tikka t-3 30-06 or 7mm mag

[Curly]

But I bet you'd agree that 7mm = 300 wm

[Curly]

And if 7mm mag = 300 win mag, then 300 wm = 30-06

[WDFW-SUX]

I vote for 7mm rem mag.

[509er]

They are both good calibers, but man, Jim Zumbo sure has a lot of guys brainwashed.  

[bobcat]

I wasn't replying to your post about the 243. It was in reply to you saying 400 yards was a "chip shot."

We all know the 243 is not a good elk cartridge. But by the numbers, you could actually show it to be a great elk cartridge, if you just go by the energy numbers. As I have said, the calculated foot-pounds of energy is nothing more than a number. If a particular load out of a 7 mag shows it has 200 foot pounds more than a 30-06 load, it doesn't mean it will kill better. No animal can tell the difference between 200 foot pounds.

I used to believe in the numbers too. Over the years I came to the realization that all you need is a hole in, and a hole out, and you've got a dead animal.

30-06 = 7mm Rem. Mag.    

By the numbers a .243 is NOT a good elk round as it ony has 1200 ft lbs of energy at 200 yards and a 7mm has 2400. That is why, twice the energy, twice the knockdown. Energy is why a .243 is not a good elk gun. Beleive it or not.
Your theory that energy does not matter goes against what has been proven and been taught. If your gun cannot supply enough energy behind the bullet you have to upgrage.

Like upgrade from a 30-06 to a 7mm.

You're talking about two vastly different cartridges when you're comparing the 243 to the 7mm Remington Magnum. Quite different than comparing two cartridges as close in performance as the 7 mag and 30-06.

[Curly]

So Shorthair15, the reason you want a 30-06 or 7mm rem mag is because you already have a bunch of ammo?  What weight bullets do you have and what type of bullets are they?  That would be the determining factor in my mind as to which rifle to get.

If you have 175gr 7mm ammo and 180 gr 30-06 ammo in cheap Core-lokt or Win Powerpoints, I'd probably go with the 30-06 since the bullets will be going slower and have a better chance of holding together.

[bobcat]

I was making an exaggeration with .243 to show that energy does matter. Thats all!

I understand, and I also realize it's tough to admit that the guy with the 30-06 can kill an elk just as far as you can with your 7 mag.  

[Bofire]

I'll take big bullet penetration over energy any time.
Carl

[Jellymon]

I have seen a hunting video where a doe was shot in the lungs with a 50bmg and ran for 100yds or so. I have also seen Elk drop with a 30-06. Both around 100yds+-. Nothing is set in stone. Get what you like, it will work.

[coachcw]

my son has a t3 in 300wsm , if I only could have one rifle that would be it .

[Bofire]

energy has nothing to do with penetration.

[jdb]

I agree w/ both of you. 7mm is better and energy figures have nothing to do with killing animals.

[shorthair15]

for the 7mm .i have 150 grain core lokt,150 and 175 grain federals the classics,150 grain nosler partition federal premuims and 165 grain sierra game king federal premuims. was looking at them cant believe how cheap i bought them for. some were asking what type of ammo i have this it. im leaning towards the 7mm mag i have a custom 300 ultra mag just dont want to spend 1500.00 on customizing a gun again. for the 30-06 i have 180 grain core lokts,2 boxes of 165 grain nosler partitions federal premuims,180 grain soft point winchesters, 180 grain eldorado's made by pmc dont think they make them anymore.

[Phantom Gobbler]

My Dad (WWII Vet Marine Sharpshooter) hunted Elk and Deer in Colorado and Wyoming for years in the glory days and he used .30-06, 7mm Mag and .300 WM all in Remington Model 700.  After many experiences of animals harvested and animals lost, he kept going back to the .30-06 to get er done.  Any surprise that like my Dad, I also favor the .30-06 cartridge in my new age Tikka T3?       Also this is the caliber my gunsmith recommended when I ordered the Tikka.  Re-coil is very manageable.  

[Curly]

for the 7mm .i have 150 grain core lokt,150 and 175 grain federals the classics,150 grain nosler partition federal premuims and 165 grain sierra game king federal premuims. was looking at them cant believe how cheap i bought them for. some were asking what time of ammo i have this it. im leaning towards the 7mm mag i have a custom 300 ultra mag just dont want to spend 1500.00 on customizing a gun again. for the 30-06 i have 180 grain core lokts,2 boxes of 165 grain nosler partitions federal premuims,180 grain soft point winchesters, 180 grain eldorado's made by pmc dont think they make them anymore.

Sounds to me like you need both.......