[toolman]

Not trying to disagree with either of you guys, but there is another aspect to consider and that's bullet selection. A ballistic tip, hollow-point, and most non-bonded bullets will expand extremely rapidly, or possibly even explode on impact at "magnum" velocities, while certain bonded-core bullets won't fully expand and basically perform as fmj ball ammo. This is of course dependent on such factors as bullet weight, whether or not bone is struck, range, headwinds, etc...Personally, I've never found a need for any magnum except for possibly, a .257 Weatherby, and that's just 'cause I want one.

[samuel]

To me the difference in .30-06 and .300winmag has always been,I am "pretty sure" this .30-06 is gun enough for the shot. I "know" this .300winmag is all I will ever need for this shot. sam.

[WMBIGS]

I am also considering a new rifle. Currently shooting a 270 and got bit by elk fever. Knocked down a cow on opening day. Would like to get either 300 or 338 Win Mag for elk/moose. Would like to start reloading as well. After a box through the 270,I'm feeling it, but not complaining. The thing I like about my 270- I'm confident with it and my kills on deer have been quick and one shot. I used to hunt with a Contender single shot pistol so I'm leaning towards the Ruger b-1. Any comments or suggestions?
Thanks, MikeB

[Mooseman684]

The reason I like the .300 win mag as a Hunter /reloader is Bullet selection and weight...I can taper my loads from 110 gr,130 gr, 150 gr,168 gr, 180 gr, 190 gr,200 gr, and 220 gr. with Soft points, ballistic tips, partitions, etc.the selection is great and you have an economical base of Factory loads available most everywhere in the world...Flat shooting, hard hitting, and reliable . As far as guns go, Ruger makes one tough action... sure , you will feel a thump against your shoulder at the range, but you never feel a thing when shooting at an animal.
Rich

[toolman]

Welcome to G&G Mike! The Ruger #1's are one of my favorite guns and I don't like single-shots! I can't help ya much with caliber selection as I really see very little need for Magnums where I live.

[Palladin8]

"I've never found a need for any magnum except for possibly, a .257 Weatherby, and that's just 'cause I want one."

Toolman,
My little brother bought the .257 Weatherby and if I didn't already have a 25-06 I would buy the Weatherby in a heartbeat. It is a great caliber and did a great job last year at taking a nice spike bull elk. The downfall of that cartridge is if you are not a handloader it is a pricey one to shoot at little over $2.00 a shot. The other thing is that you can only find the caliber in Weatherby rifles and I think Sako (not that i'm complaining as they are both fine rifles just pricey).

Scott

[nathangdad]

Read some firearms history and you will learn the .30-06 is the best single wide range cartridge in the world. 110 grain to 220 grain variation.
It has taken all game in America and is the best single gun for the single gun owner.

[ParkerHale308]

id go with a 7mm Mag, Im convinced it can kill anything in North America

[risk_3715]

Sometimes I wonder if anyone on here is really an expert on these ballistic matters or just thinks they are. I know I get thinking that I know everything sometimes. Forgive me when I do.

[Midas]

Quote:       Originally Posted by risk_3715

Sometimes I wonder if anyone on here is really an expert on these ballistic matters or just thinks they are. I know I get thinking that I know everything sometimes. Forgive me when I do.

Nobody here has claimed to be an "expert", we just share our experiences, and opinions. Mix that in with ballistics charts, and you have to take it all with a grain of salt.

[risk_3715]

You're right. Mostly I do take it with a grain of salt. It's fun to watch the threads build from a simple question into complex explanations of ballistics and physics and... you know what I mean.

[samuel]

Quote:       Originally Posted by risk_3715

You're right. Mostly I do take it with a grain of salt. It's fun to watch the threads build from a simple question into complex explanations of ballistics and physics and... you know what I mean.

I find no difference in reading post,s on here and reading gun magazine articles written by the ones that do claim to be pro.,s.When I am intrested I try to verify on paper first before trying.This includes load data. sam.

[billy]

sometimes i get overwhelmed when i read this stuff.
so i read about 20 different opinions on ballisitics or whatever the topic may be.
and then find what most agree on ,and then try it myself and see if it works.

[3britts]

Personally, I dont understand the one gun for everything line of thinking.If I did that, I would have a bunch of empty slots in the gun cabinet and nothing to drool over!!I very much prefer the gun for this and gun for that line of thinking, but that's just my opinion1

[billy]

Quote:       Originally Posted by 3britts

Personally, I dont understand the one gun for everything line of thinking.If I did that, I would have a bunch of empty slots in the gun cabinet and nothing to drool over!!I very much prefer the gun for this and gun for that line of thinking, but that's just my opinion1

i am 100% with you on this one!
lets see.........
large dangerous game? check!
regular large game? check!
medium game? gotcha!
mice? yep!
25 yard targets ? yessir!
50? yep
100? uhuh!
300? righto!
cowboy stuff? darn tootin!
silhouettes? correctomundo!
assorted handguns for whatever comes around? oh yeah!

i forgot all about stump shredding black rifles...yup some o those ones too!

[Magnumsrule]

I would personally go with the 300 over the 30-06 any day. The 300 shoots flatter and has more foot pounds of energy enough said. The 338. Federal is also a good caliber and will bring down any north american game but still would loose out to the 300 at distance shots. The 338. Federal is still a pretty sweet cartridge, i saw a moose get shot with one this year and it blew a good hole through it. You could see stuff come out as the bullet exited.

Quote:       Originally Posted by 3britts

Personally, I dont understand the one gun for everything line of thinking.If I did that, I would have a bunch of empty slots in the gun cabinet and nothing to drool over!!I very much prefer the gun for this and gun for that line of thinking, but that's just my opinion1

Yes i would like to believe in this to. Howe when youv got multiple tags to fill ranging from deer to elk i dont think your going to want to bring more than one rifle with you.

Quote:       Originally Posted by ParkerHale308

id go with a 7mm Mag, Im convinced it can kill anything in North America

I agree, that is one sweet cartidge. That was the only thing i used for unting and two shots brought me a deer and a moose.

[Onesonek]

My personal choice would be the .338 Win Mag beyond the .308. But unless you plan on hunting Elk or larger game yet at longer ranges, the .308 will service you well. Even on the larger species if you keep the range moderate and put right bullet in the right spot. Shot placement is key, no matter what.
Dave

[Tyman]

Quote:       Originally Posted by billy

There ain't no such animal as too much gun when hunting something that can hunt you back! that is the smartest thing ive heard all day!

.30-06

[Johnnycat]

Quote:       Originally Posted by 3britts

Personally, I dont understand the one gun for everything line of thinking.If I did that, I would have a bunch of empty slots in the gun cabinet and nothing to drool over!!I very much prefer the gun for this and gun for that line of thinking, but that's just my opinion1

Couldn't agree more.

As for the rest of the argument, I'll be smart and not say anything bad about the .300 Win this time!

(But if you want more than a .308 a step up to .300 win mag seems logical)

[griv]

What about a Marlin 1894 45-70 loaded with Buffalo Bore 45-70 Magnum - 430 gr. L.B.T.-L.F.N.(1,925fps/M.E.3,537 ft.lbs.)? I have never fired a 45-70 but this thing sounds like not only will it drop and living beast but even a zombie would not stand a chance. Anyone know anything about this canon?