.
Stock: Maple is a great stock and looks sexy, and is fairly durable.
30.06 is just a great run-of-the-mill cartridge, it’s not long-range, but can run high grain weights. Just a solid round with no complaint here.
Issues
The weight is heavier by 2 ounces at 8lbs 2 ounces. Not a big deal, but it’s heavier, which may matter for smaller people.
Recoil: the cartridge is much larger than a 308 win or a 6.5 Creedmoor, recoil may be uncomfortable for newer shooters.
Not one of the long-range hunting rifles: sorry to burst your bubble, but even at this price you can’t make the 30 .06 travel any farther for a kill, still a great cartridge though.
Hunting Rifle Brand Ruger:
History
A company founded in 1949 in Connecticut. Known for their revolvers. The current largest American gun manufacturer.
I was unable to find any verifiable information on their environmental
Manufacturing locations:
All manufacturing locations are in the U.S, and that’s good to know. Ruger is a U.S company through and through.
Best low-tier Ruger American Predator Rifle
Price $499.00
Bolt action rifle
Caliber 6.5 Creedmoor
Game varmint to elk:
Range around 250 yards for moose up to 800 yards.
I chose this rifle because I believe lower-cost rifles are for people coming into the sport who may not have the most experience with hunting rifles and the Creedmoor is a forgiving round and quite versatile.
Bolt action rifle: cold hammer forged barrel, with a matt black finish, one sleek-looking rifle.
Has a Picatinny rail and sling swivel studs.
Length and weight: 22″ barrel with 42″ overall. 6.2 lbs, and a length of pull of 13.75″
Adjustable trigger: Can be adjusted manually by the shooter to change the pull weight.
Synthetic stock: good durability and tough.
Accuracy: People rave about the Creedmoor because you can shoot accurately with the cartridge due to a flatter arc and less drop. still about a 9″ drop for the first 100-yards. about an 6-foot drop at 800 yards.
Barrel lengths: usually manufacturers use longer lengths for the Creedmoor and shorter barrels for the 308 Win because the Creedmoor caters to longer-range hunting.
Great Reviews and affordable: looking at other gun reviews for this Ruger say it’s spectacular for the price.
Standard replaceable AI magazine, detachable box magazine. included mag is 3 or 4 rounds.
Cartridge Weight: 90-150 grains, normal is 140-150 grains.
Twist Rate: 8:1 good for long range.
Advantages
Great Range: with up to 800 yards for deer, which corresponds to a 6-foot drop is not that bad considering rounds like the 308 Winchester would drop more than twice that.
Wide Variety of game: can go from small to larger animals, should have no issues with any animal.
Replaceable 10-round magazine
Barrel Length and Weight: Great lightweight rifle, with a barrel that isn’t too long so it is easy to move around. Great combo for hunting rifles.
Trigger assembly:
Issues:
Low weight Cartridge: does not use higher grain weights like the 30 .06, but should not be an issue if the animals are chosen properly.
Stock: one of the cheaper stocks compared to black walnut or maple, the stock is still durable.
Best Mid Tier RUGER AMERICAN® RIFLE HUNTER
Price $989.00
Bolt action hunting rifle
Caliber 308 Winchester
Game small deer to elk:
Range around 300 yards for larger animals due to bullet drop.
Synthetic stock: cheap and durable not as sleek as wood stocks.
Weight and Length: a whopping 9.2 lbs and 41.25-43.25 inches long. The length seems pretty normal, weight is quite high, at almost 3 lbs over some of the other hunting rifles written about.
Adjustable length of pull: This is a feature I am not familiar with, but essentially you can adjust the pull by up to 2″ using the spacers the gun comes with.
Has a Picatinny rail, and a muzzle brake is included using the custom Ruger hybrid brake.
Detachable box magazine: comes with 1 magazine, I like that you can carry multiple magazines over level action rifles that are non-detachable magazines.
Barrel Length: 20″ is great for the 308 Winchester since it isn’t great at long distances anyways, and should be easier to run around with.
User adjustable trigger: Has an adjustable trigger that can be adjusted from 3-5 lbs, in case you like a light trigger in case of health problems or any other hand-related issues you may have. Can make the gun much more manageable to many older or injured shooters.
