Hunting ammo and rifle question - The Firearms Forum

Greg · 08-01-2004, 01:22 AM

If you are going to do mostly deer and elk hunting, and maybe some moose someday, what is the best ammo size to use if you were going to limit it to one?

Based on that answer, if you were going to have just one rifle to purchase, which one would you recommend?

Thanks....

Crpdeth · 08-01-2004, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg

If you are going to do mostly deer and elk hunting, and maybe some moose someday, what is the best ammo size to use if you were going to limit it to one?

Based on that answer, if you were going to have just one rifle to purchase, which one would you recommend?

Thanks....

Well, this will recieve as many opinions as there are hunters I'd muse, But I've been looking at the M14 variants in .308, while the platform is not considered a hunting rifle by most, the caliber is one that I think would fit the bill...Personally, I do not think its too big for medium sized deer at closer ranges, (Sierra Gamekings should open rather quickly) nor do I think the proper load would have a problem bringing down an elk at longer ranges.

I've never owned the .308 caliber, so unfortunately I cant give you any first hand accounts, but I have been researching the .308 lately, and it just seems that it would fit your requirements nicely.

~Crp

inplanotx · 08-01-2004, 09:31 AM

The .308 is fine for what you want. However, I would suggest the venerable 30-06. With a 150gr bullet for deer and a 180 gr for the elk or moose. Ammo available at your local Circle-K or 7-11, well almost! More bullet weight ammo than you can shake a stick at!

Marlin · 08-01-2004, 09:49 AM

I would agree with Plano, the .30-06 is the most versitile cartridge and is also the most widely available from sporting goods/gun shops to the corner gas station in hunting areas. I have hunted with one all my life and never been wanting.

As to a weapon, you need to handle and try several different ones. It is strictly personal preference. I prefer my Browning BLR lever action, but, then again, I'm left-handed and grew up with lever guns as the easiest alternative. I cannot shoot right handed in any way shape or form.

Take you time and decide based on what fits you.

wuzzagrunt · 08-02-2004, 07:43 AM

I'll cast my vote for the .30-06, as well. The .308 case neck is limited to handling bullets of 180 grains or less. Some advise 200 grainers and even 220s for heavy animals such as moose. Moose and elk are not that difficult to kill, but the terrain they inhabit can make a "walking wounded" animal a real problem. Under many circumstances, you want to make them dead where they stand. The .308 will get it done, but the .30-06 will get it done mo' better. The real choice is between the short action and the standard length action. If you have a strong preference for one or the other, go with that--either will serve you well.

Crpdeth: I'd rethink the M14 clone as the choice for the "one gun hunter". They are heavy rifles, and elk hunting often involves real mountains, real altitude, and real climbing to get where the elk live. If your '14 is scoped up, you may grow to hate the sight of it after a couple of days chasing antlers around the Rockies. When I was in my 20s I wouldn't have given much thought to the weight, but I've since exceeded the warranty mileage on my knees, ankles, and lower back. I wouldn't carry an M14 into the mountains on purpose. Another point is, there are a couple (?) of states that don't allow semi-auto rifles for hunting. I think Pennsylvania is one of them.

wuzzagrunt · 08-02-2004, 07:59 AM

Oh yeah, there is no one bullet weight that will work well for every occasion. One of the beauties of the '06 is the mind boggling variety of loaded ammo available. Remington makes a "reduced recoil" load that would not be excessive for smallish eastern whitetails at "whites of their eyes" ranges, and Hornady makes a "light magnum" '06 that is said to approach .300 Win. Mag. ballistics.

Another nice thing about the '06 is that very nice used rifles can be found relatively inexpensively. A lot of folks are trading in their boring old '06s for the latest Super-Duper-Hyper-Mega-Short-Ultra-Magnums that get 75% more velocity with 50% less recoils and use 90% less powder to achieve their amazing (really amazing!!!) claims. They can do it all out of a 16 inch barrel, too! I got a really nice old Sako that I wouldn't trade for two of the new high-tech phaser cannons.

CountryGunsmith · 08-02-2004, 09:25 AM

I'd go with the .300 Win Mag.

