.270 vs. 30.06 looking to buy new gun

Rick Grigg · August 19, 2007, 04:27 PM

I currently hunt with a .308 win. but am looking to buy another rifle.
Was really looking hard at an 06 but after doing some research on power delivered down range, I am leaning toward a .270.
My son is also just starting to hunt and recoil is a small consideration.
What do you all think?

45Marlin carbine · August 19, 2007, 04:54 PM

looks like you have stipulated a .270. but if you could have only ONE rifle get the '06.

Art Eatman · August 19, 2007, 05:52 PM

Since a .308 will take care of anything in the lower 48 states, I'd give thought to a rifle for the youngun.

A .243 is plenty good for whitetail and varmints. A 7mm08 isn't much below a .308, really.

If your boy is a good shot, the lack of recoil of the .243 would work great. I've killed 20+ deer with mine...

Art

stinger · August 19, 2007, 08:07 PM

I think recoil is close enough (.270, .308, 30'06) that you'd be splitting hairs. If your son can't handle one, then he probably can't handle any. .270 would recoil less, but I've never really noticed much difference.

I agree that .243 would be a great choice, as would something like a 6.5 Swede. I think all calibers are great, you just need to set your priorities. If I only had one rifle, and was choosing another, I would look a different direction than the ones you choose. They are just too balistically similar.

Smokey Joe · August 20, 2007, 10:38 AM

Rick Gregg-I second Art's recommendation of a .243 Win for the lad. When my #1 son was young, and small, and slim, and wanting to get into deer hunting, that is the route he & I took. It worked to perfection. He grew out of the "youth" stock into a full-size stock, but the .243 remained his weapon of choice for deer. We studied deer anatomy, and he was/is a good enough marksman to place his shots, and every deer he ever aimed at went over like a ton of bricks.

Also agree that there isn't but a nickel's worth of difference between a .270 Win, a .308 Win, and a .30-'06. If you have any of the 3, you don't NEED either of the other 2.

Now if it's a question of "want" rather than "need," that's a whole different question.

If it's a difference in performance you want, you need to step outside the .270/.308/.30-'06 range. But that'll take more research on your part. Which is not a bad thing.

Fremmer · August 20, 2007, 11:15 AM

Quote:

think recoil is close enough (.270, .308, 30'06) that you'd be splitting hairs.

Quote:

there isn't but a nickel's worth of difference between a .270 Win, a .308 Win, and a .30-'06

I agree. If you can't handle the recoil of one caliber, you'll also have problems with the other calibers, too. If one caliber lacks the power to do the job, the other calibers probably will, too.

Buy another rifle, anyway, and make yourself happy; nothing wrong with that! Start your son with the .243. JMHO.

mikejonestkd · August 20, 2007, 12:19 PM

another vote for the .243 win. Its a great great caliber for deer at normal hunting ranges, and it won't beat him up.

the -06 based cartridges all feel about the same to me for the most part. ( an obvious exception would be a light load from a .25-06 compared to a heavy load from a .338-06 )

davlandrum · August 20, 2007, 12:24 PM

I have no personal experience, but they are making 30-06 "reduced recoil" ammo that might fit the bill.

kingudaroad · August 20, 2007, 12:26 PM

If you buy the .243 for the boy, don't be surprised if it becomes your favorite also.

dustoff · August 20, 2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

I have no personal experience, but they are making 30-06 "reduced recoil" ammo that might fit the bill.

Not sure about the 30-06 reduced recoil loads but I bought .270 reduced recoil loads for my wife. She said that there wasn't much difference between them and the regular loads.

I would also put a vote up for the .243 win. My sister uses a .243 and loves it. When my sister isn't hunting my brother-in-law puts his 30-06 away and takes the .243. My 10 yr old niece will also be using a .243 this year.

davlandrum · August 20, 2007, 04:48 PM

Dustoff - thanks for the info! I had not heard a report on them.

FirstFreedom · August 20, 2007, 05:43 PM

What do you hunt? That could make a difference. Without know more, it's pretty much 6 of one, half dozen of the other. I like .270 win - slightly flatter trajectory with a 130 gr bullet. Smidgeon less recoil. Take your pick.

taylorce1 · August 20, 2007, 07:51 PM

Well my vote is for the .270 Winchester as well. You would be hard pressed to find a better Deer cartridge. Since you own a .308 there is no need to have a .30-06 unless you really want to try heavier than 180 grain bullets.

If you hand load you can start your son on the .270 pretty easy with some 90 grain bullets and let him shoot varmints and other small game with it. Then gradually work him into some heavier recoiling rounds up to the tried and true 130 grain bullet. I think the .270 is an adequate Elk caliber as well with 150 grain bullets if that is ever in the future.

