Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

I'm on the fence a bit fellas. Again, I know it's a turkey site. But, season isn't here just yet and I've got a little time on my hands this evening. Been back and forth on a couple of guns and no clue what to choose. Whatever it is, it's going to become the gun I reach for for 90% of all my deer hunting as well. It's gonna sound a bit much for whitetail when I give the possible caliber options but so be it. I've bounced between guns for years and really just wanna barrow things down. I've sold off the majority of stuff I don't use enough to warrant keeping around recently. Basically down to a few guns that hold sentimental value, something easy recoiling for the wife and girls, and a couple custom rigs that I'll not get rid of because, we'll, they're just awesome shooters.

Now, the question at hand: "What do I get?"

Tikka T3 Lite
Tikka T3 laminate
Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed

Calibers in question:
7mm rem mag
300 win mag
300 wsm

Again, I know it doesn't require a cannon for deer and plenty of elk have been killed with 30-06 and 270. Believe me, it took a lot for me to not leave the 270 as an option but I just don't need another. Have my uncles old one and that's plenty for me. Gimme your thoughts and help me make this decision final. Won't really need it until 2021 but wanna get it and get comfortable with it before going back to Colorado. Thanks in advance.


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Of what you listed I'd go Tikka T3 laminate in 300 wsm. Why, because stainless and laminate look good and the 300wsm is easy to get accuracy out of.

Quote from: dirt road ninja on February 20, 2019, 05:08:36 PM
Of what you listed I'd go Tikka T3 laminate in 300 wsm. Why, because stainless and laminate look good and the 300wsm is easy to get accuracy out of.

Ty sir. I agree it does look good. Only thing is, I'm having trouble finding the weight of the laminate. That's my only hang up on it.


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I have owned all 3 and the recoil on all of them was noticeable. If elk is the top end, then that .270 is a great rifle. Out of the 3 calibers you mentioned, I am partial to the .300 win mag. If I ever go big magnum again, it will be in a rifle built for long range shooting. Not a lightweight. I paired down to a 6.5 creedmor and would not hesitate to shoot an elk or even a moose with it. The gun outperforms me, so I am the weak link. ???? You will be happy with all  of those choices . Just my  :z-twocents:

From what you listed I'd go T3 in 7 Rem mag.


T3 in 708 is where I'd lean



A guy on the 24hourcampfire that goes by Pharmseller has stacked the elk with T3's in 708 and 7RM.

I'd say the T3 in .300 Win Mag. The 7mm mag can eat barrel throats. Anything short n fat like a .300 short mag can have feed probs. The other issue against a .300 short is availability. If you're ok with those any caliber listed is suitable.
.300 win mag is my favorite caliber, by far my most commonly used rifles and I only hunt deer with em.
Let us know what you decide.

Quote from: Bowguy on February 20, 2019, 05:26:31 PM
I'd say the T3 in .300 Win Mag. The 7mm mag can eat barrel throats. Anything short n fat like a .300 short mag can have feed probs. The other issue against a .300 short is availability. If you're ok with those any caliber listed is suitable.
.300 win mag is my favorite caliber, by far my most commonly used rifles and I only hunt deer with em.
Let us know what you decide.

Will do. Not so much concerned about availability. Once I've got the brass, I'm set. Reload everything.


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Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 20, 2019, 05:22:44 PM

From what you listed I'd go T3 in 7 Rem mag.


T3 in 708 is where I'd lean



A guy on the 24hourcampfire that goes by Pharmseller has stacked the elk with T3's in 708 and 7RM.

Have a 7-08 already that my father gave me when I was about 14 or so. It's killed a pile of deer. It actually came to CO with me last year as my BUG.


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What are all your thoughts on the 6.5 PRC? 

Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 20, 2019, 05:28:10 PM

Quote from: Bowguy on February 20, 2019, 05:26:31 PM
I'd say the T3 in .300 Win Mag. The 7mm mag can eat barrel throats. Anything short n fat like a .300 short mag can have feed probs. The other issue against a .300 short is availability. If you're ok with those any caliber listed is suitable.
.300 win mag is my favorite caliber, by far my most commonly used rifles and I only hunt deer with em.
Let us know what you decide.

Will do. Not so much concerned about availability. Once I've got the brass, I'm set. Reload everything.


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I reload everything too. One of the best parts of rifles is working up a load

I would select the model that best fits you when you shoulder it in 7mm Rem Mag. This caliber is plentiful for elk, its flat shooting, and one of the most available and economical in sporting goods stores. Best of luck.

I recently had this same discussion with a buddy that was shopping...

If i was buying my new "go to" rifle, I'd spend some time with hands on comparison of "feel". Both the Tikka and Browning will be reliable. I'm a Browning fan, so the xbolt Hell's Canyon Speed gets my vote.

I would buy the Xbolt, and I would buy it in .30-06. (22" barrel, versatile bullet weight selection). I would put a Vortex 4x16 on it, and call it ready to hunt anything in North America (except big "eat you" bears).

I've killed 3 elk with a .270, so I'm probably biased towards non-magnum calibers.

:z-twocents:

I am a 270 guy so I say Savage 116 .270 win with Barnes 130 gr TTSX. 


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Quote from: Dr Juice on February 20, 2019, 05:50:55 PM
I would select the model that best fits you when you shoulder it in 7mm Rem Mag. This caliber is plentiful for elk, its flat shooting, and one of the most available and economical in sporting goods stores. Best of luck.

Right on. Sad part, both fit me well. I like the weight of the Tikka T3 Lite. But, prefer the looks of the browning. Unfortunately, the browning is a bit more money. If it weren't for thinning the herd and wanting to whittle it down to a couple useful rifles, I'd get both. Lol. Like ur opinion tho.


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Quote from: Rapscallion Vermilion on February 20, 2019, 05:43:39 PM
What are all your thoughts on the 6.5 PRC?

Like most new(ish) cartridges, an answer to a question never asked.


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I was recently in the same position of picking a rifle. I already have a Remington 7600 in 30-06 that is a great carry gun or still hunting gun. I picked the browning x bolt hells canyon speed in 7mm rem mag. I was leaning towards the 300 mag but figured it would be used for deer far more than elk or bigger. I topped it with a Burris Veracity 3-15x50 and will get it out once the weather warms up to search through some ammo to see what it likes. I am sure any of your choices will serve you well- this rifle felt the best to me - and the caliber was more of a deer rifle with the possibility of something like elk down the road

I have a Browning x bolt long range hunter in .300 win mag. I love it, and it is pretty similar to the hells canyon speed except for having a little heavier barrel. The thing shoots .75" groups with hornday factory ammo, and the muzzle brake makes it very comfortable to shoot from the bench. The Tikkas are great guns as well but you would not be disappointed with the Browning.

Quote from: Zeke6685 on February 20, 2019, 06:35:36 PM
I have a Browning x bolt long range hunter in .300 win mag. I love it, and it is pretty similar to the hells canyon speed except for having a little heavier barrel. The thing shoots .75" groups with hornday factory ammo, and the muzzle brake makes it very comfortable to shoot from the bench. The Tikkas are great guns as well but you would not be disappointed with the Browning.

I've handled them both extensively. Even shot the browning. My buddy owns one. It's a great shooter. Muzzle brake is nice but whatever I get will be running it suppressed locally. The brake will never be used except on the bench occasionally.


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I have a Accuamrk .338-378 I got for a steal years ago Incase I ever wanted to go out west for elk

Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 20, 2019, 05:29:14 PM

Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 20, 2019, 05:22:44 PM

From what you listed I'd go T3 in 7 Rem mag.


T3 in 708 is where I'd lean



A guy on the 24hourcampfire that goes by Pharmseller has stacked the elk with T3's in 708 and 7RM.

Have a 7-08 already that my father gave me when I was about 14 or so. It's killed a pile of deer. It actually came to CO with me last year as my BUG.


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Sounds like you just want a new gun.  :D.  I don't blame you though.


The only magnum I still shoot is my 7wsm with the 162 amax. It's fast and flat.


I'm only a whitetail hunter so no magnums for me in the field. 

