Thinking of a Bolt Gun

[LeverGunner]

I'm thinking about getting a bolt action rifle with a scope. I have nothing but leverguns currently.

I've not messed with bolt guns much though I've had a few. A Savage 110 in 30-06, a Weatherby Mark V Deluxe in 270 Weatherby Magnum, a Remington 700 in 7mm Remington Magnum being the ones I recollect. I loaded for the Savage while I had it, but I didn't experiment enough to really get the feel for loading for 30-06.

I've not had a Ruger M77, but I've handled one, and it seemed to fit me well. The Savage 110 I had fit me well too. Now... I can't remember if the Remington did or not, and the Weatherby was 20 years ago now. I only remember it was very nice.

The purpose of this new to me bolt gun is basically to learn the intricacies of building accurate loads in a bottlenecked cartridge. Not to exclude the use of jacketed bullets, but primarily with cast. Along with being a cast shooter, it also must have a wood stock.

The purpose of the rifle though is not to wring out the best in bench accuracy, rather, to further my reloading knowledge, getting experience with some things I've not had experience with.

If I ever get the chance to go out west, I might need a bit longer range than a levergun would afford, but whitetail from 150 yards or less would be the more likely use for hunting.

I'm considering a Ruger M77 or another Savage 110, both in 30-06. 30-06 would be due to mould selection and data available, and of course, brass being common, though I'd probably purchase brass. But having used brass available for reloading experimentation would be of benefit.

So what guns and cartridges should I consider?

[Grizz]

I'm thinking about getting a bolt action rifle with a scope. I have nothing but leverguns currently.

I've not messed with bolt guns much though I've had a few. A Savage 110 in 30-06, a Weatherby Mark V Deluxe in 270 Weatherby Magnum, a Remington 700 in 7mm Remington Magnum being the ones I recollect. I loaded for the Savage while I had it, but I didn't experiment enough to really get the feel for loading for 30-06.

I've not had a Ruger M77, but I've handled one, and it seemed to fit me well. The Savage 110 I had fit me well too. Now... I can't remember if the Remington did or not, and the Weatherby was 20 years ago now. I only remember it was very nice.

The purpose of this new to me bolt gun is basically to learn the intricacies of building accurate loads in a bottlenecked cartridge. Not to exclude the use of jacketed bullets, but primarily with cast. Along with being a cast shooter, it also must have a wood stock.

The purpose of the rifle though is not to wring out the best in bench accuracy, rather, to further my reloading knowledge, getting experience with some things I've not had experience with.

If I ever get the chance to go out west, I might need a bit longer range than a levergun would afford, but whitetail from 150 yards or less would be the more likely use for hunting.

I'm considering a Ruger M77 or another Savage 110, both in 30-06. 30-06 would be due to mould selection and data available, and of course, brass being common, though I'd probably purchase brass. But having used brass available for reloading experimentation would be of benefit.

So what guns and cartridges should I consider?

I gave my Ruger M77 338 to my son. I reloaded for it, but not lead bullets. Mine had the iron sights, and i took the scope off in the woods. I also had a 700 in 7mm that I reloaded for. Just used the iron sights on that one. For my area and needs I quit both of them and got into 45/70...

Is your bolt gun strictly a range tool for load development, or would you use for hunting too? And what ranges do you plan to shoot at, or hunt?

If I were developing .30 caliber I might choose 300 Win Mag for long range excursions. Although I knew someone who wintered in the Brooks Range and used a 7mm for taking a winter supply of meat. He shot from some 500+ yards and took the tail ends of the groups to avoid stampeding the herd.

Interesting project, sounds like fun.

