I am going to buy a new rifle this year and was just wandering what you guys think. I will mostly be deer hunting in easterm Missouri there is a lot of woods but do have shots at 300yds. I also am planning hunts in canada. Is this a good choice or should I go to a 270. I dont want to rule out bigger game hunting like Elk. I have been looking at the Ruger rifles. I know this topic has probally been talked about and the 30-06 is considered a good all around caliber but I also want accuracy. Any suggestions would be helpful Thanks.

p.s. I am a big boy recoil is not a factor

A 30-06 is the perfect choice for what you plan on using it for. expecially if you plan on Canada with the bigger bodied deer you can use a heavier bullet 180gr or more. than the 270. Although the 270 would be a good choice also.

The 30-06 is a great choice. Plus if you just want to do some plinking, military surpluss ammo is cheap as dirt.

I recommend the .30-06 as well. It's a perfect cartridge for North American big game. Between the great ballistics and the large selection of ammo, it'll take care of whatever you need.

i use a 30-06, 180gr. silvertips for deer in vt. just once have i shot twice at a deer after hitting it, and that's because it was headed for the swamp that i didn't want to go into. they haven't gone far, if at all. works well for fallow deer, too. but, my father went for a .280, after using an .06 for years, and is just as happy with his results.

Hi mossymike,

It'd be hard to do better than the .30-06. And they are plenty accurate as well, (actually has more to do with the individual rifle than the caliber). It sounds like it would fill your needs perfectly.

Good luck with the new purchase!

I love the .30-06! this is the only gun i have ever hunted with. i only shoot 150 grain because i'm small, but have only had to shoot a deer twice once. that was my first deer and i pulled up and spine shot it. not pretty. after a shot to the neck it went quickly. this year i got two does in 10 min. 1 dropped and the other went 15 yards. a great all around choice for a gun. also be sure to get a quality scope. that is a key factor in accuracy. my dad has a scope on his gun and it isn't mounted properly and it isn't as accurate as mine. good luck im sure you'll have fun if you get a .30-06

Chalk another one up for the 30-06. I have one in a Ruger M77 MKII stainless steel and synthetic stock. I think you will love the Ruger!

.30-06 is great. My dad and I have taken many many deer with pump .30-06s with leupolds, more than have gotten away.

Theres a reason why the .30-06 has been around for 98 years...it works.