Anything But A .30-06.....

[WestKentucky]

I have 2 very different answers.

Classic… 35 Whelan

modern… 7-08

 

[d2wing]

I shoot a 7-08 these days, there are things that a 30-06 or magnum are best for. I am not taken a 6.5 against big bear.

 

[LoonWulf]

Actually, for hunting in Idaho, your hunting rifle has to weigh less than 16lbs - that's according the Idaho Department of Fish and Game hunting regulations.

Huh, I could almost strap two of my .375s together...actually I could..... If there was only one scope on them.....I wonder.....

that nearly eliminates my Creedmoor and 28 nosler tho.....

 

[Grumpy_old_Fart]

I'm surprised... nobody mentioned the 300 H&H. Great cartridge. 270 Weatherby, 7mm Weatherby, 7mm stw, 27,28,30 Nosler, 300 PRC,

 

[jmorris]

Just for fun, and to challenge the idea of the .30-06 Springfield being the best "all-rounder" cartridge for big game in North American, let's see if we can narrow down an alternative.

Kind of seems like the premise identifies the 30-06 as the best “all-rounder”, as it is in search for an alternative choice to fill the role.

Might be easier to start a list of rounds that won’t make the list. I’ll start, how a out one that has been seen by some as a “jack of all trades”, the 300 blk…

 

[sarduy]

7mm Rem Magnum

 

[Remington1911]

Swede? They really are different people. lol

Agree, the 6.5 Swede would be a good all around cartridge for most of NA.

Sorry my bad, it is early.

 

[wombat13]

Kind of seems like the premise identifies the 30-06 as the best “all-rounder”, as it is in search for an alternative choice to fill the role.

Might be easier to start a list of rounds that won’t make the list. I’ll start, how a out one that has been seen by some as a “jack of all trades”, the 300 blk…

We really need clarification on whether we're talking about big grizzly and brown bears or not. If big bears are included, then I'd think we're talking 30 cal minimum. Is there a reputable guide in Alaska who would take a client hunting brown bears with a 6.5 Creedmoor? 7mm seems marginal for big bears. For example, here are the heaviest available Partitions (and SD): . 308 220 grain with SD .33; 7mm 175 grains with SD .31; 6.5mm 140 grains with SD .29).

If big bears are NOT included, then I'd think we're talking .30 cal maximum. There is no non-bear critter in NA that requires more killing than a 220 grain partition at 2,800 fps muzzle velocity.

 

[anothernewb]

As has been said. 6.5x55 sweedish has a reputation for taking a whole lot of animals in the same range as the 06 has been used.

One thing that's probably already been covered as well. Is I think a number of old catridges that were limited by the strength of the firearms would be valid today in something with the metallurgy to load them up to their max charge and energy threshold. As well as new bullet constructions.

Considering what game, and at what ranges my neighbor has taken with his 336 since the leverevolution has come out. Factoring in new bullets - even the 30-30 has a much extended lease on capability.

 

[foxtrot1]

With brown bear, bison, and moose on the list to hunt, I would go with a 338-06 or 9.3x62.

Without those, I'd be happy with a 7x57 or .280

 

[shootbrownelk]

My go to hunting rifle is a Winchester model 70 stainless classic in 30.06. If I couldn't choose that, then for hunting I'd have to say my Winchester model 70 stainless classic in .375 H&H. It's taken antelope, deer, elk and moose.

 

[plainsdrifter]

I'd have to go with my 30-30 trapper or my Enfield No. 5 Mk 1 303 Brit cus thats all I got unless I use my 25-06.
https://www.rifleshootermag.com/editorial/enfield-no-5-mk-1-rifle-history/392546

 

[someguy2800]

We really need clarification on whether we're talking about big grizzly and brown bears or not. If big bears are included, then I'd think we're talking 30 cal minimum. Is there a reputable guide in Alaska who would take a client hunting brown bears with a 6.5 Creedmoor? 7mm seems marginal for big bears. For example, here are the heaviest available Partitions (and SD): . 308 220 grain with SD .33; 7mm 175 grains with SD .31; 6.5mm 140 grains with SD .29).

