Originally Posted by
Nailezs
What I'm looking for is a rifle that can successfully hunt anything in North America, without having more recoil than
my .280, and ammo that is reasonable cost($20-40 for a box of 20). So, I'm thinking that I will certainly need a recoil pad for the stock, and a muzzle brake.
I had been leaning toward a .270 Weatherby Magnum, but after some reading on this forum I've decided that a .270 is too small for things such as elk. I have similiary discard a 7mm and 7mm Magnum, due to a 30-06 being ballistically superior with bullets weighing 180gr and above.
Right now I'm thinking that a 30-06 with a muzzle brake and recoil pad would be my best suited choice, but would like the input and suggestions of hunting pros such as you guys for any other cailbres and then a rifle suited to me in the decided-upon caliber.
Thanks!
Whether the .270 is suitable for elk is a loaded issue and sparks fly every time it's bought up.....I'm going to recommend .284 caliber and larger.
Since you mentioned the .30-06, lets discuss it!!!!!
You didn't say you're a handloader so I will assume you could get someone to help with this.....
1. Barnes makes light bullets in .30 caliber that will have great success on deer and very light recoil. Problem is that you might want to reload them! I haven't checked them recently but will bet they have a TSX or TTSX in 120-130 grains which will be pleasant to shoot, have great trajectory, and light recoil.
2. When it comes to bigger than deer animals you have the world at your fingertips!....all the way to 250 grains if you wish.....
3. Install a 1" decelerator pad.....it's all you'll need for recoil protection.
The choice of .30-06 will never be a bad one....it's a superb cartridge and will stand up to anything in North America.....just use the right ammo in it!
Having said that, it's not my recommendation.....You had the best one first.....the .280 Remington.....search gunbroker for a used one or if it fits the checkbook, buy a used .30-06 and rebarrel it! The .280 is a very good choice for what you describe!