Most powerful sub $700 gun?

sbaker10 · January 13, 2014, 10:32 PM

What is the most powerful caliber available in a gun that costs less than 700?

I can imagine possibly a shotgun with slugs a 45-70 or a 300 win mag.

Asking half out of curiousity half out of wanting a cannon.

trigger643 · January 13, 2014, 10:51 PM

There are several magnums on GB with buy it now prices of $700 or less including a 338WM, 300 Weatherby's, WM, 7mm mag, and a surprisingly nice Belgian FN browning in 300WM

MoGas1341 · January 13, 2014, 11:44 PM

Not sure if you're wanting range or just to 'thump' something, but a .444 Marlin comes to mind...

SVTCobra306 · January 14, 2014, 12:29 AM

Possibly a Savage 212 with some good Sabot rounds.. or for that price you could get into a decent muzzleloader

Another that comes to mind is a Remington 700 SPS in .300 Win Mag, Bass Pro was selling one with a scope already mounted for under $600 I don't know how long the scope would last at that price point though.

SSA · January 14, 2014, 01:00 AM

Maybe a Howa or Savage chambered for 375 Ruger.
There might be a Zestava 458 mag around somewhere.

handlerer2 · January 14, 2014, 02:02 AM

Weatherby Vanguard, 300WBY, accurate, solid, easily under $700, and will beat the snot out of you at the bench. More retained energy at 300 yds than 308 at the muzzle.

I gave mine to my son, I was running out of snot.

shooterbob · January 14, 2014, 03:31 AM

Contender or encore in 375 Jdj is a fun thumper. A lot of people don't appreciate the variety and ease of changing calibers with the Tc's . Plus you can order almost any caliber for the encore and switch between pistol and rifle barrels easily. Most are right around 700 or lower and barrels run 200-350 for customs.

taylorce1 · January 14, 2014, 04:57 AM

Both Savage and Howa offer sub $700 rifles in .375 Ruger. If you look around you can sometimes pick up an old Mark X Mauser in .458 Win Mag for around $700.

mapsjanhere · January 14, 2014, 10:28 AM

One of the H&R Ultra in 450 Marlin should do the trick.

jmr40 · January 14, 2014, 11:27 AM

What are you going to shoot with it?

Sierra280 · January 14, 2014, 11:45 AM

IIRC, my buddy payed like $400 for his 300RUM. It's a rem700, blind magazine, Tupperware stock, 24" sporter barrel (the contour smaller than the varmint barrels). It has a little kick

Brian Pfleuger · January 14, 2014, 11:50 AM

"Most powerful requires definition. Most KE, momentum, Taylor KO, recoil, what?

sbaker10 · January 14, 2014, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Pfleuger

"Most powerful requires definition. Most KE, momentum, Taylor KO, recoil, what?

Just highest amount of kinetic energy, don't really care how useful it is just curious

Brian Pfleuger · January 14, 2014, 12:09 PM

A used large shank Savage and a custom "pre-fit" barrel would be the best bet. You could get just about any cartridge you'd like.

Otherwise, I'm guessing that something in .338 Ultra Mag or along those lines would be about it.

It's sort of an open ended question. It's pretty impossible to say "This is it!" and no one can find/make/get one more powerful.

emcon5 · January 14, 2014, 04:22 PM

Do you have access to a machine shop? There are a few plans for home-built 50BMGs floating around.

40CalGuy · January 14, 2014, 07:19 PM

the lowest gauge shotgun at the lowest price that you can still find slugs for. 8 gauge, for instance.

bcarver · January 14, 2014, 07:26 PM

H anr R 10 gauge has a lot of power. What will the power criteria be? foot pounds at muzzle?

std7mag · January 14, 2014, 08:20 PM

I have a reproduction Colt Walker I'll sell ya.

Nothing but the best in a 8lb. hand cannon...

seansean1444 · January 17, 2014, 11:54 AM

look for an inter arms in 416 Remington mag, elephanat round gun around 500 bucks

Kreyzhorse · January 19, 2014, 08:14 AM

My buddy picked up a Ruger No. 1 in .375 H&H for around $600. It was used but honestly I'm not sure it was ever shot.

I picked a No. 1 in 45-70 for about the same price. In a No. 1, 45-70 can be loaded really hot and give you all the thump you want from mild to wild.