[Drawdown]

I'm not gonna try steer you in any way, but sounds like you already on right track, man's heart determines his decisions! But you sound like my path a lot, I loved leverguns in my youth, still do, if I had make one choice, it'd be tough. My first squirrel rifle, a Marlin 39a 22lr. But down years now, squirrel rifles demand the utmost in precision shooting, and now for many years all my 22's are bolts, wouldn't change, they're needed!
My first deer rifle, a Marlin 336 30-30, still have it and love it! Just in psst 15 years, I've gotten interest in bolt actions, now I've got 3. I've come to peace and satisfaction with both, I'm back n forth, and enjoy it this way!
I've got 30-06, 270WCF, n 7.62x54, plus an 06 Auto. What's the best cartridge, most usable, most versatile, most beneficial? 30-06 it's amazing what a reloader can do with it, and really with only couple-3 powders, but a drawer full different bullets, and I could be happy with just one powder if I had to! Then I fell in love with the 270WCF, and it's great, but it ain't no 06, so similar but so different, but it's tracks record for the quickest drt kills may be number one? that small diameter bullet is lethal, but again it ain't no 06, IMO!
You're already considering two good accurate rifles, well known to be!
Myself, I'm wanting to get a new Mod 70 so bad I can taste it, but don't need it! Made in. Belgium,, amazing after you hold one, and for the $ compared everything else, it's a good buy! If I do, it probably be an 30-06.
But you'll enjoy bouncing back n forth between lever n bolt probably I sure do!

[348win]

Ruger gets my vote

The old TANG SAFETY models are nice but Ruger No Longer supports them, and you habe to go to FIRE (Hot) to load/unload and remember to go back to safe after loading up

The MKII 3 position safety is nice in the respect that you get S U F, the middle position is a SAFE-UNLOAD or load where bolt can be cycled and gun will not fire. I like how the safety stays w receiver and is not bolt mounted like the Winchesters.

There is also the HAWKEYE, latest version of MKII

You gotta decide if you want long action (LA); think 30-06 family cartridges, or short action (SA) think 308 win family cartridges, I am 5'6" and prefer SA because when I hold out a rifle offhand in LA my fore hand lands on the mag box not in the checkering where its supposed to.

How much recoil do you want to deal w.

The MKII has redesigned wood stock, which is supposedly very ergonomic and pleasant to handle/shoulder. It looks so in pictures.

[348win]

30-06 is the gold standard, and bullet selection can't be beat

But if you not going to hunt with it, why put up w the recoil???

But I guess if your shooting cast it won't be full power?
Idk never gave cast a chance in high powered bottlenecks.

Load a 150gr or 165gr @ 2400-2500ish and have yourself a pleasant shooter. Sure you throttled in back a bit but that's the edge of being a reloader. Plus brass is everywhere for 06!

308win brass abundant too.

Don't forget the 7mms
280 Remington & 7mm-08

270win good option too

I prolly wouldn't go any small than 270 unless u want a low recoil gun, the smaller bullets/case mouths are less cooperative to handle and work w at reloading bench.

[Drawdown]

30-06 is the gold standard, and bullet selection can't be beat

But if you not going to hunt with it, why put up w the recoil???

But I guess if your shooting cast it won't be full power?
Idk never gave cast a chance in high powered bottlenecks.

Load a 150gr or 165gr @ 2400-2500ish and have yourself a pleasant shooter. Sure you throttled in back a bit but that's the edge of being a reloader. Plus brass is everywhere for 06!

308win brass abundant too.

Don't forget the 7mms
280 Remington & 7mm-08

270win good option too

I prolly wouldn't go any small than 270 unless u want a low recoil gun, the smaller bullets/case mouths are less cooperative to handle and work w at reloading bench.

Good ideas! This summer, my brother got a new Belgium made Browning BAR in 7mm08. I helped him get his scope dialed in , shot it a lot, literally fell in love with it, but especially the cartridge! Was already well schooled in the 7mm08-7×57 equal tract record, it's an over achiever, very little recoil! I have thought a lot about that Model 70? Super Grade in 30-06 or Featherweight in 7mm08? I do believe for sure, the best use of the 308 cartridge is the 7mm08!
When I first got my Rem 700 270Win, I was soon kinda disgusted in it, because of my being so familiar with my two 30-06's. But trial and error I soon found out the real versatility of the 270WCF is it's simplicity, at least for me! 110gr bullets for varmints, 130gr bullets for really any range, but especially long range success, and it's real mountains & woods capabilities even a good brush rifle with 150gr n 160gr, and yes all three with maybe one powder, at least this is true for me! The 270WCF us a good answer for the one rifle hunter, if one desires it!

