Which gun should i buy?
#2
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Hampstead, Maryland
Swap calibers and this may be the most asked question on this board.
Either caliber will cleanly kill any game animal in North America, within the limitations of the rifle/cartridge/shooter's skill.
It is hard to knock the 30-06, as ammo can be purchased just about anywhere in the world, in any outlet that stocks a bit of ammo. The bullet weight and bullet performance selection of factory loads is very broad with 30-06, an unlimited if one factors in hand loading. While a shooter must expect some recoil, most anyone can adapt to handling the recoil that the 30-06 dishes out. One of the only downsides that I can think of, is effective range, especially on heavier deer like elk and moose. While some would say that they can stretch the range of a 30-06, my opinion is that when you "learn" your rifle and cartridge load, you may limit the shots that you take, on deer/elk sized game, to under 350 yards. This, due to the top muzzle velocity, for which that cartridge can be loaded.
It is in the area of higher muzzle velocity that one can argue for the 7mmUltraMag. The muzzle velocity of the 7mmUltraMag can be pushed to 500fps and more, then the 30-06 can achieve. This higher muzzle velocity translates into a flatter trajectory, which in turn, means that much of the guess work is taken out of "holdover", when making a longer shot. The other drawback attached to the 7mm is an inability to go to heavier bullets. The 30-06 can be loaded with heavier bullets then can the 7mmUltraMag. This may be important, depending on game and terrain hunted.
If forced to choose, I'd opt for the 30-06, due to the broader versatility of that cartridge, over the 7mmUltraMag. However, if you enjoy reloading and really like firing a barrel burner that really shoots hot and using a ton of propellent, get the UltraMag.
Either caliber will cleanly kill any game animal in North America, within the limitations of the rifle/cartridge/shooter's skill.
It is hard to knock the 30-06, as ammo can be purchased just about anywhere in the world, in any outlet that stocks a bit of ammo. The bullet weight and bullet performance selection of factory loads is very broad with 30-06, an unlimited if one factors in hand loading. While a shooter must expect some recoil, most anyone can adapt to handling the recoil that the 30-06 dishes out. One of the only downsides that I can think of, is effective range, especially on heavier deer like elk and moose. While some would say that they can stretch the range of a 30-06, my opinion is that when you "learn" your rifle and cartridge load, you may limit the shots that you take, on deer/elk sized game, to under 350 yards. This, due to the top muzzle velocity, for which that cartridge can be loaded.
It is in the area of higher muzzle velocity that one can argue for the 7mmUltraMag. The muzzle velocity of the 7mmUltraMag can be pushed to 500fps and more, then the 30-06 can achieve. This higher muzzle velocity translates into a flatter trajectory, which in turn, means that much of the guess work is taken out of "holdover", when making a longer shot. The other drawback attached to the 7mm is an inability to go to heavier bullets. The 30-06 can be loaded with heavier bullets then can the 7mmUltraMag. This may be important, depending on game and terrain hunted.
If forced to choose, I'd opt for the 30-06, due to the broader versatility of that cartridge, over the 7mmUltraMag. However, if you enjoy reloading and really like firing a barrel burner that really shoots hot and using a ton of propellent, get the UltraMag.
#3
Ashe nailed it here. The better price, availability, bullet/weight weight selection, and versatility of the .30-06 puts it ahead of the other cartridges, IMHO. Most people rarely, if ever, make a shot out past 300 yards. The .30-06 is plenty flat enough within that range. You can go from varmints all the way up to brown bears (you can, although more power would certainly come in handy much of the time), and it clobbers whitetails.
The .30-06 is a classic round, and it's proven its worth many times over.
The .30-06 is a classic round, and it's proven its worth many times over.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,813
Likes: 0
From:
I was thinking of buying me a remm. 700 BDL 30-06 or 270 or the 700 BDL 7mm ultra mag. which is the best choice?
Both the 270 Win. and the 30-06 would be fine cals for deer, and if you plan to hunt something bigger in the future, then i'd pick the 30-06. There's isn't much a 30-06 "useing the right bullets" can't do here in the U.S.A..
Drilling Man
#5
Fork Horn
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: MN USA
If you don't reload, you should probably steer clear of the Ultra mag. I believe Remmington only offers one factory load for that round. I have a feeling that it wont be with us much longer. As for the other two, take your pick. They will both work great for almost everything. The '06 may be a little more versitile, but the 270 can shoot lighter factory rounds with a slightly flatter trajectory. With either one your choice of ammo is huge.
#8
They are all good calibers and all will handle most N.A. hunting. I too would steer clear of the 7MM Ultra Mag. Not that its not a good caliber but as was already mentioned here the selection of ammo for it is slim and none. If you are going to or already reload and you buy plenty of brass then you would be ok. However if it matters, the future resale or trade in value may not be to good. Remington has a way of jumping ship and leaving cusomers hanging as with thier 5 mm, 8MM Rem Mag and now maybe the 7 Ultra. As long as you are aware of these possibilities, pick whichever you like the feel of. If it were not for other companies jumping on the 260, I think Remington would have dumped it as well. I love Remington rifles but they are strictly bean counters and if the bucks are not there then thier gone.
#9
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
I agree with everyone who fears the demise of the UltraMag. Remington does indeed leave customers hanging when their new calibers don't sell. If you reload, go for it if you must, if not, stick with the .30-06. There's no critter on this continent you can't put down with the trusty ol' ought-six, and ammo will be available as long as the liberals stay out of power.
Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM, Remington 700, or .30-06!
Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM, Remington 700, or .30-06!



