New rifle ... Should I go 30-06 or a magnum?

338375 said:
I like the quote about the lures, thats funny :D
The Ruger #1 is a terrific rifle, in any caliber :thumbup:

My apologies to the OP. I know we have drifted a little off of your original topic, but its hard not to when talking guns. :D

Let us know what you end up getting, and pictures are always great.
Whichever gun and caliber you get, I hope you have great success with it.

20 years from now, nobody will care what caliber you chose. But the pictures from you hunts and the memories, will be with you forever...
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Yes, it's not the gun nor caliber that matter. As long as you enjoy the rifle and can shoot it accurately, that's all you need. :thumbup:
 
Another excuse me to Kirk, but I just couldn't let this one go by without comment, "the long shot trophy animals I am talking about are Mule Deer, Blacktails, stone and doll [sic] sheep and Antelope." by Blackcell.

Oh really? Just how many of these beasties have you shot at these ridiculous ranges, especially by a "real hunter"?

Neither I nor anybody else that I've ever met shoot at these distances, and I've been hunting over most of this country and all of the animals you referred to and then some, for the last fifty-odd years. In the States you mentioned, there can be real heat mirage problem in the low lands and at higher elevations distances become distorted, not to mention the problems in doping out the winds at the point of the target being quite different from those where the shooter is located.

No personal disrespect intended, but I do not believe you have a clue, personally, in what you are talking about.
Dan
 
Thanks to all for all the info and opinions. I'm definitely leaning more towards my original choice, the '06. Nothing against those who back the mags--I can see why someone would make that choice. I think the 30-06 fits me better. I'm about 170-180 lbs., and I like the idea of a lighter rifle for standing shots. Also, I *HOPE* that my hunting experiences in the coming years will involve a lot of humping through some tough country, up and down ridges and canyons. In those situations, a little weight saved will go a long ways.

The recoil is a good thing to think about. I think I handle recoil pretty well, but it definitely takes practice. My most recent range practice was slugs through my 11-87, so I definitely had to spend some time getting used to those mule kicks.

The cost and availability of ammo are big concerns for me. I think, in the end, I favor more practice at the range due to cheaper ammo over superior ballistics. The last deer that I took was with a 30-06 at about 280 to 300 yards. I was familiar with where those bullets were hitting through that gun and scope, and I put the crosshairs right on his backbone. Bullet hit in the lower shoulder blade area and he was down and out instantaneously. A trajectory closer to a laser is always preferable, but I didn't feel like the 06 was lacking in any way. By the way, it was a shot off of the top of a rickety fence post, and it was nice to have a lighter gun in that situation. But anyway, that was a long shot for me, and I don't ever see myself trying to make shots over 400 or 500 yards unless it is some especially elusive type of game, and I think I can get pretty good in that range with a 30-06 and a lot of practice. Meanwhile, I tend to think that most of my shots are going to continue to be in the 300 yards or closer range.

It seems like the "you should get closer to the animal" and the "you should be able to shoot at long ranges" crowds are locking horns. I can see the points that both of you are raising. I tend to identify more with the first crowd, mostly because I have never been able to really imagine hitting anything other than an office building from more than 500 yards away (maybe that will change how that I have the money and time to put into my marksmanship) and because I think there are ethical/sportsmanship concerns about super long shots at animals. But when I was shotgun hunting in the midwest this winter and couldn't get closer than about 150 yards to some very skittish deer, I can see why people want to push the limits of their caliber.

Just try to be respectful to one another please. I don't think any of the opinions in this thread are stupid.
 
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by the way, I am stopping myself from mentioning the rifles that I am considering right now because I don't want this post to veer off target, but I'd appreciate it if you all chime in on my future posts about this.
 
i'm not a expert on firearms, hell i'm just getting into it.

but i can tell you that a .300 winchester mag can drop a very pissed off and charging rodeo bull from 20 feet.:D
 
I like the lures line too, I was gonna say this ,but I am here late.

In whitetail country the old 30-30 has done more theen the rest put together.

30-06 is a great choice, if you want some fun get 6.5 Swede like 338375 mentioned and tune it up and watch everyones jaw drop when you go shooting.
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
Thanks to all for all the info and opinions. I'm definitely leaning more towards my original choice, the '06. Nothing against those who back the mags--I can see why someone would make that choice. I think the 30-06 fits me better. I'm about 170-180 lbs., and I like the idea of a lighter rifle for standing shots. Also, I *HOPE* that my hunting experiences in the coming years will involve a lot of humping through some tough country, up and down ridges and canyons. In those situations, a little weight saved will go a long ways.

