357smallbore
Member
I cut my teeth hunting with my Winchester 30-30 back in 1981. I then progressed to the ole 06 in 1983 after reading Bob Milek articles. I have or had the 7 mag, 270, 7mm-08 and 243. All are excellent caliber weapons. I only hunt the lower 48. In my humble opinion the 06 is still king when it comes to versatility, load ability, components and just an all around cartridge for anything that can be hunted in the USA. I do believe it would be a bit light on Kodiak and Polar bear though.
I do mingle my 06 usage with my 243. I think the 243 is perfect for all game up to Mule deer size. That’s where my 06 takes over. Elk, Moose, Buffalo and Griz are saved for the 200 gr Nosler Partitions I load and shoot. I am a max 350 yard shooter. The gambit of game I've taken in the past 38 years with the 06 can fill a chest freezer 20 times over. Never have had to use more then 2 shots to anchor any critter I have taken.
With all the caliber rifles out there today, is the 06 still the standard bearer in the hunting field?
I do mingle my 06 usage with my 243. I think the 243 is perfect for all game up to Mule deer size. That’s where my 06 takes over. Elk, Moose, Buffalo and Griz are saved for the 200 gr Nosler Partitions I load and shoot. I am a max 350 yard shooter. The gambit of game I've taken in the past 38 years with the 06 can fill a chest freezer 20 times over. Never have had to use more then 2 shots to anchor any critter I have taken.
With all the caliber rifles out there today, is the 06 still the standard bearer in the hunting field?