Another issue to consider is weight. No gun, item, whatever is perfect for everything. If you had to carry the gun all day lighter might be a little bit better. But when you need it is it better than? Often not.
All fall I carry a Sako .300 win mag.  Mostly up a farm road to a stand. From there I'm carrying nothing. The Sako is left out only because of price but it's prob the most or surely one of the most accurate guns commonly available from the factory. A pleasure to shoot. It offers a 5 shot guarantee instead of most companies 3. The trigger is good too. Better than the rest mentioned imo.
If I had to carry it real far I might opt for my model 70 stainless. It's got a synthetic stock n it's light. In .300 win mag which I have as well, it's stout to say the least. Still may be a great gun for that job though right? Now consider you say most hunts will be for deer, is weight an issue there? Prob not. Say a horse or truck carried the gun most time out west. Again maybe weight doesn't matter. Shooting it year after year if it was overly light may not make it a fav gun in calibers mentioned.
In that case the .270 already mentioned (great caliber btw) even though it's something you don't want may be the right compromise. You won't need to buy extra dies, heads, powder either.
What I'm hearing here is lots of guys stating what they prefer and that's good you wanted opinion. It's really got to be something you personally decide is best in your situation with all opinions considered.
If I can say one thing also that personally drives me nuts. The 30/06 thing mentioned. A 30/06 is a good caliber. Good at lots of stuff, it's readily available too. Not the best at anything though.  No one is shooting it in 55 grain nor 220. Those calibers are useless for what you say. We're talking head weight depending on situation n caliber imo best case maybe 165, (least that's what I'd use) a little lighter w some calibers mentioned but even w a .270 it's not crazy variable from mid range, maybe 140 or Don suggests he likes 130. Guess what I'm getting at is the very lightest or heaviest bullet in 30-06 is not a consideration. Leave that part out we're back to the same bullet range as the rest. 
Being gun poor sucks, I'd keep em all and get a few more to suit the situation!!

I've been surprised to see a number of people in elk country hunting them with a 25-06.

The closer you get to big city gunshops and away from the wildlife, the bigger the rifle calibers get.

Quote from: Swather on February 20, 2019, 07:27:59 PM
I've been surprised to see a number of people in elk country hunting them with a 25-06.

The closer you get to big city gunshops and away from the wildlife, the bigger the rifle calibers get.

25-06 will forever be my favorite deer cartridge. I've only ever had one deer run from it and shamefully, it was right after I'd gotten done bragging it up. I'm always blown away by the guys that use them for elk. Not uncommon whatsoever. If it weren't for only getting to go once in a blue moon, I'd no doubt carry one myself.


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Tikka is a good gun for non custom. Good barrel crown and trigger. If you reload and neck size only it will shoot. The T3 lite will definitely hurt your shoulder in a mag. caliber. I have an 06 and had to get a limbsaver pad in order to tame it. They may come with better recoil pads now. Mine is several years old.

Pick a good bullet and none of it matters. 


In your situation I'd pick the chambering I wanted in the rifle that best suited me and I'd shoot the whizz out of it. 


No elk will ever know the difference when hit where it's supposed to be with a quality bullet.

Quote from: saverx on February 20, 2019, 07:43:11 PM
Tikka is a good gun for non custom. Good barrel crown and trigger. If you reload and neck size only it will shoot. The T3 lite will definitely hurt your shoulder in a mag. caliber. I have an 06 and had to get a limbsaver pad in order to tame it. They may come with better recoil pads now. Mine is several years old.

Regardless what it comes with, it's getting a limb saver and threaded for a suppressor and matching removable brake. I know it's going to kick. Another reason why I've considered the Browning heavily. But, everyone leans toward the tikkas. Haven't heard a bad word about them.


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Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 20, 2019, 07:43:52 PM
Pick a good bullet and none of it matters. 


In your situation I'd pick the chambering I wanted in the rifle that best suited me and I'd shoot the whizz out of it. 


No elk will ever know the difference when hit where it's supposed to be with a quality bullet.

Got that right. While I've never killed an elk, I've killed a pile of deer over the years with everything from 22 Hornet to 338 win mag. Truth be told, as much as I love the 270, I'm honestly tempted to just get a 270 wsm and say heck with the rest. 140-150 grain Nosler AccuBond would do the trick. As would a 130 grain Barnes. Just keep telling myself that "bigger is better" and the longer I tell myself that, the less I believe it.


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A friend shoots a 270wsm and loves it.   I can't warm up to a 270 anything but guys love them. 


The accubond is excellent as is the Barnes. 



I shoot a lot of Barnes in 22 and 24 cal for deer.  They make big guns out of little guns. 



A 140 accubond or 150 long range accubond from the 270wsm would be a smacker.  As would a 130-140 Barnes.  The Barnes LRX opens at a lower velocity of longer range is a possibility. 


I shoot a lot at 400-600 and some at 800. I found the less recoil I have the more I can shoot and the better shot I am.  My 223 with the 68gr match and my 243 with the 105 match get the bulk of th long range work. 


30/06 and 7wsm visit the range some but not like the others. 


Hell, I just hope you kill and elk, that'd be cool!

From your list I would go with the T3 in 300 win mag.  Never been a fan of the short mags.  That being said, since you reload I would suggest .280AI.  If I were buying/building another that's what it would be.  Not a lot of overkill for whitetails and more than adequate for elk.  Plus an Ackley-ized cartridge just looks cool.  I've hunted with a 257 AI for years and honestly as good as it shoots I wouldn't have a problem using it on elk out to 400 with the right bullet.   

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Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 20, 2019, 08:01:59 PM
A friend shoots a 270wsm and loves it.   I can't warm up to a 270 anything but guys love them. 


The accubond is excellent as is the Barnes. 



I shoot a lot of Barnes in 22 and 24 cal for deer.  They make big guns out of little guns. 



A 140 accubond or 150 long range accubond from the 270wsm would be a smacker.  As would a 130-140 Barnes.  The Barnes LRX opens at a lower velocity of longer range is a possibility. 


I shoot a lot at 400-600 and some at 800. I found the less recoil I have the more I can shoot and the better shot I am.  My 223 with the 68gr match and my 243 with the 105 match get the bulk of th long range work. 


30/06 and 7wsm visit the range some but not like the others. 


Hell, I just hope you kill and elk, that'd be cool!

Me too. Going to NM if it works out this fall for cow elk. I'll be taking my 7STW because that trip will require less walking. 1.5" groups at 300 yards are not uncommon and 2.5" at 500 is pretty regular. But, it's a custom rig so it should shoot well. Have a 6x284 to play with. 28" Schneider barrel. It should do just fine until the barrel goes south. But, none of these are what I want to rely on for the bulk of my hunting. The 6x284 is for the wife and girls. If that STW was just a bit lighter, I'd not be having this conversation.


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I own a Tikka T3 chambered in 300 WSM. It's a great rifle out of the box. Tight chamber, excellent single-stage trigger, and fairly well balanced for such a light rifle. I did replace the butt plate with a Simms recoil pad. It's not a rifle you'll enjoy shooting off the bench, but that's not what it was designed for. You'll really appreciate it after lunch at 10,000' on the side of mountain

Quote from: Gobbler2577 on February 20, 2019, 08:21:43 PM
From your list I would go with the T3 in 300 win mag.  Never been a fan of the short mags.  That being said, since you reload I would suggest .280AI.  If I were buying/building another that's what it would be.  Not a lot of overkill for whitetails and more than adequate for elk.  Plus an Ackley-ized cartridge just looks cool.  I've hunted with a 257 AI for years and honestly as good as it shoots I wouldn't have a problem using it on elk out to 400 with the right bullet.   

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280 AI doesn't do anything for me. Having played around with it, there wasn't enough gain over the 280 rem to get excited about. Fire forming the brass left it "stretched" and thin at the neck IMO. Heck, can hot rod the 280 and already be nipping on the heels of the 7mm RM. Lots of guys like the 280 AI. I just couldn't justify the headache involved personally.


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Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 20, 2019, 07:55:44 PM

Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 20, 2019, 07:43:52 PM
Pick a good bullet and none of it matters. 


In your situation I'd pick the chambering I wanted in the rifle that best suited me and I'd shoot the whizz out of it. 


No elk will ever know the difference when hit where it's supposed to be with a quality bullet.

Got that right. While I've never killed an elk, I've killed a pile of deer over the years with everything from 22 Hornet to 338 win mag. Truth be told, as much as I love the 270, I'm honestly tempted to just get a 270 wsm and say heck with the rest. 140-150 grain Nosler AccuBond would do the trick. As would a 130 grain Barnes. Just keep telling myself that "bigger is better" and the longer I tell myself that, the less I believe it.


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I always had the need a big gun to chase elk until I started hunting them. I want accurate, flat, fast and not a chore to carry. A good bullet does the rest.
If you want to add one of those mag calibers I don't think you can go wrong, I'd probably go 7rem mag in the Tika lite.

I was pretty surprised my first trip west when a guide said he never used anything bigger then a 7-08 and 139gr bullet on western game. But most of the elk I've seen killed were with "deer rifles" and all were very short recoveries. I can also understand the want for more punch when the difference of 200yds could make a bad pack out a horrible one or there's potential for going over a cliff or bluff possible.



