marksman wrote:l'd be happy with what you are already thinking about,
l'd even go the vx3i 4.5-14x40 because you can always go down in power but cant go up if its not there
Bello wrote:HI Mark G
Welcome to the community.
I am cautious with new hunters and shooters. I believe, when new to this sport, one should start with a lighter calibre and build up.
I have seen too many people, especially at the range, trying to sight in rifles, they have been told to buy by friends and have a noticeable flinch because the calibre they have is too big for them at this point in time.
If you have used milder calibres first and are competent with them, the natural progression to a 308 if fine. The 308 will do all you want it to. Using good quality ammunition. Don't skimp out on ammo. I have seen guys go hunting with new rifles and scope combinations costing a small fortune only to use the cheapest ammo they could fined and wonder why they weren't having much luck.
The rifle you have chose is also good quality and leupold scopes are also fine. Scope magnification will depend on the distance you want to shoot.
Spend some time at the range getting familiar with your new rifle, try different types of ammo. See which one shoots best in your rifle.
Read lots and talk to lots of people and make up YOUR own mind.
Happy hunting
RoginaJack wrote:I'd prefer a 30-06 over the 308 (yawn) and forget the magnums. Scope wise - 3-9, 2-7 etc will do the job.. Remember Deer have minimum caliber rules...
markg wrote:Thank you all for the quick responses. I guess I should have mentioned this is not my first rifle, I have an older savage 243 I have used quiet a bit, and occasionally a shot gun. I had a look at a couple of guns this afternoon including the Tikka . The Tikka did feel very comfortable except for the front pistol grip, it felt a tad shallow for my hand, but this can be changed so I'm told, as can the foregrip to the wider version. Think I will stick to the 3.5 10 x40. Judging by what folks say this is a good choice for backpacking/ stalking in rough country. I did look at some other brands today but don't see the need to spend any more on something that at this stage won't gain me all that much. Rather I wouldn't do the more expensive rifle justice. I can spend it on other bits and pieces I am going to need. Must say I am really looking forward to the challenge and learning some new skills, and then hopefully bear fruit from them . I must confess to watching way too many youtube vids on Vic deer hunting, these are somewhat responsible for me taking this path. That together with my mates always telling me it's something I should try. Late nights but the time just goes when I'm looking at them. Thank you all again for you interest and comments. I will keep you posted on my progress and look forward to what is to come. Cheers. BTW, I did have a look at a couple with muzzle brakes, but the guy said the noise is a pain so that was that.
Bello wrote:HI Mark G
Welcome to the community.
I am cautious with new hunters and shooters. I believe, when new to this sport, one should start with a lighter calibre and build up.
I have seen too many people, especially at the range, trying to sight in rifles, they have been told to buy by friends and have a noticeable flinch because the calibre they have is too big for them at this point in time.
If you have used milder calibres first and are competent with them, the natural progression to a 308 if fine. The 308 will do all you want it to. Using good quality ammunition. Don't skimp out on ammo. I have seen guys go hunting with new rifles and scope combinations costing a small fortune only to use the cheapest ammo they could fined and wonder why they weren't having much luck.
The rifle you have chose is also good quality and leupold scopes are also fine. Scope magnification will depend on the distance you want to shoot.
Spend some time at the range getting familiar with your new rifle, try different types of ammo. See which one shoots best in your rifle.
Read lots and talk to lots of people and make up YOUR own mind.
Happy hunting
juano86 wrote:The tikkas are excellent rifles! As mentioned above, perhaps looking at something a bit lighter recoiling might be a good place to start. The Tikka's come in 7mm-08 which is legal for all deer and recoils less than the 308. The VX3i 3.5-10x40 is a great all-round scope and they pair well in some 'low' Talley lightweight rings (do away with the rail / ring combo).
marksman wrote:l'd be happy with what you are already thinking about,
l'd even go the vx3i 4.5-14x40 because you can always go down in power but cant go up if its not there
Skinna wrote:Bello wrote:
Dont pay a lot of attention to needing more ballistic performance...if a 308 isnt enough gun for you to kill a deer, & you need a 338 to do the job, it just all equates to you not being able to shoot...
I think the 'push' kinda recoil of the 308/7-08 & the price of factory 308 ammo & brass avilability is attractive.
markg wrote:Hello everyone. I am new to this site and relatively new to the hunting scene, although many of my friends are mad on it. After much thought and input from them I have decided to join their ranks and go deer hunting. Have bagged a few goats and a few pigs on my mums place but never thought of it as a hobby as such, for myself any way. I mostly fish. So I am now going to give it a go, besides , I love being in the bush and this fits in nicely. I have been looking at some rifles and have decided on a Tikka stainless in 308. I have read a lot of good stuff about them and they are in the budget I'm willing to spend initially. Scopes I have looked at are Leupold vx3i 4.5.14x40 or 3.5.10x40. I happened on a post here tonight about sight mounts on the Tikka , judging by the replies the rings don't seem to be the go,or is the picannini the best option? How do my choices look so far. I really like the backpacking style of hunting and figure this will be the mainstay of it for me. The first scope has a side adjustment too btw. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Lots of good reading in here too btw.