Thread: First rifle

I agree with Timmattalon re budget and general advice, and would add that I have a range at my place so see a few rifles come through for sighting and checking. From what I have seen and used I would go with 7mm08 and 140grn ammo. ( Personally I agree with Jesus choice and use a 270 myself to provide food for the deciples) As a beginner you are not going to have the confidence for long shots so a mid power caliber is what is needed. Out of those mid power choices the 7mm caliber is ideal for all NZ game. The 280 rem is the best of those (Parent 3006) and none of the other non-magnum calibres mentioned can touch it. But it has more power and recoil than you need so stepping it back the 7mm08 is perfect. It has superior ballistics to it's parent the 308win, will kill well without turning the side of an animal black like a 308 and is mild to shoot.
As to rifle, a really good trigger makes the biggest difference to accurate shooting. Rifle fit can be altered by taping some closed cell foam to the comb so that if you shoulder the rifle with your eyes closed, when you then open them you find yourself looking perfectly through the scope. If you buy a new rifle just remember to read up on how to 'shoot in' the barrel.