Sorry for the long read.
So, I was just injured in my right (dominant) eye and may never have central vision again. Only saying this because I may have to change to left handed. I’m fine with the guns I currently have but I’ve been in the market for a new rifle.
I’ve been wanting something I can easily reload for and that’s good for mostly hunting deer (primarily), bear, pig and hopefully elk sometime. Also, be a good long range gun. But mostly something not too tough so my son can shoot it too, when he’s a little older.
I thought about everything: 22 creed, more popular 6mm, 6.5m and 7prc (more for me). I have a 308 and I have a range where I can every now and then I can make it out to 500-1000+. But with a 20” barrel I’m struggling to get it out to 1000.
I’m also looking at more budget friendly barreled actions since I have an MDT chassis I can throw it in. I’d like to keep it under $1500 but willing to go a little higher.
7mm-08 and 270 are the first 2 that come to my mind. I started hunting with a 270 when I was 10 years old (my great uncle’s Winchester Model 70 from the late 1930’s). I was a taller and heavier child and the recoil didn’t bother me at all.
In addition to the above excellent choices I would add 6.5 PRC and 280 Ackley for consideration.
The most prolific Deer Hunter I know swears by 270. He says the secret sauce for that cartridge is that for whitetail, and anything smaller, to use lighter weight 100 - 110 grain bullets. Significant reduction in Recoil compared to the heavier bullets and much flatter shooting especially over typical Whitetail ranges. No need to consider dialing or holdovers. Then, if elk or something big comes up in the future, you can move up to a heavier bullet.
He has since switched to 6.5 PRC because for one Christmas or birthday his wife got him a nice rifle in that chambering. He’s done well with that one too.
I’ve had a lot, a lot of personal success using the 7mm-08 on whitetail. I know there are plenty of people who do shoot it at Elk at reasonable ranges and have good results.
Sorry about the injury!
6.5 PRC is coming to mind as a candidate that fits what you’re describing. I’d also put 270 in the running, which has similar ballistics and slightly more frontal diameter, but also isn’t designed for as high a BC of bullet.
I need to research lefties one of these days . I often get asked and I don’t have a great answer.
With that budget though, a Tikka action and Proof barrel would be on the menu for me.
7mm-08 is something I was thinking about for my son when it’s time for his first deer gun.