Rifle reviews: all reviews look very good on this product, and people seem to comment on out-of-the-box accuracy and how nice it looks, I tend to agree with these assessments. I like the matte black and maple rifle look. Most hunting rifles seem to look this way.
High contour on the barrel: the barrel has a heavy contour, which means they make the end thinner towards the end to conserve weight. An aspect Ruger is calling out.
Twist Rate:1:10, which means 1 revolution per 10 inches, so two spins in this barrel. This twist rate is pretty run-of-the-mill, 308 Win is shorter than a 30.06 or a 6.5 Creedmoor so a lower twist is better for a short round, don’t need as much twist to keep the bullet accurate. I like to see 8:1 for Creedmoor.
Normal switch safety: two positions, called a tang safety.
One of the best hunting rifles at this price.
No iron sights.
Advantages:
Great Reviews: people seem to review this rifle well no issues or gripes.
Length: I think 20 to 22″ is a great length for a barrel for ease of moving, and unaffected accuracy.
Trigger assembly: the adjustable trigger can really increase the longevity of the gun, and by that I mean you can still use this rifle at an older age due to lowering the trigger weight.
Adjustable length: I think this feature is cool, depending on the circumstance and how your comfort changes you can change the distance between your shoulder and hands for firing. May come in handy when your body size changes.
Issues:
Weight 9.2 lbs are not gonna be great for mountain hunting, it may be quite heavy to lug around for most folks. Up to 3 lbs heavier than other rifles in this list, 3 lbs may make the difference in how tired you get.
Range: 308 Win is not a great round for range so short or mid-range hunting should only be attempted with this cartridge.
Best high Tier RUGER AMERICAN® RIFLE HUNTER
Price $1359.00
Bolt action hunting rifles
Caliber 6.5 PRC
Game small deer to Moose
Range around 500 yards to 800 for deer to elk-sized game
6.5 PRC: great long-range rifle from 500-800 yards for elk to deer respectively. The smallest bullet drop for every bullet at 500 yards at around 42″. Small range of different grain bullets, 143 and 147-grain bullets are normal. One of the longest cartridges at 2.95″ compared to 2.04 for the 308 Winchester. Slightly stronger force than the 6.5 Creedmoor. The cheapest round is about 1.50, not super cheap and slightly more expensive than 30 .06 or 308 Win. 1.45 a round is the lowest it will be.
Stock: Made of American walnut, cheaper wood than maple, but still has high durability and looks nice.
No stock sights.
The barrel is 22″, great for most hunters.
Has a Picatinny rail for scopes and swing swivel studs.
Length and weight: 7.2 lbs and 42″ in length. This gun will cater to the more medium to long-distance hunters because of the barrel and cartridge. Great for short range, but it’s meant for people who hunt in wide open fields or hunt in long distances.
Length of pull: This is 13.5″ and is about a half inch shorter than most rifles, which seem to be around 14-14.5″.
Feed extractor: Ruger made sure to talk about their ejector system, here is a direct quote”Non-rotating, Mauser-type controlled round feed extractor”. Essentially, it has a blade that ejects cartridges and has an extremely low failure rate according to their tests.
Three position safety: allows loading and unloading gun with the safety engaged.
Free floated barrel: allows continued use of the barrel to not overheat it, which may cause accuracy issues or damage to the barrel over repeated use. Increases the durability of the barrel.
The barrel is stainless steel: so better quality than steel barrels, stainless is known for its integrity and non-magnetic properties along with durability.
Twist Rate: 8:1 pretty good for the range, I like this.
Trigger system: nonadjustable 5 lb pull, may be harder for smaller people or older people.
Advantages:
Low total weight: for a premier rifle 7.2 lbs is great and should be easily maneuvered and easy to lug around.
Extractor: I don’t really focus on the extractor I don’t know if this extractor is good or its just a marketing ploy. Sounds good.
Long range: since it’s more powerful than the 6.5 Creedmoor, this round is obviously your go-to choice for range, which is why I chose this rifle at this price point, a higher price for more experienced hunters. This round just makes sense at this price point.
6.5 PRC: great long-distance round that will help you be more accurate and still get the kill.
Stock: Walnut is not the best stock material, but it’s good. I am not sure why at this price point they didn’t choose maple, not sure where the extra money went from the cost saving.