It may be a bit of overkill on small Texas whitetail, but if you add moose into the equation it does provide a bit more pop than the '06.

Model for model, .300 Mags are as available and for very little (if any) extra money.

The ammunition is going to be just as available as .30-06 in areas where the larger game are found, in appropriate bullet weights.

As to rifle selection, current production Winchester Model 70 Classic is hard to beat.

CountryGunsmith · 08-02-2004, 09:26 AM

But then again, my 'one rifle' is a .35 Whelen Ackley Improved...

Crpdeth · 08-02-2004, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wuzzagrunt

Crpdeth: I'd rethink the M14 clone as the choice for the "one gun hunter"..

Grunt, sadly I'm "rethinking" the M14 clone altogether (M21 to be specific)...Perhaps you caught my thread over at BattleRifles, anyway, while I am very glad I had the resource to become educated on the Springfields I am a little amazed that I would have to take a 2500+ dollar "chance" at getting a good one...Then theres the issue with the scope rails...

Quote:

Originally Posted by wuzzagrunt

When I was in my 20s I wouldn't have given much thought to the weight,

Guess you got me there, at 34 yrs old, I'm a hard worker and insist on working out 6 days a week, injoy backpacking and such...I suppose I would view a physically rigorous hunt as an extra workout, then at least I got something out if it 'cause lord knows I cant hunt worth a poot!

~Crp

pickenup · 08-02-2004, 04:29 PM

Here is another vote for the 30.06.

wuzzagrunt · 08-02-2004, 04:56 PM

I am by no means a Springfield apologist, but I think the Springfield bashing is a little out of hand. I do get the part where you might want your $2,000++ rifle to work right the first time, though. There are other options like an LRB build, or a Fulton Armory. The M14 was my favoritest rifle, but I am not opposed to consideration of an HK-91 clone like the PTR-91. An L1A1 is a nice rifle as well.

The Springfields have their detractors, and some of that has been earned but they make a good rifle. Scoping a battle rifle is kind of wierd anyway IMO. If you want a semi-auto sniper system, get a Russian Dragunov. A bit more expensive than an M21, and somewhat less accurate, but hell for stout. A bedded, scoped M14 clone will require a good bit of maintenance under the best circumstances.

armedandsafe · 08-02-2004, 05:02 PM

I've used the 30-06 since the late 40s and have taken everything from rockchuck to polar bear and barren-ground grizzly with it. It shoots from 110gr to 220 grain with the same accuracy and is the best äll around cartridge out there.

the Sierra 180gr boat tail gameking is the best all around load, in my opinion. I've use it on antelope to moose to 500yd target and found it more than adequate.

Pops

Greg · 08-02-2004, 11:21 PM

Thanks all for your input. The people that I talk to around here are a majority of fans for the 7 Mag, with a few for the 300 Win Mag. They think I am crazy to consider the 30-06. Probably not modern enough for them. Of course, my 1911 in .45 isn't either, but it still has stood the test of time. All they talk about is flat trajectory. With a little practice, I don't see how adjusting for distance with the 30-06 would be that big of a deal as long as I am under 500 yards. At under 350 yards, and with any brush around, I don't see the others as being that much superior. I did see Alaska's Alaskan Brown bear picture taken with the 300 Win Mag though. Pretty good day for him. A friend of mine has a Sharps, but that is a totally different ball game, and not the first rifle to have. It is nice though, and can really reach out and touch something way past 500 yards.

They have a Remington 710 for sale at $300.00. It comes with a bore sighted 3 x 9 scope guaranteed for life. Yeah, it doesn't have the beautiful wood and is synthetic, but for a entry level starter rifle, I thought it looked like a good deal. What do you think? I still plan on looking around and handling different guns though.

Marlin · 08-03-2004, 08:33 AM

Greg, I would recommend looking at the various write-ups on the 710. I have not seen one that has given a good review. There was a not too good review in the American Rifleman recently. Others may be found on the web.