[jkbrea]

Running a gun range, I get to see thousands of firearms every year. In my opinion, Tikka makes the best out of the box rifle in terms if accuracy and smooth action. From what I understand, the barrels come off the same assembly line as Sako. The T3 models are great. I have one in 30-06 that shoots well under half moa with factory ammo. The most common caliber I see during elk season is 300 win mag but the 30-06 kills them just as dead.

[Scott Tschirhart]

30-06 is the gold standard, and bullet selection can't be beat

But if you not going to hunt with it, why put up w the recoil???

But I guess if your shooting cast it won't be full power?
Idk never gave cast a chance in high powered bottlenecks.

Load a 150gr or 165gr @ 2400-2500ish and have yourself a pleasant shooter. Sure you throttled in back a bit but that's the edge of being a reloader. Plus brass is everywhere for 06!

308win brass abundant too.

Don't forget the 7mms
280 Remington & 7mm-08

270win good option too

I prolly wouldn't go any small than 270 unless u want a low recoil gun, the smaller bullets/case mouths are less cooperative to handle and work w at reloading bench.

I couldn’t say it better than this. My preference is a shorter action in .308. But either will kill anything that needs killing.

[Drawdown]

Running a gun range, I get to see thousands of firearms every year. In my opinion, Tikka makes the best out of the box rifle in terms if accuracy and smooth action. From what I understand, the barrels come off the same assembly line as Sako. The T3 models are great. I have one in 30-06 that shoots well under half moa with factory ammo. The most common caliber I see during elk season is 300 win mag but the 30-06 kills them just as dead.

Vast majority of advice towards the most accurate new rifle, affordable, out the box, and it's from the regular shooters all way to most top gun authorities? This is just about written in stone Gospel, the Tikkas are about guaranteed accurate & dependable! My 30-06 is a Tikka, but it's old original Tikka, made in 1975 before Sako acquired them. But still, the Finns know gunmaking! I'd love a new Sako or Tikka!

[Griff]

Until recently (like the last 4 years), I've only owned one bolt action rifle, a Remington 700BDL in 7mmRemMag. Prior to buying that rifle I'd only shot one bolt action rifle, a Ruger M77 also in 7mmRemMag. The reason I bought that cartridge as I wanted an elk capable round with a flatter trajectory than the .30-06. The reason I bought the Remington was because the shop I was at had a better selection of them, all of which had prettier wood than the Rugers on hand. The Remington has not had the chance at an elk, but has counted for several CA deer, a few at ranges in excess of 300 yards. It has not failed to bring home meat when I've taken a shot. The rifle has never seen a round of factory ammo. But, again, it's never had cast shot thru it either. It came home from the store with a 3-9 x 40 scope and its iron sights in a box. The scope has never been removed.

The other bolt action I have is a 1903-A3 from 1943. In my hands, it's only seen cast, generally a cast 150 grain powder-coated RN bullet, running in the mid 1500s. I've never shot it on paper past 50 yards, but it rings steel at 100 with near boring regularity! Given my history with the two rifles, if I wanted a cast shooter in a bolt action, I'd look no further than a Remington 700 in .30-06. Although I'd probably search for a late '70s, early '80s production.

[44shooter]

You need to go out and examine different makes. Work the bolt, and safety, check out how the bolt locks up and how the magazine system works. There are many similarities, but they are not all the same. Take your time and find out what you like. If you are just getting one, get exactly what you want. Personally, I like controlled round feed and size efficient actions. I prefer to be able to top load over being restricted to a detached mag. I have many and a have owned a couple more. Almost all bolts are reliable, decently ergonomic, and accurate enough. There are some that are rough, cheap looking and so on. I personally like Winchester M70 (except push feeds), Ruger Hawkeye, Kimber (think slimmed lightweight M70), Sako. I have had or have Rem 700, Howa/Weatherby Vanguard, tang safety Rugers, T/C and they are all good. I just don’t like them as much as the former.

As for cartridge, your choice of 30-06 is a fine, versatile, popular, and widely available choice. An ‘06 is hardly ever a bad choice and there are some that many rifles out there for it. Consider used rifles too as well

[marlinman93]

30-06 is the gold standard, and bullet selection can't be beat

But if you not going to hunt with it, why put up w the recoil???

But I guess if your shooting cast it won't be full power?
Idk never gave cast a chance in high powered bottlenecks.