Issues:
Trigger system: Hard pull will cause inaccuracy in many shooters. Most hunting rifles are around a 3 lb pull, so this may be a lot for anyone depending on your comfort.
No stock sights: one of those things that are annoying, I mean it has a Picatinny rail so you can just add iron sights or scope, but it’s of those things that are annoying you gotta buy to add to your rifle. If you want to get a scope, which makes sense considering the range of this sucker you only have to add it.
Price: the cartridges and the gun are expensive for what you are getting, if the 6.5 PRC will make a difference for your hunting style I say go for it. This rifle is great and only has minor issues.
Rifle Brand Tikka:
History
Tikka rifles are the brand, the company is owned by a company named SAKO, a Finnish company.
Began manufacturing in 1918.
manufacturing locations:
All firearms are made in Finland.
Low Tier TIKKA T3X Lite:
Price $687.00
Bolt action rifle
caliber 308 Winchester
Animals deer to moose
Range around 300 yards for elk
308 Winchester: Great round more powerful than a Creedmoor, but suffers from increased bullet drop at longer distances. The round is a bit expensive, but I like this round because of the power and lower recoil than other rounds. I like that it’s more powerful than the Creedmoor, but has less recoil than the 30.06. I don’t want yall to think that I am flip-flopping on what round to choose for the low tier, I like them for different reasons and a beginner would be in a good place to hunt whatever with each cartridge.
Weight and Length: 22″ barrel pretty standard, and 6.4 lbs significantly lighter than some rifles in this list since some are up to 8 lbs. Overall length 42.6″. The barrel is made of steel, which helps decrease the cost.
Stock: Synthetic stock, cheaper but still durable. has interchangeable grips on the rifle to change your personal comfort when holding the rifle.
recoil pad: They included that they added new recoil pads to the rifle, I doubt they make that big of a difference to their pads, but take that as you may.
Has no Picatinny but the means to add one.
Nondetachable magazine, up to 4 rounds, one in the chamber.
1:11 twist rate, I like the 1:10 twist rate more for accuracy’s sake, but this is a short-distance rifle.
Timney trigger system: as per reviews it cannot go to 2 lbs more like 3 lbs but goes up to 4 lbs, supposed to be a 2-4 lb range.
Has iron sights.
Advantages:
Lightweight Rifle: 6.4 lbs, I like lighter weight rifles for maneuverability, and are less tiresome. I am a smaller guy and the lower weight is appreciated, my twig arms thank Tikka for this.
For beginners, the 308 Winchester is great for short-range hunting.
Issues:
Twist Rate: Accuracy may be affected negatively, I have only used 1:10 rifles so I have no firsthand experience with twist rate changes.
Magazine: As I have said before I like detachable magazines for ease of loading.
No Picatinny rail: one of those little things that just bother me for ease of use.
Trigger system: as per reviews the system does not get to 2 lbs, I don’t like that they embellish their specifications.
Pricey: $700 seems overpriced whereas most other rifles are just as good but cheaper, a no go for me.
Mid tier Tikka T3x Hunter
Price $849.00
Centerfire Bolt action rifle
Game Small deer to moose:
Range around 400 yards for elk.
caliber 30.06 Springfield
30.06 Springfield: Has high recoil but this gun is for experienced hunters who should be able to deal with the recoil or at least be used to it. The extra power it brings can increase lethality and you could use it for big game hunting. Much more powerful than the 308 or Creedmoor. The cheapest round price I saw was $1.77, about the same price.
Grain Range: I like the range of cartridge weights from 110-220 grains, keeps the cartridge versatile for whatever you’re hunting.
Weight and Length: 6.6 lbs, 42.6″ total length, 22.4″ barrel made of steel.
Stock: Walnut, is not as good as maple, but looks good and is still fairly durable. Makes sense at this price.
4-round internal magazine.
2-stage safety, usually a 3-stage safety is used for ease of loading.
single stage adjustable trigger: same trigger as the last gun.
1:11 twist rate, cheaper to make and this gun isn’t for long range, where accuracy matters the most. The cartridge is shorter than the Creedmoor.
No iron sights
No Picatinny rail, but means to install one
Advantages:
Cartridge Versatility: with extra power and different grain weights the 30.06 can be a great bullet for short-range hunters.
30.06: extra recoil but extra power to get the kill even with worse shots.
