30-06 or 7 Rem mag?

[Pathfinder101]

I just went through the same decision.  I went with the 7mm mag in Remington 700.  Picked up a used one at Cabelas with a fluted barrel for $450.  When I took it out and shot it I found that whoever had owned it before had already set the trigger to about 2 1/2 lbs, just the way I like it    
Bought a Leupy VXIII and just got it back from the factory with the custom target turrets on it...

[GUHunter]

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammunition/no_need_for_bullet_speed_111010/index.html

Don't know if I inserted the link properly but it can be cut and pasted if not. This is an article out of rifle shooter magazine and basically sums up my thoughts on the topic. My thoughts are that at 400 yard, you will have to do some type of correction (holding over or adjusting scope) or you will miss low. Regardless of whether you choose the 7 mag or the 30-06 you will need to make these corrections. The important thing is knowing your rifle/load combination well and knowing your range. They will both likely have the power necessary so that is not an issue. That being said, I would choose the 30-06 just because of ammo options/availability.

[Chinook73]

I own both.  '06 in a Rem. 700 platform and a 7mm in a A-bolt.  I have killed big game with both and they work very well.  If I could only have one, I would go with the '06 simply due to a larger range of bullet wieghts that can be loaded.

[carver52]

Take your pick.  Either one will do what you want of them.  I've killed several deer with the '06 and they all died quickly.  Many more deer and antelope have been downed with my 7mm, but somehow like has been said before, the deer seemed to not drop as readily, unless spine shocked, with the 7.  However, all that were hit had that low head, weak legged, tail twirling run that said "dead deer running".  I've killed probably 30-40 deer with the 7 and will stick with it.  Only because I see no reason to sell it and go with another gun.

Either can be down loaded to lighter loads that will still drop any deer around and most other game too, at the appropriate ranges.  And both can be loaded pretty hot.  I do not like shooting many rounds of my elk loads during the summer  on the range.  They add up.

have fun with which ever you choose.

[carpsniperg2]

I am a 30-06 guy over the 7mm. I bought a 7mm rem mag and never used it. I picked up the 30-06 or 300 win mag. traded the 7mm to a member on here.

[Bean Counter]

I just own an -06. I am happy with it. Cheap, simple, and plenty of ammo available. i've thought of getting a "flatter shooting gun" like a .300 or a 7mm, bu the the truth of the matter is that no round is perfectly flat, and beyond 300 yards most hunters shouldn't take a shot anyway 

[Jamieb]

If the rifle is just going to be used for hunting then theres not much difference. If you start really getting into shooting and start stretching the range out then the 7 mag.

[addicted]

havent we done this before 

[Phantom Gobbler]

It is the great debate ...... so many fine calibers............... so little time.................  Enjoy your new rifle!!

[Bob33]

GlennGTR, didn't your own signature answer your question?

"You don't need a flatter shooting rifle or a larger caliber.What you need is good field marksmanship. Jeff Cooper."

[Dirty Mike]

30-06 all the way i have 3, but am selling one so if interested pm me

[DuckDr.Duke]

I would choose a 7mm. I think the 06 is light on Elk. just my

I have seen two elk shot 3 times in a pie plate area over the heart and shoulder, what a mess that made. I'm sure there is some who will disagree, but that is why the magnums came out later on. And yes the 06 is a great gun I have 3.

[Tony 270]

I would choose a 7mm. I think the 06 is light on Elk. just my

I have seen two elk shot 3 times in a pie plate area over the heart and shoulder, what a mess that made. I'm sure there is some who will disagree, but that is why the magnums came out later on. And yes the 06 is a great gun I have 3.

Light meaning what? Bullet diameter? Weight? Velocity/energy? I think bullet construction is the biggest factor in performance on game and the '06 will do just fine against any elk with the proper bullet.

[Bob33]

A good bullet out of 7mm will outperform a poor bullet out of 30-06.  A good bullet out of a 30-06 will outperform a poor bullet out of a 7mm.   Use the same bullet type in each, and 99 elk out of 100 won't be able to tell any difference.

[Buckmark]

Bob33 beat me to it.
I have 2 words: Bullet Selection.