A Gun is a lifetime possession and it appears the 710 falls short of the goal or being an eudurable lifetime weapon. I would consider a Ruger M77 MkII in that calibre or, if cost is the strict factor, a Savage, which has an adjustible trigger and is probably one of the most accurate out of the box.

I have a Ruger left-handed in .270 and recently gave my Ruger LH .30-06 to alaflyguy. My son-in-law shoots a Savage Model 11 and is very satisfied. I would probably have gone Savage but found my Rugers at the right time and place where a large multi-state sporting goods outfit was in bankruptcy and the price was right!

EAGLEI · 08-03-2004, 11:53 PM

I go along with the 30-06 with 165 grain Sierra boat tails. It's plenty of rifle for elk and deer. Sight it in at 5 inches high at 100 yards and you're good out to 300 yards as it comes in about 4 to 5 inches low with some loads.

Greg · 08-05-2004, 11:15 PM

Once again, thanks for your inputs.

Marlin, thanks also for your opinion, which I value. I did see some good reviews, and some good comments about the Remington 710. However, there were many more negative, and now there is also a safety recall on them.

While I like the Remington 700 models, I think I have narrowed down my choice. The Savage has a hunting package with rifle, scope, rings, and sling for $500.00 on the 30-06. This is a good value, especially with their new trigger weight pull option on them and safety design. The 110 bolt action is acceptable as well, but I don't like how close it comes to the scope.

Then I made a big mistake. I tried a 2-5-2 Browning Stalker with a quality Japanese SS barrel with the A-bolt. I can action it about as fast as I can move my hand-sweet, smooth, and solid. It also doesn't get anywhere close to the scope. Reminds me of a rifle my uncle had that I always liked. My practical side says the Savage. But...man, I wish I had some more money for the Browning. However, to package it out the same would be almost double the money. This is a gun you could keep for life. We'll see what side of my brain wins out. Thanks again for your inputs. Either way, it will be a decent to very good rifle. Life is good.

ysacres · 09-07-2004, 07:20 PM

My choice would be a Remington 700 SS in 300 win mag,

Cliff · 09-29-2004, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crpdeth

Grunt, sadly I'm "rethinking" the M14 clone altogether (M21 to be specific)...Perhaps you caught my thread over at BattleRifles, anyway, while I am very glad I had the resource to become educated on the Springfields I am a little amazed that I would have to take a 2500+ dollar "chance" at getting a good one...Then theres the issue with the scope rails...

Guess you got me there, at 34 yrs old, I'm a hard worker and insist on working out 6 days a week, injoy backpacking and such...I suppose I would view a physically rigorous hunt as an extra workout, then at least I got something out if it 'cause lord knows I cant hunt worth a poot!

~Crp

I have in the NEF line a .223 and .243. Fairly accurate guns for short barrelled as they are.

2Bits · 11-22-2004, 12:31 PM

Greg, I believe that there are certain things that must be addressed first off before any purchase is made. Is this a first time hunter or shooter without much experience in shooting rifles, from the shoulder in off hand situations?

How much recoil can this person take and still be able to be accurate with the weapon of choice at 200 yards? Nothing is cut and dried until all the questions are answered up front. Is this rifle for you or a sister etc?

I can tell you that in most cases the .270 Caliber (using 160 grn bullet) or the .308 Winchester (180 grn bullet) would be minium for use on elk or moose in my book. The bones on a moose are near 4 times that of a good whitetail deer. Elk are harder to bring down than moose, ever though they are not as large in comparison and it takes a good well constructed bullet too.

In Rifles I favor the Winchester model 70 pre-64 action or the Ruger model 77. Now both these rifles have large Mauser type Extractors for pulling out stuck cases in the chamber without a problem like Remington extractors etc.
If money is tight, then by all means take a good look at the Savage Arms rifles. You get a lot of rifle for the money!

DK76 · 11-24-2004, 06:16 AM

I'll have to vote for the 30-06 as well. Tolerable recoil for most folks. Incredible range of bullet weights and styles. My good hunting buddies use 300 Winchester and Weatherby mags and they kill no quicker than my 30-06. It's true, the 30-06 is not new nor flashy, but it's age is one of the positives. The 30-06 is very popular so most 30 caliber bullets are designed to operate best within the velocity threshold of the 30-06. Ammunition and bullet makers have had nearly 100 years to work on the 30-06. It just works!