Wood stocks: looks better than synthetic and are more durable in most cases.
lightweight: All Tikka rifles seem fairly lightweight, very helpful characteristic
Issues:
Large cartridge drop: about 16-foot drop at 800 yards, not for medium-range hunting.
Recoil is quite strong not for weak people, may hurt you or be quite uncomfortable
Trigger system: as per reviews the system does not get to 2 lbs, I don’t like that they embellish their specifications.
No iron sights, like come on, install a Picatinny rail if you want people to buy a scope when they purchase the hunting rifle.
4-round internal magazine: not my preferred magazine or size.
High tier T3x LITE ROUGHTECH
Specific Tikka link
Price $1099.00
Bolt action rifle
Caliber 6.5 PRC
Game small deer to Moose
Range around 500 yards to 800 for deer to elk-sized game
6.5 PRC: great round but more expensive, and the cheapest I saw was 1.85 but most are 2.70 and above. Smallest cartridge drop at 500 yards at around 42″. One of the longest cartridges at 2.95″ compared to 2.04 for the 308 Winchester. Slightly stronger force than the 6.5 Creedmoor.
I chose this cartridge because this is gonna be for more seasoned hunters who don’t care for the price but want the most accurate, powerful round. In my opinion, it is the best-ranged cartridge on the market. With a lower recoil than 30.06 or the 308 win mag, pretty impressive.
Grains: 120-147 grain, but most are 143 or 147.
Weight and length: 7.1 lbs, 44.5″ total length.
24.3″ steel barrel. Fairly longer than others since most are 22″, but should be helpful for more accurate shots, but less maneuverability.
5-round non-detachable magazine.
Same trigger as other TIkka rifles.
Single stage trigger.
Fluted barrel: an expensive process to make the barrel lighter, but doesn’t affect accuracy or integrity.
Has changeable grips to increase comfort.
Has Picatinny rail: glad at over $1000 they finally added a rail.
Twist rate: 1:8 great twist rate for increased accuracy at range.
No iron sights
Adjustable trigger from 2-4 lbs, users have said they have a hard time getting it to 2 lbs, so users should be wary. let me know your experience with this trigger system.
One of the best hunting rifles at this price. A true rifleman’s rifle.
advantages
Out of all the rifles discuss this is the most accurate hunting rifle.
My favorite high-tier rifle I have checked out so far, great price for what you get
Long barrel: not the easiest for movement but it will make up for more accurate long-range shots. may make the difference in a kill or no kill.
Weight: ain’t bad for what you get, still about .5 lbs heavier than the lightest rifle reviewed.
Flued barrel: helps decrease weight
Great twist rate at 1:8″.
6.5 PRC: great round for hunting, should check all the boxes for most hunters besides the price of each round.
Included muzzle brake an added plus.
The stainless steel barrel is also a plus, with less corrosion, and is a stronger material than steel.
issues:
Synthetic stock: at this price they should have made it a wood stock, this is where they got it so cheap.
Bad reviews on trigger system adjustments.
No iron sights, but a scope is needed for this, given its purpose.
Rifle Brand Remington:
History
Founded in 1816 in New York. Currently, the company was split up and Ruger owns Remington firearms now. Remington always makes me think of shotguns but they make some ok rifles as well.
The company was split up and went through bankruptcy.
manufacturing locations:
All manufacturing locations are in the U.S and were in Alabama and Connecticut before bankruptcy proceedings in 2020.
Remington doesn’t sell many rifles nowadays so I am gonna go through their two best bang-for-the-buck rifles for the models 700 and 783.
Remington model 700 SPS:
Other Websites to buy: gunsonline
Bolt action rifle
Caliber 6.5 Creedmoor
Price $599.99
Animals are small game to a moose at 250 yards or so.
Range around 800 yards for smaller game
Creedmoor: at a lower price this is more tailored to newer hunters or shooters and the Creedmoor has less recoil and a longer range and is one of the more accurate rifle cartridges. I think this is more forgiving and gives a new hunter a larger breadth of what they can hunt. More of a cheaper long-distance rifle with the barrel length and twist rate. Has a low bullet drop which can be helpful for new hunters who have a hard time telling distance or correcting for them with their scopes. Bullet drop is about 9″ for the first 100 yards.
