I am wanting to buy a new rifle. I want a good all around rifle for deer hunting, but I also want a rifle that I can use for elk, and possibly other large game, when I get to go out west and hunt.

 

I have decided that I want a Remington Model 700 SPS (special purpose synthetic). I am leaning toward 30-06, I have researched it a lot and there is great discussion on 30-06 versus 308, and I understand the debate about accuracy. I believe the 30-06 is accurate enough for me, but what I want is a rifle that has multifunction for all large game.

 

I have a Remington Model 600 in 6mm,(been in the family for years, and I do not want to bang it up in the woods anymore) which I use currently use for deer hunting, but I could not use for other big game. So I know what rifle I want, but what are the thoughts on what caliber I should purchase for all big game?

A 30-06 would be a great choice for what you are talking about. As far as accuracy, it will be as accurate as the person pulling the trigger can make it. A 270 would also be a great choice. It would be a little flatter shooting then30-06. Go to Federal Ammunitions website. You can look at the balistics of any caliber they make ammo for, which is just about everyone of them. They will give a really good look at what a bullet does at different distances.

You can't go wrong with a 7mm mag. Great for everything from groundhogs to elk.

Unless you are thinking of hunting in Alaska, then I agree with woodsrider, I would look at .270 Win and .30-06 as a starting point. Ammo is going to be readily available in varying weights for either. They both shoot flat and carry plenty of energy with the right loads to kill most North American big game, including deer, elk, or moose, out to 300 yards and well beyond in just about any conditions.

 

 

Here is a good article on the subject that gives some insight into energy considerations and trajectory.

 

http://www.huntingmag.com/guns_loads/all_012505/

Considering I know where you live, go and see Tyler Borders at Borders Summit Market. They have so many models in so many calibers that you'll feel like a kid at Toys-R-Us. Tyler can answer your questions and won't steer you wrong. One word of caution, don't pick up a Cooper,,,,it's like crack for gun addicts.

There is also a gun show that is going to be happening in Lousiville around the weekend of 2-24, if looking for good deals on firearms.

Considering I know where you live, go and see Tyler Borders at Borders Summit Market. They have so many models in so many calibers that you'll feel like a kid at Toys-R-Us. Tyler can answer your questions and won't steer you wrong. One word of caution, don't pick up a Cooper,,,,it's like crack for gun addicts.

Great advice Doc.

Considering I know where you live, go and see Tyler Borders at Borders Summit Market. They have so many models in so many calibers that you'll feel like a kid at Toys-R-Us. Tyler can answer your questions and won't steer you wrong. One word of caution, don't pick up a Cooper,,,,it's like crack for gun addicts.

 

I know this way to much. Plus, that is why I was looking at the 30-06, I wanted something to reach your house. Maybe I will get some mortor rounds also.

I know this way to much. Plus, that is why I was looking at the 30-06, I wanted something to reach your house. Maybe I will get some mortor rounds also.

Remember, I'm in an elevated position!:thumb:

http://www.huntingmag.com/guns_loads/all_012505/

 

Good article, thanks.

30-06 is a gun you cant go wrong with or if you want some real power buy a 300 weatherby!

Good article, thanks.

 

I thought it was good as well. Especially since it focused on some of the positives of choosing one hunting rifle for all game and sticking with it.

 

And how practice, familiarity and repetition with one rifle will make it an extension of your arm. All which breeds confidence and when you add them all up together you get accuracy.

 

When I was a kid I had a BB gun that I litterally was never without for about 2 years. I shot about 3 million bbs through that baby and it was like that. I got to the point where I didn't ever think about aiming. I just would point and shoot and it was uncanny how accurate I really got with that gun.

 

The point really drove home with me when I read that article. My BB gun was an old one pump, spring loaded model that had more arc in the trajectory than a half court granny shot. But even at that, I was deadly with it and I could hit anything I wanted to at a second's notice.

 

As long as you are using a load big enough and powerful enough for your intended game, and you are shooting within it's designed distance for that game, then the only other thing you need to really concern yourself with is making a well placed shot.

^ That is what I liked about the article. And that is why I am wanting to get the right caliber rifle. I want one gun that I can hunt most anything with, I don't want, this is my deer gun, this is my elk gun, this is my mule deer gun. That is why I want the right caliber, something I get more acustom to.

 

I had one of those BB guns as well. Put thousands of BB's threw that gun.

ttt

A 30-06 would be a great choice for what you are talking about. As far as accuracy, it will be as accurate as the person pulling the trigger can make it. A 270 would also be a great choice. It would be a little flatter shooting then30-06. Go to Federal Ammunitions website. You can look at the balistics of any caliber they make ammo for, which is just about everyone of them. They will give a really good look at what a bullet does at different distances.

 

 

I coulnd't had said it any better. I love my 30-06!