Load a 150gr or 165gr @ 2400-2500ish and have yourself a pleasant shooter. Sure you throttled in back a bit but that's the edge of being a reloader. Plus brass is everywhere for 06!

308win brass abundant too.

Don't forget the 7mms
280 Remington & 7mm-08

270win good option too

I prolly wouldn't go any small than 270 unless u want a low recoil gun, the smaller bullets/case mouths are less cooperative to handle and work w at reloading bench.

These cartridges would also be my choice especially the .30-06 or .308.
I'm partial to Remington 700 bolt actions, and have always had almost exclusively Rem. 700's for bolt guns. One of my favorites though is my old custom built on a Pattern 17 Remington Enfield military action, and fitted with a Douglas Premium .30-06 barrel. I mostly shoot jacketed for hunting and only my hand loads. But I have played with cast bullets and have old Lyman or Ideal molds for everything from 100 grains to 190 grains that I've made up loads to shoot. I'd have no issue at all taking 150-200 yd. shots with some heavier bullet loads I build. Especially the 165 grain Ideal mold that seems to be one of the most accurate in my old Remington.

[Rockrat]

From what I have read over on Accurate Shooter, the Tikka is the one to get. If it was me, I would get one in .308 win., but that said, if they made one in 358 win., I might just have to get that instead. If you are shooting cast, lots of moulds available

[AJMD429]

.
My son hunts the mountains of Montana and Idaho, and this is what he's gravitated towards, after trying many different brands (Ruger, Remington, Bergara, Savage).

https://montanarifleco.com/rifles/highline/

I think among the features he finds important is the three position safety and controlled-feed mechanism, plus of course overall precision of build and weight. He's one who expects cold-bore hits on one inch targets at 300 yards, but also wants successive shots to be within that same 1/3 MOA or so. Evidently he feels this rifle (in 6.5 Creedmor) will do the job.

I found this review of their wood-stocked model - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0AXU1ftvjU

Pricey, but on the other hand - if you're only gonna have one bolt-gun, and want it to do all the things that bolt-guns can do best, it would be a good candidate.

My personal favorite is probably my 6mm Ruger M77V from 1975 - it shoots all-touching 5 or ten shot groups at 100 yards consistently with handloads made on the Lee 'Precision Target' loader which is a fancy version (inside neck reamer and micrometer seating) of their 'Lee Loader' you just use with a mallet and dipper.

If I were buying a new one now - I'd consider a Savage, because even though they are 'utilitarian', they are pretty consistently accurate, and the barrels can be changed without much work if you decide to switch chamberings within that action length.

[Streetstar]

Range toy for load development?

Ruger American rifle in 6.5 CM

[Bill in Oregon]

What Doug said, but in 6.5 Grendel. Sub-MOA groups with almost zero recoil in a cartridge with huge accuracy potential. Drop it in a Boyd's wood stock and don't look back. Loaded Grendel on the right, Creedmoor on the left.

[jeepnik]

I'm partial to the Remington 700 in 30-06. But then it was my first left handed rifle. And the cartridge can be loaded mild to pretty wild.

[Streetstar]

What Doug said, but in 6.5 Grendel. Sub-MOA groups with almost zero recoil in a cartridge with huge accuracy potential. Drop it in a Boyd's wood stock and don't look back. Loaded Grendel on the right, Creedmoor on the left.

I had almost forgotten about the 6.5 Grendel -- what a neat cartridge, in a short - really short- action size to boot

[OldWin]

I don't have a lot of bolt rifles. I have a 1903A3 built into a pseudo scout, a Winchester model 70 Featherweight in 30-06, and a Ruger GSR in .308. The only one that sees any real use is the Ruger. Its a fantastic rifle, and very versatile. In reality, I could get by with it as my only rifle.
But I won't.

[LeverGunner]

I appreciate the replies and suggestions. Some things I'd not considered. It will not be strictly a range toy, but primarily so. I will hunt with it.

As per what I want, I know for sure I do not want a detachable magazine. I like being able to top off from the open action.

I know for sure I do not want a short action cartridge in a long action rifle. If I'm not mistaken Savage did that for a while, not sure if they still do. The Savage 110 I had previously was a Pre-2003 (accutrigger) and If I was to get another, it'd be the same.

