One Gun?

[Buttermilk]

One thing you mentioned was recoil. That tells me you should do a 7mm… with a good brake.

I've got a 30-06 and love the round. However, I prefer newer more modern design cartridges. I'm always looking for ways to improve things. Currently, my "go to" rifle would likely be my 300 RUM, although any of my rifles are my "go to" rifles.

If you only shoot factory ammo then I think that points you to 300 PRC, 7mm PRC. (In my neck of the woods 300 PRC seems more abundant than 300 WM, and certainly more plentiful than 30-06 around here.

Either way, get what you want and you'll be happy.

 

[TBell]

Obviously an impossible question but.....
I have a fair collection of interesting rifles.
I HAVE a VERY good 30-06....
Do i "need" a new/different ONE GUN for that potential short notice go to the remotes big game hunt? I.E. short notice fill in for elk/moose to prime area.
Im good to 500yds.
Thinking a 7mm Rem or 300 Win?
Love the STW but looking at availability of factory ammo.
Heavy for caliber bullet guy, not especially susceptible to recoil but a 7 does kick less than a 300....and of course 300 hits harder on the downrange end.
Thoughts?

 

[TBell]

Well will make a couple of assumptions.
You mentioned that you were quasi old. Mentioned that you had a 30 -06, because of your age that could mean military style heavy rifle.
you mentioned elk hunt which can consist of a lot of walking and even with a lighter Day-pack, carrying a heavy 30-06, could be detrimental to your health.

if all assumptions are correct you might think about borrowing a lighter 7 mm or 300 win.

 

[Lnewton]

I'll cheat. How about one gun in multiple calibers (a switch barrel, either Savage, AI, or custom action)? That way, you don't have to choose, just get barrels in whatever caliber/profile/length combo you like. Though, I will say unless you're hunting blue whale, that 30-06 can probably handle it with good shot placement.

Blaser! Quick change multiple calibers. Have a friend in Alaska that just made this choice and is happy he did.

 

[Roughrice]

I learned early on I am NOT cut out to be a farmer/rancher. I have lots of respect for people like you, and I am glad you guys are willing and able to do so. Thank you. I retired from the USAF in 2007 but still work for the Department of the Air Force, working on a second retirement as a civil servant. I am eligible to retire now, but the penalty is too significant for early retirement, maybe in a couple of years.

Ed

Thank you for the kind words!
There are ups and downs, good times and bad. Three and four generations of farming and ranching becomes a way of life more than a job. My dad used to say a job requires you to go to work and farming requires you to do your job.

However Sir!
I do very much want to thank you for your service! You and all others who have served this great country have kept us safe so we can do our job of providing a healthy food source, so together we can keep America strong and independent!

May God Bless Us All

 

[Lnewton]

Big + for the 300 WM over PRC for ammo availability.
While on a hunt back in the 90's I bought a hand-full of 300 WM bullets for $5 from a guy in a bar while having a beer and shooting a game of pool!

I have been thinking about a PRC as well but every time I walk in to pick up ammo for the rifles I own (specifically 300 WM and 308 win). It is always in stock. Just sayin'

 

[lyle2231]

I know....but then how do i justify a new gun!?!?!?

Tell the young lady that you're with that you're doing load development for a pal. It's worked for me. At least she's playing along so far.

 

[memtb]

Yes. Obviously!

338 Win Mag will get you a pretty good range.

375 H&H … one gun, one planet! You can shoot it a pretty fair distance.

I have killed game at 355 yards with a 416 Rem mag. The idea that big bores (with 308 velocities) can't be used at longer ranges is silly.

"Winner - Winner - Chicken Dinner"! This man has it figured out! memtb

 

[myshootinstinks]

I've owned so many rifles over the years it is just silly. I'm fascinated by guns. Before I married the only girlfriend I've ever had in 1974 my mother warned my future wife that guns are my first love.
Back on point. I don't think one rifle will do it for me but the reality is that the good ol' 30-06 is a fine one gun choice.

 

[FEENIX]

Thank you for the kind words!
There are ups and downs, good times and bad. Three and four generations of farming and ranching becomes a way of life more than a job. My dad used to say a job requires you to go to work and farming requires you to do your job.

However Sir!
I do very much want to thank you for your service! You and all others who have served this great country have kept us safe so we can do our job of providing a healthy food source, so together we can keep America strong and independent!

May God Bless Us All

Thank you, Sir! It is my honor to serve this great nation. We are a multi-generation/multi-military service family. Both my sons (USAF and USMC) also served. However, only my oldest (USAF) is currently serving. I am thankful for their service; my wife and I did not expect them to serve - they did it on their own.

Amen to all the blessings!

Ed

 

[stonehands1]

These "Gunaholic Anonymous" meetings are worthless!
Now I want an old 30-06 to play with!

 

[wyohunter1234]

After experiencing this conundrum several years past i sold the .270 and have had extremely good luck on a 7rm...so much so i now have 2 of them. If ur anywhere in Wyoming any gas station, co-op or sporting goods store they all have factory ammo available...yes it might not be ur custom load but sheet happens and better to find any than go home. My custom hand load is 150gr swift scirocco's on 63gr of R22/cci magnum primers(250) and have taken Moose at 90yd, elk from 30yd to 654yd and deer out to 489yds, da antelope never know what hit em and the trapper tells me to leave the coyotes alone since it shreds them. using the rangefinder and having a properly tuned scope makes it all viable IMHO.

 

[NW Sportsman]

Obviously an impossible question but.....
I have a fair collection of interesting rifles.
I HAVE a VERY good 30-06....
Do i "need" a new/different ONE GUN for that potential short notice go to the remotes big game hunt? I.E. short notice fill in for elk/moose to prime area.
Im good to 500yds.
Thinking a 7mm Rem or 300 Win?
Love the STW but looking at availability of factory ammo.
Heavy for caliber bullet guy, not especially susceptible to recoil but a 7 does kick less than a 300....and of course 300 hits harder on the downrange end.
Thoughts?

I have a Benelli R1, 300 Winchester magnum. Doesn't hardly kick at all. Accurate out to 200 yards with me shooting. Benelli also offers a R 1 in .30-06 which should kick even less. From personal experience my R 1 took down a 265 hanging weight elk and a 175
Hanging weight black bear.
I also have a 1903 -03-A3 .30-06. Also very accurate to 200 yards.
My Benelli is my go to gun for my hunting.
I reload my own ammo using 180 gr. Barnes TTSX slugs and 165 gr Accubond depending on what I am going for.
Hope this helps

 

[reconrover]

I have a very good friend who is a South African hunting guide. He grew up in Rhodesia, and his family hunted for all of their meat. His family used British .303 rifles up until the mid 80's, then added a couple of rifles in 30-06. Everything from dangerous game, to Kudu. That 30-06 is such a versatile cartridge. I'm a caliber junkie, and can't claim to be at the leading edge of a single caliber collection. If I had "two", it would be an 06, and .300 Win Mag. That would pretty much cover the spectrum....now....about my .338 Sherman short mag build......