If big bears are NOT included, then I'd think we're talking .30 cal maximum. There is no non-bear critter in NA that requires more killing than a 220 grain partition at 2,800 fps muzzle velocity.

Someone wants one rifle, chambered in one cartridge, to hunt all legal big game species in North America.

The original post was pretty clear.

I've only shot one bear, a 500 lb black bear, but if were staring at a kodiak brown bear I would be be much more comfortable with something like a 375 ruger, 338 win compared to a smaller bore option. My choice would come down to one of those 2 but I would pick the 338 because the bullet selection in .375 is pretty limited and expensive, especially for bullets more suitable for thin skinned game.

 

[wombat13]

The original post was pretty clear.

That's what I thought, but then we have two people planning to use 6.5 creedmoor on game up to brown bear and one who would use 350 legend. Either they're interpreting the question differently or they're much braver than I. There is no way I'd use a 180 gr bullet at 2,000 fps to hunt a 1,000+ lb animal that could eat me.

 

[someguy2800]

That's what I thought, but then we have two people planning to use 6.5 creedmoor on game up to brown bear and one who would use 350 legend. Either they're interpreting the question differently or they're much braver than I. There is no way I'd use a 180 gr bullet at 2,000 fps to hunt a 1,000+ lb animal that could eat me.

100% agree, that would be an insane choice

 

[NapalmMan67]

I never got in to hunting, but if I had to right now- would be a .308, 45-70 or 50 BEO, as that's what I have on hand. Fairly confident I could knock down anything in NA I would need to with those.


.

 

[d2wing]

I think we have proven the best all around cartridge for North America is the 30-06 with it's proven ability with up to 220 gr bullets. Especially after the Alaska DNR ratings of cartridges for Brown bears. Some of you may disagree. And if you exclude some animals that most of us will never hunt that opens a large range of cartridges. My second and third choices would be 7 MM mag, and 7-08. Honorable mention to the 7x57, after all Mr. Bells Elephants.

 

[Dr.Rob]

8mm mauser is a close bet, though I do have a 375 H&H and a .243.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

After fabricating ammo for old rifles chambered in weird, obsolete cartridges like 6.5x53R Dutch or 8x58R Danish, another rifle chambered in the good old .30-06 would be a relief!

 

[Catpop]

I’m with Grumpy, it’s got to be 300 HH.

 

[Ru4real]

I promised my love to just one women. Not doing the same with my rifle cartridges, variety is the spice of life!

Agree! Although I only have one gun, a 30-06. And I pay for love at $300 per session. Cheers bro, here’s to the spice of life!

 

[Mosin Bubba]

I'd be very happy with a 7 Mag. It behaves like a 30-06 with a little extra gas, and has a similarly versatile range of bullet weights.

 

[Robert]

The original post was pretty clear.

I've only shot one bear, a 500 lb black bear, but if were staring at a kodiak brown bear I would be be much more comfortable with something like a 375 ruger, 338 win compared to a smaller bore option. My choice would come down to one of those 2 but I would pick the 338 because the bullet selection in .375 is pretty limited and expensive, especially for bullets more suitable for thin skinned game.

I've used 270gr Barnes TSX on white tail deer with great results.

 

[WrongHanded]

I've used 270gr Barnes TSX on white tail deer with great results.

That's great to know, because once I start handloading for mine, I was planning to use that bullet.

 

[mshootnit]

Actual recommendations I've given people have been 7mm-08, 280 rem, and even the 6.5cm with the warning to use the right bullet for intended game. All will kill anything in north America if used properly, and all are great for deer, which is what most people with only one rifle are gonna use it for. And I have recently seen ammo on the shelf for all of them.

Then there's the 35 whelen...

Nah....If we are taking 30-06 out of the picture, for all NA game, I wouldn't go much smaller, certainly 6.5 Creed is not a sound recommendation. So for me 300 Win Mag. or 300 WSM. You don't need so many qualifiers with these.