I don't care either way about having a safety that will remain on safe while allowing me to open the bolt. I do know I much prefer a safety that locks the bolt when engaged though, like the Savage. I can't remember if the Ruger M77 does this or not. I do like a tang safety, but not opposed to a different configuration.

I like the Savage with a blind magazine. I don't mind a floor plate though.

The main thing I dislike about the Savage is it's not as nice as say others. It wouldn't hurt my feelings to have a walnut stock, and a nice metal polish. I don't dislike the Savage aesthetically though, and it does, or at least the one I had, fit me. And there is something to be said for the ability to change barrels. I could go form 30-06 to 270 Winchester and experiment with different cartridges.

[yooper2]

I'd agree with the recommendation of a Hawkeye M77. Several people I shoot with have them in various carfridges and all are consistently accurate. I own a Hawkeye African 375 and it's a peach, 2 people have tried to buy it off me (and it's a lefty, so less of a market!). I also really like the stocks on them, comparatively slim and well proportioned.

The 30-06 is a fantastic cartridge to learn bottleneck reloading on. Tons of load data and bullet molds to choose from. If there are any particular 30 caliber cast bullets you are interested in trying drop me a line. I have about 40 30 caliber molds and would be happy to send a few of any given design for testing.

Eric

[kaschi]

IMO the Ruger Hawkeye is the best US made bolt rifle on the market for four reasons: Controlled feed, claw extraction, one piece bolt, three position wing safety. I have several Hawkeyes, the latest being one of Lipsey's special runs in 35 Whelen with 24" barrel and open sights. A beauty to behold!

[LeverGunner]

Another rifle I'd consider would be a Krag Jorgensen. I've always had a liking for the 30-40 Krag cartridge, and it would lend itself to cast pretty good. Though I don't know how well I'd like the rifle as they aren't easily scoped for target work.

[JB]

I don't think anyone can really answer that question for you, but you. Everyone has their favorites and everyone thinks their opinion is the best. There's a whole boatload of calibers that will work for you. 30-06 will work great for you. I'm a 308 man myself, but that's just what I like. The type of safety, extractor, etc. is just personal preference. I like Tikka rifles. They're accurate and smooth, but we all have our preferences. There's no best rifle and caliber.

[6pt-sika]

I’ve owned a pile of lever actions but none now , I’ve owned another pile of single shots , owned a few semi auto’s , no centerfire pumps and a mountain of bolt guns . Bear in mind I tend to go with collectible or a bit more pricey bolt guns 95% of the time . Started with a Remington 700 , then went to tang safety Ruger 77’s , then I went with Kimber 89 BGR’s and pre 64 Model 70’s . Shortly after that I went back to stainless synthetic. Remington 7’s and 700’s . I’ve had half a dozen or so Sako guns all blued walnut and I’d say in the last 20 years I started picking up Mannlicher Schoenauer rifles (liked them all my life) . So now I’ve got six of the MS rifles and six Remingtons 700’s one 722 . Those MS rifle are trim and light work very well for carrying my Remington rifles are a bit heavier but they’re excellent for long long shots . Five of the pics are MS rifles the other is a Remington 700 I barreled in 6mm-06 .

IMG_7668.jpeg

IMG_6643.jpeg

IMG_2402.jpeg

IMG_2428.jpeg

IMG_8794.jpeg

D4BECEDA-103C-4E84-8F9D-D8C76C75367E.jpeg

[mickbr]

I know quite a few guys happy with their tikkas

[blackhawk44]

Levergunner, so you like lever actions and are looking for a long necked case for your 30 caliber cast bullets but might use it past a 150 yards, I have something for you to think about. In the recent past Browning had Miroku in Japan duplicate the Winchester M1895 lever action in both 30-40 and 30-06 labeled as a Browning. Later they were labeled as Winchesters and included a safety (most folks didn't use) in the same calibers. I got a Browning in 30-06 and changed the sights to a blade front and tang rear (receiver sights weren't available yet) and promptly worked up a jacketed load at 100yds. Mine hated anything less than 165gr. A few weeks later a friend and I were able to get to a 200yd range. With a hunting pack rest my first group was a 5rd 100yd group of 1.25". Next, I turned to 200yd and produced a 2.25" 5rd group. Used it for years for deer and large feral goats. By chance the closest shot taken was at 120yds. A good number of shots were around 175-185 yds with the longest at 235yds, after all it was West Texas and I had a new pocket range finder to play with.
Anyway, you might think about them. Lever action, 30 caliber, long necked cases, non-detachable magazine, what's not to like?

