I'm looking to get a new rifle this income tax season, that is within the next two months. I really like the Tikka light stainless, damn that's pretty. I'm also looking at Savage.

I'm thinking about a 7mm-08 or a 270. I would use it for deer and coyotes at ranges from 30 feet up to possibly 250 yards.

Which one of these calibers would be the most versital for both coyote and deer? Does the 7-08 really give up anything to the 270 at longer ranges?

Which rifle would be the best bet accuracy wise? The Savage has a great reputation and a good trigger and is US made, but that tikka is so darn pretty. Another concern is the durability of Tikka's plastic magazine as I plan on doing a whole lot of shooting with this gun.

I'll be reloading so factory ammo availability isn't an issue.

I took a look at a couple of Savage rifles last night. I think that's what I'll go with. The more I read around here the more intrigued I am with the 7-08. I think it may be perfect for what I want. Reloading manuals show it just a tad behind the 270, which should make a negligible difference at longer ranges. Also, it uses lots less powder and would have a larger bullet selection.

I can get one for about $430 with the accutrigger from my LGS. That'd leave a bit-o-money left for a good piece of glass.

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Originally posted by Clement:
I'm looking to get a new rifle this income tax season, that is within the next two months. I really like the Tikka light stainless, damn that's pretty. I'm also looking at Savage.

I'm thinking about a 7mm-08 or a 270. I would use it for deer and coyotes at ranges from 30 feet up to possibly 250 yards.

Which one of these calibers would be the most versital for both coyote and deer? Does the 7-08 really give up anything to the 270 at longer ranges?

Which rifle would be the best bet accuracy wise? The Savage has a great reputation and a good trigger and is US made, but that tikka is so darn pretty. Another concern is the durability of Tikka's plastic magazine as I plan on doing a whole lot of shooting with this gun.

I'll be reloading so factory ammo availability isn't an issue.

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For the distances you state, I would go with the 7mm-08 as you will not give up anything and since you reload yourself would have a better selection of bullets. I don't know what your preferences are in rifles but I personally own a Savage Sierra, the 20" carbine they make in 7mm-08. The reasons I like it is it's simply a very handy rifle to carry when you're out all day and came accurate out of the box. It is one of the toughest rifles I've ever come across and believe me I don't baby it. My son got his elk last year using that rifle using FailSafes. One other thing often overlooked by a lot of buyers is that the Savage action is one of the safest at any price.

Hope this helps and good luck with your new toy.

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Originally posted by Clement:
I'm looking to get a new rifle ... I really like the Tikka light stainless, damn that's pretty. I'm also looking at Savage....

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Hey Clement, Let me recommend you go up to the Gunsmith Board and look at the threads dealing with the Sako/Tika rifles blowing-up before you make your final decision.

It is bad enough that their rifles that are blowing-up, but it is compounded by the Sako/Tika/Beretta Management decision to keep it a secret and let people remain unaware so they can also be blown-up. Pitiful!

There are at least 3-4 threads on it and they include some flicks of a few of the disasters.

I took a look at some of that Sako and Tikka stuff.

I'm definately buying a Savage now. 7mm-08, 22" barrell. and I'm thinking a Swift scope from Cabelas. I've read good things about them over on 24hourcampfire. That or the Leupold rifleman 3-9x40.

Which one is better? The 7-08 shouldn't punish either. I currently have a Bushnell Sportsman 4x on a Marlin 45-70 that has held up well, and a Tasco World Class on a Savage bolt .22 rimfire.

Swift or Leupold rifleman. Which is better?