Farmland/Forester Rifle

[HillBillyFarmer]

Needless to say my Handi 22-250 has made me a confirmed Handi-holic. I've recently been looking at an H&R ultra rifle in 30-06 because I like the cinammon stock set and it's the 100th anniversary of the 30-06. I hunt deep woods, farmland, and everything in between. My question for all of you is do you think 30-06 is a good caliber for all of that or should I consider a different caliber? I have no experience shooting the 30-06 and I'm open to any and all suggestions. Thanks.

[darat100]

In my opinion 25-06 is the best all around gun if you aren't going to hunt anything bigger than a whitetail.  Plenty of power, and alittle better ballistics than the 30-06.  Also, won't tear up the smaller critters as bad with the smaller bullets.  If you are going after some bigger critters, I think the 30-06 is perfect.

[HillBillyFarmer]

I thought about a 25-06, but I wasn't sure about the 26" barrel in the thick stuff and I'm not sure what scope I would top it with that would work in woods and open land?

[myarmor]

The 30-06 is a great caliber for what you are looking at in my opinion.
As is the 270, 25-06, 308, 7mm-08 and 280

If you reload, then the 280 would be my choice. Tons of bullet selections and excellent BC's.

But if you don't ... (..why not? best shooting decision, BY FAR! and easy to get into...) then the 30-06 has tons of factory options and can be purchased at all places that carry ammuntion and are usually prices fairly cheap.
It's still #1 in die sales across the nation year after year. It's just a good versitile caliber -tried and true.
-Aaron

[Dillohide]

Been shooting and reloading the 30-06 for years. It's by far my favorit cartridge. I own 4 Handi rifles but did not get one in 30-06 until last week. That's one sweet little rifle. I found that it did not like the 165 gr pet hand load my bolt action likes but it sure liked 150 gr Remmington Factory ammo and it really like the 150 gr Remmington SP hand load I worked up with Varget powder (didn't like the Hornady 150 SP much). It only took two trips to the range over this weekend to get a three shot group the size of a quarter at 100 yards. All I did extra was put the 9/16 OD O ring on the barrel lug and tighten her down real good.

Got the regular barrel because with it the rifle is very well balanced for hunting purposes, especially in woods. That bull barrel is fine but it's just extra weight to be carrying around through brush, vines and prickly things. Just my 2 cents.

[Norseman112]

You could never go wrong with a 30-06. I shot one for years and its a great caliber, however to be honest the 25-06 is my favorite caliber  I can be in the woods one minute and wide open cornfeilds the next minute, she has served me well.

John

[Mac11700]

I hunt deep woods, farmland, and everything in between.

Just about any caliber in the centerfire Handi's will work for you...and the 30-06 is a great choice,and there is nothing wrong with it...however for me...it wouldn't be my first choice...The 25-06 isn't no slouch and can double duty for you as a long range varmint rig with the right loads.I hunt all sorts of varied terrain...from choke vine thickets..to heavy timber..to swaps and bogs..to wide open fields...and I have never had a problem with the 26" barrels...and will take one in a Handi over any of the 22" barrels offered...

If varmints of any kind is on the bill...go with the 25-06...if just deer...same...if your going to go after some  hogs...think long and hard about the 280 too...it's a vary accurate round too...If your going after something bigger...I would say the 30-06- 35 Whelen or 45-70.....see...once you start...your going to have to get several barrels ...one to cover everything...

As to scopes...I have several differnt types...but one will always be my go to scope...it's a Leupold VX-1 2-7-33...fast dependable,bright,clear,it may not be the best for super long range shots...but it works good out to 300 yards or so...

Good Luck

Mac

[nomosendero]

I hunt deep woods, farmland, and everything in between.

Just about any caliber in the centerfire Handi's will work for you...and the 30-06 is a great choice,and there is nothing wrong with it...however for me...it wouldn't be my first choice...The 25-06 isn't no slouch and can double duty for you as a long range varmint rig with the right loads.I hunt all sorts of varied terrain...from choke vine thickets..to heavy timber..to swaps and bogs..to wide open fields...and I have never had a problem with the 26" barrels...and will take one in a Handi over any of the 22" barrels offered...

If varmints of any kind is on the bill...go with the 25-06...if just deer...same...if your going to go after some  hogs...think long and hard about the 280 too...it's a vary accurate round too...If your going after something bigger...I would say the 30-06- 35 Whelen or 45-70.....see...once you start...your going to have to get several barrels ...one to cover everything...

As to scopes...I have several differnt types...but one will always be my go to scope...it's a Leupold VX-1 2-7-33...fast dependable,bright,clear,it may not be the best for super long range shots...but it works good out to 300 yards or so...

Good Luck

Mac

 

Mac has given you very good advise here, & I hate to tellyou this, but other barrels will happen. 

I am a huge 25-06 fan & it is great for Varmits & Deer, but your 22-250 will handle most if your Varmiting needs & since that is your other gun, I would go to the 280. You mentioned the 26" barrel giving you trouble
in the thick stuff but it won't. Remember, a 26" Handi is the same length as a 22" bolt action, so it is not an issue. And the weight up front will give you a steadier rifle for long shots, especially if there is a little cross wind. The 280 can take care of woods hunting & longer range opportunities better than the others because of as someone said before the high BC's of the bullets & the 26" offering that the 270 & 30-06 don't have.

With these 2 guns you have your hunting covered in your part of the World & if later you want to get a 3rd
barrel or gun as stated before you could get a 45-70 or 35Whelen & then have the Continent covered but
by then you will be ready for the ultimate choice & then it will be time for Mac to tell you about that!! 

[Dave Allen]

hello, nomosendro is right a 26" barreled handi is not a long gun...Mac...i agree on the 2x7 leupold it's my go to scope i have one in a rifleman & i'm thinking of a vx11 2x7 for another rifle...that power range is a great configuration...imho.