Art made some very good points and I hate to disagree with him, but I can't put the .243 or 7-08 above the .270. I own the .243 and have very limited experience with the 7-08 and both are very good cartridges. It is just my personal opinion that the .270 is a superior performer on game animals.

TJ Freak · August 20, 2007, 09:18 PM

I vote .270 good all around cartridge. EVERYONE has a '06 (with good reason). I like to be a bit different, that's why I would go with the .270.

Art Eatman · August 21, 2007, 08:22 AM

I'm not putting anything above the .270; I'm just thinking of a kid's learning curve and comparative effectiveness.

Kids gotta learn to handle the adrenalin rush and all that self-control stuff. They gotta learn about not shooting at "way over yonder" deer. Gotta practice to get used to the particular rifle.

Why beat on the kid's shoulder?

I was a tall and skinny 16 years old when my father and uncle combined to put me into the '06 bidness. A 1917 Enfield. That steel buttplate "like to beat me to death". But I got good in spite of, not because of.

Art

Smokey Joe · August 21, 2007, 08:52 AM

Art--My sediments exactly!

The .270 Win is a heck of a good deerslayer. Likewise the .308 Win. Likewise the .30-'06. And we could throw in a couple more, going in either direction: the .35 Whelen, or the 6.5x55 Swede. Not to mention the deer-killingest centerfire of 'em all, over the years, the .30-30.

However (there is always that darn "however!")

Quote:

My son is also just starting to hunt and recoil is a small consideration.

The OP asked for something that won't beat up his kid, not what is YOUR favorite deer cartridge!

tyrajam · August 21, 2007, 09:36 AM

The old '06 is by far the more versatle, you can load up to 220gr bullets. If you're just hunting deer, I would say the 270 and 30'06 are so similar it really doesn't matter. But I have to tell you, GET A 6.5x55 Sweed! It is hands down the best deer cartridge in my highly biased opinion. It has practically the same recoil with a 140gr as the 243 with a 100gr (you can look it up if you don't believe me). And because the bullet has such a high bc, it carries well at long ranges. It is THE gun to start a youngster out with.

Yellowfin · August 22, 2007, 12:25 AM

I have used both the .243 and the .30-06 in my years of hunting and love them both dearly. Both deserve the religious followings they have and will continue to have forever and have put loads of meat in the freezer. I for one am curious as to who here is a 7x57 fan...something tells me that round is direly underrated and underutilized for its potential. I also have a strong temptation to go with a .303 in the near future as a shop near me has one that is giving me an itch like few things have lately.

Art Eatman · August 22, 2007, 09:51 AM

US factory loadings for the 7x57 are limited to 40,000 psi because of the existence of the old single-lug rifles that are "out there". With a modern rifle having two lugs, you can load right on up to .270 or .30-'06 pressures.

These three cartridges, with the usual 130-, 140- and 150-grain bullets, are pretty much equal, really. While the 7mm bullet of this weight is possibly the best for ballistic coefficient, the practical difference for typical deer-hunting distances isn't worth worrying about. Bambi sure won't care.

Art

trigger45 · October 31, 2007, 10:17 AM

had a .308 and a .30-06 love my .270.

Army GI · October 31, 2007, 11:05 AM

That's what's great about America; choice.

Capp35 · October 31, 2007, 09:26 PM

Quote:

While the 7mm bullet of this weight is possibly the best for ballistic coefficient

I agree.
Thats why I am amazed that no one suggested the Remington 280. It is a 06 casing necked down to a 7mm (.280) bullet.
Almost every major gun manufacture makes a rifle in this caliber.

22-rimfire · October 31, 2007, 09:43 PM

You didn't mention how old your son is? If he is over 16, I'd say go with the 270. If under 16, I go with the 6mm/243. Should work fine. Have him practice with the rifle a bit. My first deer rifle was a 243 and I shot it quite a bit hunting varmints and deer. The varmints taught me about estimating range and careful aiming.

kjm · October 31, 2007, 09:59 PM

I'm with Art. There isn't much difference between a 30-06 and a 308 and a 270- but if I were picking a gun to introduce my son to shooting, it would be the 243. No competition. It is enough gun for whitetail and has little recoil. I'd venture to say that it is fun to shoot more than a few times.

We noticed at the range this week that after shooting my 06's we couldn't get through the whole thing without flinching towards the end. The only '06 that seemed tolerable was the Garand, but after shooting with the '06 and switching to the 243, it was easy and fun.

Art gives good advice.

