300 Win Mag vs. .30-06...Which would you choose?
- Thread starter chopper180
- Start date
- Status
wyohome
Member
^This^ Post #4
full metal
Member
30-06
BushyGuy
Member
If money is no issue i would get the .300 Win Magnum , then you have a gun for any big game on this side of the world. ought 6 is pretty close but i rather have the 300 magnum cuz it will give me better trajectory and more flatter shooting during a very windy day during hunting season.
I was pondering the same question and I ended up with a 30-06. I have a 338 win mag and it is a great shooter, but not very fun due to harsh recoil. I'm not skittish at all when it comes to recoil, but it isn't as fun to shoot. The 30-06 has plenty of steam to effectively kill anything in North America if you choose the proper bullet and keep your shots at a reasonable distance. At the range you were saying your shots would be, I don't think it's necessary to shoot a 300 win mag.
Then the choice is easy, get a .30-06 and be done with it. I have a Rem 700 Classic in .300 H&H Mag which is pretty much ballistically similar to the .300 Win Mag, I haven't even shot it in 4 years. It's a killer, even bought a shoulder pad to wear with it. But in my opinion the 06 kicks pretty good too.
Arkansas Paul
Member
MNgunhead, if you already have a .338, you did the logical thing by getting the '06. I've never fired a .338, but I imagine it's a little harsh on the shoulder.
UpTheIrons
Member
I've got to vote for the .30-06 on this one. You said your hunt "may" involve 200+ yard shots. Not knowing where exactly you are going, I can't help too much, but let me add one anecdote to counter the "every elk shot is 300+ yards!" crowd.
Three years ago, my father's hunting group took four elk near Montrose, CO. The combined yardage of all four shots was 150 yards, with the closest shot being 25 yards.
That's not to say you won't have a long shot where you are going, but I think the '06 will do the job, according to what you've said so far. Plus, the milder and more affordable ammo will give you more range time to be confident on a longer shot.
Just because the gun can throw a slug 600 yards, doeasn't mean it will throw it where you want it, especially if you devlop a flinch from the cannon that is the 300WM.
Of course, YMMV, and IMHO.
Three years ago, my father's hunting group took four elk near Montrose, CO. The combined yardage of all four shots was 150 yards, with the closest shot being 25 yards.
That's not to say you won't have a long shot where you are going, but I think the '06 will do the job, according to what you've said so far. Plus, the milder and more affordable ammo will give you more range time to be confident on a longer shot.
Just because the gun can throw a slug 600 yards, doeasn't mean it will throw it where you want it, especially if you devlop a flinch from the cannon that is the 300WM.
Of course, YMMV, and IMHO.
sarduy
Member
can a 300 wm reach at 2640 yards...?
Arkel23
Member
I myself would go with the .300 Win mag, it has extra knock down power and you can be confident with it, if you shoot it comfortably.
Al LaVodka
member
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2009
- Messages
- 1,040
.30-06 Ackley Improved The 300 Mag. really is too big and painful for general applications. Thunk of the above as a .308 Magnum.
Al
Al
Having hunted with and shooting all of the above-mentioned, if I were to buy one gun now it would be a 300 Winchester Short Magnum, A-bolt or such. Lighter and shorter gun, just about same balistics as the big brother.
Personal preference and need for everyone is different, but the 300 WSM has a lot going for it.
Personal preference and need for everyone is different, but the 300 WSM has a lot going for it.
I will take the 300win over the 30-06.
I don't get where the recoil is anywhere more noticeable, if you can't handle it there are plenty of butt pads to choose from.
What is this some have wrote about the 300 being heavier? They run the same action, only the bolt face and chamber are different.
When I purchased a rifle, 300win, I did a lot of research on ballistics, cost and how I would shoot.
Ballistics - They are close, within 200 yards it does not matter on 90% of all game. past that there is a noticeable difference.
Using a ballistics chart I have using factory loaded ammo this is what is stated.
30-06 using 180 gr soft point.