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Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 20, 2019, 08:31:44 PM

Quote from: Gobbler2577 on February 20, 2019, 08:21:43 PM
From your list I would go with the T3 in 300 win mag.  Never been a fan of the short mags.  That being said, since you reload I would suggest .280AI.  If I were buying/building another that's what it would be.  Not a lot of overkill for whitetails and more than adequate for elk.  Plus an Ackley-ized cartridge just looks cool.  I've hunted with a 257 AI for years and honestly as good as it shoots I wouldn't have a problem using it on elk out to 400 with the right bullet.   

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280 AI doesn't do anything for me. Having played around with it, there wasn't enough gain over the 280 rem to get excited about. Fire forming the brass left it "stretched" and thin at the neck IMO. Heck, can hot rod the 280 and already be nipping on the heels of the 7mm RM. Lots of guys like the 280 AI. I just couldn't justify the headache involved personally.


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You're exactly right.  They are more work for maybe modest gains.  I've decide Ackleys are like redheads, either you love them or you don't.  I'm weird I guess because I love Ackleys AND redheads!

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Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 20, 2019, 08:31:44 PM

Quote from: Gobbler2577 on February 20, 2019, 08:21:43 PM
From your list I would go with the T3 in 300 win mag.  Never been a fan of the short mags.  That being said, since you reload I would suggest .280AI.  If I were buying/building another that's what it would be.  Not a lot of overkill for whitetails and more than adequate for elk.  Plus an Ackley-ized cartridge just looks cool.  I've hunted with a 257 AI for years and honestly as good as it shoots I wouldn't have a problem using it on elk out to 400 with the right bullet.   

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280 AI doesn't do anything for me. Having played around with it, there wasn't enough gain over the 280 rem to get excited about. Fire forming the brass left it "stretched" and thin at the neck IMO. Heck, can hot rod the 280 and already be nipping on the heels of the 7mm RM. Lots of guys like the 280 AI. I just couldn't justify the headache involved personally.


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You're exactly right.  They are more work for maybe modest gains.  I've decide Ackleys are like redheads, either you love them or you don't.  I'm weird I guess because I love Ackleys AND redheads!

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280 Ackley Improved all the way!  Custom or semi custom options out there.  7 mag performance without all the blust and blunder.  Inherently accrurate.  Fire forming brass simple as 15 grains of pistol powder followed by cream of wheat to the neck followed by plug of toilet paper.  Fire into the air.  Voila!  I won't give my loads, but elk to beanfield whitetail!

Don't know if I'd shoot any of those calibers out of a "lite" rifle.

7mm RM in xbolt would be my choice. As a reloader that 26" barrel gives you plenty of option.

I've changed my mind 3 times just reading this thread! LOL

.270 or .30-06 in the Xbolt is what I keep coming back to... but that is just me. Hunters will never agree on one caliber. That's why they make so many. I'm a life long fan of the .270 - but it is limited to generally to the 130 - 150 gr range. The '06 (to me) gives a little more versatility with bullets. Not the extreme range in weight, just the more practical  150, 165, 180 range.

Have fun with your quest. Be sure to post updates of your choice - and your hunt!

300WM FTW!

I'm probably the last person anyone should take advice from, about gun buying. I like 'em all!
I have a 7RM and 300WM. Don't have the Wizum buy I do have a 300SAUM. I prefer the 30 cals because they put bigger holes in targets(how's that for scientific reasoning?)  ;D

You've gotten some good suggestions and I really don't have anything to add, especially since I've been on the fence about my next gun purchase for about 3 months.

Good luck on your elk hunt(s).

30.06 is good enough for any animal in north America, and a boat load of weight ranges.

Quote from: dejake on February 21, 2019, 04:27:35 AM
30.06 is good enough for any animal in north America, and a boat load of weight ranges.

30-06, jack of all trades, master of none. Best at nothing but good if one gun is your only option for "every animal in North America." Why exactly couldn't you shoot a .300 win mag at any game animal in the continent? Imo except for varmints n small game  it's a better caliber for big stuff.
Would you say polar bears are suited perfectly w a 30-06? Big brown bears? Bison? Woodchucks? Prairie dogs? Squirrels, rabbits, valuable furbearers? ? It's not a perfect scenario having one gun for "every animal in America".  And think about cost. You'd keep changing sights to suit the load costing you money to check zero. , kinda like a payment plan on a phone instead of paying up front. Besides does anyone actually hunt w accelerator rounds??
Food for thought
Not saying it's actually not a really good caliber it's just not best at anything n that argument drives me nuts w the obviousness that it's not well thought out. My buddy used one in Africa for plains game. It's totally suitable for lots so make no mistake what I'm saying. He even shot 2 zebra w it. Supposedly they're very hardy. As I stated mid range is where it would really shine, not extremes. Check ballastics with others n see if there's a vast dif? There's not.

When a new round comes out they still compare it to the old 06.

Quote from: dirt road ninja on February 21, 2019, 05:43:24 AM
When a new round comes out they still compare it to the old 06.

Let's think this through. The 30-06 is a great 55 gr varmint gun yea? If so when these new tiny varmint calibers came out did they compare it to the "great 06"? When the .223 super short came out did they compare that? That's kinda my point. Apples to apples the 30-06 is a good mid range cartridge. It's a compromise on its ends. Leave it mid range where imo opinion it should be, is there any difference between that n a .270? Almost the same cartridge. Look at ballistics on lots of mid range guns. They're all close and all good rounds including the 30-06. Like I said is it "best" on varmints? Better than a 22-250? Faster than a .220 swift? Less damaging than say a .17?
Let's go up, is it better than say a .300 w 180 grain bullet? More authoritive than a .338 or .375?
Not apples to apples though and not 30-06 strong points. That's all I'm saying.

Had 2 30-06's. Down to one and if I ever get tired of this one, it goes back to the gentleman I bought it from. Been asked in the past which cartridge was my least favorite. Always said 30-06. Never been a fan. For my intended purposes, the 270 did the same job with less recoil and better trajectory. As I review thoughts here, almost leaves me tempted to get the 270 wsm and the 300 WM in the same platform. Looking at the recoil aspect, that browning x-bolt is starting to look a bit better. With scope and all it should still come in at least 4# lighter than my STW.


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Quote from: SteelerFan on February 21, 2019, 12:34:07 AM
I've changed my mind 3 times just reading this thread! LOL

.270 or .30-06 in the Xbolt is what I keep coming back to... but that is just me. Hunters will never agree on one caliber. That's why they make so many. I'm a life long fan of the .270 - but it is limited to generally to the 130 - 150 gr range. The '06 (to me) gives a little more versatility with bullets. Not the extreme range in weight, just the more practical  150, 165, 180 range.

Have fun with your quest. Be sure to post updates of your choice - and your hunt!

You can get up to 170 grain bullets, last I checked anyway, but the 130 grain barnes is all you need in a 270.  The 110s are awesome bullets as well.  The 130 grain bullet is what the 270 win was designed for and I always did better with it than any 110, 120, 140, or 150.  A good bullet goes a long way.  Nothing wrong with the 30-06 but I prefer the tamer recoil of the 270.

Quote from: dirt road ninja on February 21, 2019, 05:43:24 AM
When a new round comes out they still compare it to the old 06.

Very true statement,  would say it is America's caliber.

Quote from: Bowguy on February 21, 2019, 06:21:32 AM

Quote from: dirt road ninja on February 21, 2019, 05:43:24 AM
When a new round comes out they still compare it to the old 06.

Let's think this through. The 30-06 is a great 55 gr varmint gun yea? If so when these new tiny varmint calibers came out did they compare it to the "great 06"? When the .223 super short came out did they compare that? That's kinda my point. Apples to apples the 30-06 is a good mid range cartridge. It's a compromise on its ends. Leave it mid range where imo opinion it should be, is there any difference between that n a .270? Almost the same cartridge. Look at ballistics on lots of mid range guns. They're all close and all good rounds including the 30-06. Like I said is it "best" on varmints? Better than a 22-250? Faster than a .220 swift? Less damaging than say a .17?
Let's go up, is it better than say a .300 w 180 grain bullet? More authoritive than a .338 or .375?
Not apples to apples though and not 30-06 strong points. That's all I'm saying.

Look at the ballistic of the 270 to the 30-06 and there are differences that stand out.  .300 wastes a lot of powder just like the 7 mag.  I have nothing against anyone using what they want but the truth is most use a big caliber like that thinking it will make up for bad shooting and the recoil of them makes their shooting even worse.

