30-06 or 300 WINMAG???

[Stoots]

Fellas.  I am purchasing a  new Ruger M77.

I want it chambered in a round that is easily available (I don't reload) and is strong enough to hunt just about anything.  One day I plan to hunt in Africa.  

I'm leaning towards 300 WM, but have always been a fan of the mighty   30-06.

Opinions welcomed!!

[longwinters]

Not too many hunters settle on only one rifle.  I would certainly start with the 30-06 and then down the road when you can make a choice based on what you are going to do . . .not just what you might do someday make your next purchase.  I would not want the 300 win, or bigger, to  be my only hunting rifle a/c recoil and cartridge costs.

Long

[HogFan]

In the three years I have been stationed here in MT, I got tow people into hunting. Both bought new rifles right away, and said they only plan to have one rifle. Well, one just bought a second, and the other is seriously considering a new rifle as well. The one that is considering a new rifle, did not own one gun when he started, and is now up to 4. So there you go, get the .30-06, and then add.

HogFan

[Thebear_78]

The good old 06 is a more versatile round.  It can be used with lighter bullets from 125-165 for deer and heavier 180-200gr bullets for elk/moose sized game.  There isn't much difference between the the top end 06 loads and factory 300 win mag loads.  Federal premium high energy load with 180gr Nosler Partition loads in 30/06 is only 60fps slower than their 180gr load in the 300 win mag.  No animal will ever noticed the difference.   If you need more power than 180gr Nosler at 2860fps then your next logical step up would be 35 whelen or 338 win mag with 225-250gr bullets.  I'd definately stick with the 30/06.

[Dand]

I agree with all above.  And I've been a 300 win mag shooter since 1981.  But - since then- the factory  bullets and loads available for the 06 have improved hugely to make it even more effective.  Lately I've wished my 300 was a 338 win, or that I had a 338-06 or 35 whelen for the times I need a more powerful rifle.  Main reason I stay with my 300 these days is that its a stainless all weather rig and that's mandatory in my mind for SW Alaska where it rains a lot during hunting season.   I do feel a little better about the extra power of the 300 when prowling the bear country but - thats where the 338 would be even better.  I have a friend who has stopped 2 brown bear charges on Kodiak with an 06 (factory loads) so its a pretty worthy cartridge and super versatile.

[Stoots]

Thanks fellas!

30-06 it is!!


Jason