Decisions decisions...

F

F23Blackwidow2

New member
I'm working on buying a M1 Garand, and I'm already looking at my next gun. Arent we all like that?

Anyway, the M1 is probably going to get some pretty decent work (I dont pamper my guns, I use them), but it wont be sub-M.O.A., since I plan to leave it mostly stock.

I'm looking at a Howa 1500, becuase I have heard great things about them, and there is a gun store around me that sells them for a reasonable price. Thats already decided.

Which leads me to my question. Should I buy one in .30-06, or 7mm Rem Mag?
I am planning to handload for my Garand since its picky about hot ammo, so it would save me money becuase I would only need 1 set of dies, but I also like the incredibly flat trajectory of the 7mm (My dad has one). Plus, I don't have enough guns to start doubling up on calibers yet.

So, what do I do? What would you do?

Thanks,
Ken B.
 
If only 2 cartridges existed and they were .30-06 and 7mm Rem Mag, there's not a doubt that I'd buy the 7mm...

but in real life I wouldn't buy either.;)
 
Quoted directly from the Q and A in Field and Stream

Q: Beyond the classic argument of "you can get ammunition anywhere," what are the advantages of the .30/06 over newer, more efficient cartridges?
-Pacific Hunter
From the Gun Nuts Blog

A: I don't know of any cartridge as efficient, new or otherwise, as the .30/06, never mind more efficient. When you weigh the range of game it will take, its relatively low level of recoil, a limitless variety of ammo, and comparatively low cost, I can't think of anything that matches the .30/06, much less surpasses it. The only cartridges that come close are the .270 Winchester and the .338 Winchester Magnum, but each has its drawbacks that the '06 lacks.

Answer provided by David Petzal.

I thought it was funny, 'cause it's true.
 
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If I could afford it I'd get the 7mm Remington Mag. You'll need more than just dies to reload for it though so don't stop counting there. You'll need shell holder, brass, trim pilot, and while you can use most of the same powders for both cartridges if you're anything like me you'll just have to try some that won't:D
 
What are the drawbacks of the .270?
Click to expand...

My thought is that you can get bullet weights from 110 grains all the way through 220 commercially for the '06. Not so for the .270
 
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Quote:
What are the drawbacks of the .270?


If I bumped into a grizzly bear in the woods, I would much rather have a 30'06 loaded with 180 grain bonded bullets than a .270 loaded with 150 grain bullets.

The .270 is marginally effective on very large North American game like Bison, elk, or big bears.
 
Flakbait said:
If I bumped into a grizzly bear in the woods, I would much rather have a 30'06 loaded with 180 grain bonded bullets than a .270 loaded with 150 grain bullets.The .270 is marginally effective on very large North American game like Bison, elk, or big bears.
Click to expand...

While the .270 wouldn't be my first choice for hunting big brownies it will handily dispatch any of the game you mentioned if you put the bullet where it belongs. If you ever get to spend any time with people who hunt elk on a regular basis you would know the .270 is hardly a marginal elk cartridge. It is one of the most common cartridges used on western big game probably on par as far as popularity as the 7mm Rem Mag, but still the 06 is king.
 
Reynolds357, the reason why its .30-06 over .308 for me is because I will kick myself for the rest of my life because of those lost 40 yards, even if I never need them. (And I probably won't, but its just who I am):cool:
 
You'd better go with a .338 Lapua or .50BMG then... otherwise there's always "lost yards".

and there ain't no "lost yards" anyway, it's all just a matter of adding another click or two when you make the adjustment.

The whole of America seems filled with infectious Magnumitius these days. Guys talking about the .270 being a marginal elk caliber? That's just silly. A .243 is a good elk gun. It matters what important stuff you poke holes in, not how fast the bullet hits the tree on the other side.

If you like the .30-06, buy it. If you like the 7mm Mag, buy that. .243? .270Win? .270WSM?

Fine, buy whatever you like, but don't be deluded into thinking you're "losing yards" or getting something better.

No animal will ever know the difference. Hit them where it matters and they'll be dead. Read the wind, know the distance, make your adjustments correctly and most importantly know how to shoot and you'll hit them where you're supposed to. Miss one of those steps, and you won't.

It's that simple.
 
I was thinking about a .300 Win Mag, till I shot one. OUCH! So .30-06 is about the upper range of what I can shoot comfortably, and that's more then enough power for me. Plus, I'm planning on getting a M1 Garand, so same dies to reload with. But I can put more powerful 'hotter' loads in this because I don't have to worry about a gas system.
 
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