Tika light stainless in either 300 win or 7 mm mag.  You can easily find ammo!!!

Quote from: Bowguy on February 21, 2019, 06:21:32 AM

Quote from: dirt road ninja on February 21, 2019, 05:43:24 AM
When a new round comes out they still compare it to the old 06.

Let's think this through. The 30-06 is a great 55 gr varmint gun yea? If so when these new tiny varmint calibers came out did they compare it to the "great 06"? When the .223 super short came out did they compare that? That's kinda my point. Apples to apples the 30-06 is a good mid range cartridge. It's a compromise on its ends. Leave it mid range where imo opinion it should be, is there any difference between that n a .270? Almost the same cartridge. Look at ballistics on lots of mid range guns. They're all close and all good rounds including the 30-06. Like I said is it "best" on varmints? Better than a 22-250? Faster than a .220 swift? Less damaging than say a .17?
Let's go up, is it better than say a .300 w 180 grain bullet? More authoritive than a .338 or .375?
Not apples to apples though and not 30-06 strong points. That's all I'm saying.

Why would you change all the bullet weights?   A 180 partition, accubond or ballistic tip would cover pretty much everything.   I killed a 20lb bobcat with a 180 partition from a 30/06 @ 25yds and the exit was about the size of a quarter. That same bullet would handle moose, bears or anything else.   

You could say the same thing about a 300WM.  Chamberings are more alike than different in killing power .  It matters more where you hit them than what you hit them with. 

I've shot the 300win a lot and it does a good job but I've not seen it do things anything else wouldn't have done.  A friend took one elk hunting and lost a good bull due to a shot that was a little far back.  All that horsepower didn't make up for poor shooting.  Had he had less recoil and more range time maybe he doesn't make a poor shot. 


Carrying a 10lb 4' long rifle that burns 70grs of powder for my style of hunting makes no sense.  All my shots are within 400yds and nothing weighs over 300lbs, we will run into the occasional hog.  Even if I went after elk I don't know if I'd take one of my magnums. 


Phil Shoemaker carried a 30/06 with 200gr of 220gr Partitions as a grizzly guide for years before he stepped up to the 458 win mag. 

I'm partial to 30-06 because of it's versatility, load up or down. Used one for a Elk hunt out west once and dropped a moose in Newfoundland at 275 yards using Barnes 180gr TTSX BT. Nosler has new load BT 125gr for deer that I will be using next season. I put muzzle breaks on my magnum guns. It turned a Win model 70 338 into a " cat".

Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 21, 2019, 08:17:12 AM

Quote from: Bowguy on February 21, 2019, 06:21:32 AM

Quote from: dirt road ninja on February 21, 2019, 05:43:24 AM
When a new round comes out they still compare it to the old 06.

Let's think this through. The 30-06 is a great 55 gr varmint gun yea? If so when these new tiny varmint calibers came out did they compare it to the "great 06"? When the .223 super short came out did they compare that? That's kinda my point. Apples to apples the 30-06 is a good mid range cartridge. It's a compromise on its ends. Leave it mid range where imo opinion it should be, is there any difference between that n a .270? Almost the same cartridge. Look at ballistics on lots of mid range guns. They're all close and all good rounds including the 30-06. Like I said is it "best" on varmints? Better than a 22-250? Faster than a .220 swift? Less damaging than say a .17?
Let's go up, is it better than say a .300 w 180 grain bullet? More authoritive than a .338 or .375?
Not apples to apples though and not 30-06 strong points. That's all I'm saying.

Why would you change all the bullet weights?   A 180 partition, accubond or ballistic tip would cover pretty much everything.   I killed a 20lb bobcat with a 180 partition from a 30/06 @ 25yds and the exit was about the size of a quarter. That same bullet would handle moose, bears or anything else.   

You could say the same thing about a 300WM.  Chamberings are more alike than different in killing power .  It matters more where you hit them than what you hit them with. 

I've shot the 300win a lot and it does a good job but I've not seen it do things anything else wouldn't have done.  A friend took one elk hunting and lost a good bull due to a shot that was a little far back.  All that horsepower didn't make up for poor shooting.  Had he had less recoil and more range time maybe he doesn't make a poor shot. 


Carrying a 10lb 4' long rifle that burns 70grs of powder for my style of hunting makes no sense.  All my shots are within 400yds and nothing weighs over 300lbs, we will run into the occasional hog.  Even if I went after elk I don't know if I'd take one of my magnums. 


Phil Shoemaker carried a 30/06 with 200gr of 220gr Partitions as a grizzly guide for years before he stepped up to the 458 win mag.

Let's talk extremes, would you do beaver control work w it, take a kid to shoot squirrels? Like I said it's got plenty of options, not knocking the caliber that'd be silly but it's not a do it all w/0 compromise.
You make a good point about bullets than you contradict yourself. It doesn't matter only where you hit em. If you use a thin jacketed poly tipped bullet it'll be much more violent expansion no matter how you hit em plus now you're thinking a straight broadside shot through the ribs or the shot is passed w a rifle??
The accubond I'll be honest, not noslers best in my testing in my guns.
A Sierr@  game king blows em away accuracy wise. They expand perfectly on deer, I'm not sure bout elk but it's what I'd bring. Sierr@  have an awful lot more accuracy awards too.
I'll agree the bigger magnums make no sense if you count powder money wise  but look at how many fellows here spend $50 bucks for 5 shells to shoot through a turkey at 25 yards.
Guys this is no 30-06 bash so don't think it is. The round  has more than proven itself.
Why though did the bear guide go up to a bigger caliber? Cause he felt it was better.
You're point about your style of hunting making no sense is on the money n that's what I said earlier. The round/gun isn't what works or is perfect for you, I or the guy next door. It's whats perfect for the op.
Your absolutely right you still gotta shoot straight. A bad shot is a bad shot that's a fact. Another point to add to that and it's against the 300 win mag, lots of guys don't like shooting it and because of that it's absolutely a bad choice there.
Every gun will have certain limitations or restrictions of sorts. If you notice you're agreeing with what I said. Weight, recoil, game, head, etc etc all must be considered. Here's another one. What about the overall fitness of the hunter? A healthy, strong young man may not worry about ten pounds, his young 80 pound daughter would right? On the very same hunt for the very same game 2 totally dif guns might side by side and  be the "best." One size does not fit all nor is one caliber the best for everything w everybody. If you think so God bless ya, that's you're right too

Quote from: Bowguy on February 21, 2019, 10:02:09 AM

Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 21, 2019, 08:17:12 AM

Quote from: Bowguy on February 21, 2019, 06:21:32 AM

Quote from: dirt road ninja on February 21, 2019, 05:43:24 AM
When a new round comes out they still compare it to the old 06.

Let's think this through. The 30-06 is a great 55 gr varmint gun yea? If so when these new tiny varmint calibers came out did they compare it to the "great 06"? When the .223 super short came out did they compare that? That's kinda my point. Apples to apples the 30-06 is a good mid range cartridge. It's a compromise on its ends. Leave it mid range where imo opinion it should be, is there any difference between that n a .270? Almost the same cartridge. Look at ballistics on lots of mid range guns. They're all close and all good rounds including the 30-06. Like I said is it "best" on varmints? Better than a 22-250? Faster than a .220 swift? Less damaging than say a .17?
Let's go up, is it better than say a .300 w 180 grain bullet? More authoritive than a .338 or .375?
Not apples to apples though and not 30-06 strong points. That's all I'm saying.

Why would you change all the bullet weights?   A 180 partition, accubond or ballistic tip would cover pretty much everything.   I killed a 20lb bobcat with a 180 partition from a 30/06 @ 25yds and the exit was about the size of a quarter. That same bullet would handle moose, bears or anything else.   

You could say the same thing about a 300WM.  Chamberings are more alike than different in killing power .  It matters more where you hit them than what you hit them with. 

I've shot the 300win a lot and it does a good job but I've not seen it do things anything else wouldn't have done.  A friend took one elk hunting and lost a good bull due to a shot that was a little far back.  All that horsepower didn't make up for poor shooting.  Had he had less recoil and more range time maybe he doesn't make a poor shot. 


Carrying a 10lb 4' long rifle that burns 70grs of powder for my style of hunting makes no sense.  All my shots are within 400yds and nothing weighs over 300lbs, we will run into the occasional hog.  Even if I went after elk I don't know if I'd take one of my magnums. 


Phil Shoemaker carried a 30/06 with 200gr of 220gr Partitions as a grizzly guide for years before he stepped up to the 458 win mag.