Yards....300.......400.....500
FPS.......2009.....1804...1613
Ft. Lbs..1617......1301...1041
Drop......9.1.......36.9....55.5
300 Win using 180 gr soft point.
Yards...300........400.....500
FPS......2341......2135...1942
Ft. Lbs..2190......1823...1507
Drop......7...........20.1...40.9
If you look at the data there is a significant difference of power and velocity. I knew that I could make a longer shot easier if I had to with the 300 rather than the -06.
Plus, I can easily load down to -06 or 308 ballistics, still trying to find a sub sonic data for the 300 out of curiosity. But you can't ever get the 30-06 to be as powerful as the 300.
Cost - The ammo prices per box were within a couple of dollars, so not much at all, not enough to worry about. I also started reloading so it dropped the price much more, right around $30 for 50 for my specific hunting loads, 200 grain Nosler Accubond.
How I shoot - I hunt in an area where the shots can range from 10 feet, a buddy got his from that far with his -06, to well past 600 yards. Visibility is as far as your eyes can see. So I prefer the extra boost of the 300, if I am in the woods the .243 does me just fine.
I personally don't see anything wrong with either choice. I have a 1917 -06 right now I may use this year but am not positive, I may just trade it off. If you are in a heavy brush area your current rifle would be great or another lever in a bigger caliber. If you want to be different an AR10 would be a spectacular choice, 308, 243, or anything else that can fit the magwell.
Just make sure YOU are satisfied with what you buy.
I don't get where the recoil is anywhere more noticeable, if you can't handle it there are plenty of butt pads to choose from.
What is this some have wrote about the 300 being heavier? They run the same action, only the bolt face and chamber are different.
When I purchased a rifle, 300win, I did a lot of research on ballistics, cost and how I would shoot.
Ballistics - They are close, within 200 yards it does not matter on 90% of all game. past that there is a noticeable difference.
Using a ballistics chart I have using factory loaded ammo this is what is stated.
30-06 using 180 gr soft point.
Yards....300.......400.....500
FPS.......2009.....1804...1613
Ft. Lbs..1617......1301...1041
Drop......9.1.......36.9....55.5
300 Win using 180 gr soft point.
Yards...300........400.....500
FPS......2341......2135...1942
Ft. Lbs..2190......1823...1507
Drop......7...........20.1...40.9
If you look at the data there is a significant difference of power and velocity. I knew that I could make a longer shot easier if I had to with the 300 rather than the -06.
Plus, I can easily load down to -06 or 308 ballistics, still trying to find a sub sonic data for the 300 out of curiosity. But you can't ever get the 30-06 to be as powerful as the 300.
Cost - The ammo prices per box were within a couple of dollars, so not much at all, not enough to worry about. I also started reloading so it dropped the price much more, right around $30 for 50 for my specific hunting loads, 200 grain Nosler Accubond.
How I shoot - I hunt in an area where the shots can range from 10 feet, a buddy got his from that far with his -06, to well past 600 yards. Visibility is as far as your eyes can see. So I prefer the extra boost of the 300, if I am in the woods the .243 does me just fine.
I personally don't see anything wrong with either choice. I have a 1917 -06 right now I may use this year but am not positive, I may just trade it off. If you are in a heavy brush area your current rifle would be great or another lever in a bigger caliber. If you want to be different an AR10 would be a spectacular choice, 308, 243, or anything else that can fit the magwell.
Just make sure YOU are satisfied with what you buy.
I own both, and will keep both. That said, if I had to choose an either/or, I would opt for the (either). Toss a coin. They're both great.
If you are recoil sensitive, or never foresee needing to fire a 200 or 220 grain projectiles, go with the .30-06 and don't look back. If you're a sectional-density nut, go for the .300 Win Mag and have to with the 200s and 220s. Heck, they make 250 grain if you want.
Since you are accustomed to a .35 Rem, I think you better launch a few rounds from each before you make the purchase. So, all that said, I had to make this very choice when I purchased my Winchester Super Grade. Since I already owned the .30-06 and the .300 Win, for me, it was not a matter of either or.
I went with the .30-06 for nostalgia reasons.