IShootBack · 11-25-2004, 08:00 AM

Well Greg, it depends on yer he-manlieness.

Some would want a 300 mag, but others could not handle it well enough because of the recoil and associated flinching issues.

Some would go with a versitle round that you can load for varmits and big game AKA 30-06 or .270.

Some men would use a sharp stick (I'm talkin archery, not spears), and I also bow hunt.

I would go with an '06 or 270 for all of the reasons stated by others. Plus for me, I could afford to shoot more and practice more because the ammo is much more affordable than other suitable calibers.

Thanks for your question. It generated a good debate.

ISB

Salvage33 · 12-18-2004, 12:51 PM

I have to go along with the '06. And I stay away from belted magnums like they were the plague. Two reasons...recoil and cost of ammo. The '06 has been around for 100 years, commercially loaded ammo in a large variety of bullet weights/types is readily available, and it has proven the test of time.

As for the rifle...Savage builds a good one. So does Winchester, Remington, Sako, CZ, Howa, etc. Find the one that feels good to you. Weight, LOP, action smoothness, etc. And don't scrimp on the optics. Get a good sling, and if you are going to shoot it a lot...a recoil pad is a MUST!

John

stash247 · 12-21-2004, 08:09 PM

I really like the .375H&H cartridge; .30-06 Ballistics, with a lot more bullet/energy.
You likely have no idea how much work it takes, to find a load that 5 rifles all like; I did not, when I started. Be that as it may,when push comes to shove, nobody's gonna say "too much gun", only, nice Buck!
Shoot the biggest you can RELIABLY handle, every day, every hunt.
You'll never come up short, on power, and will likely learn a lot about anatomy, as well!
The icing on the cake is the time when, being patient enough for the "stars to align", you kill 2, or even 3, game animals with one bullet!
For those of you, who are recoil sensative, an apology, in advance. For the rest of us,who know that "this will hurt a bit, once", Use all you can handle, and leave the rest, at home!

Indian Creek 1 · 12-26-2004, 08:30 PM

I would have to go along with CountryGunsmith on this one. After over 50 years of hunting I have come to love a caliber that is older than I am. The 35 Whelen can just about do it all from varmits to a lot of the large african game. altho ammo may not be as easy to find as the 30-06 , a handloader has a choice of bullet weights from 150 gr.to 300 gr. in jacketed bullets and an even broader choice in cast bullets. I pick the 35 whelen.

08-01-2004, 01:22 AM	#1
Greg V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New Mexico Posts: 117	Hunting ammo and rifle question If you are going to do mostly deer and elk hunting, and maybe some moose someday, what is the best ammo size to use if you were going to limit it to one? Based on that answer, if you were going to have just one rifle to purchase, which one would you recommend? Thanks.... __________________ "The higher, the fewer." -->

08-01-2004, 09:31 AM	#3
inplanotx Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 8,897	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question The .308 is fine for what you want. However, I would suggest the venerable 30-06. With a 150gr bullet for deer and a 180 gr for the elk or moose. Ammo available at your local Circle-K or 7-11, well almost! More bullet weight ammo than you can shake a stick at! __________________

08-01-2004, 09:49 AM	#4
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question I would agree with Plano, the .30-06 is the most versitile cartridge and is also the most widely available from sporting goods/gun shops to the corner gas station in hunting areas. I have hunted with one all my life and never been wanting. As to a weapon, you need to handle and try several different ones. It is strictly personal preference. I prefer my Browning BLR lever action, but, then again, I'm left-handed and grew up with lever guns as the easiest alternative. I cannot shoot right handed in any way shape or form. Take you time and decide based on what fits you. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

