[03mossy]

I am going to be putting together a light weight all weather deer rifle, something I can stomp through the woods with in the rain, snow, sleet. My 2 main deer guns now are an old 300 wby mag. with a laminate stock that must weigh 15+ pounds and is just to purdy for that type of hunting, the other is a TC Omega that is great but not the best choice for over 200 yards. So I want to put together a lightweight deer rifle that I can still hunt with all day in any weather. I am in no hurry and this will be a long term build buying it piece buy piece as funds allow.
What I am looking for first is caliber advice... This will be for woods hunting with the farthest shot being 350yards. I have a 22-250 and a 300 wby mag so this caliber will need to compliment them. I will be handloading so I would prefer something a bit out of the ordinary. ( because I like being different i guess). Short action preferred.

Thanks

 

[dmsbandit]

Get a 30-06 in the Marlin "X" gun. The 30-06 is more than capable out past your yardages and is also at home in the thick stuff.

The standard blued XL-7 goes for around $300 and weighs only about 6.5pounds out of the box. A stainless vesion is also available for less than $400 if that floats your boat. I have 4 "X" guns and they shoot as well or better than guns much more expensive, and they are built to last too.

 

[T.R.]

Remington model 660 in .308 is a KEEPER!!

This model went out of production almost 40 years ago. Remington's model 7 is compare-able. Another option is the very smooth TIKKA in .308 but you'll need to have the barrel professionally shortened to 20 inches for a true carbine length outfit.

Good hunting to you.

TR

 

[Jackfre]

How about

The new Ruger Scout? I have to admit I kinda have the hots for one of these to satisfy the OP needs.

 

[kdub]

Short action requested? Get a .308 Win, 270 WSM, 7-08 chambering.

Light rifle? A Remington (hate that word "Remmie" or "Winny") Mod 7 or a Ruger Ultra Light.

Scope? A compact 2x7x33 or 38 of Leupold, Burris, Nikon or Weaver.

Mounts? Everyone touts the Talley, but I find the Weaver or Millett work just fine.

 

[pisgah]

Woods hunting, with a max range of 350?? Those must be some mighty open woods!

For me, in "real" woods hunting a .30-30 carbine is more than I need, and all I want. In situations where the woods may open up from time to time to a clearcut or powerline right of way, my cut-down Ted Williams Model 53 (post-'64 Winchester Model 70) .30-06 will do.

 

[hillestadj]

Short action woods gun capable out to 350 yards, look no further than the 308 Winchester. Its not exotic but ammunition availability and pricing is unbeatable.

As a knock-around rifle I have to agree with dmsbandit. A Marlin X gun fits the bill just about perfectly. I tend to pamper my rifles but if I had to buy one that I knew was going to take some abuse and periodic neglect I wouldnt feel too bad about a $300 gun getting a little dinged up.

Now that said, if you have to have something exotic AND short action take a look at the 6.5 Remington Magnum or the 350 Reminton Magnum. Both can be had in a Rem 673 or you could find a Ruger chambered in 350. I had a 350 RM in a 673 for a short time and it was a stomper.

 

[Tnhunter]

I'd recommend the Browning BLR in SS/Lam in one of three chamberings, since you will be handloading. The .270WSM would work well, if the biggest game you'll be chasing is deer-sized, but if you're looking at elk-sized as well, I'd say either the .300 or .325WSM then(personally I see the 7mmWSM dropping in the future). Either of those can be downloaded, if wanted for smaller game. I own a BLR/.325 and it's a very nice handling and handy rifle to carry. I'd also say a 2-7x33 scope would be a good match, but Leupold also makes an ultralight 3-9x33 as well, if you'd prefer that. Be advised though, that the eye relief is not as great for either of the stouter chamberings. Mine wears a 2-7x33Euro 30mm. The rifle is made in both straight and pistol grip versions and rated at 6 3/4 pounds, so it carries well. For the record, these WSM versions are both lighter and shorter than the .270 Win, 30/06, 7mag and .300mag versions and that makes them a very good choice for carry, along with allowing for the ranges you mentioned.

 

[teacherboy]

Since you're reloading how about a Remington Model 7 rebarreled in 338 Federal? Very handy rifle. Or a factory fresh Tikka T3 Lite in 338 Federal. Or a Remington model 7 in 350 Rem Mag?

 

[fred243]

I couldn't agree more with hillestadj, if you want something different that will comfortably shoot out to 350 yards and then some along with a short action i say the Remington 6.5mm Mag also. It would be a perfect compliment to the two other guns you have.

