Newbie Dilemma - What's your advice

[BuckTrucker]

First post so be gentle here folks. I have always been around guns but pretty much all of my hunting has been bird hunting with shotguns. Recently, a friend invited me to his hunt club to hunt deer and although we didn't even see one, I enjoyed the experience anyway.

So, I'm thinking about getting a rifle for deer hunting and I've been reading alot of these posts and getting advice from my buddy but still a little undecided on which way to go caliber wise. My friend suggested 7mm Rem Mag as an all around caliber for deer or maybe something a little larger in the future. That looks like a good reccomendation up front but I have read a lot of good things about the new WSM's. My buddy had  Jarrett make his guns a few years ago when these weren't an option.

So, if you were only going to buy 1 deer/possible elk rifle, what caliber would you choose between 7mm rem mag, 7WSM, 270 WSM or 300WSM and why.

Thanks for the help.

[Val]

If you are only going to have one hunting rifle, I would go with a 30-06. It is the most versatile caliber around, allowing you to hunt virtually any game in North America (maybe the big bears are questionable). It has a tremendous range of bullets weights and bullet types available, an ammunition is available anywhere you go.

[PA-Joe]

If you are talking eastern deer at less than 300 yds then all you need is a 7mm08 or a 308. Ammo is much cheaper than the mags and you have more control over the rifle/accuracy. Since most eastern deer are shot at less than 30 yds the mags waste a lot of meat.

[mountainview]

B-trucker,

Don't worry, it won't be long before you subscribe to the "you can never have enough firearms in the cabinet and are looking for other firearms. As a starter rifle, there are a lot of good choices out there. The 7 mag is good as is the 30-06 which was mentioned and the short mags are fine. Also you may want to consider how much do finances enter the picture in terms of ammo costs? If you shoot regularly and frequently, ammo costs can add up quickly but even more so for short mags and some of the other boomers. Handloading can help take a lot of the sting out of ammo costs so you might want to consider it when selecting your caliber. On the other hand, if a short mag is what you really like and want, by all means go for it.

Safe shooting.

[Bart Solo]

There are a lot of fine deer calibers.  30-06, 308, 270, 7mm-08 and on and on and on.  If I was only going to buy one rifle it would be a 30-06.  Ammunition for the 30-06 is relatively cheap and universally available.  It takes a variety of bullet weights and shapes.  It has a really broad range of uses.  A 7mm remington mag is a great caliber, probably the most popular mag of all time, but on balance I would go with the 30-06.

I don't know enough about the short mags, except that they are fat and short.  I believe the ammunition is relatively expensive, and not always available at every truck stop selling hunting equipment.

[beemanbeme]

Of the choices you gave, I would go with the 7mag as I have quite a bit of experience with it and know its a fine weapon.  It will kill a white tail deer a lot deader than he needs to be however. For hunting east of the big river, I would go with a 7-08.  I have used it successfully on everything up to elk.  I never hunted elk with a 7-08 as I had other, more appropriate, rifles.  But, if a 7-08 was my only rifle, I'd load it up with some 160gr Partitions or Grand Slams and go elk hunting.  Realizing, of course, the limitations of reach the cartridge would have.

[Ramrod]

I also think you are making a mistake picking a magnum as your first centerfire, but if you have your mind made up, the 7mm Rem mag would be my pick from that list. It's the closest to the .30-06, which is the best choice for a one gun hunter. If you never hunt anything but deer, all of these calibers are extreme overkill.

[armory414]

If you plan to take shots over 200 yards, then go with the .30-06.  If under 150-200 yards, then go with a .30-30 or .35 Remington.

[Gregory]

 
So, if you were only going to buy 1 deer/possible elk rifle, what caliber would you choose between 7mm rem mag, 7WSM, 270 WSM or 300WSM and why.  
 
Thanks for the help.

 
 
Any of the calibers you listed would work fine for deer and elk.  Just as good for your needs would be a 270, 30/06, or 308.  If you are not a handloader finding ammo in your local Wally World would be difficult and expensive for the WSM's.  
All the calibers I listed are easy to find.   A 270 will do fine for an occasional elk hunt and for a first time centerfire shooter would be my #1 recommendation to you because it offers the highest performance and lowest recoil and you can get cheap ammo to allow you to practice more.  The 308 would be my close #2 recommendation for the same reasons and it should be just fine for elk at reasonable ranges.  You can't beat a 30/06 as a one gun do-it-all and it was the first centerfire rifle caliber I chose 25 yrs ago.    
 