08-02-2004, 07:43 AM	#5
wuzzagrunt V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 369	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question I'll cast my vote for the .30-06, as well. The .308 case neck is limited to handling bullets of 180 grains or less. Some advise 200 grainers and even 220s for heavy animals such as moose. Moose and elk are not that difficult to kill, but the terrain they inhabit can make a "walking wounded" animal a real problem. Under many circumstances, you want to make them dead where they stand. The .308 will get it done, but the .30-06 will get it done mo' better. The real choice is between the short action and the standard length action. If you have a strong preference for one or the other, go with that--either will serve you well. Crpdeth: I'd rethink the M14 clone as the choice for the "one gun hunter". They are heavy rifles, and elk hunting often involves real mountains, real altitude, and real climbing to get where the elk live. If your '14 is scoped up, you may grow to hate the sight of it after a couple of days chasing antlers around the Rockies. When I was in my 20s I wouldn't have given much thought to the weight, but I've since exceeded the warranty mileage on my knees, ankles, and lower back. I wouldn't carry an M14 into the mountains on purpose. Another point is, there are a couple (?) of states that don't allow semi-auto rifles for hunting. I think Pennsylvania is one of them.

08-02-2004, 07:59 AM	#6
wuzzagrunt V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 369	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question Oh yeah, there is no one bullet weight that will work well for every occasion. One of the beauties of the '06 is the mind boggling variety of loaded ammo available. Remington makes a "reduced recoil" load that would not be excessive for smallish eastern whitetails at "whites of their eyes" ranges, and Hornady makes a "light magnum" '06 that is said to approach .300 Win. Mag. ballistics. Another nice thing about the '06 is that very nice used rifles can be found relatively inexpensively. A lot of folks are trading in their boring old '06s for the latest Super-Duper-Hyper-Mega-Short-Ultra-Magnums that get 75% more velocity with 50% less recoils and use 90% less powder to achieve their amazing (really amazing!!!) claims. They can do it all out of a 16 inch barrel, too! I got a really nice old Sako that I wouldn't trade for two of the new high-tech phaser cannons.

08-02-2004, 09:25 AM	#7
CountryGunsmith Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Deep Piney Woods of East Texas Posts: 5,116	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question I'd go with the .300 Win Mag. It may be a bit of overkill on small Texas whitetail, but if you add moose into the equation it does provide a bit more pop than the '06. Model for model, .300 Mags are as available and for very little (if any) extra money. The ammunition is going to be just as available as .30-06 in areas where the larger game are found, in appropriate bullet weights. As to rifle selection, current production Winchester Model 70 Classic is hard to beat. __________________ The autonomic nervous system provides for involuntary muscle function - the work of breathing, digestion, and so forth. On some folks, that's a pure waste of ingenuity.

08-02-2004, 09:26 AM	#8
CountryGunsmith Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Deep Piney Woods of East Texas Posts: 5,116	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question But then again, my 'one rifle' is a .35 Whelen Ackley Improved... __________________ The autonomic nervous system provides for involuntary muscle function - the work of breathing, digestion, and so forth. On some folks, that's a pure waste of ingenuity.

08-02-2004, 04:29 PM	#10
pickenup Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 6,837	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question Here is another vote for the 30.06. __________________ The gene pool needs chlorine

08-02-2004, 04:56 PM	#11
wuzzagrunt V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 369	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question I am by no means a Springfield apologist, but I think the Springfield bashing is a little out of hand. I do get the part where you might want your $2,000++ rifle to work right the first time, though. There are other options like an LRB build, or a Fulton Armory. The M14 was my favoritest rifle, but I am not opposed to consideration of an HK-91 clone like the PTR-91. An L1A1 is a nice rifle as well. The Springfields have their detractors, and some of that has been earned but they make a good rifle. Scoping a battle rifle is kind of wierd anyway IMO. If you want a semi-auto sniper system, get a Russian Dragunov. A bit more expensive than an M21, and somewhat less accurate, but hell for stout. A bedded, scoped M14 clone will require a good bit of maintenance under the best circumstances.

