270WSM or 7mm Mag for Deer

[sumpnz]

Besides, at least one guy here has taken an elk with a 6.5 Swede and it worked fine. I forget his THR handle, since I met him in person. I shot the rifle. A real pleasure to handle and shoot.

That was me. 5-600# cow elk, ~120 yard shot, 140gr Barnes XLC (handloaded to 2850fps). Hard quartering towards presentation - bullet entered the left front shoulder, went through the lungs and shattered the second or third to last right side rib. 38 yards later she was down and the real work began.

6.5x55 is plenty for most any North American hunt. A trophy "hunt-of-a-lifetime" would warrant a bigger caliber, as would a buffalo hunt, but for deer, elk, antelope, and maybe even moose I'd say the 6.5 is plenty.

 

[Eat Beef]

Karbon, the 7-08 is a fine caliber. But you already have a 30-06. These two are too similar for me to duplicate, before getting another caliber in a similar platform.

Maybe you want a collection of similar powered bolt guns, I don't know. Many people do. Personally, if I had a 30-06, I'd be looking at a much more powerful gun (IE, 7 Mag and UP) or a pop gun (like a 22-250/ 220 swift and Down).

Judging from your original question, you already have your 150 yard deer gun covered. Don't let folks talk you out of getting a cannon, if that's what you want. Remember, we all could probably get by with a .22 if we had to, but half of the fun is getting stuff that we don't really NEED.

 

[454c]

Quote Karbon

"The last 7 I have used one of my .30-06 Rem 7400. Worked just fine.
The now...
I really want something more accurate, equally as powerful and flat shooting."

and

"but I really want accuracy, repeatability and confidence more for my deer hunting."



It sounds like you are more unhappy with the rifle than the cartridge.Why not get a bolt action 30-06 ?

 

[Karbon]

I'm just done with the semiautos, except for my shotguns...I love my Benelli.

Are ballistic tips not a good idea for shorter shots, say 50 yards out of the mags?

 

[DeerHuntr]

Your answer is simple, if you reload get the .270WSM, if not error on the safe side and get the 7mm Mag, there is just more to choose from. Ballistically they are almost mirror images of each other but the long case of the 7mm can handle heavier bullets then the short fat WSM case can, something to keep in mind for elk. My WSM LOVES 140gr Accubonds, shoots groups under 1". I bought a Weatherby Vanguard, cheaper then the Tikka and just as good of gun IMO, is an actual short action as well. Recoil seems mild to me after shooting my 12ga slug for the past few years, about on par with dad's 7mm. Took 3 deer last season and none of them took a step, the horsepower is definately there for deer, distances were from 150-250yds. Hope to take mine elk hunting one day but for now bambi will have to do.

 

[Bearhands]

Karbon...... yer startin to kick a dead horse..... pick one... If you read and LISTEN to Chuck Hawks... you'll pick the 6.5X55, it's world reknown and sure seems like a "no lose" choice. I wish i had one... Or should I suggest a 7X64? LOL...... best of luck in your choice!