salukipv1

a 30.06 w/ 150gr will actually shoot flatter than a 270 w/ 150gr, but a 270 with 130gr will shoot flatter than a 30.06 w/150gr.

If you could get a 30.06 to shoot a premium 150gr bullet well, I'd go that route, like a Barnes TTSX, or Nosler Accubond, Swift Scirocco. At least when talking elk/long range etc... I'm a fan of 1 gun 1 load 1 bullet. ie, if it'll kill an elk at 400yards, it'll kill an antelope/mule deer at 400yds.

It's hard for me to argue 30.06 vs 300win mag., get both! ha. or add a 338win.mag, 340wby,

or 270 and 300win.mag.

YTCLT

The 280 is worth checking out. Comparing 140gr bullets out of the 280 and a 270 the energy at 200 yards is nearly identical and the bullet drop using similar ballistics coefficient bullets is identical. Compared to a 30-06 shooting 150gr bullets the 280 carries more energy at 200 yards and drops less.

bronko22000

If it were me and you already have an 06 I think I would go with the one poster above and in lieu of a 300WM go with a 338WM. Maybe a bit overkill for elk but still an excellent choice and also for moose and the big bears. It's not like you're going to be shooting it alot anyway so why not go the one step further?

RaySendero

I read the entire thread.
I assume bronco is referring to "the one poster above"
is the 1 at the top. If so, I agree with both.

My thinking is that to add another rifle, I want one with either
1) capable of a 50% increase in bullet weight at the same velocity
or
2) capable of a 500 fps increase in velocity with the same bullet wt.


SO...Keep the 30-06 (never a bad decision!)
and
Consider adding a 338 something in the future,
as you gain experience hunting with the 30-06.

PS: Your experience may be that there is no need for more.

mikescooling

I have both 30-06 and 300 Mag. The 300 mag is a 30-06 (.308 cal) with a bigger casing. The 30-06 is lighter and that is why it goes hunting all the time. Both will get the job done with off the shelf ammo, like power points, for about a buck a pop. $18 vs $25 a box

softdown

Yes....it works quite well as does the .308 etc. When a rifle is manufactured for military applications, that pretty much guarantees a lot of popularity. People are prone to stick with the familiar and the rounds become affordable and easy to find.

Changing subjects a bit here....rifle weight can become a large consideration. I'm an XL guy and never considered the weight of my 338/378 Weatherby. I'll be darned, it feels like I am carrying a cannon after hours of walking at 9-10,000 feet.

That is why I often carry my 300 Mag, I don't notice the weight near as much. Recoil? If anything, recoil adds to the excitement when shooting.

We are all entitled to our opinion of course. Mine is that the .338 Mag may be the "ideal" elk load....all things considered.

We all know that shot placement is where it is. But the perfect shot opportunity may prove elusive.

HIGHLANDER HUNTING

depends on how heavy of rifle you have- i don't believe magnum should be in the same sentence as lightweight...... my 2 cents

hardcastonly

If you want a new rifle, why not just buy one if you can afford too? Id be the last guy to suggest buying a new rifle is not a good idea.
but that being stated...from my experience ,theres not enough real effective difference in the actual field results I've seen on game (mostly deer and elk)
over 45 plus years of hunting, between a 30/06 vs a 300 mag
too make buying and using a 300 mag ,vs using your current 30/06 a major improvement.
a 300 mag pushes the same bullets maybe 300 fps faster or allows a heavier bullet to be pushed to similar velocity.
a 30/06 with the correct ammo kills elk very effectively,
its shot placement not power thats the major factor in lethality, and despite what you see in magazines,
most deer and elk are killed at under 300 yards,
you might be better served with a high quality scope, upgrade.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/13...-16x50mm-matte
if your looking to upgrade the rifle hitting power, a 338 win with a 250 grain bullet, or a 375 H&H with a 270 grain bullet makes more sense.
while the paper ballistics may not show the increase very effectively, a premium quality a 250-270 grain bullet hits noticeably harder and penetrates well,
something that the lighter 30 ca;l may not always do, nearly as effectively, but again,
its shot placement not power thats the major factor in lethality
,and a 30/06 with a premium 180-190 grain bullet will kill any elk in skilled hands with good shot placement.



http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/de...?Caliber=30-06 Springfield&Weight=All&type=rifle&Source

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/de...sp?Caliber=300 Winchester Magnum&Weight=All&type=rifle&Order=Powder&Source=

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/de...sp?Caliber=338 Winchester Magnum&Weight=All&type=rifle&Order=Powder&Source=

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/de...sp?Caliber=375 HqqqH&Weight=All&type=rifle&Order=Powder&Source=

Blackelk

My thought has always been bullet weight vs caliber. If your going to shoot .308 projectiles in the 150-180 class then the 30-06 is just great. If your going to maximize the potential of the 180-230 class bullets then the 300WM and up calibers will do what your seeking. After saying that I'm pushing a 165gr bullet out of my 300 WM at 3260 fps with sub moa accuracy and at 500yds the ft lbs is pretty impressive. But what is the end result of what your trying to do with the caliber?

RWK

30-06 has killed more game than you can count.You have a good gun keep it.