[348win]

Browning A-Bolt & A-Bolt II (not the AB3!!!)

They lock the bolt on SAFE

Tang safety

Got to go HOT to load/unload, Ruger tang rifles got to go hot to load/unload too.....don't forget to go back to SAFE after your loaded up

I think lots of times that step gets forgotten because one is gearing up for the woods, load up, do you next thing.......then your walking along and check rifle out its on FIRE

The Miroku made A-Bolts are nice and you could get a Medallion, which has the premium wood, engraving, rosewood grip cap and forend tip. The works. The shiny blueing.

[2ndovc]

Another rifle I'd consider would be a Krag Jorgensen. I've always had a liking for the 30-40 Krag cartridge, and it would lend itself to cast pretty good. Though I don't know how well I'd like the rifle as they aren't easily scoped for target work.

The Krag and cartridge are a pleasure to shoot. I have an 1885 chambered in .30-40 that is deadly accurate. However, as much as I like the Krag rifles and enjoy shooting my 1898, they aren't the strongest and the stocks have a serious week spot below the magazine / action.

My first bolt action is my 1903A3 that my dad gave me at 14. Didn't have an issue with the recoil then anymore than I do now.
There are piles of sporterized/ Custom '03s out there. Between my dad and I we have about half a dozen sporters and a couple of originals. Recently picked up another one, but haven't had a chance to shoot it yet.
If you really want to up your game, look at the 1917s, an even stronger action. I have a guy working on a P14 custom .303 British.
You can probably tell, I'm a big fan of military arms, and the sporterized versions as long as they have already been altered or built from parts.
My current favorite started as an abandoned action Russian 91/30 with a Tikka barrel. It's become my favorite scout/ camp gun. We call it the FrankenFinn.
jb

[LeverGunner]

Levergunner, so you like lever actions and are looking for a long necked case for your 30 caliber cast bullets but might use it past a 150 yards, I have something for you to think about. In the recent past Browning had Miroku in Japan duplicate the Winchester M1895 lever action in both 30-40 and 30-06 labeled as a Browning. Later they were labeled as Winchesters and included a safety (most folks didn't use) in the same calibers. I got a Browning in 30-06 and changed the sights to a blade front and tang rear (receiver sights weren't available yet) and promptly worked up a jacketed load at 100yds. Mine hated anything less than 165gr. A few weeks later a friend and I were able to get to a 200yd range. With a hunting pack rest my first group was a 5rd 100yd group of 1.25". Next, I turned to 200yd and produced a 2.25" 5rd group. Used it for years for deer and large feral goats. By chance the closest shot taken was at 120yds. A good number of shots were around 175-185 yds with the longest at 235yds, after all it was West Texas and I had a new pocket range finder to play with.
Anyway, you might think about them. Lever action, 30 caliber, long necked cases, non-detachable magazine, what's not to like?

That's a rifle I had not considered. Thank you.

[LeverGunner]

Browning A-Bolt & A-Bolt II (not the AB3!!!)

They lock the bolt on SAFE

Tang safety

Got to go HOT to load/unload, Ruger tang rifles got to go hot to load/unload too.....don't forget to go back to SAFE after your loaded up

I think lots of times that step gets forgotten because one is gearing up for the woods, load up, do you next thing.......then your walking along and check rifle out its on FIRE

The Miroku made A-Bolts are nice and you could get a Medallion, which has the premium wood, engraving, rosewood grip cap and forend tip. The works. The shiny blueing.

I have handled an A bolt, but forgotten about it. Thanks.

I don't have a problem with remembering to check the safety as I'm fastidious about that.

[348win]

AB-I has fluted bolt

AB-II has a bolt that's milled flat on an angle like

Both are good rifles to my knowledge
Affordable/competitively priced w the other options

I think these rifles are vintage approx. 1985-2005 production
Brownings site breaks down model history in a detailed timeline if your looking to study

[LeverGunner]

Thanks. I'll be looking into them.