Mild recoiling rifle for hunting medium sized game

[JC in Calif]

Hello, new to this forum. Looking for recommendations for factory rifles for this purpose. My planned shooting range on game would not exceed 600-700 yards but I would like to try target shooting out to 1,000 ish yards. The 6.5 CM gets a lot of press and it seems like there are a lot of choices in rifle and ammo. However, I am open to other caliber choices. I don't plan to handload.
FYI, I have a 300WM that I use for elk hunting and shoot it well but would be nice to practice with less recoil and lower ammo cost.
I would like scope suggestions as well.
Thanks in advance.

.243 .308 6.5x47 6.5x284 7/08 .270 .240WBY

 

[freddogs]

I use the Ruger American Rifle Predator in 6.5 CM for deer size game. It has little recoil and ammo is plentiful. Mine shoots under a moa.
I don't know if it has enough umph at 600 yds. I haven't shot anything that far. It is very nice for target shooting. I have a 4-12 Burris on mine because I had it handy.
I would think most of the 7mm and 25 calibers would work fine too.
I would like to try the 6.5 prc too.

 

[MAD10]

7mm 08 with 162 ELDM @ 2700 fps and you can rock an elk out to 800ish

 

[Thomas Culver]

I would go with the 6.5 Creedmoor since you don't plan to reload. Mine shoots lights out. As far as scopes go, the Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15 is on sale for 50% off. I have the 4.5-27 on my Creedmoor and have been pleased with it, thinking of buying the 2.5-15 to put on my 270 WSM. For $400, it is hard to beat, FFP and illuminated.

 

[SilverbulletMAG]

I was in a similar boat awhile back looking for a light recoiling deer rifle for my wife and daughter that was also fun to shoot and hit steel at distance. Grabbed my wife a Mossberg Patriot in 7-08 that I thought was perfect for her. It's light, short, easy to throw around and shoulder but because of all of that, it has a pretty snappy recoil. Kicks like a 30-06! Could have threaded the barrel for a brake and made it better for her but used it as an excuse to get another rifle...for her of course.lol
Ended up grabbing a Ruger American Predator in 6.5, dropped it in a Boyds stock, threw on a cheap muzzle brake and added a Monarch 5 3-15 scope. All for well under your $2K target price point and this thing shoots lights out! Kicks like a .243 and hits deer like a lightning bolt.
Long way of saying....another vote for the 6.5 to go along with your 300.

 

[XSIVSPD]

I'll be another vote for the 6.5x284 (or prc) very little recoil and very flat shooting. I'd probably do the prc since the otc ammo is cheaper. I bought one for my wife because she hates recoil. She loves the rifle .

Also, don't let anyone tell you your budget is too small. I have a 338 lapua chassis rifle that shoots 3/8 moa that I bought for under $2k including scope. New rifle and barely used glass. Just need to look for the deals.

 

[Franko21]

Your 300 WM is ideal for short and long range big game hunting, so why not go for a gun for varmits and target shooting? I suggest a 6CM or 223. Both are easy to shoot, light recoiling, and will be a completely different animal than your big gun.

 

[Boneafide]

Hello, new to this forum. Looking for recommendations for factory rifles for this purpose. My planned shooting range on game would not exceed 600-700 yards but I would like to try target shooting out to 1,000 ish yards. The 6.5 CM gets a lot of press and it seems like there are a lot of choices in rifle and ammo. However, I am open to other caliber choices. I don't plan to handload.
FYI, I have a 300WM that I use for elk hunting and shoot it well but would be nice to practice with less recoil and lower ammo cost.
I would like scope suggestions as well.
Thanks in advance.

6.5-284 norma is what I went with. Sold my 300 wm

 

[Boneafide]

6.5-284 norma . sold my 300 wm

 

[Kimber7man]

For medium sized game with abundant factory ammo I'd be hard pressed to pass up a 6.5 creedmoor with 8 twist barrel in whatever brand rifle that rocked my boat...

You've got elk covered with the 300 win mag.

 

[Boneafide]

Hello, new to this forum. Looking for recommendations for factory rifles for this purpose. My planned shooting range on game would not exceed 600-700 yards but I would like to try target shooting out to 1,000 ish yards. The 6.5 CM gets a lot of press and it seems like there are a lot of choices in rifle and ammo. However, I am open to other caliber choices. I don't plan to handload.
FYI, I have a 300WM that I use for elk hunting and shoot it well but would be nice to practice with less recoil and lower ammo cost.
I would like scope suggestions as well.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Boneafide]

Light on recoil shoots great

 

[James Pearson]

270 Winchester
7mm-08

 

[LVJ76]

I've been hunting with a 7mm-08 for over 30 years, started when I was 8 years old. Took my first coues whitetail and first mulie at this age and both off hand shots with little recoil.

Ita shoots flat and it kills up to 600m ( 650+ yards) no problem. You can use bullets from 100gr to 168gr with great results.

As far as the rifle a Remington or a Savage, they are very accurate in my experience and with a good scope on top you are set to go.