Geno
If you are recoil sensitive, or never foresee needing to fire a 200 or 220 grain projectiles, go with the .30-06 and don't look back. If you're a sectional-density nut, go for the .300 Win Mag and have to with the 200s and 220s. Heck, they make 250 grain if you want.
Since you are accustomed to a .35 Rem, I think you better launch a few rounds from each before you make the purchase. So, all that said, I had to make this very choice when I purchased my Winchester Super Grade. Since I already owned the .30-06 and the .300 Win, for me, it was not a matter of either or.
I went with the .30-06 for nostalgia reasons.
Geno
.30-06, Ive shoot whitetail in NW Ontario out to 480 yds and moose within 300. Great round, I can push 2800+ w/ RL-22 and H4831sc behind 180 accubonds and great accuracy out of my 24 1/4" Douglas. All shots were ethical broad side shots.
If you're looking for a reason to buy another rifle then that's fine. The .30-06 now has light magnum loads that bridge the gap between standard .30-06 and the .300.
However, you might be overlooking the simple answer which is the LeveRevolution ammo from Hornady which is available for your .35 Rem and really does make it a viable 300 yard rifle.
Kentucky_Rifleman
Member
Count me in for the 30-06. It's still one of the most flexible cartridges ever chambered, and brass/loaded ammo will be easier to find and cheaper than the WinMag. As a plus, I'm a fan of the older cartridges. One last thought, if you're into older rifles at all (I collect the old Remington 721/722 series) opting for the 06 will offer you a much broader range of rifles to pick from.
KR
KR
Maverick223
Member
Hello neighbor, amongst the two the .30-06 is probably the best choice for your use. To be honest the .260Rem, 6.5x55mm, 6.5Creedmoor, or 7mm-08 is probably a better choice than either. For a larger cartridge (in the '06 class) I prefer the .280Rem. but the .30-06 is probably a better bet for someone that doesn't reload.
Quoheleth
Member
I would take a .308 any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Shorter gun, shorter action, lighter to carry and faster on target.
Q
Q
Zak Smith
Member
I agree with Maverick223. On the .30-06 case, I'd take the .280 Rem (ie 7mm-06). On an actual short-action based on the .308 case head, I'd take a 7-08 or .260REM for up to midrange shots on non-carnivorous N.A. game.
X-Rap
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2006
- Messages
- 6,657
OK so if you are opening it up to all calibers I have to say the 30-06 will not make my cut. Personally I would choose 223, something in 6mm, 280, 300 win mag, and 45-70. I only offer the other smaller and larger calibers as a rational for my choices.
Of course living in the land of the free I am not bridled by any silly limitations so I own many in between those noted and enjoy them all including the 06 there just is no reason to have it if you have the other two that can offer more versatility.
Of course living in the land of the free I am not bridled by any silly limitations so I own many in between those noted and enjoy them all including the 06 there just is no reason to have it if you have the other two that can offer more versatility.
Maverick223
Member
I don't think the OP said that...I just opened my big mouth, and interjected my thoughts on hunting cartridges.
grubbylabs
Member
If you are conserned about cost look into the Marlin XL or XS line you can get them in 30-06. I am very happy with my Marlin XS7 308.
I paid 329 for it. I bet you could look in 1/2 the trucks in this country and find an 06 shell even if they don't hunt.
I paid 329 for it. I bet you could look in 1/2 the trucks in this country and find an 06 shell even if they don't hunt.
X-Rap
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2006
- Messages
- 6,657
Well the fact remains that the incremental difference between the 06 and 300win mag is probably similar to that of the 308 and then that of the 300 sav. then that of the 30-40 and onto the 30-30.
They will all kill elk but strapping yourself to a 30 only mentality is to limiting.
Of the two options given by the OP I take the 300. As he fills out his arsenal he will more likely see the need for smaller diameters and can then appreciate that he probably won't need to go over the 300 win mag to accomplish most of his hunting needs at the high end.
They will all kill elk but strapping yourself to a 30 only mentality is to limiting.
Of the two options given by the OP I take the 300. As he fills out his arsenal he will more likely see the need for smaller diameters and can then appreciate that he probably won't need to go over the 300 win mag to accomplish most of his hunting needs at the high end.
- Status