If you take your time and look, you can find whatever tickles your fancy at a fair price.

alex0535 · January 19, 2014, 10:58 AM

Savage 12 gauge bolt action slug gun would have quite a bit of thump behind it.

The 12 gauge rile from hell was built on a Savage 210 action, 12 gauge slug gun converted into a cannon by putting a heavy barrel and a heavy stock onto it. Now it shoot slugs out of a blown out .50 bmg brass. The modifications would bring it up considerably higher than $700 but it is a beast.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197214

RonaldJason · January 19, 2014, 02:18 PM

I'm looking at a Remington 700BDL in a .300 Ultra Mag with a 26" barrel for hunting Elk and Moose in Montana. I want something that will really reach out there and drop 'em in their tracks. This is Rem Model 6410, I can get one NIB for $784 shipped, don't know what my local FFL will charge. What do you guys think? Is this a wise choice? Any recommendations?

Meeteetse · January 19, 2014, 02:56 PM

There is no doubt that any of the big magnums can reach out but whether or not it will drop them in their tracks is a function of the shooter not really the caliber of the gun.

I don't know what your experience is in hunting elk and moose, but many times the distances are not long, so many calibers work. If you have never hunted in the Rocky Mtn. states several things will come into play that are much more important than the caliber of your rifle. Things like; how good a shot you are with whatever rifle you carry? What is your physical condition? Do you understand trajectory for uphill or downhill shots, and how good are you at judging distance? Do you have a "good" range finder and binoculars?

Lots of things go into a successful hunt. Caliber may be the least important. By the way, why do you think you need a 26" barrel? Not very handy when hunting in forested areas where most elk and moose live.

JD0x0 · January 19, 2014, 05:37 PM

Weatherby would be a decent powerful rifle for a decent price.
http://www.weatherby.com/product/rif...whitetail_bonz
$750MSRP chambered in .300 weatherby magnum. And apparently they guarantee sub MOA groups from this rifle.

Quote:

SUB-MOA GUARANTEED ACCURACY— All Weatherby® Vanguard® Series 2 rifles are guaranteed to shoot a 3-shot group of .99" or less at 100 yards (SUB-MOA) when used with Weatherby® factory or premium ammunition. Vanguard Series 2 are the most accurate "out of the box" rifles you can buy.

RonaldJason · January 19, 2014, 09:10 PM

Thanks for the input, Meeteetse. You live in Wyoming? I lived in Riverton, on the Wind River Reservation from '01-'05. I did a bit of Mulie hunting out on the Res with my friend's Model 70 .30-06, but it wasn't "Mountain or Forest" hunting. After talking with my best friend, who is quite well connected to the hunting community in North TX, I think I'll go for an '06 with a 24" barrel. I am U.S. Army trained Expert Marksman, and did a little sniping in Desert Storm with a 'Nam era Model 70, but the farthest kill-shot I had was about 900 yards (aimed for the head, hit just under the rib cage...but a hit's a hit). I just like the longer barrels for long range accuracy. And thinking the RUM for it's ballistic properties, as well as downrange energy transfer. But to answer your question: no, I really don't have any experience hunting the bigger fellas in the mountains. Truth is, I really need an all-around rifle that is reliable, rugged, very accurate, and will put the meat on the table. Honestly, most of my hunting life was centered around upland bird hunting...pheasants mostly, the only rifles I own at this time are a 30-30, .22LR, and a Yugoslav SKS. Not much for range, and the blunt nose is not very good much more than a brush buster. I'm not claiming to be a crack shot these days; hell, I haven't fired a rifle in 6 years! I'm gonna be a little rusty. Any more thoughts and advice for my future hunt plans (moving to Missoula area in July) from you guys with the experience I so sorely lack would be greatly appreciated. BTW, what are the good web sites for quality gear at reasonable prices, as well as advice and tips and tricks, etc.? Thanks again for your wisdom!

January 13, 2014, 10:32 PM	#1
sbaker10 Member Join Date: December 10, 2013 Posts: 73	Most powerful sub $700 gun? What is the most powerful caliber available in a gun that costs less than 700? I can imagine possibly a shotgun with slugs a 45-70 or a 300 win mag. Asking half out of curiousity half out of wanting a cannon.

