I'm in the market for a new rifle, I want something in a .30 caliber. Right now I'm considering .30-06, .300 win, .300WSM and the .308. I have no immediate plans for this gun other than maybe a trip to Pennsylvania for deer and and a hog hunt in the future. Rifle hunting is not allowed here in Ohio, so it will be for future use. I'm considering the follwing. As far as the brand, I would like synthetic and maybe stainless although that isn't that important. Gander Mountain has a Tikka T3 in .30-06 for $500, seems like a good price and I hear they are real shooters. Any advie would be appreciated.
Scott

I have shot the .30-'06 and the .308 in various rifles. I like the .308 much more for its superb accuracy and its decent velocities with bullets up to 165 gr's in weight. It starts to lose too much ground to the '06 with 180 grainers and above unless it is handloaded well... With proper handloads the .308 is Very little behind the '06 as a deer or black bear cartridge.

I don't see a reason for more power than is available with either of the above cartridges unless going after brown bear perhaps. I don't see a need for harder-recoiling cartridges, either.

I like the Remington Model 700 or the Ruger 77 MkII with the proper trigger job as noted on www.centerfirecentral.com. The Model 700 ADL synthetic with the iron sights included, and drilled/tapped for scope mounting is very hard to beat for a basic, hunting rifle. It is very accurate from what I've seen. The Ruger in stainless steel with a synthetic stock also appeals greatly to me.

Good shooting, good hunting.

The Tikka T3 in 30-06 chambering would be an ideal choice for all around hunting. Will serve you well in the Pennsylvania woods, the hog thickets and wherever else you may plan on general big game hunting, up to and including moose.

Well, I didn't waste any time, I went out yesterday and bought a Winchester M70 chambered in .330 win mag. I bought a limited edition 1 of 300 made, stainless barrel with gray laminate monte carlo stock. The gun shop had it listed at $599 but it was marked down to $499. I topped it with a leupold VX-II 3-9x40. The gun is almost too pretty to shoot, notice I said almost. Either way I figure if I ever take a trip out west to visit my brother-in-law and hunt for elk, I'm set. Also, I think I might still get the Tikka T3 in .30-06 just to have for deer or the like. Thanks for the help.
Scott

Why just A new gun? Make a real deal with your local guy on say three or four new guns! I have the M70 and its a fine rifle, but won't you need a bird gun as well? and maybe a hunting handgun, and of course a .22 plinker to go with it all!

Well, I didn't waste any time, I went out yesterday and bought a Winchester M70 chambered in .330 win mag. I bought a limited edition 1 of 300 made, stainless barrel with gray laminate monte carlo stock. The gun shop had it listed at $599 but it was marked down to $499. I topped it with a leupold VX-II 3-9x40. The gun is almost too pretty to shoot, notice I said almost. Either way I figure if I ever take a trip out west to visit my brother-in-law and hunt for elk, I'm set. Also, I think I might still get the Tikka T3 in .30-06 just to have for deer or the like. Thanks for the help.
Scott

birddog1,
You indicated that you bought a .330 Win Mag which does not exist. If you meant .338 Win Mag then I agree with you in buying a 30-06 for your "light" rifle.

If you bought a .300 Win Mag then you would not need a 30-06 because the two chamberings are so close. The .300 Win Mag does at 200 yards what a 30-06 will do at 100 yards.

For your "light" rifle a compact bolt action in .243, .260 or 7mm-08 would serve you well. Another good choice would be a Browning BLR '81 Lightweight lever action rifle in one of these chamberings or maybe the .358 Winchester.

Not trying to stir things up; just my 2 cents worth.

birddog1,
You indicated that you bought a .330 Win Mag which does not exist. If you meant .338 Win Mag then I agree with you in buying a 30-06 for your "light" rifle.

If you bought a .300 Win Mag then you would not need a 30-06 because the two chamberings are so close. The .300 Win Mag does at 200 yards what a 30-06 will do at 100 yards.

For your "light" rifle a compact bolt action in .243, .260 or 7mm-08 would serve you well. Another good choice would be a Browning BLR '81 Lightweight lever action rifle in one of these chamberings or maybe the .358 Winchester.

Not trying to stir things up; just my 2 cents worth.

Sorry, typing error on my part it is the .300 win mag,

I'm in the market for a new rifle, I want something in a .30 caliber. Right now I'm considering .30-06, .300 win, .300WSM and the .308. I have no immediate plans for this gun other than maybe a trip to Pennsylvania for deer and and a hog hunt in the future. Rifle hunting is not allowed here in Ohio, so it will be for future use. I'm considering the follwing. As far as the brand, I would like synthetic and maybe stainless although that isn't that important. Gander Mountain has a Tikka T3 in .30-06 for $500, seems like a good price and I hear they are real shooters. Any advie would be appreciated.
Scott

Ive had really good experiance with the 300WSM's accuracy in Winchester model 70 Super Shadow for its low recoil in the 150gr range that would be my choice if I was to pick for long range shots. If I had to take one gun out to go hunting in alaska it would be the Super Shadow light fast and cheap for the accuracy one of my favorite calibers and rifles.

I was a firm believer in the .30-06 until I decided that it was too much rifle for the deer I was hunting and down sized to 7mm and 6.5mm. Personally, I believe the 7mm-08 is the best choice for a shorter cartridge, and the .270 has the same problems as the .30-06, too much power!

I'm in the market for a new rifle, I want something in a .30 caliber. Right now I'm considering .30-06, .300 win, .300WSM and the .308. I have no immediate plans for this gun other than maybe a trip to Pennsylvania for deer and and a hog hunt in the future. Rifle hunting is not allowed here in Ohio, so it will be for future use. I'm considering the follwing. As far as the brand, I would like synthetic and maybe stainless although that isn't that important. Gander Mountain has a Tikka T3 in .30-06 for $500, seems like a good price and I hear they are real shooters. Any advie would be appreciated.
Scott
I recomend the Remington 700 ADL 300 Win Mag. I have one and it is A smooth shooting gun. I have A 5 shot group of 1 to 1 1/2 inches at 300 yards. the gun will run you about $450.00 with A good scope by Nikon 4x16 costing around $275.00. Good luck with your decision.

birddog1,

If you're looking for a versitile all around cartridge, the .30-06 is the best way to go. If you intend the rifle just for deer sized game, the .308 is an excellent one. Since you're not interested in game that may require bullets heavier than 200 grains, the .308 will do anything you want it to, plus the recoil is less. Good luck. :)