I have a question. I am relatively new to deer hunting. Ive done alot of quail, phesant hunting but only been deer hunting for 2 seasons. Last year I got in the season late and dropped a 6pointer at about 80 yards with my Marlin 30-30. This year I dropped one at about 80 yards also. I also dropped one with my friends 7 mag at abour 95yards. It pretty much folded the deer in half and blew out its neck, it was looking away, in through the lungs and somehow up and out?
My question is this. Im wanting more knockdown and distance than my 30-30 has so I have been considering the 30-06 vs the 7mm. I hunt about 250 acres and honestly the longest shot I will make will be 150 yards or so. No more than 200 for sure. So just curious what your preferance is and why. I like the 30-06 for its durability, and AFFORDABILITY. I know the .06 is a bigger heavier round and easily available. Rounds are much cheaper than the 7mm. Also I have found a very nice Remmington 30-06 semi auto for $250. Also prefernce in Semi vs Bolt action?