The recoil is a good thing to think about. I think I handle recoil pretty well, but it definitely takes practice. My most recent range practice was slugs through my 11-87, so I definitely had to spend some time getting used to those mule kicks.

The cost and availability of ammo are big concerns for me. I think, in the end, I favor more practice at the range due to cheaper ammo over superior ballistics. The last deer that I took was with a 30-06 at about 280 to 300 yards. I was familiar with where those bullets were hitting through that gun and scope, and I put the crosshairs right on his backbone. Bullet hit in the lower shoulder blade area and he was down and out instantaneously. A trajectory closer to a laser is always preferable, but I didn't feel like the 06 was lacking in any way. By the way, it was a shot off of the top of a rickety fence post, and it was nice to have a lighter gun in that situation. But anyway, that was a long shot for me, and I don't ever see myself trying to make shots over 400 or 500 yards unless it is some especially elusive type of game, and I think I can get pretty good in that range with a 30-06 and a lot of practice. Meanwhile, I tend to think that most of my shots are going to continue to be in the 300 yards or closer range.

It seems like the "you should get closer to the animal" and the "you should be able to shoot at long ranges" crowds are locking horns. I can see the points that both of you are raising. I tend to identify more with the first crowd, mostly because I have never been able to really imagine hitting anything other than an office building from more than 500 yards away (maybe that will change how that I have the money and time to put into my marksmanship) and because I think there are ethical/sportsmanship concerns about super long shots at animals. But when I was shotgun hunting in the midwest this winter and couldn't get closer than about 150 yards to some very skittish deer, I can see why people want to push the limits of their caliber.

Just try to be respectful to one another please. I don't think any of the opinions in this thread are stupid.
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It sounds like you are making the correct decision. That is, the one YOU feel comfortable with.
Its always good to get outside input, but for all of us that have given our opinions, we aren't the ones that have to live with the final choice...

If you do get the 06, it would still be fun, if you have access to a long distance range, go shoot your 06 at 4-500 yards.
One thing about it, if you make a bad hit, its only paper.

You mentioned not saying what rifles you are thinking about. Thats probably a good idea, because like choosing a caliber, everyone has their favorite brand.
Again, there is no right or wrong, just personal preference.

I hope to see pics from your hunts posted here :thumbup:
 
I have both and prefer the lighter of the two calibers, actually even my .270 over the .30-06, but I find the -06 to be a good compromise between lighter calibers and magnums. I shot a .308 and the recoil wasn't as much lighter as the ballistics are compared to the -06. I'll now take the -06 over the .300 for deer and hogs, except when in bear country, I'll take the .300. But all said, the smack down power of the .300 is impressive.
 
Im a big fan of the 6.5 and 7mm calibers, but It awful hard to find ANYTHING wrong with a good ole 06... best available all around do all caliber... ever consider the ruger/winchester/browning single shots?

Jason
 
The 30-06 will do it all especially with a barnes TSX for example. You can load up 150's for deer and 180's for moose and you're good to go. I have had many rifles over the years and sold them all except for 3. My wife uses my 700 sps youth model in 243 win with 85gr tsx for deer hunting, I use a weatherby accumark in 257wby with 100gr tsx for black bear, deer, elk and moose and I use a ruger hawkeye in 35 whelen for black bears when I feel nostalgic and moose when ranges arn't to far.

All my guns use tsx 85gr, 100gr and 225gr respectively.

If I could recommend a rifle for you I'd pick up a short action in 260 remington. Doesn't kick, very accurate, 6.5 is good stuff for moose (ask the swedes) and if you really desire you can put some VLD's in there and really shoot long range if that's your thing. I had a great mountain rifle in 260 remington I wish I never sold.
 
Whelen Nut said:
The 30-06 will do it all especially with a barnes TSX for example. You can load up 150's for deer and 180's for moose and you're good to go. I have had many rifles over the years and sold them all except for 3. My wife uses my 700 sps youth model in 243 win with 85gr tsx for deer hunting, I use a weatherby accumark in 257wby with 100gr tsx for black bear, deer, elk and moose and I use a ruger hawkeye in 35 whelen for black bears when I feel nostalgic and moose when ranges arn't to far.

All my guns use tsx 85gr, 100gr and 225gr respectively.