Let's talk extremes, would you do beaver control work w it, take a kid to shoot squirrels? Like I said it's got plenty of options, not knocking the caliber that'd be silly but it's not a do it all w/0 compromise.
You make a good point about bullets than you contradict yourself. It doesn't matter only where you hit em. If you use a thin jacketed poly tipped bullet it'll be much more violent expansion no matter how you hit em plus now you're thinking a straight broadside shot through the ribs or the shot is passed w a rifle??
The accubond I'll be honest, not noslers best in my testing in my guns.
A Sierr@  game king blows em away accuracy wise. They expand perfectly on deer, I'm not sure bout elk but it's what I'd bring. Sierr@  have an awful lot more accuracy awards too.
I'll agree the bigger magnums make no sense if you count powder money wise  but look at how many fellows here spend $50 bucks for 5 shells to shoot through a turkey at 25 yards.
Guys this is no 30-06 bash so don't think it is. The round  has more than proven itself.
Why though did the bear guide go up to a bigger caliber? Cause he felt it was better.
You're point about your style of hunting making no sense is on the money n that's what I said earlier. The round/gun isn't what works or is perfect for you, I or the guy next door. It's whats perfect for the op.
Your absolutely right you still gotta shoot straight. A bad shot is a bad shot that's a fact. Another point to add to that and it's against the 300 win mag, lots of guys don't like shooting it and because of that it's absolutely a bad choice there.
Every gun will have certain limitations or restrictions of sorts. If you notice you're agreeing with what I said. Weight, recoil, game, head, etc etc all must be considered. Here's another one. What about the overall fitness of the hunter? A healthy, strong young man may not worry about ten pounds, his young 80 pound daughter would right? On the very same hunt for the very same game 2 totally dif guns might side by side and  be the "best." One size does not fit all nor is one caliber the best for everything w everybody. If you think so God bless ya, that's you're right too

Would I shoot beaver with a 30/06, yes.  Would I shoot squirrels, it's illegal in TN and what does that have to do with anything?   Lol.  You come up with some weird crap I'll give you that.  You started the 30-06 on varmints with 55gr Bullets.  My response was simply why change bullets?   If you're saving fur you're probably not hunting with a 30-06 anyways.


He did go to a bigger caliber, the 30-06 and the 300 win are the same caliber, they're both .30 cals.  They are different chamberings though.

The .30 cal and .458 cal are very different.  Why didn't he go to a 300win, well there's not much gain and they're the same caliber. 


I did not contradict myself.  I said chamberings are more alike than different, and they are.  I also said put a good bullet through the vitals at any angle and they're dead. Put a good bullet out of the vitals and you've invited yourself to a rodeo.   I never said anything about a thin jacketed bullet, you did for some reason.  I said GOOD bullet, stoutly constructed, good weight retention, you know.....a good bullet. 


So to simplify it for you take a chambering of your choice, put a good bullet in it, shoot them where you're supposed to and stuff dies. 


So far you're the only person that has brought varmints, squirrels, TSS and other randomness into this thread.  No one has said one chambering is the best at everything.  You keep trying to prove the 30/06 isn't the best gun for gnats, doves, dinosaurs and helicopters but it does work for most other things, just like a whole bunch of other chamberings would, 308, 708, 270, 7RM, 300WM, etc etc etc. 

As for limitations, everything has them.  I'm less capable than all my rifles, that's why my limitation on game is 400yds.  Everything I have will work farther than that, I'm the limiting factor in regards to reading the wind, location of an animal, etc etc. 

7 mag is what I would say for elk 160 grains
Look at your Nosler book and see the loads in top of page for 140 and 154 bullets for deer which have velocity of 280 Remington and 7mm-08 Remington . Perfect

Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 21, 2019, 10:42:45 AM
As for limitations, everything has them.  I'm less capable than all my rifles, that's why my limitation on game is 400yds.  Everything I have will work farther than that, I'm the limiting factor in regards to reading the wind, location of an animal, etc etc.

Here in really is the issue for many. I've shot enough at longer ranges (500-600) yards to know what a couple of my guns are doing. Shot one deer few years ago at 663 with the 308. Several in that 300-500 range. Elk however, are a different critter. They don't die as easily. Surprised me how much thicker the skin was. And the bone! Wow! Having said that, and knowing that the guns with sentimental value never leave home, think I'm gonna cull the herd a bit more and get rid of the guns that are used occasionally and replace them with 2 guns that'll be used a lot. Pretty sure I'm leaning towards the 270 wsm and one of the 300's at this point. 270 probably in the Browning. 300 could go either way. Tikka uses a long action for everything. The standard size mag box will give me some extra room for seating depth. Keep kinda talking myself outta the 7RM even tho I like them over the 30's. Just with already having the 7-08 and STW, 7RM seems redundant. But, within 300 yards, most centerfire cartridges are anyway. Thanks to those that have responded and remained on topic. Much appreciated.


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Quote from: owlhoot on February 21, 2019, 10:58:08 AM
7 mag is what I would say for elk 160 grains
Look at your Nosler book and see the loads in top of page for 140 and 154 bullets for deer which have velocity of 280 Remington and 7mm-08 Remington . Perfect

Funny. I just got done explaining why I wanted to stay away from the 7RM based on what's already in the stable. I believe the 7's are more versatile. And, it would make things easier in terms of reloading cuz I've already got a plethora of bullets. But, have a pile of 30's too. Think I'll flip a coin on the magnum side. Lol


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The STW is a neat round has never gotten a good hold.  I've seen a grand total of one.  The guys that shoot them have high praise for it. 


Anyway, good luck, I hope you kill heap'm big wapiti.   

Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 21, 2019, 11:04:26 AM

Quote from: owlhoot on February 21, 2019, 10:58:08 AM
7 mag is what I would say for elk 160 grains
Look at your Nosler book and see the loads in top of page for 140 and 154 bullets for deer which have velocity of 280 Remington and 7mm-08 Remington . Perfect

Funny. I just got done explaining why I wanted to stay away from the 7RM based on what's already in the stable. I believe the 7's are more versatile. And, it would make things easier in terms of reloading cuz I've already got a plethora of bullets. But, have a pile of 30's too. Think I'll flip a coin on the magnum side. Lol





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Funny yep
I didn't read the whole thread
Just the jibber jabber of the ole 06 and the 270. And some thing about squirrels
And your first post LOL

Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 21, 2019, 11:33:33 AM
The STW is a neat round has never gotten a good hold.  I've seen a grand total of one.  The guys that shoot them have high praise for it. 


Anyway, good luck, I hope you kill heap'm big wapiti.

NM is just a cow hunt so no big deal there. It'll be exciting just killing one but not as exciting as chasing a big bull. Having said that, STW will be with me on that hunt because I really wanna see the difference in performance on elk vs deer. I'll never shoot another deer with it. Too harsh. Takes stuff from the back side and moves it to the front side. Makes an awkward soup inside the cavity that's no fun to deal with. So, it's for elk and longer range stuff. Although, I did step up to a 160 federal TBT and would like to see how it differs from the previous bullet that killed the deer in question.

And, just spoke to the LGS. Looks like Tikka T3 Lite in 270 wsm and Browning Hells Canyon Speed in 300 WM. Getting rid of 3-4 more rifles. Just don't need all the clutter anymore. It's nice to look into the safe and see exactly what I'm looking for instead of having to dig for it.


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Quote from: owlhoot on February 21, 2019, 11:41:02 AM

Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 21, 2019, 11:04:26 AM

Quote from: owlhoot on February 21, 2019, 10:58:08 AM
7 mag is what I would say for elk 160 grains
Look at your Nosler book and see the loads in top of page for 140 and 154 bullets for deer which have velocity of 280 Remington and 7mm-08 Remington . Perfect

Funny. I just got done explaining why I wanted to stay away from the 7RM based on what's already in the stable. I believe the 7's are more versatile. And, it would make things easier in terms of reloading cuz I've already got a plethora of bullets. But, have a pile of 30's too. Think I'll flip a coin on the magnum side. Lol





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Funny yep
I didn't read the whole thread
Just the jibber jabber of the ole 06 and the 270. And some thing about squirrels
And your first post LOL

No worries man. This got a little more response than I'd anticipated.


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I read an article years ago in one of the national mags (Outdoor Life, Sports Afield, etc.) quoting several western outfitters who'd much rather take a guy with his familiar .270 / .30-06 / .308 / 7-08 and who shoots it lights out, than any guy afraid of the recoil of a newly purchased stout magnum. And of those proven four, I'm taking the .308 or 7-08 because its a shorter case, shorter action and to the OP's point, better satisfies his requirement for a lightweight rifle.  :z-twocents:

I have killed my fair share of Bulls, some with the .338 win mag some with the 7 mag and several with a 300WSM. All about shot placement. Elk have a tremendous desire to live, and can take some lead.  The gun I carry now and enjoy  is a Kimber Montana in WSM. Hand loaded 180 Barns TTSX @ 3000fps shoots sub moa out to 200.   Find one you like shoot it often and have fun..

