First Rifle

[NWMHunter]

I am going into my 3rd season hunting up here in Northwest Lower Michigan and I've been using my brother-in-law's old rifle. Well, I'm in a position to get my own now and after some research I've decided on either a .30-06 or a 7 mm Mag. Any advice, suggestions, etc.? My budget is around $500 and I'm left-handed so I know that limits my choices a little bit.

[Georgetownboys]

Go to the amo web sights and read about and look at ballistics data for the new WSM in .270 and 7mm. You may like what you see.[8D]

[PaJack]

Of the two I would go for the 30-06...

[NWMHunter]

why the .30-06?

[brother hal]

Both the 30-06 and the 7mmMag will kill anything you will probably hunt. It is a toss up, and you have to decide. I have both, but if forced to select only one, I would chose the 30-06. You might want to read up on ballistics, bullet selection, offerings by the various manufacturers, etc. If you have the money, I would go with a Rem 700, Win Model 70 Classic, or Ruger 77, in Stainless Steel, and weather resistent stock (laminated or fiberglass). Any of these guns will do all you want to do (and there are others as well), and will likely last you your entire hunting career.
Just my opinion, you understand, and you are going to get other opinions.
Good Hunting,
Hal

[James B]

Remington 7oo LH BDL 30-06. You would never really need any other gun to hunt all North American Big Game. Savage, Ruger, Browning, Sako, Winchester and Tikka also make a good LH bolts guns in 30-06. If you wany to shoot a right hand bolt then I would take the Remington 700 ADK Synthetic in 30-06. I am left handed but shoot mostly right hand bolts. Also consider the Remington Pump in 30-06. They will shoot as good as most bolt actions and are accurate and reliable. I have had three of those. Two in 30-06 and one in 270.

[Ridge Runner]

Those are really good choices, but being a lefty myself my next bolt action will be a model 70 win. in 300 WSM. The extra power of the short mag will help out on those large northern bucks. nothing wrong with the 06 or the big 7, but thats what every LH'ed guy out there has, I just like being different!
RR

[NWMHunter]

I've heard of feeding problems with the WSM cartridges because of the steep 35 degree shoulder angle, is there any truth to that?

[andy_o]

I would go with the .30-06 because it is just about the same preformanc as the 7mm mag but a little bit better ammo selection in my opion. Once you decide on what gun you want here is a couple of sights i keep my eye on and find good deals time to time.


www.gunbroker.com

www.auctionarms.com

good luck.

[TREEDOG]

I've heard of feeding problems with the WSM cartridges because of the steep 35 degree shoulder angle, is there any truth to that?

The first rifles did but thats not a problem anymore. I have a model 70 270 wsm (same case as 300) and it feeds flawlessly.