It is hard to beat the 06 for versatility, bullet construction, and ammo availability. If the law said one rifle, I would probably just own that one. Its over 100 years old, too.

SInce two guns, no matter the caliber, are always better than one, then yes I would get both of them. Frankly, I am with the crowd here that says that if you get a 338 then get something a little smaller than the 30-06. I have a 30-06 and the only problem with owning one is that you really dont need another rifle, in other words, it is tough to convince the ole wifey that another rifle is needed. My wife hunts and understands cailber matching to game enough that she knows the capability of the 06. I do think you should own one eventually, but play your cards right brother! EJ

Are you aware that both cartridges are both exact same case as the .270 is simply a necked down 30-06?

Redhead,buy whatever ya want,that's the joy of living in this country. If it was me however,I'd get a 7mm08 or .280 for allround (mostly deer) and get the .338 for elk or heavier game.

Actually the 270 Win does have the powder capacity. It's the same case necked down. As far as heavier bullets, to get the same sectional density as the 160 grain .277 bullet you have to shoot a 220 grain .308 bullet. Why one would ever need a 220 grain bullet out of a 30-06 I have no idea.

There is no way I would buy a 338 while the 375 Ruger and 375 H&H are around. If you can't kill it with the 30-06-278-270 class rifle, I would jump to the 375. You can hunt everything on the planet with a 270 and a 375 Ruger or H&H. I can handle it all with a 270-7mm-08 and a 45-70. Throw in a 223 and throw out everything else.

From the Barnes manual

30-06 - 150gr bullet for deer drops around 7" at 300 yards with a 200 yard zero, 1.5" high at 100yards.

30-06 - 180gr bullet for elk drops 7.86" at 300 yards with a 200 yard zero 1.88" high at 100yards.

30-06 - 200gr bullet for moose drops 8.99" at 300 yards with a 200 yard zero, 2.22" high at 100yards.

Why would you need anything else?

The 7mm-08 intrigues me because it has a cute little round with sufficient power up to 400 yards for deer with very little recoil. Short action and light plenty able to take down an Elk too!

My thoughts exactly. Don't succumb to the "but it is a magnum" thinking.

I believe the above specs are for factory loads. Handloading really opens things up.