January 13, 2014, 11:44 PM	#3
MoGas1341 Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2013 Location: Missouri Posts: 201	Not sure if you're wanting range or just to 'thump' something, but a .444 Marlin comes to mind... __________________ Former USMC Engineer, Iraq War Vet, Afghanistan War Vet, NRA Life Member

January 14, 2014, 12:29 AM	#4
SVTCobra306 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Posts: 434	Possibly a Savage 212 with some good Sabot rounds.. or for that price you could get into a decent muzzleloader Another that comes to mind is a Remington 700 SPS in .300 Win Mag, Bass Pro was selling one with a scope already mounted for under $600 I don't know how long the scope would last at that price point though. __________________ Former US Army Paratrooper (1/509th PIR and 2nd BCT 82nd ABN DIV) 2 time OIF Veteran NRA Certified RSO/CRSO NRA Certified Pistol Instructor

January 14, 2014, 04:57 AM	#8
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,242	Both Savage and Howa offer sub $700 rifles in .375 Ruger. If you look around you can sometimes pick up an old Mark X Mauser in .458 Win Mag for around $700. __________________ NRA Life Member Last edited by taylorce1; January 14, 2014 at 08:25 PM.

January 14, 2014, 10:28 AM	#9
mapsjanhere Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,832	One of the H&R Ultra in 450 Marlin should do the trick. __________________ I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.

January 13, 2014, 10:51 PM	#2
trigger643 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2011 Posts: 322	There are several magnums on GB with buy it now prices of $700 or less including a 338WM, 300 Weatherby's, WM, 7mm mag, and a surprisingly nice Belgian FN browning in 300WM

January 14, 2014, 01:00 AM	#5
SSA Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Posts: 641	Maybe a Howa or Savage chambered for 375 Ruger. There might be a Zestava 458 mag around somewhere.

January 14, 2014, 02:02 AM	#6
handlerer2 Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2010 Location: Yellowstone Co, MT Posts: 489	Weatherby Vanguard, 300WBY, accurate, solid, easily under $700, and will beat the snot out of you at the bench. More retained energy at 300 yds than 308 at the muzzle. I gave mine to my son, I was running out of snot.

January 14, 2014, 03:31 AM	#7
shooterbob Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2013 Posts: 109	Contender or encore in 375 Jdj is a fun thumper. A lot of people don't appreciate the variety and ease of changing calibers with the Tc's . Plus you can order almost any caliber for the encore and switch between pistol and rifle barrels easily. Most are right around 700 or lower and barrels run 200-350 for customs.

January 14, 2014, 11:27 AM	#10
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	What are you going to shoot with it?

January 14, 2014, 11:45 AM	#11
Sierra280 Junior member Join Date: July 29, 2013 Location: Gardnerville, NV Posts: 569	IIRC, my buddy payed like $400 for his 300RUM. It's a rem700, blind magazine, Tupperware stock, 24" sporter barrel (the contour smaller than the varmint barrels). It has a little kick

January 14, 2014, 11:50 AM	#12
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	"Most powerful requires definition. Most KE, momentum, Taylor KO, recoil, what? __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

January 14, 2014, 12:09 PM	#14
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	A used large shank Savage and a custom "pre-fit" barrel would be the best bet. You could get just about any cartridge you'd like. Otherwise, I'm guessing that something in .338 Ultra Mag or along those lines would be about it. It's sort of an open ended question. It's pretty impossible to say "This is it!" and no one can find/make/get one more powerful. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

January 14, 2014, 04:22 PM	#15
emcon5 Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 1999 Location: High Desert NV Posts: 2,850	Do you have access to a machine shop? There are a few plans for home-built 50BMGs floating around.

January 14, 2014, 07:19 PM	#16
40CalGuy Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2005 Location: southwest usa Posts: 424	the lowest gauge shotgun at the lowest price that you can still find slugs for. 8 gauge, for instance. __________________ Entirely too many toys to list.

January 14, 2014, 07:26 PM	#17
bcarver Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2007 Location: Jackson,Mississippi Posts: 838	power H anr R 10 gauge has a lot of power. What will the power criteria be? foot pounds at muzzle?