Quote from: Fullfan on February 21, 2019, 03:00:28 PM
I have killed my fair share of Bulls, some with the .338 win mag some with the 7 mag and several with a 300WSM. All about shot placement. Elk have a tremendous desire to live, and can take some lead.  The gun I carry now and enjoy I is a Kimber Montane in WSM. Hand loaded 180 Barns TTSX shoot sub moa out to 200.   Find one you like shoot it often and have fun..

Man, I checked out the Kimber Montana. Nice rig. My only hang up was that their accuracy was suspect and a lot of guys complaining about bolt bind if trying to cycle quickly. As for having a will to live, I'll agree. Elk certainly have that. I didn't feel under gunner while carrying my 7-08 with a 150 Nosler Partition until my buddy shot his elk 4x with his 300. First shot broke his neck. They said he kept trying to get up. Said even after the 4th shot he was still another 10 minutes before he expired. Truth be told, after doing the autopsy, I don't think those bullets we're getting to where they needed to be. No fault of the gun and I still think my 7-08 would've been plenty. Having said that, I've shot his rifle and find it to be a pleasant gun to shoot with the brake on it.


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Quote from: paboxcall on February 21, 2019, 12:11:30 PM
I read an article years ago in one of the national mags (Outdoor Life, Sports Afield, etc.) quoting several western outfitters who'd much rather take a guy with his familiar .270 / .30-06 / .308 / 7-08 and who shoots it lights out, than any guy afraid of the recoil of a newly purchased stout magnum. And of those proven four, I'm taking the .308 or 7-08 because its a shorter case, shorter action and to the OP's point, better satisfies his requirement for a lightweight rifle.  :z-twocents:

Neighbor shot a cow a few years ago with his 270 and 150 grain Nosler Partition. First shot anchored her but did put a second one in her for good measure. Think he hit the spine but I don't recall. Said when he got there the guys in camp gave him strange looks about his choice of caliber. Guide said he wished he'd brought a 30-06. The 270 is very capable and of all the guns I've parted with over the years, that's one I'll probably wish I'd kept. But, still have my uncles even tho it's not gonna see much use and I'll get dads in the future. Piled up lots of deer with 270 and a black bear as well. All with 130 grain pills. Only reason I'm even contemplating the 300 mag is for the extra energy and sectional density if the shot angle isn't "perfect." And honestly, if my STW was light enough to carry around all day, I'd never look at another magnum cartridge.


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You may have already seen it but this is a neat thread where a guy tests a lot of bullets.  Much destruction and rather informative.   It's long, around 20 pages I think.


https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/7219652/all

Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 21, 2019, 10:14:53 AM

Quote from: Bowguy on February 21, 2019, 10:02:09 AM

Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 21, 2019, 08:17:12 AM

Quote from: Bowguy on February 21, 2019, 06:21:32 AM

Quote from: dirt road ninja on February 21, 2019, 05:43:24 AM
When a new round comes out they still compare it to the old 06.

Let's think this through. The 30-06 is a great 55 gr varmint gun yea? If so when these new tiny varmint calibers came out did they compare it to the "great 06"? When the .223 super short came out did they compare that? That's kinda my point. Apples to apples the 30-06 is a good mid range cartridge. It's a compromise on its ends. Leave it mid range where imo opinion it should be, is there any difference between that n a .270? Almost the same cartridge. Look at ballistics on lots of mid range guns. They're all close and all good rounds including the 30-06. Like I said is it "best" on varmints? Better than a 22-250? Faster than a .220 swift? Less damaging than say a .17?
Let's go up, is it better than say a .300 w 180 grain bullet? More authoritive than a .338 or .375?
Not apples to apples though and not 30-06 strong points. That's all I'm saying.

Why would you change all the bullet weights?   A 180 partition, accubond or ballistic tip would cover pretty much everything.   I killed a 20lb bobcat with a 180 partition from a 30/06 @ 25yds and the exit was about the size of a quarter. That same bullet would handle moose, bears or anything else.   

You could say the same thing about a 300WM.  Chamberings are more alike than different in killing power .  It matters more where you hit them than what you hit them with. 

I've shot the 300win a lot and it does a good job but I've not seen it do things anything else wouldn't have done.  A friend took one elk hunting and lost a good bull due to a shot that was a little far back.  All that horsepower didn't make up for poor shooting.  Had he had less recoil and more range time maybe he doesn't make a poor shot. 


Carrying a 10lb 4' long rifle that burns 70grs of powder for my style of hunting makes no sense.  All my shots are within 400yds and nothing weighs over 300lbs, we will run into the occasional hog.  Even if I went after elk I don't know if I'd take one of my magnums. 


Phil Shoemaker carried a 30/06 with 200gr of 220gr Partitions as a grizzly guide for years before he stepped up to the 458 win mag.

Let's talk extremes, would you do beaver control work w it, take a kid to shoot squirrels? Like I said it's got plenty of options, not knocking the caliber that'd be silly but it's not a do it all w/0 compromise.
You make a good point about bullets than you contradict yourself. It doesn't matter only where you hit em. If you use a thin jacketed poly tipped bullet it'll be much more violent expansion no matter how you hit em plus now you're thinking a straight broadside shot through the ribs or the shot is passed w a rifle??
The accubond I'll be honest, not noslers best in my testing in my guns.
A Sierr@  game king blows em away accuracy wise. They expand perfectly on deer, I'm not sure bout elk but it's what I'd bring. Sierr@  have an awful lot more accuracy awards too.
I'll agree the bigger magnums make no sense if you count powder money wise  but look at how many fellows here spend $50 bucks for 5 shells to shoot through a turkey at 25 yards.
Guys this is no 30-06 bash so don't think it is. The round  has more than proven itself.
Why though did the bear guide go up to a bigger caliber? Cause he felt it was better.
You're point about your style of hunting making no sense is on the money n that's what I said earlier. The round/gun isn't what works or is perfect for you, I or the guy next door. It's whats perfect for the op.
Your absolutely right you still gotta shoot straight. A bad shot is a bad shot that's a fact. Another point to add to that and it's against the 300 win mag, lots of guys don't like shooting it and because of that it's absolutely a bad choice there.
Every gun will have certain limitations or restrictions of sorts. If you notice you're agreeing with what I said. Weight, recoil, game, head, etc etc all must be considered. Here's another one. What about the overall fitness of the hunter? A healthy, strong young man may not worry about ten pounds, his young 80 pound daughter would right? On the very same hunt for the very same game 2 totally dif guns might side by side and  be the "best." One size does not fit all nor is one caliber the best for everything w everybody. If you think so God bless ya, that's you're right too

Would I shoot beaver with a 30/06, yes.  Would I shoot squirrels, it's illegal in TN and what does that have to do with anything?   Lol.  You come up with some weird crap I'll give you that.  You started the 30-06 on varmints with 55gr Bullets.  My response was simply why change bullets?   If you're saving fur you're probably not hunting with a 30-06 anyways.


He did go to a bigger caliber, the 30-06 and the 300 win are the same caliber, they're both .30 cals.  They are different chamberings though.

The .30 cal and .458 cal are very different.  Why didn't he go to a 300win, well there's not much gain and they're the same caliber. 


I did not contradict myself.  I said chamberings are more alike than different, and they are.  I also said put a good bullet through the vitals at any angle and they're dead. Put a good bullet out of the vitals and you've invited yourself to a rodeo.   I never said anything about a thin jacketed bullet, you did for some reason.  I said GOOD bullet, stoutly constructed, good weight retention, you know.....a good bullet. 


So to simplify it for you take a chambering of your choice, put a good bullet in it, shoot them where you're supposed to and stuff dies. 


So far you're the only person that has brought varmints, squirrels, TSS and other randomness into this thread.  No one has said one chambering is the best at everything.  You keep trying to prove the 30/06 isn't the best gun for gnats, doves, dinosaurs and helicopters but it does work for most other things, just like a whole bunch of other chamberings would, 308, 708, 270, 7RM, 300WM, etc etc etc.

