I am in the market for a new rifle. I wouldlike somethingthat I can use in all of North America (elk, boar, deer, etc.). I have it narrowed it down to 30-06 vs. 270 WSM. Trajectory,range, and energyat impact seem to be close. Ammo for the 270 WSM seems to be almost twice as expensive, but given over all volume, I amnot sure if this matters. Will 270 WSM ammo be aroundfor a while. The 30-06 will. Thoughts?
If you will not be taking shots beyond 325 yards the 06 would be my choice. It can shoot flat enough and can deliver 2000 LBS of KEbeyond 325 yards. Longer shots tilt the scales toward the 270 WSM. Keep in mind if 06 ammo is half the price of 270 WSM then you can get twice the trigger time and better develop your skills. The 270wsm will be around, I would not worry about that.
I have said the .300 wsm is the new .30-06, a great all around in my opinion.
For elk I like having the option of heavier bullets that the .30cal will allow, ie 180grs, vs. the .270 maxing out at 150grs, 160gr if you handload.
Personally I would get a .300wsm shoot 180grs for everything and call it a day.
I think for an all around I'd stick to either of those .30 calibers, since you didn't mention the .300wsm, my pick would be the .30-06, but if you add it to the mix, then my choice would become .300wsm.
30-06 would be better for elk and boar. 270WSM would be be perfect for deer, antelope, etc. If you want one cartridge to do everything, go with the 30-06 or consider a 300WM.
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I have both and would not feel undergunned on an elk hunt with the 270 WSM. That being said the ability to shoot up to 220 gr bullets is a real plus. I would however recommend the 06.
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I have said the .300 wsm is the new .30-06, a great all around in my opinion.
The 300 wsm is not the new 30-06. The reason the 30-06 is such a legend is because there are about a gagillion of them out there. OVer the years many other rounds have come along just as the 300 wsm that matched the versitility of the 30-06 but pure volume of rifles loaded for 30-06 kept it on top. I've heard it a hundred times. My Grandaddy shot an '06, my Daddy shot an '06, so I guess I'm gonna shot an '06. Half the hunters I know shoot an '06 it won't be replaced in my lifetime.
.30-06. You can find ammo all over the US, has the most variety of bullets and grains than any other centerfire, can be had in High Energy/ Light mags, to Low/ Managed recoil.
I was facing a decision between the 270 win and 06 and went with the 270 because of a flatter trajectory and better hunting rifle for my needs. I've seen both rounds in action and if I could have gotten the same rifle in a 30 06 (the deal was a trade for two pistols for 1 rifle and the guy only had a scoped ruger 77 in 270 and an M1 open sites) I would have much rather had a 30 06. I've seen it take whitetails at 400 yards. The 06 has been around for almost a century. The short mag cartridges are suppose to be great but from what i've heard may not have staying power. Go for the 06.