January 14, 2014, 08:20 PM	#18
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	I have a reproduction Colt Walker I'll sell ya. Nothing but the best in a 8lb. hand cannon...

January 17, 2014, 11:54 AM	#19
seansean1444 Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2010 Location: ithaca, new york (home of the ithaca shotguns!) Posts: 395	look for an inter arms in 416 Remington mag, elephanat round gun around 500 bucks

January 19, 2014, 08:14 AM	#20
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	My buddy picked up a Ruger No. 1 in .375 H&H for around $600. It was used but honestly I'm not sure it was ever shot. I picked a No. 1 in 45-70 for about the same price. In a No. 1, 45-70 can be loaded really hot and give you all the thump you want from mild to wild. If you take your time and look, you can find whatever tickles your fancy at a fair price. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

January 19, 2014, 10:58 AM	#21
alex0535 Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2012 Location: Georgia Posts: 908	Savage 12 gauge bolt action slug gun would have quite a bit of thump behind it. The 12 gauge rile from hell was built on a Savage 210 action, 12 gauge slug gun converted into a cannon by putting a heavy barrel and a heavy stock onto it. Now it shoot slugs out of a blown out .50 bmg brass. The modifications would bring it up considerably higher than $700 but it is a beast. http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197214

January 19, 2014, 02:18 PM	#22
RonaldJason Junior Member Join Date: December 18, 2013 Posts: 4	What about .300RUM? I'm looking at a Remington 700BDL in a .300 Ultra Mag with a 26" barrel for hunting Elk and Moose in Montana. I want something that will really reach out there and drop 'em in their tracks. This is Rem Model 6410, I can get one NIB for $784 shipped, don't know what my local FFL will charge. What do you guys think? Is this a wise choice? Any recommendations?

January 19, 2014, 02:56 PM	#23
Meeteetse Member Join Date: January 1, 2012 Location: Wyoming - Texas Posts: 69	There is no doubt that any of the big magnums can reach out but whether or not it will drop them in their tracks is a function of the shooter not really the caliber of the gun. I don't know what your experience is in hunting elk and moose, but many times the distances are not long, so many calibers work. If you have never hunted in the Rocky Mtn. states several things will come into play that are much more important than the caliber of your rifle. Things like; how good a shot you are with whatever rifle you carry? What is your physical condition? Do you understand trajectory for uphill or downhill shots, and how good are you at judging distance? Do you have a "good" range finder and binoculars? Lots of things go into a successful hunt. Caliber may be the least important. By the way, why do you think you need a 26" barrel? Not very handy when hunting in forested areas where most elk and moose live. __________________ All it takes for tyranny to succeed is for good men to do nothing.

January 19, 2014, 09:10 PM	#25
RonaldJason Junior Member Join Date: December 18, 2013 Posts: 4	Thanks for the input, Meeteetse. You live in Wyoming? I lived in Riverton, on the Wind River Reservation from '01-'05. I did a bit of Mulie hunting out on the Res with my friend's Model 70 .30-06, but it wasn't "Mountain or Forest" hunting. After talking with my best friend, who is quite well connected to the hunting community in North TX, I think I'll go for an '06 with a 24" barrel. I am U.S. Army trained Expert Marksman, and did a little sniping in Desert Storm with a 'Nam era Model 70, but the farthest kill-shot I had was about 900 yards (aimed for the head, hit just under the rib cage...but a hit's a hit). I just like the longer barrels for long range accuracy. And thinking the RUM for it's ballistic properties, as well as downrange energy transfer. But to answer your question: no, I really don't have any experience hunting the bigger fellas in the mountains. Truth is, I really need an all-around rifle that is reliable, rugged, very accurate, and will put the meat on the table. Honestly, most of my hunting life was centered around upland bird hunting...pheasants mostly, the only rifles I own at this time are a 30-30, .22LR, and a Yugoslav SKS. Not much for range, and the blunt nose is not very good much more than a brush buster. I'm not claiming to be a crack shot these days; hell, I haven't fired a rifle in 6 years! I'm gonna be a little rusty. Any more thoughts and advice for my future hunt plans (moving to Missoula area in July) from you guys with the experience I so sorely lack would be greatly appreciated. BTW, what are the good web sites for quality gear at reasonable prices, as well as advice and tips and tricks, etc.? Thanks again for your wisdom!