The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - .30-06: Still a great choice?

Covert Mission · March 4, 2000, 02:59 AM

Hi,

Please indulge a question from a pistolshooter, who is getting back into rifle hunting.

I have a Browning BLR in .308, but want a bolt rifle (or single shot) in another caliber. I'm a slight traditionalist, but am open to some of the newer calibers too. My first inclination is to go with the venerable .30-06 (or maybe .270). Bullet weights for everything from antelope to elk, off the shelf ammo everywhere, proven performance. On the other hand...

The other side of my brain says "don't be boring". So, I consider calibers like 7mm STW, which a friend says is his desert island choice (what would he shoot there? coconuts?) Or maybe 7mm Rem Mag... not exactly new, but higher performing.

Not trying to start yet another caliber war. To me though, the .30-06 is like a Brooks Bros shirt or the .45acp... it will never go out of style. Any thoughts?

March 4, 2000, 02:59 AM	#1
Covert Mission Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 1999 Location: West of the Pecos Posts: 671	Hi, Please indulge a question from a pistolshooter, who is getting back into rifle hunting. I have a Browning BLR in .308, but want a bolt rifle (or single shot) in another caliber. I'm a slight traditionalist, but am open to some of the newer calibers too. My first inclination is to go with the venerable .30-06 (or maybe .270). Bullet weights for everything from antelope to elk, off the shelf ammo everywhere, proven performance. On the other hand... The other side of my brain says "don't be boring". So, I consider calibers like 7mm STW, which a friend says is his desert island choice (what would he shoot there? coconuts?) Or maybe 7mm Rem Mag... not exactly new, but higher performing. Not trying to start yet another caliber war. To me though, the .30-06 is like a Brooks Bros shirt or the .45acp... it will never go out of style. Any thoughts?