Hey Redryderbb, I have a Ruger American in 308 too. Mines shoots respectible groups with factory ammo - 1.5" at 100 yds. Like it alot. Didn't read all the reply posts on this thread, but you might consider, if you haven't already, a used hunting rifle. It will allow you to acquire rifles that would've been beyond your budget if they were to be purchased new.

For many years I only liked wood and polised blue guns, but within the last few years I've warmed up to synthentic stocked rifles with matte blue or stainless metalwork; as well as polymer framed firearms.

I must say these new inexspensive bolt action hunting rifles can shoot on par and sometimes slighty better than my Winchester model 70s, Ruger 77s, and Remington 700 bolt guns; as far as factory ammo is concerned.

Good luck hunting and enjoy your guns!   

Aloha LH,

What model Ruger American do you have? Do you reload? Im glad the 3 lug action is getting more mainstream

Wanted to know the reason RR got rid of the Tikka they are very good rifles.

Happy Hunting!

Howzit 808Hunta!

My Ruger American is the plain matte finish one with gray-colored stock; not the Ranch, Predator, All Weather or Compact. Paid about $390 out the door from Security two years ago.
I have reloading dies for several rifle cals. But I generally reload for 257 Roberts, 6.5x55 Swede, and 348 Winchester. Shoot mostly factory stuff.
My friend has a Tikka T3 Lite LH in 270 Win. and absolutely loves it. With his handloads he clusters them consistently into nickel size groups; with some smaller than that. This past gun show there was one in 25-06 for sale. It was sure tempting. Great gun from reports heard.

                                                      Mahalo,
                                                      LH

Right on nice one!  I'm debating on the predator in 6.5 Creedmoor although I do like the all weather compact as well. 

Nice calibers love the 257 and Swede I didnt see the 25-06 tikka at the gun show shoots, what model was it?

Yeah reloading is getting expensive especially when you do a lot of wildcatting or shoot improved rounds etc and large cals powder prices is ridiculous here.

Take it easy and happy huntin'...Aloha 808

808Hunta,

The rifle was the T3 Lite with blue barrel.  I worked one of the tables both days at the show and as far as I know the gun went unsold. The rifle was selling for $600. I know the seller. Want to contact him? I have his phone number. Also, you may have seen a minty condition Ruger M77 in 308 selling for $400. I believe the gun went unsold too. I have the seller's name and number as well. Let me know if you want to contact either or both of those sellers. Otherwise, wish you lots of luck in finding your next purchase.

                                  Thanks,
                                   LH

808Hunta,

The rifle was the T3 Lite with blue barrel.  I worked one of the tables both days at the show and as far as I know the gun went unsold. The rifle was selling for $600. I know the seller. Want to contact him? I have his phone number. Also, you may have seen a minty condition Ruger M77 in 308 selling for $400. I believe the gun went unsold too. I have the seller's name and number as well. Let me know if you want to contact either or both of those sellers. Otherwise, wish you lots of luck in finding your next purchase.

                                  Thanks,
                                   LH

Will ask my buddy who was looking for a Tikka thanks.  Good price on the ruger too but I dont care for 308's will ask around, I spent way too much at the show lol

Hi redryderbb,

I'm curious to know why you got rid of your tikka. Was it just because of caliber choice, was a less expensive rifle was just as sufficient (Ruger American) or did the Tikka suck?

I ask because I have a 308 or 30-06 tikka lite on my purchase list for a hunting rifle.

Thanks for your feedback.

Hi redryderbb,

I'm curious to know why you got rid of your tikka. Was it just because of caliber choice, was a less expensive rifle was just as sufficient (Ruger American) or did the Tikka suck?

I ask because I have a 308 or 30-06 tikka lite on my purchase list for a hunting rifle.

Thanks for your feedback.

Howzit Jl808,

I cant speak for redryder but i've had more Tikka's than I care to count you wont be disappointed.

Aloha

Aloha Loyal,

Talked to my buddy about the 25-06 T3 Lite but he ended up going with a 7mm RM instead.  He want's to do some big game hunt's with us in the future and opted for the larger caliber for Elk, Stag and African plains game. Although I think this wont be his last purchase as he's been bitten somewhat by the bug so to speak LOL. And seeing all the custom's is not helping his cause at all with his wife  I will let you know if anyone I know is interested.

Aloha,

808

808 Hunta,

   Thanks for letting your buddies know about the two rifles. Got a PM yesterday from another member from this site requesting info and contact number of the seller of the Ruger M77.

7mm Rem Mag is a very good choice for the hunting application stated. My hunt buddy uses his with great results on game.

Custom guns are great to own, but oh the cost! Even a semi custom gun like a Dakota 76 costs bucks. Hope your buddy enjoys his new gun and can keep good marital harmony.

                                                    Happy hunting,
                                                    LH

LH,

No problem! I had many 25-06's and they are great for Hawaii's game unfortunately the bullet selection isn't the best out there. Need better bullets for the hotrod wildcat's although the accubond's are doing quite well.

Yes, The 7mm caliber period is an awesome performer have had quite a few of them. Favorite is a 7mm STW semi-custom built on a sauer 90 action cant count the animals that fell to that rifle all over the world.

Yeah custom's are more expensive but there's a reason for that although there are some out there that are just crazy pricing LOL.

Happy Hunting,
808

808Hunta,

When I first considered having a gun built for me, a popular route as you know was using a surplus 98 Mauser action. That's when they were relatively cheap and plentiful. My "poor man's " (drop in Fagen stock) custom gun in 35 Whelen was built on the 98. As you mentioned custom guns are for a purpose. No commerical bolt action was available in 35W until a few years later when Remington offered the chambering in their model 700.

Nearly had a 9.3x62 Mauser built using a 1909 Argentine action until a good deal on a commercial rifle (Whitworth Safari) in 375 H&H came along. The other custom gun I have was built for someone else years ago. A 1903 Springfield styled very close to look like a Griffin and Howe custom gun from the 1930s. Not one of those butchered sporterized rifles you commonly see. Bought for nostalgic looks. It shoots great!

I agree with you. Custom guns though pricey, are for a purpose. Usually a specific purpose.
Problem now is to dismiss every excuse to have another one built for me lol.

                                               Mahalo,
                                               LH

They're nice i'm sure and solid caliber's.

For me or us I should say it's from wanting uncommon or non existant cartridges. So we build wildcat's and having things built how you like it really makes things for us anyway much more comfortable. We enjoy tinkering as much with stuff so thats where the attraction comes from. We used to also swage our own bullets when they werent available in the weights we needed for the twist rates we had for our barrels but have slowed down a bit.

Go ahead do it bro you only live once LOL

Happy Huntin'...808