What Caliber for a Model 70?

[Dr.Who]

If you had a choice of the 4 following calibers in a Winchester Model 70, which would you choose and why?

.270 WSM
7mm WSM
.300 WSM
.30-06

Looking at getting my first bolt action rifle. Currently have .30-30 Winchesters, 22's, shotguns, pistols.... etc. Just have yet to buy a bolt action... Your response and comments appreciated....

 

[Jackal]

30'06. nuff said

 

[sm]

'06

This is written in granite.

 

[GeoW]

30-06. Will still be around when WSMs are obsolete. Has character too.
My .02.
GeoW

 

[648E]

Thirty-Oh-Six

It's one of the most prevalent calibers in this country, and for good reason.

The only other calibers I would consider would be:

.308
7mm Magnum
.375 H&H Magnum

 

[Outlaws]

WSM is excess money for nothing. Get the o6, especially since you sound like you don't have an exact need.

 

[270Win]

Another big big vote here for the .30-06

 

[Bwana John]

30-06

 

[el44vaquero]

.30-06

 

[30-06 lover]

Just look at my screen name to get your answer.

 

[rangerruck]

the 270 makes the best gains in speed and energy in the short mags, over all the others.

 

[dfaugh]

Well, I once had a Model 70 in .270. Great gun and caliber, wish I still had it. So I'll go against the tide here, and say .270WSM which would be MY first choice (although .325WSM would be close), if I was buying a new gun in this class. Everyone seems to think the WSMs aren't gonna make it. I think the WSMs will be popular enough to stick around, but I DON'T think the WSSMs will.

 

[Karbon]

I searched for nearly 6 months for my new deer rifle.

I ended my search with a Tikka T3, SS Laminated in .270WSM (SMOOTH Action)

I love the power,speed and accuracy of the .270wsm.
Flatter and faster than the 06' and more energy deliverd at impact (untill you get really heavy grains in the 06)

Flat enough for out west, long range situations.
Enough energy for nearly anything in NA, except for the Grizz.



The Nosler Accubonds are shooting around an inch at 100yards off the bench and 3 inches out of my tree stand. Granted some of that's my rifle, the .270wsm is a fine cartidge. The best of the wsm's from waht I've read.

I'll never look back or second guess my chioce. Only thing I'll do in my next gun is get a Sako in 270WSM!

 

[ID_shooting]

Karbon's post is exactly why my M70 is in '06. I would not back down from any critter in North America, even Alaskan bears if I had the right load.

30-06 all the way, all others are just compromises.

 

[Shoney]

Skuzzzzzzme Dr.Who, you only listed 3 calibers in 4 cartridges.

Without any elaboration on what you will use the new cartridge for, how can we choose wisely? If deer and under, any will do. If elk or larger, 300SWM or larger.

 

[Dr.Who]

Looking for an all around North American hunting rifle. Not looking for Grizzly.... Looking for a flat bullet flight and good energy out to 200 yards or more. Granted loading, bullet weight make a big difference. I currently load pistol calibers and would start loading which ever caliber I get.

Just doing research and getting opinions at the time as well as pricing out different options. Cause once you get a rifle, then it is on to the scopes.... Another subject for a different post.....

Here is another question,,,, Could a .270 WSM be used on Deer and varmit and not be considered under rifle for a deer or over caliber for a varmit?

 

[possum]

30-06, plain and simply because i can't really get into the WSM and WSSM rounds, i don't know what it is i guess i am just old fashioned. I will tell you that you will love that Winchester model 70 though. Great rifle choice and i think if you go the route that most are suggesting in caliber you will not be disappointed.

 

[loadedround]

The only model 70 I own is a pre 64 Featherweight in 30-06 and it will stay right here.

 

[Karbon]

.270wsm is more than plenty for deer and could be loaded down for varmints. (still maybe a bit too much)

And it's FLAT shooting. Flatter than the .270, 7mm, and 30-06, but guys can work great loads up to compete. For those individuals, a 7mm or 30-06 would be hard for them to pass up because they could throw in a 220 grain for the big critters. For me, a factory round guy...I couldn't pass up the advantages of the .270wsm...(and yes I know they are sometimes slight advantages) The big disadvantage I see is that the .270wsm cannot handle really heavy loads, over 160-180 grains or so. But I think for waht you are after, it's more than enough. And since you may hand load...you could power down to what you need.

From my search, most thought it was too much for deer.

If no dangerous game (or maybe moose) are in your to do list.
I'd consider the .270wsm and the 30-06 if the deer size game was higher on your list.

If it's varmints... 7mm08 would bemy next choice. Light recoil, fun to shoot, and can still take deer, but it's easier on the little critters.

 

[Terrierman]

One more vote for .30-06 as the ultimate do it all chambering. If I could only have one rifle, a .30-06 bolt would be it.

 

[db_tanker]

If I didn't have a 308, it would be an '06...which might just still be in my future just to say I have one...

Its the Riflemans Rifle....I say the 06 is the Riflemans Caliber.


D