08-02-2004, 05:02 PM	#12
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question I've used the 30-06 since the late 40s and have taken everything from rockchuck to polar bear and barren-ground grizzly with it. It shoots from 110gr to 220 grain with the same accuracy and is the best äll around cartridge out there. the Sierra 180gr boat tail gameking is the best all around load, in my opinion. I've use it on antelope to moose to 500yd target and found it more than adequate. Pops

08-02-2004, 11:21 PM	#13
Greg V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New Mexico Posts: 117	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question Thanks all for your input. The people that I talk to around here are a majority of fans for the 7 Mag, with a few for the 300 Win Mag. They think I am crazy to consider the 30-06. Probably not modern enough for them. Of course, my 1911 in .45 isn't either, but it still has stood the test of time. All they talk about is flat trajectory. With a little practice, I don't see how adjusting for distance with the 30-06 would be that big of a deal as long as I am under 500 yards. At under 350 yards, and with any brush around, I don't see the others as being that much superior. I did see Alaska's Alaskan Brown bear picture taken with the 300 Win Mag though. Pretty good day for him. A friend of mine has a Sharps, but that is a totally different ball game, and not the first rifle to have. It is nice though, and can really reach out and touch something way past 500 yards. They have a Remington 710 for sale at $300.00. It comes with a bore sighted 3 x 9 scope guaranteed for life. Yeah, it doesn't have the beautiful wood and is synthetic, but for a entry level starter rifle, I thought it looked like a good deal. What do you think? I still plan on looking around and handling different guns though. __________________ "The higher, the fewer."

08-03-2004, 08:33 AM	#14
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question Greg, I would recommend looking at the various write-ups on the 710. I have not seen one that has given a good review. There was a not too good review in the American Rifleman recently. Others may be found on the web. A Gun is a lifetime possession and it appears the 710 falls short of the goal or being an eudurable lifetime weapon. I would consider a Ruger M77 MkII in that calibre or, if cost is the strict factor, a Savage, which has an adjustible trigger and is probably one of the most accurate out of the box. I have a Ruger left-handed in .270 and recently gave my Ruger LH .30-06 to alaflyguy. My son-in-law shoots a Savage Model 11 and is very satisfied. I would probably have gone Savage but found my Rugers at the right time and place where a large multi-state sporting goods outfit was in bankruptcy and the price was right! __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

08-03-2004, 11:53 PM	#15
EAGLEI Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 11	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question I go along with the 30-06 with 165 grain Sierra boat tails. It's plenty of rifle for elk and deer. Sight it in at 5 inches high at 100 yards and you're good out to 300 yards as it comes in about 4 to 5 inches low with some loads.

08-05-2004, 11:15 PM	#16
Greg V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New Mexico Posts: 117	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question Once again, thanks for your inputs. Marlin, thanks also for your opinion, which I value. I did see some good reviews, and some good comments about the Remington 710. However, there were many more negative, and now there is also a safety recall on them. While I like the Remington 700 models, I think I have narrowed down my choice. The Savage has a hunting package with rifle, scope, rings, and sling for $500.00 on the 30-06. This is a good value, especially with their new trigger weight pull option on them and safety design. The 110 bolt action is acceptable as well, but I don't like how close it comes to the scope. Then I made a big mistake. I tried a 2-5-2 Browning Stalker with a quality Japanese SS barrel with the A-bolt. I can action it about as fast as I can move my hand-sweet, smooth, and solid. It also doesn't get anywhere close to the scope. Reminds me of a rifle my uncle had that I always liked. My practical side says the Savage. But...man, I wish I had some more money for the Browning. However, to package it out the same would be almost double the money. This is a gun you could keep for life. We'll see what side of my brain wins out. Thanks again for your inputs. Either way, it will be a decent to very good rifle. Life is good. __________________ "The higher, the fewer."

