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Does anyone have opinions on either?

I'm looking to buy my first bolt action hunting rifle, and I've got it narrowed down to 30-06 and am looking at either the CVA Cascade... or stepping up a bit to the Bergara Wilderness Sierra for the adjustable cheek riser, muzzle brake, and it just felt a bit better overall. I know the CVA has a Bergara barrel, so I'm not sure if I'm hoping someone will tell me to save money with the CVA, or spend more up front with the Bergara 🤷‍♂️

Before anyone tries to sell me on a different caliber.. please for the love of all that is holy.. DON'T I've flip flopped enough after watching too many youtube videos/podcasts convincing me as a new FA owner / first time hunter on some new hot cartridge. 30-06 seems to be the most ubiquitous hunting rifle that is able to do most everything I need at the moment.

Thanks!
 
The .30-06 is an excellent cartridge....and a pretty good do it all one , at that.

Something to consider with a muzzle brake...they are loud.
Personally I think they are unneeded on most rifles.

Since I have no experience with either rifle...I won't comment on them.
Andy
 
Since Berrga makes CVA barrels go with the one that has the features you like best or you always will wish you would have.
Edited to add, I've got a CVA single shot 45-70 and it's a very accurate shooting machine.
 
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The .30-06 is an excellent cartridge....and a pretty good do it all one , at that.

Something to consider with a muzzle brake...they are loud.
Personally I think they are unneeded on most rifles.

Since I have no experience with either rifle...I won't comment on them.
Andy
Realistically I could do without the brake, I guess I was hoping it would help with recoil as I'm a fairly new shooter.
 
Realistically I could do without the brake, I guess I was hoping it would help with recoil as I'm a fairly new shooter.
Stock fit...as in the stock length and height of the stock comb will play a huge role in how recoil is felt.
As does to so extent the shooting position used....and cartridge selection.
a 220 .30-06 tends to feel more stout that a 165 grain weight .30-06

I have found that when hunting .....I don't feel recoil as much as when I am practicing my shooting.
And....overthinking about recoil....can make it worse. ( Not saying that you are doing this )
Andy
 
Realistically I could do without the brake, I guess I was hoping it would help with recoil as I'm a fairly new shooter.
I wouldn't have a brake on a hunting rifle, unless you plan on hunting with hearing protection. That can be done with a set of electronic muffs, but that's not something I would do unless stand hunting. I'd suggest making sure the gun has a good, squishy butt pad if you're concerned about recoil. One of my '06s has a solid buttplate and it's not a lot of fun from the bench, but you'll likely not notice in field conditions,

The 30-06 is a great hunting round and just like Andy says, the lighter bullets kick less.
 
Another thing to consider about recoil....
Shooting off the bench , will feel different than when shooting off hand.

And....
Just because someone is a great shot off the bench , under the controlled conditions of a rifle range is no guarantee that they will be a good shot under hunting conditions.
It is wise to practice shooting with no bench or rest...off hand....with your sling...or an improvised rest like a pack or folded jacket.
Andy
 
Realistically I could do without the brake, I guess I was hoping it would help with recoil as I'm a fairly new shooter.
I wouldnt worry about a brake on a hunting rifle, wayyy over rated. Unfortunately they are popular so they come on many new rifles, the last rifle I bought I took it off before even firing it.
Recoil and is not an issue with the 30-06 for an adult, that caliber has been a hunting classic for centuries before brakes bacame popular and not difficult to learn to shoot well with.
 
Note, if yiur undecided on the brake it doesnt hurt to favor buying a rifle with a threaded barrel.

Not saying you need a brake, but threads dont hurt anything and does give you the options in the future.
 
Get the CVA Cascade. My neighbors new one in 6.5 is an very good accurate rifle.

30-06 is an excellent choice and very versatile. Recoil is manageable and heavy elk loads are easily mitigated with an upgraded butt pad, if necessary.

Adjustable check risers and muzzle brake are a target shooting accessory. Yes they can help with hunting but for the trade off of added weight, length or complexity. The reality is those features are new fads from long range shooting that are carrying over to hunting and unnecessary.
 
If parts compatibility is a consideration I think the Bergara has more in common with the Remington 700; the Cascade might only share the trigger (also uses Savage 110 scope bases instead for better or worse). I don't have experience with either.
 
I recently got a free loaner scope until I figure out what I want and buy that next year. That budget can go to the rifle which makes me lean towards the Bergara.

Appreciate all the responses!
 
I too would scrap the brake, at least for hunting. A good butt pad would soften some of the recoil for a 30-06. if it doesn't already have one, and you need it, there are slip ons that work well, but will ad to the length of pull which may be an issue in fit, which is most important for the quick and the dead shots.
I have a Bushnell 3-9 that came on a rifle I bought. Nothin to brag about, but seems little used, and worked well enough, but I had a Leupold so put that on instead. You are welcome to have it gratis, (for the drive to Beaverton).
If it interest you, PM me some time for arrangements. I don't have a cell.
 
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Thanks everyone for the advice and feedback!
Ended up going for the CVA Cascade, and of course the weather turned wet before I could go out and test it.
Looking forward to giving it a try.
 

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