Stuck and Need Help...

mustad · 02-20-2005, 06:07 PM

I recently saw a Rifle that I really like, but am torn as to which caliber to purchase. Being in the Northeast, I primarily hunt Whitetailed deer, Moose, Caribou and Bear. Depending on the location, my shots can range from 60 - 250 yards. I have a 30-06 right now, which could probably do the job for all these species, but I really liked the rifle I saw. Do I purchase another 30-06 and gear the rifle with a different powered scope or should I try a different caliber.

The three calibers I was considering were 30-06, 300 wsm and 7mm. The sales guy was trying to push a 300 weatherby mag on me, primarily because he had one in stock; so I would consider that as well.

Let me know what you think.

Cheers

bigbulls · 02-20-2005, 06:39 PM

I don't see much need in you getting another 30 caliber rifle if you already have the 30-06 unless you already have a wide range of calibers to choose from. Which it does not sound like you do.

Personally I would opt for a larger than 30 caliber rifle for the moose hunting. Not that the 30-06 is a bad choice here either. But you may as well spread out the range of calibers. Does this particular rifle come in a 338 mag? That would be my choice or the new 325 WSM if it is available. No sense in building a collection of a bunch of rifles all falling into the same power range.

x-mountie · 02-20-2005, 06:41 PM

Mustad:

Personally, i would not run with a weatherby cartridge because they can be hard to come by in smaller populated areas without specialty gunshops. Don't get me wrong - weatherby's are terrific firearms - just their unique calibers are hard to find sometimes.

If you already have an -o6, then i would stay with that and "trick" it out with scope etc. - could be cheaper in the long run. It will take anything you are going to come up against in your area.

Hope you follow this thread because you are going to get truck load of responses !!!! lol

Good luck !!

handloader1 · 02-20-2005, 10:58 PM

If thoes were my choices I would go with the .300 Wby. Mag. Good luck.

Rebel Hog · 03-22-2005, 05:08 PM

I would choose a .300RUM.

bearklr · 03-23-2005, 08:41 AM

.300 wsm get's my vote.

Icducks · 03-24-2005, 09:11 AM

.300 Wby. Mag. gets my vote

young_gun · 03-24-2005, 11:42 AM

i have to agree with X. stick with the '06 and just put a better scope on it. it will take anything that you are going after

BareBack Jack · 03-24-2005, 12:33 PM

300 Wsm or the .338 win mag
These get my vote.
BBJ

oldrgr · 03-25-2005, 06:47 PM

I kind of like the idea of just upgrading your scope.
The is a big difference however, between, say, a .30-06 and a .300 RUM or .300 Weatherby. The latter two produce a lot more downrange energy. The .300 RUM is still pushing almost 2800 Ft. Lbs at 300 yards.
Not sure you need that much power for what you're going after. I've taken too large bull elk with my old .30-06 Browning BAR. I got too lustful and ended up getting a .300 RUM in a Rem 700 BDL.
Good luck