Not a beaver, beaver control work. Such as bounty hunts. A .22 rimfire is best to most guys. 30-06 n 300 are same caliber? Yes I guess if you only measure a head they're both 30 cal. To anyone else it's not the same caliber. How is a .270 and. 3o/06 so vastly dif and yet 30/06 n 300 the same caliber. You think I say weird stuff? Whew. Hey man do what ya want, call it what ya want.
It was said any animal in North America, is a squirrel not an animal? Up here they are but I'm not gonna argue that w ya. So now we have another point and a good one to add to perfect gun/caliber. What's a legal firearm in the state.,
I never said the 30-06 is best at anything or maybe for some folks it is. It's not a perfect do it all round. None are. If someone told ya dif ya oughta look into it than decide

The caliber of a 30-06 and a 300 win is the same they are .30 calibers as they both shoot .308" diameter bullets. Correct, or no? 


They are different cartridges, they are different chamberings but they are the same caliber.  Just like a 30-30, 300 Weatherby, etc.  They're  30 caliber


The 270 and 30-06 are different because one shoots a .277" bullet and one shoots a .308 bullet, those are calibers.   The chamberings are 270 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield. 


A .277 caliber bullet works in a 6.8 SPC, 270 win, 270wsm, 270wby, etc, why you ask.   Well they're the same caliber. 


As for your fascination with squirrels and beavers and the 30-06 I can't help you. 

I can't help as far as hunting elk goes, but I own a Tikka T3x in 270 short mag and several Browning A bolts, plus a couple of Winchester Model 70s and the Tikka is the most accurate and has the best trigger factory trigger of any rifle that I have shot. Plus, it can be set as low as 2 pounds very easily.

Straight out of the box shooting factory ammo, the Tikka shot 3/4" to touch over 1" groups with several different brands, but ended up liking Federal Fusion (one of the cheapest factory ammo out) the best.

The action is the smoothest that I have ever felt on a bolt action. My next rifle will be another Tikka.

My vote would be the Tikka in 300WSM.

Quote from: Sixes on February 21, 2019, 05:42:30 PM
I can't help as far as hunting elk goes, but I own a Tikka T3x in 270 short mag and several Browning A bolts, plus a couple of Winchester Model 70s and the Tikka is the most accurate and has the best trigger factory trigger of any rifle that I have shot. Plus, it can be set as low as 2 pounds very easily.

Straight out of the box shooting factory ammo, the Tikka shot 3/4" to touch over 1" groups with several different brands, but ended up liking Federal Fusion (one of the cheapest factory ammo out) the best.

The action is the smoothest that I have ever felt on a bolt action. My next rifle will be another Tikka.

My vote would be the Tikka in 300WSM.

Thanks for the input sir. Think I'm leaning towards the T3 Lite in 270 wsm for my general purpose needs and the Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed in either 300 WM or 300 WSM. The 300 in T3 Lite is gonna thump more than I'd like I think. Don't want to develop a flinch like years past. Took 3 years to work out of it and more rounds of 22 ammo than I'd like to admit. I've shot the x-bolt in 300 and it's mild mannered and think I can still keep it around 8-8.5# which is much better than what I carried previously in CO.


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Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 21, 2019, 03:11:03 PM

Quote from: Fullfan on February 21, 2019, 03:00:28 PM
I have killed my fair share of Bulls, some with the .338 win mag some with the 7 mag and several with a 300WSM. All about shot placement. Elk have a tremendous desire to live, and can take some lead.  The gun I carry now and enjoy I is a Kimber Montane in WSM. Hand loaded 180 Barns TTSX shoot sub moa out to 200.   Find one you like shoot it often and have fun..

Man, I checked out the Kimber Montana. Nice rig. My only hang up was that their accuracy was suspect and a lot of guys complaining about bolt bind if trying to cycle quickly. As for having a will to live, I'll agree. Elk certainly have that. I didn't feel under gunner while carrying my 7-08 with a 150 Nosler Partition until my buddy shot his elk 4x with his 300. First shot broke his neck. They said he kept trying to get up. Said even after the 4th shot he was still another 10 minutes before he expired. Truth be told, after doing the autopsy, I don't think those bullets we're getting to where they needed to be. No fault of the gun and I still think my 7-08 would've been plenty. Having said that, I've shot his rifle and find it to be a pleasant gun to shoot with the brake on it.


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I have never had a problem with either of the Montana's that I have. I bought one for my son and he loves it. I got tired of carrying a 8-9 pound gun around out west. Even with a Leupold vx6 3x18x44 mounted I'm less than 7.5 pounds. Might not sound like a lot of weight savings but to me it is. Remember a good guality bullet is also important.

Funny thing now I have several high end elk rifles that will never elk hunt again, Archery hunted them last Sept, and got hooked worse that chasing gobblers..

I stated out elk hunting using my 06. I shot my first bull with it and it served me well. I upgraded to a 300 RUM because I wanted something with more down range energy at longer ranges. My 300 RUM is a model 700 LSS with a break  it's a little on the heavy side but not too bad . I shoot 180 Grain Barnes TTSX 

Quote from: ElkTurkMan on February 24, 2019, 07:32:00 PM
I stated out elk hunting using my 06. I shot my first bull with it and it served me well. I upgraded to a 300 RUM because I wanted something with more down range energy at longer ranges. My 300 RUM is a model 700 LSS with a break  it's a little on the  bad. I shoot 180 Grain Barnes TTSX

Right on. Think I've made the decision though. I'm snagging an X-Bolt in 300 WSM. Found a good deal on it and unless I'm throwing bullets heavier then 180 gr, it runs right with the Win Mag with less powder and recoil. With the brake, it should kick less than your typical '06 and it'll become my one rifle for everything. Had considered getting 2 rifles but upon rethinking it all, not gonna do that. Just adding more fodder I'll not use.


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Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 24, 2019, 07:36:30 PM

Quote from: ElkTurkMan on February 24, 2019, 07:32:00 PM
I stated out elk hunting using my 06. I shot my first bull with it and it served me well. I upgraded to a 300 RUM because I wanted something with more down range energy at longer ranges. My 300 RUM is a model 700 LSS with a break  it's a little on the  bad. I shoot 180 Grain Barnes TTSX

Right on. Think I've made the decision though. I'm snagging an X-Bolt in 300 WSM. Found a good deal on it and unless I'm throwing bullets heavier then 180 gr, it runs right with the Win Mag with less powder and recoil. With the brake, it should kick less than your typical '06 and it'll become my one rifle for everything. Had considered getting 2 rifles but upon rethinking it all, not gonna do that. Just adding more fodder I'll not use.


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What kind of brake?

Quote from: owlhoot on February 24, 2019, 07:50:42 PM

Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 24, 2019, 07:36:30 PM

Quote from: ElkTurkMan on February 24, 2019, 07:32:00 PM
I stated out elk hunting using my 06. I shot my first bull with it and it served me well. I upgraded to a 300 RUM because I wanted something with more down range energy at longer ranges. My 300 RUM is a model 700 LSS with a break  it's a little on the  bad. I shoot 180 Grain Barnes TTSX

Right on. Think I've made the decision though. I'm snagging an X-Bolt in 300 WSM. Found a good deal on it and unless I'm throwing bullets heavier then 180 gr, it runs right with the Win Mag with less powder and recoil. With the brake, it should kick less than your typical '06 and it'll become my one rifle for everything. Had considered getting 2 rifles but upon rethinking it all, not gonna do that. Just adding more fodder I'll not use.


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What kind of brake?

Comes from the factory with one. It's the Hells Canyon Speed. Check it out. It's not much heavier than the tikka and by the time I upgrade the recoil pad and add a brake to it, I'd be spending more for it than the Browning anyway.


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I wanna know how this thread got 74 posts about elk guns without any pictures of dead elk

Every good thread needs pictures

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Quote from: TauntoHawk on February 24, 2019, 08:19:54 PM
I wanna know how this thread got 74 posts about elk guns without any pictures of dead elk

Every good thread needs pictures

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Hold tight. Gotta find it. Lol


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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/87a53007d10b1e5fb2fd811f5e7b159e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/e9657f44d5b1cd486df6b8e6224f9ea8.jpg)


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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/0a699d27cf12f1a3b76867a01cdca4a0.jpg)
This was the pack out. If you look just above and to the right of the small pine tree, you can barely make out the carcass. This was the first load. The guy helping me dress it out took about 150# on the first trip. He's a tank but it was his bull anyway so...
My first trip was around 80# or so. The guy holding the rack is the guy with the Browning HCS. Had to get in on the pic since they both missed cows seconds before that bull showed up. Successful hunter bought a 300 RUM (rem 700). I didn't shoot it but did pick it up. Too heavy for that kinda hunting. He actually swapped to his 700 VTR 308 during the last couple days much like I switched to my Rem M7 7mm-08 as the week went on. Found out our stuff was just too heavy for lugging the mountains.