I agree with all those above who said you'd be better off avoiding a magnum as your first rifle.  You just won't shoot it enough to get good with it.  (Cost + recoil)

[wink_man]

If I were you, I'd start with a good bolt action in 30-06, I won't expound on it, as others have here, and they are all right. My point being, you can say what you want, but you're NOT going to have just one deer rifle. As you stated, most of your hunting has been for birds, with shotguns(Plural, right) Well I love the 30-06, it does everything well. But then you're going to need a good beanfield rifle rifle for those long shots, and a light kicking .243 for when your shoulder is sore from shooting all those birds with the shotgun, hell, you need a whole variety of guns to hunt deer properly under all conditions, we ALL know that, who are we kidding. Everybody talks about having one all around rifle, but nobody has just one, do they? As a wise old woman told me many years ago, 'the only difference between men & boys, is the price of their toys'.
Sincerely,
 Garry

[FURocious]

I wouldn't just limit yourself to a gun for one particular animal, chances are, your going to like hunting that one particular animal and then want to hunt others.  

.30-06, 270 WIN, 280 Rem, are all real flat shooters with enough offered bullet weights to suit the occasion.  

Get a used gun to make sure the sport suits you.  

With any of the cartridges already listed, you could hunt everything from moose to P-dog.

Though a know a guy selling brand new WIN M70 Stainless Classic 270 WSMs and 7mmWSMs for $540.  

Call Steve, one of the nicest dealers I've dealt with: http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976523763.htm. Tell him Brad sent ya!

[Dave in WV]

A friend bought a 30 WSM last year and told me who ever came up with short mags don't kick any more than a 30-06 lied! He likes his rifle but is going to get a .243 to have also. A 7mm Rem mag is quite close in performance to a 30-06. The 30-06 usually kicks a bit less than the 7 mag. If you aren't going to reload check and see what ammo is readily available where you live. I have a .243, a 7mm-08, and a 30-06 and they all work well on deer. I's rather have the rifle for where you hunt than a rifle for a hunt that may or may not happen. If you are used to a Rem 870 pump a Rem 7600 rifle will work well for you. I have one chambered for the 7mm-08. My son has my old Rem 760 30-06. They are great hunting rifles.

[High Brass]

If I was in your shoes, I'd pick the 30-06 first hands down.  It shoots flat enough for shots out to 300 yards or better (if you take the time to pracitice) and has plenty of power for bears, elk,etc.   You can find ammo anywhere and it isn't usually finicky about what you feed it.  

I have 30-06, 280, and 243 and don't feel handicapped with any of them on deer.  I handload though which makes the 280 a good option since factory 280 ammo isn't widely available here.

For close seconds, I'd chose the 308, 270, and 7MM Mag in that order.   A 308 is about 90%+ that a 30-06 is(some will argue the point but they're really close).   The 270 is definately not a bad choice for deer, and it has been used on elk and bear successfully.  The 7MM Mag is last on my list because of the additional recoil, noise, and barrel length associated with this round.  I'm not knocking it by any means, but if you're new to high powered rifles, it may not be the best first one.  All three offer alot of options for bullet weight or construction and can be found many places in factory ammo loads.  Good luck.

[longwinters]

I have gone thru this myself, a couple of times.  I counseled my oldest son to get a 30-06 as he probably really will be a one gun shooter - he is very frugal.  My younger son started with a 7m-08 because I doubt that he will stick with one rifle but hunts 100% of the time for deer size game.  I started out going the 06 route then thought the 7mm would be my one gun does all rifle.  Well, since then I have had several different calibers and actually would choose the 280.  I also hunt deer size game 100% of the time.  Hunting for elk or bigger game is really only a dream for me.  But even if I do the 280 would be enough with the right bullet.  I do reload so ammo will never be a problem.  

Long

[poncaguy]

270 WSM or 7mm-08 would be fine for deer and elk, maybe 300 WSM if ur going after bears,,

[lilabner]

If possible, shoot some of the calibers mentioned to see how you like them. Rifle recoil is a bit different than shotgun recoil, more of a smack than a shove. Most shooters do best with a rifle they can actually enjoy shooting. The 7 mm magnum is not a heavy kicker like the larger magnums but it (and the 30-06) will let you know when it goes off. If you find yourself flinching, try a 7mm-08, .26 Rem. or the like. Bullet placement is important.