09-07-2004, 07:20 PM	#17
ysacres Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Wazzu WA Posts: 2,413	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question My choice would be a Remington 700 SS in 300 win mag, __________________

11-22-2004, 12:31 PM	#19
2Bits Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ozark Mountains Posts: 8	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question Greg, I believe that there are certain things that must be addressed first off before any purchase is made. Is this a first time hunter or shooter without much experience in shooting rifles, from the shoulder in off hand situations? How much recoil can this person take and still be able to be accurate with the weapon of choice at 200 yards? Nothing is cut and dried until all the questions are answered up front. Is this rifle for you or a sister etc? I can tell you that in most cases the .270 Caliber (using 160 grn bullet) or the .308 Winchester (180 grn bullet) would be minium for use on elk or moose in my book. The bones on a moose are near 4 times that of a good whitetail deer. Elk are harder to bring down than moose, ever though they are not as large in comparison and it takes a good well constructed bullet too. In Rifles I favor the Winchester model 70 pre-64 action or the Ruger model 77. Now both these rifles have large Mauser type Extractors for pulling out stuck cases in the chamber without a problem like Remington extractors etc. If money is tight, then by all means take a good look at the Savage Arms rifles. You get a lot of rifle for the money! __________________ Thank a VET for you Freedom! Last edited by 2Bits; 11-22-2004 at 12:38 PM..

11-24-2004, 06:16 AM	#20
DK76 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West Virginia Posts: 61	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question I'll have to vote for the 30-06 as well. Tolerable recoil for most folks. Incredible range of bullet weights and styles. My good hunting buddies use 300 Winchester and Weatherby mags and they kill no quicker than my 30-06. It's true, the 30-06 is not new nor flashy, but it's age is one of the positives. The 30-06 is very popular so most 30 caliber bullets are designed to operate best within the velocity threshold of the 30-06. Ammunition and bullet makers have had nearly 100 years to work on the 30-06. It just works!

11-25-2004, 08:00 AM	#21
IShootBack Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,306	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question Well Greg, it depends on yer he-manlieness. Some would want a 300 mag, but others could not handle it well enough because of the recoil and associated flinching issues. Some would go with a versitle round that you can load for varmits and big game AKA 30-06 or .270. Some men would use a sharp stick (I'm talkin archery, not spears), and I also bow hunt. I would go with an '06 or 270 for all of the reasons stated by others. Plus for me, I could afford to shoot more and practice more because the ammo is much more affordable than other suitable calibers. Thanks for your question. It generated a good debate. ISB __________________ "The Lord is a warrior, the Lord is his name." Exodus15:3

12-18-2004, 12:51 PM	#22
Salvage33 V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Shreveport, LA why leave the USA to visit a 3rd world country? Posts: 475	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question I have to go along with the '06. And I stay away from belted magnums like they were the plague. Two reasons...recoil and cost of ammo. The '06 has been around for 100 years, commercially loaded ammo in a large variety of bullet weights/types is readily available, and it has proven the test of time. As for the rifle...Savage builds a good one. So does Winchester, Remington, Sako, CZ, Howa, etc. Find the one that feels good to you. Weight, LOP, action smoothness, etc. And don't scrimp on the optics. Get a good sling, and if you are going to shoot it a lot...a recoil pad is a MUST! John __________________ Living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween.

12-21-2004, 08:09 PM	#23
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question I really like the .375H&H cartridge; .30-06 Ballistics, with a lot more bullet/energy. You likely have no idea how much work it takes, to find a load that 5 rifles all like; I did not, when I started. Be that as it may,when push comes to shove, nobody's gonna say "too much gun", only, nice Buck! Shoot the biggest you can RELIABLY handle, every day, every hunt. You'll never come up short, on power, and will likely learn a lot about anatomy, as well! The icing on the cake is the time when, being patient enough for the "stars to align", you kill 2, or even 3, game animals with one bullet! For those of you, who are recoil sensative, an apology, in advance. For the rest of us,who know that "this will hurt a bit, once", Use all you can handle, and leave the rest, at home! __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

12-26-2004, 08:30 PM	#24
Indian Creek 1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: south Mississippi Posts: 117	Re: Hunting ammo and rifle question I would have to go along with CountryGunsmith on this one. After over 50 years of hunting I have come to love a caliber that is older than I am. The 35 Whelen can just about do it all from varmits to a lot of the large african game. altho ammo may not be as easy to find as the 30-06 , a handloader has a choice of bullet weights from 150 gr.to 300 gr. in jacketed bullets and an even broader choice in cast bullets. I pick the 35 whelen.