30-06 or 300 win mag... need some help

[ELKBURGER]

A buddy of mine asked me a similar question. He has an -06 now but wondered if he should get a 7mm or a 300. I told him to keep the -06, buy some dies, and we'll load up some accurate, powerful rounds cheaper than factory and we could custom reload some rounds that arent on the shelves at bi-mart or sportsmans.

[Pathfinder101]

My son has the XS7 in a .308.  It's a nice little rifle.  Accurate. 
Here's my thinking:
If it is going to exclusively an elk gun, then i would go with the .300 mag.  If elk is the biggest of many things you hunt with it (deer, etc..), then I would go with the 30-06. 

If you are on a budget though, (and it sounds like you are), then I would go with the 30-06.  for the reasons listed above.  I have the new Redfield scope BTW and I like it.  Mine is on a .300 mag.

[woodswalker]

for the things you have listed, distances and the like...get the 30-06, less expensive ammo and easier on the shoulder which mean you will practice more and hit better.

30-06 is plenty powerful for even Elk at 300 with the right bullet.

 

[300winmag]

I also have both the 300 wm and the win 06 lightwieght. The 06 is a great gun but the 300 will out shoot and have more knock down power.For the scope I would go with a Nikon bdc have one and love it .Bottom line is both guns are great but it all comes down to shot placement and bullet wieght.

[Tony 270WSM]

What do you mean the 300 will "out shoot" the '06? More power, yes, but when stated he doesn't plan on shooting beyond 300 yards what good is that power going to do? Dead is dead.

[Dansk]

I'd go with the 30-06.  No reason in the world you won't like it.  If you can't get closer than 300yds for plain jane deer/elk hunting then you need to find another hobby- sorry for the sarcasm, but I really can't see a need for us "average joe" hunters to shoot at anything over 300 yds away.  If archers can take trophies within 25-50 yds.. etc. etc..

I ranged my Montana buck bedded in a river bed 350 yds away, downhill, with a 20mph cross wind.  Given the balistics and other variables that is a tuff shot.  I snuck within 25 yds to take the sleeping buck through the prickly pears and sage, and THAT is what made the hunt special/memorable.

Having said that, there are a few reasons you may NOT like the 300.... sooo... why take the chance buying something that you may not like?

[300winmag]

If your going to shoot at that range you need to practice with your gun alot and then shoot some more . THE OLD SAYING  PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. You cant always get right on top of your  animal and you need to know how to shoot just in case no matter what you shoot and again shot placement is crucial.

[predatorpro]

doesnt really matter either one will kill an elk, they both shoot the same diamter bullet/slug, just different casings, the 300 mag just shoots faster and farther, if you practice you can make a long shot with a 30-06 with the right load

[Cascade Hunter]

I hunt with a 30-30 Marlin lever action without a scope for deer, black bear and elk. Never needed more than that.

[rasbo]

30-06

[Bob33]

I have both and use both.  You've heard all the pros and cons: the 300 is more powerful but kicks more, costs more to shoot, and probably weighs more.  If those don't bother you then go for the 300; there is no such thing as "too dead".  If any of them do get the 30-06.  It will work just fine at anything you plan to shoot at reasonable distances.  If you're not sure, go for the 30-06. 

[MDGrand]

Well, here is my 

30-06 I have as well. Its an awesome round.. tried and true.. tons of ammo options, etc. BUT.. the '06 does not do one thing particularly well. As an "all-purpose" round it can do just about most if not all shots... but not as well as a mag. Case in point and the reason I bought my 300 Weatherby....

I hunt Mulies in open country.. a 300 yard shot actually pretty common and the wind gusts even under 300 yards can throw a non mag round pretty good.  2nd... the smack of a mag IS significantly better at all ranges and when the unfortunate happens and you hit a deer or elk in somewhere other than the vitals.. I want the mag.. it does more damage.. nothing makes me feel worse as a hunter than loosing a wounded animal..

[Cascade_Sherpa]

Dude, you should man up and forget the ought six or 300 win.........if you're asking the question you obviously need a 30-378 roy weatherby. In fact you haven't got a hair on your ass unless you at least get an ultra mag.......

Just kidding

Buy both try them out for a year and either keep them or sell one. guns hold their value.

[Pathfinder101]

Dude, you should man up and forget the ought six or 300 win.........if you're asking the question you obviously need a 30-378 roy weatherby. In fact you haven't got a hair on your ass unless you at least get an ultra mag.......

.

Anything less than a .416 Rigby and your just a girl shooting a squirrel gun...

[scout88]

thats why i shoot .50 BMG