30-06 vs 300 Win Mag

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Shoot&Ski

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Not trying to start any wars here, but I am looking to get a second hunting rifle and can't decide between 30-06 or a 300 win mag.

I currently hunt deer, elk, and antelope in Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota with my 270win, and it has served me well. However, I feel a little under-gunned during elk season and, if I ever draw a Moose tag I would like something with a bit more powder.

I have been comparing ballistics of both the 30-06 and the 300 win mag, and the 30-06 is a nice jump up from the 270 (but at the same time not that much different down range), but the 300 win mag seems nice too because it has a bit more power and a trajectory closer to what I am used to with my 270.

So, why not go with the 300 mag? Many people on the forums have pointed out that they are skeptical of folks who own them because the greater recoil ultimately causes flinch and reduces accuracy... but wouldn't the 300 mag be more versatile if I can load lighter loads that are nearly equal to the 30-06 (so recoil should be too) for target practice or lighter game? And if I can handle the recoil, which being a large guy and never having recoil problems before, I think I can, I can load full house for hunting big game and for carrying in grizzly country. What do you all think?
 
I carry a 30-06 for moose hunting up here in Alaska, and I've never felt particularly undergunned. I like the cartridge just fine, and recommend it to anyone wanting a big game rifle. IME comfort and accuracy with the weapon are the most important factors (within reason. I wouldn't advocate anything in .22 or .24/6mm for moose) in a hunting rifle.
 
Either one will kill a moose. My family up in Alaska kills moose with anything from a .308 to .30-06 to .300 win mag to a .338 win mag.

Out of the 2 you mentioned, the .300 win mag will give you better ballistic coefficients with the heavier rounds and the velocities you can run them at. It is a flat-shooting round that is great at long distance. It stays supersonic and ballistically effective out past 1200 yards.

However, .30-06 is cheaper, and so are the components if you reload. Plus, you can get cheap surplus ammo if you like to do a lot of shooting besides hunting. The greek stuff the CMP sells is cheap and high quality, with reloadable brass.
 
For all that I've always been an '06 afficianado, if I were moving up from a .270 (which I once used a good bit), I'd go to the .300 for elk. It's not that I figure it's bunches better, but it's at least a noticeable increase from a .270.

Hey, the Zen thing of belief is important!
 
I own rifles in all three cartridges. If you were going to trade the 270, I would probably recommend the '06. But, assuming that you're keeping the 270, I'd opt for the 300WM. Not that there's anything wrong with the '06 - it certainly is effective enough on moose. But, I think there would be less overlap between the 270 and the 300, with the 300 giving you a little better top end if you ever need it.

Of course, the 270 has taken plenty of moose too. Just remember that, whatever you hunt with, proper bullet construction and shot placement trumps bullet diameter and velocity every time.
 
The 300 mag will give you around 50-75 yards more useful range, but will be of no advantage on larger game. Pushing the same caliber bullets faster will give you flatter trajectory. If you want a more effective round for larger animals you will have to go to a larger caliber.
 
Is there any truth to the statement that "Because the .300winmag has a smaller neck and shoulder, longer rounds, especially monometal rounds, have to be seated into the powder area of the case, resulting in diminished maximum velocities compared to 30-06"?

I've only ever dealt with the aught six, but I've heard that from a couple people. Any truth?
 
the 30-06 is plenty gun, with right ammo will do for any North American game but if you want to folow a crowd the the 300 win mag and all other magnums and ultra mags are a must have....too bad most of these gun owners are flinching when they pull the trigger on these canons....
 
IMHO ...30-06 i've never been a fan of those mule kicking magnum cartridges lots of moose made there way to the dinner table via 30-06
 
The newer hornady high performance ammo makes the 30-06 just that much more versatle,too,moving it just a bit closer to the 300....
 
If I had a 270, I wouldn't really bother with getting a 30-06 or a 300 WM as all three of these are roughly on par with each other in terms of capability. I'd go up to a 338 WM. And, if you reload, you have the option of loading down.

If forced to choose only one of them, I'd go with the 30-06.
 
I got my first hi power rifle at 19 in 1965 and it was a .270 Winchester model 70. I still have it! I killed many deer and such with it but no elk or moose. I bought a .300 Weatherby Mark V in 1976 to go to Africa , which it did and killed everything below buff splendidly. I have 3 .300 Weatherbys currently. I had a .300 Winchester Mag in a heavy barrel Rem 700 target rifle but had a .300 Weatherby heavy barrel made and sold the .300 Winchester. I much prefer the Weatherby case as it is noticeably flatter than the 30-06 class cartridges and today it is even better with all the good bullets! I always like the 200 Nosler Partition for elk and up, never lost anything I hit with it in 35+ years of use on heavy game. I think a .300 Weatherby recoils like a .338 with 250 grain bullets. Which is about like a 12 gauge heavy duck load. Put a good brake on it and a Limbsaver and you are plenty comfortable but loud! Just my $.02 to go for the .300 Weatherby instead.
 
Just got a 300 win mag with a muzzle brake and it does not kick any harder than a 308. My vote is 300 win mag. Although the 7mm mag is tempting.


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I agree fully with Gordon, assuming that you can afford the .300 Wea Mag. I lowered the Weatherby ammunition's cost by reloading.

I've used Weatherby Mark Vs a lot for big game. With either the .257 Wea Mag and the .300 Wea Mag, you only fire once. :cool: I never witnessed a big game animal even so much as twitch after a hit, and that to 525 yards distance.

After I had my neck fused, I sold my .300 Wea Mag and bought a Mark V in .300 Win Mag. It is also less expensive to reload. I switched out the cheap synthetic stock for a B&C Medalist, added a picatinny rail, and a NF 3.5-15X56 scope. Needless to say, it is now a hefty rifle. Recoil is a push, not a punch. All the same, I will have an Answer muzzle brake installed so I can observe the projectile's impact.

Your choice, a .300 Win Mag or even .300 Wea Mag. Either is a formidable cartridge.

Geno
 
I think the sound increase of the magnum rounds is more of a concern that the recoil
By ear it seem that the magnum is as much louder than the 30 06. Than the 30 06 is over a 22lr rifle
 
Normally I would say 06 because I think Magnums are a waste of powder and money but if you already have a 270 and really want more gun you might as well make a substantial move up and go for the magnum. 270 is fine for elk though. Just get a quality 150 grain bullet. The newer loads like the Hornady superformance with the 150 grain GMX bullet will handle an elk no problem.
 
As already suggested, if you are planning on keeping your 270 I would get a 338 Winchester Magnum (average rifle and factory ammo would basically not be more expensive than a 300 WM) to significantly diversify your battery....it would be a serious upgrade in downrange power....there are some 338 loadings that retain up to 2500 ft/lb of energy at 500 yards with fat, heavy bullets....
 
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