Length and weight: 43 5/8″ long, 7 1/4 lbs. Fairly light and a fairly average length of around 44 inches seem quite normal in rifles.
Has a Picatinny rail and the scopes are plug and play.
Threaded muzzle for an attached muzzle brake or barrel tip device.
X mark pro trigger, which means the trigger pull can be set from 3-5 lbs which helps decrease movement.
Barrel Length: 24″, a bit longer than I like it is more in line with marksmen or longer-range shooters.
Barrel material: it says carbon steel but most steels have a percent of the carbon in it anyways.
Stock: Synthetic stock because it keeps the price down and is still very durable just doesn’t look as good as maple.
Twist rate: 8:1, most rifles reviewed are 10:1 so this will spin faster, which is theoretically better for accuracy.
Pull length: 13 3/8″ in the hunting rifles reviewed this is a bit shorter, but doesn’t have much effect besides comfort.
Magazine: has a 4-round internal non-detachable box magazine or you can get a 10-round detachable one.
Advantages
Price: pretty solid price for a Creedmoor-based rifle at 24″ and a higher twist rate.
Stock: is not an issue at this price, but I expect to move to wood stocks at higher prices, one of the main things driving prices higher for different rifle sports.
Creedmoor: people hate this cartridge because it doesn’t pack the punch as other cartridges, but it’s accurate and gets the job done. I think that is what people are really asking for. Most people don’t hunt large game, like moose.
Range: the cartridge just stays strong through most of its flight, around 800 yards for a deer ain’t bad.
Issues
Magazine: personally a fan of the detachable magazines but nondetachable have their place, 4 rounds ain’t that bad though.
Steel barrel: it’s because it’s cheaper, but with carbon steel, it gets more brittle but stronger at higher carbon rates and the opposite with lower carbon percents. Stainless or some type of alloy is much better. Corrosion may become a factor if the coating wears off.
Trigger: the type of trigger has been recalled in the past and so it might not perform to standard, adjustments didn’t seem to work well in the past.
Remington Model 783 Synthetic:
The cheaper of the two rifles is around $400 hard to get a price on these but here’s one
Bolt action rifle
caliber 308 Winchester
Animals are large game like a moose
Range around 300 yards for elk
308 Winchester: a great powerful round, not great range since bullet drop is high at 20 feet at 800 yards where the Creedmoor is like twice as less. The cartridge has more strength at shorter ranges. The cartridge is also one of the shortened ones at around 2.05 inches. The cheapest price I saw was around 1.75 per round in late 2022. A bit more expensive. The grain range is quite large, but around 170 grains seems to be the size everyone uses unless you need that extra power. When using different grain weights ballistics should be compared.
The detachable magazine is 4 rounds.
Length and weight: 41 5/8″ which is about 2 inches shorter than most rifles, and weighs 7 1/2 lbs. With a length of pull of 13 3/8″.
Barrel Length and material: 22″ long and is made of carbon steel. Standard barrel length. The free-floating barrel is always a plus. The barrel was made using button rifling which is a very mechanical process involving having many different formations of twists for every type of barrel the manufacturer may want. You twist the barrel into a rod that is in the desired shape and voila. I decided to talk about the process because button rifling is a more expensive process.
Twist rate: 10:1 fairly standard for short-range rifles. Most Creedmoor rifles use 8:1.
Stock: synthetic, makes the price cheaper.
This is more in tune with mountain rifles, due to decreased range and stronger forces coming from the bullet.
Crossfire trigger system: set at 3.5 lbs with a factory trigger.
Advantages:
300 win mag: a powerful bullet that will let you get the kill, not great for long range, but newer hunters who don’t mind the extra recoil would be fine to use this in shorter scenarios.
Length: The Remington Model 783 is a bit shorter of a rifle which makes it easier to move around with, and it has a barrel length of 22″.
Detachable magazine: I personally like these more for having multiple clips in certain instances.
Issues:
Stock: is fine, but it’s to keep the price down, should hold up well.
Trigger: is set at a good weight, but I like adjustable ones, but at this price point seems a bit extra.
Pretty much the same issues as the Model 700, but a bit cheaper and a different round with different problems. I would choose this over the model 700 based on price. I am a newer hunter who prefers short-range hunting and I would rather have the extra power than range.
Written 9/8/22