Best Bolt-Action Rifles For Big Game Hunting

Posted by Mandu Moses on Mar 15th 2024

When it comes to hunting, bolt-action rifles have earned a reputable mark due to their remarkable precision and reliability in outdoor environments. They are also versatile in carrying larger calibers, which is not common for most guns.

A bolt-action rifle is best known for its manual operation. The user directly manipulates the bolt through the bolt handle to cycle the cartridges. That means the user can rotate the bolt, pull it to the rear, and push it back into place.

Not all bolt-action rifles are ideal for big game hunting. With a vast variety of rifles on the market, you might experience difficulty choosing one that best suits you. That is why we have sampled a few bolt-action rifles for big game hunting for you to start with.

Product	Price
Remington Model 700
Savage 110 Hunter
Bergara B-14 HMR
Mauser M-18
Tikka T3x Lite
Winchester M70 Featherweight

Our selection is based on quality, accuracy, reliability, and value for money, ensuring that you can make an informed decision when choosing your ideal hunting rifle.

How To Pick The Right Bolt-Action Rifle For Big Game Hunting

It can be a challenge getting one bolt-action rifle that can fit all your hunting desires. The market is now flooded with bolt-action guns coming from different manufacturers. To simplify your search, we have outlined what you need to look at when buying your first bolt-action hunting rifle.

Calibers For Each Type Of Game Hunting

There are two major categories of game hunting: small game and big game hunting.

Small game refers to animals weighing under 40 pounds. They include rabbits, coyotes, squirrels, and prairie dogs. Due to their small size, you only need to use smaller and lighter ammunition to avoid wasting a lot of meat.

On the other hand, big game refers to animals weighing over 40 pounds. These include deer, wild boar, bears, elk, and pronghorn.

Such animals require larger caliber rounds like .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor with enough velocity past 600 yards.

Getting the right caliber for big game hunting is more of a personal choice. However, if you are getting into the game, we recommend 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor.

You can consider these key factors:

Maximum Point-Blank Range (MBPR)

This is the range at which you can aim at a target without having to adjust for bullet drop. The feature is essential for big game hunting where precise shots are crucial. Bolt-action rifles with a longer MBPR offer better accuracy and are ideal for long-range shooting.

Recoil

Recoil can affect your accuracy and shooting comfort. Bolt-action rifles with a higher recoil are less comfortable to shoot. Always choose a rifle with a manageable recoil for hunting.

Max Distance For 1000 And 1500 Ft-Lb Of Energy

This refers to the maximum distance at which a bullet can still deliver a specific amount of energy to the target. Go for a bolt-action rifle that can deliver energy up to 1500 ft-lb at your preferred range.

Terminal Ballistics

This refers to the bullet's behavior after impact on the target. It is crucial in big game hunting as you want a bullet that can take down the game effectively without causing excessive damage to the meat.

Barrel Length

Credit: Pinterest

A barrel length can determine how long the powder within the cartridge takes to burn off. Longer barrels are ideal for big game hunting as they allow more time for the powder to burn off. This accelerates the speed at which the bullet travels to hit the target.

This does not mean all longer barrels are good for hunting. The longest barrels sometimes add more weight to the rifles by making the muzzle-end heavier. This makes it difficult to carry your rifle when moving around.

Although most bolt-action rifles can have barrel lengths of between 18 and 26 inches, these lengths are not common for hunting calibers. Therefore, always choose your riffle depending on the distance you intend to shoot.

For instance, shooting at distances from 20 to 300 yards does not require a longer barrel to maximize your bullet's velocity.

Rifle’s Reliability Features

Bolt-action rifles are some of the most reliable hunting guns available. However, that does not mean any bolt-action rifle can work effectively in any outdoor condition. When getting your bolt-action big game hunting rifle, you also need to consider other components such as;

Triggers

Most rifles come with a manufacturer’s trigger. You can also get those with pre-installed aftermarket triggers. These can make shooting more comfortable and adaptable to different conditions. However, they need professional installation since they can make the rifle significantly unreliable.

Stocks

Most bolt-action rifles for hunting have two types of stocks: wooden and synthetic polymer stocks.

Wooden stocks can withstand any tough condition with the right production. But they can also break easily if moisture gets into them or if they drop.

Synthetic polymer stocks are also versatile and work better in both standard and extreme conditions. They are lighter than wooden stocks, making it easier to carry the rifle when moving around.

Cheaper polymer stocks tend to crack when put under stress or in cold conditions. Moreover, lighter stocks can increase the felt recoil drastically.

Generally, you can stick to the manufacturer’s stocks if they give you the best grip and gun control. Or, you can install aftermarket stocks to increase the rifle’s reliability. Always test your rifle in the range before taking it for hunting.

Scope Mounting

Most traditional bolt-action rifles do not have iron sights or optics installed on them. Instead, they have dedicated points to mount scope rings or top-mounted scope bases. Others also have integrated upper Picatinny rails for modern optics mounting.

mount scope on a bolt-action rifle

If you intend to mount scopes on your bolt-action rifle, always pick specific scopes that match the rifle’s mounting requirements. For instance, you cannot use a Remington Model 700 style scope ring on another rifle like SAKO.

When selecting a big game hunting rifle, it's crucial to choose a rifle that chambers the caliber you prefer. Invest in a high-quality rifle that will last for many years, even if it may cost more upfront. By taking into account these features, you can choose the most appropriate and reliable rifle for your big game hunting needs.

Best Bolt-Action Rifles For Big Game Hunting

Now that you know what to look for in a hunting rifle, let us look at some of the best bolt-action rifles on the market.

The market receives different bolt-action rifles each year. Some have features of traditional firing mechanisms, while others have bits of modern functionalities that increase their adaptability. All you have to do is to vet each rifle to ensure it fits your hunting preferences.

Remington Model 700

Remington 700 has been around since its introduction in the late 1940s. Today, many manufacturers still make their modern rifles based on the Remington Model 700. That is because the model is known for its simple action that contributes to its undebatable power, speed, and precision.

A hunter aiming his Bolt-action Remington 700 rifle

Credit: Remington Arms

Remington 700 can accommodate different calibers, barrel lengths, trigger groups, and stock setups. This makes it a versatile rifle for all hunting purposes. It also comes with varying magazine sizes to fit different state laws. This is essential in states that have limits on how much ammunition a rifle can hold.

Generally, the Remington 700 is one of the simplest but still high-quality bolt-action rifle for hunting. You can use a near-endless supply of aftermarket accessories on the gun.