ORIGINAL: speedgator
Which one would be best suited for very diverse game hunting? I will be buying my first rifle soon and I was recommended the 7mm Rem Mag but after looking at ballistics charts, trajectory and recoil numbers perhaps the .270 can accomplish everything I want with less punishment on my shoulder and wallet. Input appreciated.
7mm Rem. Mag. is a very good cartridge, but it for sure has more recoil than a
270Win. Which is best suited for very diverse game? Sort of depends on the diversity
you're looking to handle.
For varmints (chucks, coyotes, etc.) up to/including whitetails, antelope, mule deer, and most black bear, the 270Win. is all you will need. And, yes, it can handle elk & moose, but is minimal for these bigger game species.
If bigger game is on your menu, including elk & moose, and you're not too concerned with varmints, then the 7mm Rem.Mag. is probably the better choice.
Another option to consider is the 280Remington, though it's not as popular as the other two, and rifle choices are more limited. It is a 7mm bore, just not a magnum.
(bullet diameters: 270 = .277" and 7mm/280 = .284" )
Heck, get the 270Win. and don't worry about recoil. Then, later, if you want to go after
elk/moose, get a 2nd rifle in 7mmRem.Mag. (or trade up).
Here's a link to a site that may be helpful;
Link:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2.guns.htm