.30-06 vs. .338 win mag vs. 300 win mag
09-08-2009, 09:02 PM
#51
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 1,408
The only time the .338 wins is for bears.
For anything else under 300 yards, the .30-06 is sufficient with less recoil.
For longer range shooting, the 300WM is the best option. The .338WM is not a great long range round, better off with other .338 offerings for that.
For deer-sized game, I use the 300WM as I'll take shots up to 800yds but if I knew it'd be under 300 I'd use my 30-06. The .338 would just needlessly waste meat, a 300WM under 300 yds is bad enough.
Recoil is no question. Most people can shoot a 30-06 fine, a few less the 300WM. Of those I've seen at the range with a .338WM, most have a visual flinch reaction. That big bullet doesn't mean much if you can't put it in the right place.
If I'm going to shoot a .338 bullet, might as well go to the Lapua Magnum or Edge and brake it.
For anything else under 300 yards, the .30-06 is sufficient with less recoil.
For longer range shooting, the 300WM is the best option. The .338WM is not a great long range round, better off with other .338 offerings for that.
For deer-sized game, I use the 300WM as I'll take shots up to 800yds but if I knew it'd be under 300 I'd use my 30-06. The .338 would just needlessly waste meat, a 300WM under 300 yds is bad enough.
Recoil is no question. Most people can shoot a 30-06 fine, a few less the 300WM. Of those I've seen at the range with a .338WM, most have a visual flinch reaction. That big bullet doesn't mean much if you can't put it in the right place.
If I'm going to shoot a .338 bullet, might as well go to the Lapua Magnum or Edge and brake it.
09-09-2009, 11:02 AM
#52
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: N/W WI.
Posts: 814
10-01-2009, 04:31 AM
#56
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: SE Wisc
Posts: 677
If you are not hunting big bears (as mentioned here many times) i would opt for the 30.06. The recoil is manageable, ammo is everywhere and best of all its much cheaper to purchase. the 30.06 is no slouch either. It has been used to take game for 100 years. In the lower 48 i can't see it not taking care of business. the best part is, you can find ammo cheap and practice with it. You place a 30.06 round where it needs to go and game over.
10-11-2009, 07:06 AM
#58
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 1,408
It's overkill to use a 300 mag on deer anywhere. Unless they're 400 yds or further. I shot a muley last year at 438 yds with mine and it just plowed it. Another guy used my gun on one at 200 yds and it was practically field dressed before it hit the ground. Just ridiculous. Perfect elk medicine though.
10-11-2009, 09:14 AM
#59
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Mn.
Posts: 3,399
This is a old post but the 30-06 is enough for any North American game plus if your out in the sticks and need ammo(hope not)you can get it at almost any small town store were 300 and 338 would be tuffer to find if need be.....
10-11-2009, 10:47 PM
#60
Super Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern California
Posts: 18,382
This is an old thread but a good one. I own 2 338WM's and use them for elk and moose with the 250 grain partition bullet. I use my .270 for deer, antelope and hogs although I'm planning on going to a 45-70 for hogs. I I absolutely had to limit myself to just 1 single rifle for all NA game, I could be happy with the 338, 300 or 30-06. I'm just glad I don't have to limit myself to just one rifle.