ltcjwb
Member
Accuracy: the .30-06 held all the long range records until the .308 was introduced. It held all the records until the 6.5's became popular (they have even less recoil), and is still used in many long range matches. There is a reason both the Army and Marines use it for sniper rifles: it shoots very well over long distances. Savage has the Model 11 Long Range Hunter in .308. (about $1100); Remington has the Model 700 Long Range in .30-06 (about $800 - a lot less than the Sendero). Both have 26", 1:10 twist barrels, so you can use anything up to 215 Berger HVLDs (from Hunting Shack), which will give you adequate power well past 500 yards for anything short of a Grizzly Bear, or down to 110s for coyotes. The extra barrel length should provide a bit more velocity, therefore a flatter trajectory than what the factory advertises. In Texas, where I lived for most of my first 50 years, you won't often find the opportunity to shoot anything much past 600 yards. You can buy a more powerful rifle. You can buy a flatter-shooting rifle. You cannot buy a more useful one than either the '06 or .308. Either caliber is available anywhere ammo is sold. You won't need a Remchester Mangler for anything you'll be hunting, and either of these will be a pleasure to shoot. If you really want to go to something smaller and a bit faster, a .270 or a .280 will do nicely, and with less recoil than the 7 RM; the .270 is almost as available as either of the others. Remember, though, that barrel length equals velocity. Factories test at 24" for most calibers, 26 for magnums. Anything less, and you give up a little speed (less with the .308 than most others). A longer barrel with give you a bit more. And if you can find someone to reload your used brass, you can stir up a combination that will do exactly what you want, and maximize your potential.
