New rifle recommendations

[sabbfan]

I am looking to get some recommendations on big game rifle calibers. Currently the only centerfire rifle I own is a Ruger AR556, along with a Henry Big Boy 357. When the kids get older I am planning on going elk hunting out west. This won't be for several years, but am looking to get the rifle so as to become proficient with it. Living in Iowa I won't be deer hunting with it, only target practice. If you were starting out and were going to have one rifle that will see more range time than hunting, but still be an effective elk round, what would you get? Is a 30-06 a no brainer, or are some of the newer calibers worth looking at? I do reload, but have yet to reload any bottleneck cartridges. Only 40 S&W, 357/38, and 44 magnum at this point.

 

[edwardware]

If the Alaska Dept of Fish and Game says .30-06 is enough, I expect it'll be enough. They emphasize having a gun you can shoot enough to be proficient with, not an collarbone-smashing uber-magnum that costs $5/shot.

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.firearms

 

[amflyer]

You'll generally hear comments on questions like these start two ways:

"I'm not particularly recoil sensitive, so..."

or

"If you can't do it with a 30-06..."

That said, I like the 300 Win Mag, because it is ubiquitous, and the recoil, while more than the '06, is not in the Weatherby and up range. Both deliver the same bullet, both with adequate energy for good penetration, but the 300 has a bit better MPBR. (Max point-blank range)

If you're a turret-twirler or comfortably use ballistic reticles, this may be less important to you. Good luck with the new rifle, whichever you choose

 

[herrwalther]

If you AREN'T recoil sensitive, go with 30-06. There are only a handful of calibers that you really need for a rifle to "do it all" hunting wise.

 

[someguy2800]

270 or a 30-06. There are lots and lots of other calibers in that size that will do the same thing but I don't see any reason to make it complicated or more expensive. I wouldn't get anything bigger than that if you want to get your kids shooting it. There is reduced recoil ammo available for both in most places to get them started without flinching.

 

[z7]

Find a gun you want to shoot a lot. 30-06 to the magnums really doesn't matter, just shoot it a lot. Enjoy shooting it a lot. I know a guy who got a super light magnum to hunt mule deer with, he has shot 2 boxes of ammo through it in 10 years,

Get a gun you will shoot a lot. Learn the ins and outs, shoot at milk jugs or paper plates out to 300 or 400 yards, know where the bullet lands, be confident. Elk won't know the difference between a good shot from a 7mm-08 or a 300 Rum.

If you make a bad shot. Hit heavy bone, or try to shoot them in the butt expecting an exit in the chest, get the biggest gun you can shoot

 

[Corn-Picker]

Choose the rifle before you worry about the chambering.

Not all models are offered in 30-06 (e.g. Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Compact), but they are usually offered in something close (e.g. 308 Winchester). Find a rifle that's within your price range, fits, and that you find attractive. Only after it meets those requirements should worry about chambering. There's not enough difference between 270/7mm-08/308/30-06 to pick one over the other and limit your pool of potential rifles.

 

[redneck2]

Choose the rifle before you worry about the chambering.

Not all models are offered in 30-06 (e.g. Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Compact), but they are usually offered in something close (e.g. 308 Winchester). Find a rifle that's within your price range, fits, and that you find attractive. Only after it meets those requirements should worry about chambering. There's not enough difference between 270/7mm-08/308/30-06 to pick one over the other and limit your pool of potential rifles.

Yep. If I get to go on my elk hunt, I'm gonna use a Savage 99 in .300 Savage (.308). I suspect the critter you whack really doesn't care what the headstamp is on the case. A 160 grain bullet at 2,800 fps is all the same.

If I were really gonna have to pick one, I suppose it would be a 7 Mag or .300 Mag, but if I picked up a 7-08, 6.5, 30-06 etc. I wouldn't lose a minutes sleep

What would do is get a really nice scope. There are some screaming deals right now on Leupolds VX-3i. And make sure you get some Butler Creek flip caps to protect it.

 

[LoonWulf]

I happen to really like the 06, but i think the advice to pick a rifle first isnt anbad idea. 7-08s probably as small as id go personally.

A squishy pad also helps take the sting out of sharp recoil. My current load for my 06 launches a 208 at 2650, and hurt shooting before installed a limbsavers pad. That bullet at 2900 from my .300 was brutal sans pad. Both rifles weighed about the same.