[gunnut69]

The recoil impulse(energy) produced by the 7mmMag and the 30-06 is nearly identicle.  The felt recoil, how bad did it hurt is more a function if the weapons design.  If really contemplating an elk hunt the 7mmMag is beter.  Velocities are nearly the same but the bullets of like weight give the 7mmMag a ballistic advantage.  they simply retain velocity a bit better while the recoil is very nearly identicle.  Be aware that we're discussing bullets of like weight.  If you shoot light bullets meat destruction can become horrific.  The 7mmMag functions best with the 160 grain bullets on deer sized targets and the 30-06 is usually best with the 165's.  The Mag allows a change to the 175 grain premium ammo hen elk are on the menu.  That said I killed 2 moose with a 30-06 and Nosler Partition bullets.  It will do just fine...  but I believe the 7mmMag is a bit better at longer ranges than the 30-06..  Of course the guys here are right, it's nearly immpossible to own just one rifle...

[gunnut69]

The recoil impulse(energy) produced by the 7mmMag and the 30-06 is nearly identicle.  The felt recoil, how bad did it hurt is more a function if the weapons design.  If really contemplating an elk hunt the 7mmMag is beter.  Velocities are nearly the same but the bullets of like weight give the 7mmMag a ballistic advantage.  they simply retain velocity a bit better while the recoil is very nearly identicle.  Be aware that we're discussing bullets of like weight.  If you shoot light bullets meat destruction can become horrific.  The 7mmMag functions best with the 160 grain bullets on deer sized targets and the 30-06 is usually best with the 165's.  The Mag allows a change to the 175 grain premium ammo hen elk are on the menu.  That said I killed 2 moose with a 30-06 and Nosler Partition bullets.  It will do just fine...  but I believe the 7mmMag is a bit better at longer ranges than the 30-06..  Of course the guys here are right, it's nearly immpossible to own just one rifle...

[FURocious]

I have a A-bolt 300 WSM.  I zeroed my friends 30-06 for him, also an A-bolt and the 30-06 really punched the piss out of me.  My light weight A-bolt 300 WSM is at least tolerable.  I advised he sell his 06, and he did.  He bought a 300 WSM Winchester black shadow.  I went to zero that gun and found it kicked as bad as the 30-06.  (If he had bought an A-bolt he would have been ok)  So, yes there is real truth to stock/gun design.    

One other thing that might help reduce felt recoil on the 300 WSM is a  foam Beartooth check pad I have on the stock.  All I know is that I love that 300 WSM!

[Don Fischer]

Boy there sure are a lot of way's to split a hair. And in the end it's still a hair! Trying to remember all the choices you werer given and can't but don't think any were particularly bad. I would not jump on the wssm band wagon just yet tho. about the only thing they'll really do that counter parts won't, is seperate you from more of your money. The theory of availableity of ammo for the 30-06 sounds good in theory but, I've never seen anyone go hunting and leave they're ammo at home, probally has happened tho.

You said " and maybe elk". Well if you do go elk hunting the cost of a new rifle will be the cheapest part of the whole trip! In the meantime your shooting more than you need at a whitetail and maybe you'll even get into some varmit's or preditor's of some kind. You live, I believe, in South Carolina. Not knowing when or even if you'll go elk hunting, get something that suit's where you are. And many of the choices you've been given work. Avoid the magnums, they really are not that much fun to shoot, neither is the 30-06 for that matter. Your getting advice from guy's that shoot a lot and are used to recoil and muzzle blast.

Where your at and what you'll "likely" hunt, look at a 243 win, 25-06rem (my choice), 7mm-08 and a 308win. Try to meet people who have them that will let you try them. You really try them and I'ed bet a dollar to a sugar cookie, you'll take the 243win.

[earschplitinloudenboomer]

My youngest son has a couple quarter bores, asked my opinion on something new. Although I do not presently own one, my advice was a Rem. 700 BDL in 30.06.

[Donaldo]

Might as well put my 2 cents in.   I would stay away from the magnums.  Ammo is more expensive and they won't do a thing the non magnums will, except maybe give you an extra 75 yards effective range.  The 7mm08, 308, 270, 280, or 30-06 will do anything you need to do.  They all kick when you shoot from a bench but you will probably never notice it when hunting.  My favorite for the hunting you described is the 30-06 with a 165 grain bullet.  When you get right down to it, dead is dead, getting a magnum won't make them any deader.  Better to have a rifle of adequate caliber that you can shoot accurately than one kicks the snot out of you.  Bullet placement is far more important that what you shoot.  And, if you want the most accurate rifle out of the box for less than $800 or so, get a Savage.  Some don't think they are "purty", but they sure don't like to shoot against one.