 

[Big Bore]

If going for lightweight with outstanding accuracy I would look long and hard at the Remington Laminated Stainless Mountain Rifle in 7mm-08. I got one of them 11 years ago and it is one of the finest rifles I have. Sad to say I did not shoot it before pillar bedding the action, free floating the barrel, and tuning the trigger so I have no idea how it shot out of the box, but this rifle has astounded me since it breaks all the rules for lightweight barrels. My zinger load is:
Barnes 130 gr. XBT.
Fed 210 match primers
IMR 4350
44.0 gr.
Ogive length with comparator 2.264 inch.
Front action screw tightened to 60 in-lbs, rear to 30 in-lbs.
Velocity 2525.3 fps
5 shot group at 100 yards: .190 inch c-c.
5 shot groups at 200 yards .312 inches c-c.

My hunting load is the same as above except 46.5 gr. with a velocity of 2686.2 fps with accuracy of 5 shots at 100 yards of .733 inch c-c. At 200 yards a five shot group will run right at 1 1/4 inches.

The part that blows me away is I can take this rifle and shoot five shots as quick as I can work the bolt, sight, and shoot, and the groups stay the same. That is not supposed to happen with lightweight rifles but this one does. And unlike many barrels and X bullets, this one does not foul. Five to ten passes with CR-10 even after shooting 20 to 40 shots and the bore is as clean as a whisker.
Now, my Remington Sendaro 7mm STW is quite another story that I really don't want to talk about after singing the praises of the Mountain Rifle 7mm-08.

Now, with any luck if you give the rifle a try you will get one like my 7mm-08 and not like my STW.

 

[dmsbandit]

The Marlin "X" guns are also available in 308 and 708. I just see the '06 as an easier gun to hit with at longer ranges.

 

[DaGooster]

Your two main concerns seem to be: something for deer, something kind of unique. And you're mainly looking for caliber suggestions. May I suggest?
257 Roberts - absolutely perfect round for deer, and not all that common
264 Win. Mag or one of the other 6.5s - also, a great deer choice and quite uncommon

 

[2Bits]

My knock around deer rifle for the last dozen years or so, has been a model 70 Winchester in the 25/06 caliber. It pulls double duty as a good groundhog and coyote rifle.

Now last year I went to a bit of a wildcat in the .264/06 (6.5/06 ) using a 130 Accubond bullet at 2950fps and it has proven it's worth in taking whitetail deer. It is also a better penetrating caliber with a good size exit wound and makes a good blood trail too.

 

[bruceissippi]

I really like the Rem Mod 7 for lightweight rifles since you said short-action.
If you are building your own - put it in .284 Win. Nearly the equal of the .280 - which puts it in good company.

 

[Old Grump]

My choice but I admit to being biased since my handi-rifle is the most accurate and cheapest centerfire rifle I own.

Handi-Grip HandiRifle™

Now you can have simplicity and tack-driving accuracy of an H&R single-shot rifle with the added pointing ease and steady aiming characteristics of our new ambidextrous thumbhole Handi-Grip stock. It's crafted of rugged, high-density black polymer with molded checkering at the grip and fore-end for sure handling. Because it's certain to be in high demand by everyone from varmint to big-game hunters, it's available in a wide range of calibers from the hot 204 Ruger to the hard-hitting 45-70 Gov't. A scope mount rail and hammer extension are included.

308 Win. (SB2-3T0


Stock: High-density black polymer thumbhole, matte finish, with molded checkering on grip and fore-grip, swivel studs.

Barrel: 22" with Scope mount rail and hammer extension; no iron sights

Total Length: 38"

Length of Pull: 14-1/4"

Weight: 7 lbs.

http://www.hr1871.com/images/handirifle-zoom.jpg

 

[MontyF]

Something between a 22-250 and 300 Mag? Light and easy to handle in all weather? Able to take deer at 350 yards? Casting my vote for a Browning Stainless stalker in 7mm-08.

 

[fritz1]

My favorite knock arround deer rifle, and also my favorite gun period is my Ruger MKII M77 stainless with a Bell & Carlson stock, chambered in the .280 Rem. cartridge

 

[cottonstalk]

I'll give another vote for the 284.Only ever seen one,a custom,and deer hated that little rifle.It's rare also.Another for short could be the 25wsm,seen only one, a custom using 7mmWSM necked down to .25,pretty nice also.But seeing as you already have the big 300 you could go for a 300wsm.But normal easy to find .308,7mm-08 either would do the trick.Just a few ideas.Good luck on your quest.

 

[BarkBuster20]

get a ruger m77 MKII, chambered in .270 WSM.