 

[Robert]

I looked long and hard at a 30-06, but ended up with a 375H&H...

 

[FL-NC]

I'm a fan of the Ruger American in 308. Also available in 30-06 and other calibers.

 

[Mike .45]

Another vote for the 300 win mag. Lived and hunted out west all my life. Hunted Washington and Western Montana mostly. Been using the same 300 mag since 1993.

Is 30.06 enough rifle? Yep.
Is 300 win mag enough? Definitely.

Elk are tough critters and packing them out is a lot work. I prefer they drop quick so I always tell people to shoot the biggest cartridge you can shoot well. Bigger isn't any better if you miss the vitals or miss the whole animal.

 

[flashhole]

Strong action 45-70. Easy to handload and you can load from mild to wild.

 

[bannockburn]

I would probably go with a .30-06 though I would find the prospect of picking up a new rifle in .300 Win. Mag. very tempting.

 

[mshootnit]

I was always impressed and intrigued by the Marlin MXLR in 338 Marlin express.
Cartridge:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/.338_Marlin_Express

Rifle:

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/hunting/2009/11/rifle-review-petzal-tests-marlin-338-mxlr

 

[sabbfan]

I was always impressed and intrigued by the Marlin MXLR in 338 Marlin express.
Cartridge:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/.338_Marlin_Express

Rifle:

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/hunting/2009/11/rifle-review-petzal-tests-marlin-338-mxlr

 

[redbullitt]

For target practice I vote 30 06. I vote 30 06 for hunting with a GOOD bullet.

Plenty of oomph for elk at any typical hunting distance, and a bit further if you know how to use it. The 300 mag is worth a look too, but as a do all type rifle I prefer the 06 simply due to cost and recoil. I am sure you will shoot the 06 more... and be better with it. Both cartridges can get around this a little with handloading, BUT the 3006 is still cheaper over all considering components and barrel life.

The 30 06 is easy to feed whether you handload or buy factory. Good variety of loads either way too, but the 300 mag is not far behind in this department either.

 

[browningguy]

I've got hunting rifles in .243, 6.5 mm , .270, 7 mm, multiple .308's, multiple .30-06's, .300 Winchester, and on up to .458 Winchester. For a primary gun for western elk I would probably go with the .300 Winchester, although the 30-06 would be a close second choice. I'd be happy with either one out to 250-300 yards, simply because I don't shoot at big game over 300. If I was going to be in a close range hunt (200 yards) I would probably use my 7 mm Mauser, with the 173 gr. SP it will shoot all the way through an elk, but the drop starts getting excessive at longer ranges.

 

[MCMXI]

I always tell people to shoot the biggest cartridge you can shoot well.

Same here, but with the addition of "using a bullet of good construction shot from a rifle and scope package appropriate for the tyoe of terrain you'll be in". My deer/elk rifle is a Kimber Talkeetna chambered in .375 H&H and it checks all the boxes for me.

 

[Danoobie]

If you AREN'T recoil sensitive, go with 30-06. There are only a handful of calibers that you really need for a rifle to "do it all" hunting wise.

You will also find used rifles and ammo selections are far more numerous for 30.06, than for many other calibers.
This will also translate to more ammo, and better ammo variety, out there at the stores near where you will hunt.

 

[sabbfan]

I sorta figured the 30-06 might be the way to go, as long as it's available in a rifle I like. Time to handle some rifles! The 300 mag is tempting, however.

 

[C.R.]

One nice thing about a 30-06 is the ammunition is available everywhere .

 

[Jack B.]

30-06 gets my vote. If you are going to be doing your own reloading , components are everywhere and there is a wide variety of powders and bullets for it. If you are going to use factory ammo you can find 30-06 just about any place you might wander.

 

[MtnCreek]

I sorta figured the 30-06 might be the way to go, as long as it's available in a rifle I like. Time to handle some rifles! The 300 mag is tempting, however.

300wm in a hunting weight rifle has a lot of recoil. It is also hard on barrels, which may not be an issue because you probably wouldn't want to shoot it much because of the recoil. 30-06 and 168gr/4895 is a pussycat.

 

[Sav .250]

The 06 with the proper load(which there is a wide range of) is a sound choice.
Lots of others will get the job done a well.