My go to hunting rifle for big game is my Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon chambered in 7 mm Magnum.
I’d go with a bolt action over a semi-auto for better long range accuracy in all weather conditions.
If you mainly want to hunt deer, I would recommend less than 30 caliber. There’s plenty of good options like .270, 7 mm Mag, .284 Win, .28 Nosler, etc.
The main reason is less meat wasted on the exit wound, typically the shoulder, when using .30 calibers. All the calibers I mentioned are great for long range but even for close range. I was successful from 30 yards to 360 yards with the 7mm and they dropped instantly.
Next will be your scope. I have a Sign Sauer that my wife bought me for Christmas. But price wise, I would go with Vortex. They make excellent scopes for a decent price.
You are most welcome. Just passing on what some amazing mentors have shared with me over the years and the benefit of a thing or two I’ve learned on my own.
I hope you have great success! Few things in life are more fulfilling than consuming and serving your family healthy game you hunted yourself!
One last thing I forgot to mention. Scope mounting! I HATE excessive weight in a hunting rifle, another reason to pass on the AR platform. My ideal weight for a hunting rifle is under 8lbs and and I have several in the sub 7 and one in sub 6 range.
Hunting can be an exhausting endeavor, there is little need to make it worse by carrying unneeded lbs.
For rings/bases I’m a huge fan of aluminum DNZ and Talley one piece mounts. They are strong as brick outhouses, weigh only ounces and I now have them on EVERY hunting rifle I own.
Oh and slings. I hate standard leather “hunting” slings. Tough or nearly impossible to adjust quickly if needed, and when they get wet they are a mess that requires remediation later.
All my slings at this point are Viking Tactical (VTAC) padded adjustable slings on quick detach swivels so I can take them off at the range or in a tree stand, switch them around for muzzle up or down carry, or move them from one gun to another to save money because good slings are not cheap.
They adjust to any size with one hand in a second, are totally weatherproof and weigh next to nothing. I also have several for my ARs.
After some time of bragging to my parents and family about my success with my Hunters Ed. Certificate along with my excitement of getting the license to get out in the woods…. My father owns a rifle and a shotgun that he considers his most valuable possession. He did some thinking and since he only keeps his guns for display purposes. He has passed them down to me for me to have use of them. I don’t have a picture of them at this time but here is the rifle he gave me to give you an idea. Remington 783 / as for the shotgun I haven’t gotten a chance to take a closer look but I found this that looks similar. It’s old fashioned with wood.
…… enjoy 
