ZeSpectre
Member
.243 Winchester
.30-06
.7.62x39 ???
.30-06
.7.62x39 ???
Need a versatile rifle, which caliber?
- Thread starter kthomk
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Well, the 30-06 is STILL probably the most versitile cartridge out there.
But, nowadays, a .308 is not all that much different, if you handload.
Still, were it me, and I could only have one, I'd go for the 30-06, for just a little extra "oomph" that can be gained from the larger case capacity.
But, nowadays, a .308 is not all that much different, if you handload.
Still, were it me, and I could only have one, I'd go for the 30-06, for just a little extra "oomph" that can be gained from the larger case capacity.
MCgunner
Member
Look no further than the .308 Winchester. If you're a real recoil wimp (the .308 is NOT bad) try the 260 Remington. There are many others, but I love the .308 for its accuracy, power, and versatility. There's plenty of cheap, cheap surplus brass around and it's very easy to reload. It's also a short action which is a bonus to me.
the 06 KICKS, especially with heavy bullets. It's almost as bad as a 7mm Remington Magnum. I doubt you'd like it if you don't like recoil. The .308 will do anything the 06 will do up to 180 grains and if you need more bullet, just use a Barnes X in a lighter bullet. A 140 Barnes is as good on elk as any 180-200 grain lead bullet, better really since it has the sectional density of a 160 grain bullet and the velocity of a 140 grain bullet and WILL NOT fall apart. Expansion is positive right down to .30-30 velocities, too. I'll take on anything in North America short of big bears with a .308 and a Barnes bullet.
the 06 KICKS, especially with heavy bullets. It's almost as bad as a 7mm Remington Magnum. I doubt you'd like it if you don't like recoil. The .308 will do anything the 06 will do up to 180 grains and if you need more bullet, just use a Barnes X in a lighter bullet. A 140 Barnes is as good on elk as any 180-200 grain lead bullet, better really since it has the sectional density of a 160 grain bullet and the velocity of a 140 grain bullet and WILL NOT fall apart. Expansion is positive right down to .30-30 velocities, too. I'll take on anything in North America short of big bears with a .308 and a Barnes bullet.
Another for the 30-06
I appreciate that there are those who caution against thinking that one long gun can do all things, but when I read the threads here asking what is to be hunted, where, at what range, etc., I can't help but think that the old 30-06 probably comes as close as any to fitting that bill. Perhaps not all the way, but real close.
In the same breath I will admit little experience with the other choices mentioned in this thread, so I'm certainly not debating the issue. But the guy who can't afford, or doesn't desire to purchase, an armory of weapons, might be interested in something which has at least a long history in its favor.
I will admit that my marvelous .03 makes me (probably unfairly) prejudiced in favor of the versatile 30-06, but it is a fact that for some almost 50 years I have loaded various ammo for her which I have used hunting rabbits in Texas on one end and brownies in Alaska on the other. Perhaps a little tough on rabbits, but it doesn't matter when a head shot is always expected.
The elderly '03 is a very flexible and dependable weapon which has never let me down. I fashioned her fiberglas-bedded stock, free-floating, scoped her with a flip-mount (invaluable in wooded brownie country), and finished her off with the necessary safety modification and a Timney trigger. Nothing complicated or difficult, but the result was well-worth the effort.
Hard to beat the '03 and 30-06 in one package.
All the best,
Jim
I appreciate that there are those who caution against thinking that one long gun can do all things, but when I read the threads here asking what is to be hunted, where, at what range, etc., I can't help but think that the old 30-06 probably comes as close as any to fitting that bill. Perhaps not all the way, but real close.
In the same breath I will admit little experience with the other choices mentioned in this thread, so I'm certainly not debating the issue. But the guy who can't afford, or doesn't desire to purchase, an armory of weapons, might be interested in something which has at least a long history in its favor.
I will admit that my marvelous .03 makes me (probably unfairly) prejudiced in favor of the versatile 30-06, but it is a fact that for some almost 50 years I have loaded various ammo for her which I have used hunting rabbits in Texas on one end and brownies in Alaska on the other. Perhaps a little tough on rabbits, but it doesn't matter when a head shot is always expected.
The elderly '03 is a very flexible and dependable weapon which has never let me down. I fashioned her fiberglas-bedded stock, free-floating, scoped her with a flip-mount (invaluable in wooded brownie country), and finished her off with the necessary safety modification and a Timney trigger. Nothing complicated or difficult, but the result was well-worth the effort.
Hard to beat the '03 and 30-06 in one package.
All the best,
Jim
Black Snowman
Member
I like 308 because it's available in a shorter action than the 06 and there are far more options for compatible rifles if you expand your collection that can share ammo. Plus, some surplus 308 is still available for plinking and some of it the brass is even good for reloading. 30-06 in decent surplus has pretty much dried up. The ballistics aren't enough in my book to warrent making the jump to 06.
IndianaBoy
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2005
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- 1,551
243 Winchester is a fine all around cartridge.
It won't beat you up, and it is plenty for anything from varmints to deer.
It won't beat you up, and it is plenty for anything from varmints to deer.
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