[earschplitinloudenboomer]

Donaldo;
 ...VERY good advice!

[BuckTrucker]

Boy, I thought I had the calibers narrowed down but now you guys are introducing all kinds of options. :eek:  You guys make some great points that I'm really going to think about for a while.

You're right about not wanting just one gun but I better clarify. I really only want one gun for this size of game (deer/elk). I expect I could get interested in predator hunting, living here in SC we have plenty of coyotes. That would require something much smaller and a second gun. :-)  Anyway, I've shot my buddies 300 WinMag and while it did kick, the recoil wasn't bothersome to me. I'm still fairly young and a pretty big guy so recoil has never been much of an issue for me and I've never caught myself flinching over it.

Now that Bear hunting someone suggested, that might make me flinch! But man, that does sound exciting.


BT

[MGMorden]

What areas are you hunting? I'm right next door in Berkeley County and I can tell you that you'll never need (or IMHO even want) a magnum around here.  With the exception of a few prized locations you can't see more than 75-100 yards in most wooded areas.  Most people in this area would be perfectly well served by a .30-30, or if you want a dual-purpose deer and coyote gun that also gives a bit more range then something more like a .243 Win, .257 Roberts, or 6.5x55 Swede (or .260 Remington) would work well.

A magnum is just going to buy you unnecessary recoil, more expensive ammo, and a deer that has less edible meat left than if a more sensible chambering was used.

[Zachary]

If something bigger is in your possible future as you stated, then a 7mag or .300WSM is not outside of acceptable choices.  Granted, the .30-06 is probably the best all around cartridge, but in terms of performance and availability of factory ammo, but you could do just as well with a .270 Winchester, or even .270WSM.  Keep in mind that shot placement is just as important as bullet weight and velocity.

If it's just deer hunting (or even black bear hunting or elk hunting within closer ranges) my favorite choice is the 7mm-08.  I currently own 3 of them I think.

Zachary

[kenscot]

I agree with what most here have replied as far as caliber goes. But what I have not seen mentioned is rifle weight and length. I do alot of still hunting and what bothers me more is carrying a 9.5-10# rifle all day pluss the extra couple of inches in barrel that you get with the mags I guess that is why my big 7 has never seen the woods.

[riddleofsteel]

I started with a 788 Remington in 6mm Rem. Later I bought a 700 Remington ADL FS Magnaported in 30-06 topped off with a 2x7 Nikon. I wish that I still had both rifles but I really miss that 30-06. I hunted all over the south eastern US with a few side trips out west with that rifle. For over 12 years I killed deer, bear, hogs, and varmits with that gun. Bullet weights from 125 HP's to 180 grain Partitions made it versatile and deadly. It was also one of the most accurate out of the box rifles I ever owned. .75 MOA was not uncommon with any bullet weight.
Thinking back it did all the jobs my gunsafe full of rifles does today. Back then I did not have the money for dozens of rifles but I had one that could so it all.
Like lost loves, rifles sold can only be lamented.
 

[buffalobob]

A person should a have a gun for each occaision not one gun for all occaisions.  How do you expect to convince your wife that you need a new gun for elk hunting if you already have an "all round good gun".  Plan ahead , think up your future excuses for a new gun now.  Using that theory of life I would recommend a nice whitetail, chuck, crow gun  in either a fast 24 caliber or maybe a fast 25.  The 25-06 is a very decent round with low recoil, good down range energy and accuracy.  Do not over scope the gun because those close in shots will get away.  Start with a 2 1/2 or 3 power  up to 9 or 10.  Most of the time you will be working with the lowest setting and only every once in a while dialing up high. Get high quality optics for those early morning shots.

If you truly want one gun, the 7mm Mag is just fine.  I have one and it will certainly do what you want on everything but maybe big grizz at short rtrange (I am just not that stupid), I have killed crows at 250 yds with it and chucks out to 450, using Hornady 120 HPs,  its your money, make yourself happy.   Life is short, have some fun.  Looks like the Tide will make the NCAA this year