If I could recommend a rifle for you I'd pick up a short action in 260 remington. Doesn't kick, very accurate, 6.5 is good stuff for moose (ask the swedes) and if you really desire you can put some VLD's in there and really shoot long range if that's your thing. I had a great mountain rifle in 260 remington I wish I never sold.
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I got a new Remington mountain rifle in 260 right after they came out.
They are a sweet rifle :thumbup:
That one and a Winchester Model 70 featherweight in 6.5x55 were the ones I carried when I was feeling Swedish :D

They are both great shooters, and are very capable cartridges
 
My wife shoots a Winchester Model 70 in 7x57(7mm Mauser) it has taken a lot of deer for her over the years. A great round if you ask me. JMO
 
The 6.5x55 and 7x57 are THE classic hunting rounds. I had a Ruger #1A in 7x57 I wish I'd never sold. Handled like a Winchester 94 with 300yds range. The ultimate hunter's gun, IMO.

I used the money to pay closing costs on our first house. I'm still not sure that was a good trade off. :grumpy:
 
Alfaholic said:
+1:thumbup:

I could not agree more and with ammo for the '06 still being reasonable you can practice.........:)

With the exception of thick skinned dangerous game there is almost nothing in Africa that you could not take with a '06 and the right load.

It would certainly be part of my 3 rifle African safari armory. (that is if I did'nt just have to look out the window to see the Elephants:D)

Good luck with your search and POST PICS!

Steven
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I hunted the Western Transvaal Province in RSA and you are spot on. I shot everything from Reedbuck to Kudu with a Musgrave .30-'06. I've lost track of all of the .300s on the market but I always go back to the '06.
 
A good friend of mine took a safari to Angola back in the '70s. He killed 17 animals with 18 shots from an '06 shooting 200 gr. Nosler Partitions, from the little buggers up to and including sable and greater kudu.

He took his 44" buffalo with a .450 No. 2 double under-lever Purdey. Nothing wrong with the old '06.
 
There is nothing in NA that a 30-06 will not stamp paid to. Classic caliber with immaculate pedigree. Can be loaded down for coyotes and loaded up for elk.

All that said, every study I have seen shows the average whitetail deer shot in the US is taken at an average of 45 yards. At which range a 44mag is more than sufficient.

I have a Ruger 77 in 30-06 that was my godfathers and has been a consistent game taker for over 25 years. I needed 2 rounds to site it in this year.

I also have a Remington 700 in 308. I honestly prefer the short action and ballistically the 308 and 30-06 are virtually equivalent.

Any store that sells ammo in America will have 12ga, 30-30, 30-06 and 22LR.
 
I am a 30 caliber fan and use a 308 for most my local shooting these days

I love the 300 mags and own alot of them and that is the caliber I take on trips the most. I like the 300 mags over my 308 in real world hunting situations only because it is a bit flatter and penetrates a bit better for shots on animals that arent the ideal angle.

I love the 30 06 and would not hesitate to shoot any animal in the world accept for large thick skinned dangerous game and then with a Barnes X I would probale have a go :D

Get yourself a good 06 use a premium bullet make sure ya shoot straight and it won't let ya down


As for distance shooting and trophy animals not letting ya get close


terrain and wind determines how close you can get not size or age of the animal.

I have shot long and i have shot close point is ya have to be ready for both and everyones ethical limit is truly an individual thing

When i see guys speaking of truly long shots i often smile

Some people can and regularly do

some should not shoot at a critter at all no matter how far it is

they go to the range the day before the season they shoot mixed bullets and if they can hit a pie plate at 100 they are good to go and that I guess is fine for some.

Others slave away at the range and over balistic charts prepareing for that one chance at a trophy of a lifetime let me add charts only gets ya started real world shooting only comes with expierence
 
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30-06 has done well for me over the years. That being said, if I were in the market for a new all around rifle today, I would probably go for one of the .30 short or super short mags. If you reload (and I think you should if possible), the ammo is pretty much the same price as the 06, and you get the better trajectory/power if you need it, or not if you don't. If you have no intention of reloading, and you are recoil sensitive, I would say the 06 is the way to go. Even if you do plan on reloading, you can't go wrong with the 06 either.... just not the optimum choice IMHO.
 
I vote for the 308 over the 06, the shorter action can result in a lighter quicker handling gun, and the ballistics are very close with the 308 being more efficient on powder if you reload. My 308 Tikka is the best rifle I have ever used. It's taken several whitetails and caribou with 1 shot kills. That said my next rifle will be a stainless Tikka t3 in 6.5 X 55.
 
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