I am new to hunting, and am on a budget to start. I have an beautiful old Ithaca 12G (smooth at first so I could do anything) an

[dltasig7]

I am new to hunting, and am on a budget to start. I have an beautiful old Ithaca 12G (smooth at first so I could do anything) and a 10/22. I now want a big game rifle. To get the most bang for my initial rifle buck, I am considering the Ruger American, but I'm not stuck on it, nor am I necessarily stuck on new. My bigger question though is what is the best all-around/all-beast caliber to start with until I can afford a rifle for every purpose? THANKS!!!

[Amflyer]

"Ain't many problems a man can't fix, with 700 dollars and a 30-'06."

[dltasig7]

I probably should have said this first one needs to be under $500 (After Tax.)

[Treestand]

Welcome to F&S, The best all around Cal:30/06 as for a budget Rifle Savage Axes,MARP $375.00 and a Bushnell 3-9x40 scope, Still on a budget! buy a used Marlin 336 in 30-30,32Win Spl.35 Rem, $275.00+/- add a good Pep sight or scope. Good Luck

[habben97]

I have a savage axis and I like it a lot. if you get one in 30-06 then you should be good to go.

[Ga hunter]

Wal-Mart stores around here sell a Remington 700 SPS combo for I believe about $500. The Remington 700 is a great gun (I am just a little bit biased) and the caliber choice is totally up to you and the game you hunt. For an all around caliber though 30-06 is the way to go like others have said! If you don't like the recoil you can always move down to a .308 or .270.

[Grassroots89]

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[Grassroots89]

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[Grassroots89]

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[Del in KS]

First and only should be a 30 06. Savage is a good place to look, but there are many others.

[99explorer]

Count one more vote for the venerable .30-06, with ammo available in every town and hamlet from coast to coast.

[jhjimbo]

Remington makes the 783 that has great accuracy claims in their ads. Most all major manufacturers make a rifle in the same price range. Look at them in the store and see which one feels best to you.
There is also the option of a good used Remington 700 if you can find one. The 30-06 is a great choice however if the biggest game in on your list you may want something a little heavier like a .300 magnum. Good luck.
P.S. plan on spending as much for a good quality scope as for the rifle.

[DakotaMan]

If your fare does not include elk and such big beasts, the 25-06 has been my choice for 45 years. It is very low in recoil and allows you to shoot little 75g-87g bullets for targets and varmints with blazing speed. You can literally shoot hundreds of rounds a day. It will smack coyotes out to 600 yards with the 87g bullets as long as you get a good shooting rifle and scope. 100g to 120g bullets will flatten deer out to 500 yards and its speed allows you to shoot running game like few others. I prefer it over the zippy 22-250 if I have only one rifle because at similar speeds, it hits as hard as a .270. Many think the bullets are too small for deer but that is simply because they haven't tried it. The penetrate deer end-to-end and the speed generally shocks them in their tracks.

If you want something for larger game, the 30-06 is quite versatile but not so fun to shoot at targets and varmints.

I acquired a used stainless Howa 1500 that shoots lights out for $375 with a home bedding job. You may be able to find used Tika T3s, Rem 700s or Savage 110s that deliver sufficient accuracy for longer range shooting. I suggest you consider reloading if you get a 25-06 because you will want to shoot it a LOT. It is very economical when reloaded.

[Guest]

For every purpose short of a grizzly, go with the .30-'06

[Rex99]

To me best all around cartridge is the .300 win mag. Although it is far from a beginners caliber. I would go with a .30-06 or a .30-30.