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Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 24, 2019, 08:22:10 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/87a53007d10b1e5fb2fd811f5e7b159e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/e9657f44d5b1cd486df6b8e6224f9ea8.jpg)


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Now we're talking.. What state?

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Quote from: TauntoHawk on February 24, 2019, 08:39:28 PM

Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 24, 2019, 08:22:10 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/87a53007d10b1e5fb2fd811f5e7b159e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/e9657f44d5b1cd486df6b8e6224f9ea8.jpg)


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Now we're talking.. What state?

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Colorado second rifle. Guys bumped them from one unit to the unit we were in. When guys from our unit dropped into the next, they ran right down the gulley into the shooting gap. Guys had them dead to rights. I just don't understand how they missed the cows. But, after packing that thing out, I wasn't nearly as broken hearted as I'd started out to be. First trip at 80#. Second around 70#. I was whipped. Having back surgery right before the trip left me out of shape. I was hurting.


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Great pics

Congratulations.

Awesome.

Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 24, 2019, 08:42:06 PM

Quote from: TauntoHawk on February 24, 2019, 08:39:28 PM

Quote from: wvmntnhick on February 24, 2019, 08:22:10 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/87a53007d10b1e5fb2fd811f5e7b159e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/e9657f44d5b1cd486df6b8e6224f9ea8.jpg)


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Now we're talking.. What state?

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Colorado second rifle. Guys bumped them from one unit to the unit we were in. When guys from our unit dropped into the next, they ran right down the gulley into the shooting gap. Guys had them dead to rights. I just don't understand how they missed the cows. But, after packing that thing out, I wasn't nearly as broken hearted as I'd started out to be. First trip at 80#. Second around 70#. I was whipped. Having back surgery right before the trip left me out of shape. I was hurting.


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The phrase "the work doesn't start until the bull is on the ground" is a real thing. Thats for sure

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Here's a few Idaho bulls even have rifles in the pics for thread relevance. A turkey feather my wife painted to commemorate the trip, meat pole we came back for the haul out the next day, and the finished mount of the bull in the first picture. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/77a2f84b5c7e5156de448d98116e2976.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/a5ca5cffcb25a21a8a8f284405b4fd96.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/8ebe190a40f755d254c78a6193ec048a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/36b41eeea61ffbae8eb92f1a56e9ec09.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/bb0bb1114cf5199bb15f6774ef957564.jpg)

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All great pictures, you wife is a talented painter, you should be proud of her.

Wonderful pics TH.


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Here's my logic on choosing new caliber guns, I own a .300WM my dad the WSM. Both are absolutely nasty when it coming to killing things. I was choosing rifles a few years ago for a elk hunt, I'd never owned anything in.30 cal before, I wanted one for the hunt. I settled on a .300WM for the simple fact that it was .30 and you can get 150-200gr bullets at just about any mom and pop store anywhere in the country. If something happened, it'd be easy to find bullets for, vs. some oddball that 25 folks shoot. My pops WSM is accurate, shoots 3-4 different bullets very well. Both are solid choices. The WM gets the nod from me.


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(https://i1360.photobucket.com/albums/r645/slickr11/bul16_zpslxtipicr.jpg) (https://s1360.photobucket.com/user/slickr11/media/bul16_zpslxtipicr.jpg.html)

(http://i1360.photobucket.com/albums/r645/slickr11/aelk_zpscmpmvwcm.jpg) (http://s1360.photobucket.com/user/slickr11/media/aelk_zpscmpmvwcm.jpg.html)

Quote from: NC pine chicken on February 25, 2019, 06:22:46 AM
Here's my logic on choosing new caliber guns, I own a .300WM my dad the WSM. Both are absolutely nasty when it coming to killing things. I was choosing rifles a few years ago for a elk hunt, I'd never owned anything in.30 cal before, I wanted one for the hunt. I settled on a .300WM for the simple fact that it was .30 and you can get 150-200gr bullets at just about any mom and pop store anywhere in the country. If something happened, it'd be easy to find bullets for, vs. some oddball that 25 folks shoot. My pops WSM is accurate, shoots 3-4 different bullets very well. Both are solid choices. The WM gets the nod from me.


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Absolutely nothing wrong with the Win Mag. I've had a couple. Never killed anything but paper with them but it's certainly a solid cartridge. My buddies dad hunted with a 300 Weatherby until either the stock warped or the barrel gave way (can't recall) but has hunted with the 300 WM ever since. Says he's more than satisfied.


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I have been hunting for years with a 300 win mag and 7mm mag for a deer and elk .last few year I have been playing with 6.5 mm creed more and after 3 kills with it I'm going back to my trusty old 300 win mag .i just don't care for tracking animals any longer .if you can find a T/C venture in 300 wing mag get you some Hornady 165gr GMX superformance ammo and really good scope .i like my tikka rifles but this T/C shoots tighter groups with factory ammo and has less recoil.i constantly get 1/2 groups with this rifle and ammo combo and so far with over 30 animals down one has made it more that 50 yards .most have been bang flops .the 300 win mag is the perfect round for elk and deer .all three deer with 6.5mm creedmoor ran a good ways with only one leaving a decent bloodtrail.all three were with 143gr eld x bullets .i will save the creedmoor for coyotes

300 wsm, you will love the short bolt throw. I am also a Browning fan, so I would go with the xbolt, or find a used older Abolt

Quote from: TauntoHawk on February 24, 2019, 08:19:54 PM
I wanna know how this thread got 74 posts about elk guns without any pictures of dead elk

Every good thread needs pictures

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Here are two, the first one was taken with an 06 and the other one with a 300RUM

Beautiful elk fellas.


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I own a T3 lite in .308. The smoothest shooting rifle i have ever owned. Its light, recoil is un noticeable. Every animal I've shot with it ive watched die through my scope. I have a 270 and .300wm in remington and they both kick more than my .308. The .300 is a mule. Not to mention much heavier to pack up and down mountains on an elk hunt. Give me something light and plenty of knock down and thats my choice for packing through the hills. But if you're dead set on choices I would definitely go T3 lite in .300 Win mag

Quote from: Tomfoolery on February 26, 2019, 05:44:47 PM
I own a T3 lite in .308. The smoothest shooting rifle i have ever owned. Its light, recoil is un noticeable. Every animal I've shot with it ive watched die through my scope. I have a 270 and .300wm in remington and they both kick more than my .308. The .300 is a mule. Not to mention much heavier to pack up and down mountains on an elk hunt. Give me something light and plenty of knock down and thats my choice for packing through the hills. But if you're dead set on choices I would definitely go T3 lite in .300 Win mag

Ended up going with the Browning X-Bolt HC Speed in 300 WSM. It's already on layaway at the shop. The T3 is a touch lighter but the Browning shouldered better for me. With a set of Talley LW rings and an appropriate scope, it'll keep the weight down to a very trim rifle compared to what I typically pack around. Gonna go with a leupold vx2 and a CDS dial once I get the right load figured out. Gonna try 180 grain Hornady SST's for deer and the same weight IB's for elk. I'm thinking it'll be the last rifle I ever buy. Kinda growing out of the gun craze thee days. Never thought it'd happen but it has. Much more important things in my life right now. Only other guns I'd like is a 3.5" semi-auto shotgun and a custom made BP long rifle. I've found the BP gun if it's still available when my rifle is picked up.


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Either gun would have been a great choice, but I agree with you about the way the  Browning shoulders. Mine fits me better and shoulders better than any rifle I have ever shot.

Dang. Sorry I missed this one! I love some good elk talk, especially on a turkey forum! I see you already made up your mind and I'm sure it's a going to be a great gun. If it seemed to have fit you the best that's all that matters! I have the t3 stainless lite in 300 win mag and I'm in love with it. I can abuse it and it stays true! Sub moa accuracy. It's now killed 4 elk and only one has left where it was hit. That bull went about 40 yards.

Quote from: POk3s on March 07, 2019, 10:29:00 PM
Dang. Sorry I missed this one! I love some good elk talk, especially on a turkey forum! I see you already made up your mind and I'm sure it's a going to be a great gun. If it seemed to have fit you the best that's all that matters! I have the t3 stainless lite in 300 win mag and I'm in love with it. I can abuse it and it stays true! Sub moa accuracy. It's now killed 4 elk and only one has left where it was hit. That bull went about 40 yards.

Lots of guys like the T3 and I'm not discrediting it. Just happened to like the browning a touch more based on feel. And there's not enough difference in weight to get excited about so long as I don't go nuts and put some big, heavy scope on it. Just felt better in my hands and felt a bit more "solid" overall.


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