CamoCop · November 1, 2007, 01:24 AM

.25-06 is my favorite, shoots flat, hard hitting and low recoil.

between a .270 and a .30-06, i'd pick the .30-06 due to the unlimited ammo choices and ease of finding ammo.

August 20, 2007, 10:38 AM	#5
Smokey Joe Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2001 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 2,106	Boy's rifle Rick Gregg-I second Art's recommendation of a .243 Win for the lad. When my #1 son was young, and small, and slim, and wanting to get into deer hunting, that is the route he & I took. It worked to perfection. He grew out of the "youth" stock into a full-size stock, but the .243 remained his weapon of choice for deer. We studied deer anatomy, and he was/is a good enough marksman to place his shots, and every deer he ever aimed at went over like a ton of bricks. Also agree that there isn't but a nickel's worth of difference between a .270 Win, a .308 Win, and a .30-'06. If you have any of the 3, you don't NEED either of the other 2. Now if it's a question of "want" rather than "need," that's a whole different question. If it's a difference in performance you want, you need to step outside the .270/.308/.30-'06 range. But that'll take more research on your part. Which is not a bad thing. __________________ God Bless America --Smokey Joe

August 20, 2007, 12:19 PM	#7
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,717	another vote for the .243 win. Its a great great caliber for deer at normal hunting ranges, and it won't beat him up. the -06 based cartridges all feel about the same to me for the most part. ( an obvious exception would be a light load from a .25-06 compared to a heavy load from a .338-06 ) __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. Last edited by mikejonestkd; August 21, 2007 at 09:16 AM.

October 31, 2007, 10:17 AM	#20
trigger45 Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 1999 Location: TEXAS,USA Posts: 322	.270 had a .308 and a .30-06 love my .270. __________________ 5.56x45, .243win, .308win,8x57mm, 9x19mm,.45acp, .357mag,9x18mm .380acp, .410, .50bp, 12ga. I would like to see a modern 7x57and 8x57 in my safe.

October 31, 2007, 09:59 PM	#24
kjm Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: College Station, Texas Posts: 1,871	I'm with Art. There isn't much difference between a 30-06 and a 308 and a 270- but if I were picking a gun to introduce my son to shooting, it would be the 243. No competition. It is enough gun for whitetail and has little recoil. I'd venture to say that it is fun to shoot more than a few times. We noticed at the range this week that after shooting my 06's we couldn't get through the whole thing without flinching towards the end. The only '06 that seemed tolerable was the Garand, but after shooting with the '06 and switching to the 243, it was easy and fun. Art gives good advice. __________________ COME AND TAKE IT!!!

August 19, 2007, 04:27 PM	#1
Rick Grigg Junior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Posts: 1	.270 vs. 30.06 looking to buy new gun I currently hunt with a .308 win. but am looking to buy another rifle. Was really looking hard at an 06 but after doing some research on power delivered down range, I am leaning toward a .270. My son is also just starting to hunt and recoil is a small consideration. What do you all think?

August 19, 2007, 04:54 PM	#2
45Marlin carbine Junior member Join Date: January 26, 2007 Location: South-Western North Carolina Posts: 1,124	looks like you have stipulated a .270. but if you could have only ONE rifle get the '06.

August 19, 2007, 05:52 PM	#3
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Since a .308 will take care of anything in the lower 48 states, I'd give thought to a rifle for the youngun. A .243 is plenty good for whitetail and varmints. A 7mm08 isn't much below a .308, really. If your boy is a good shot, the lack of recoil of the .243 would work great. I've killed 20+ deer with mine... Art

August 19, 2007, 08:07 PM	#4
stinger Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Location: west texas Posts: 772	I think recoil is close enough (.270, .308, 30'06) that you'd be splitting hairs. If your son can't handle one, then he probably can't handle any. .270 would recoil less, but I've never really noticed much difference. I agree that .243 would be a great choice, as would something like a 6.5 Swede. I think all calibers are great, you just need to set your priorities. If I only had one rifle, and was choosing another, I would look a different direction than the ones you choose. They are just too balistically similar.

August 20, 2007, 12:24 PM	#8
davlandrum Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Lane County Oregon Posts: 2,547	I have no personal experience, but they are making 30-06 "reduced recoil" ammo that might fit the bill.

August 20, 2007, 12:26 PM	#9
kingudaroad Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Location: austin Posts: 735	If you buy the .243 for the boy, don't be surprised if it becomes your favorite also.

August 20, 2007, 04:48 PM	#11
davlandrum Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Lane County Oregon Posts: 2,547	Dustoff - thanks for the info! I had not heard a report on them.

August 20, 2007, 05:43 PM	#12
FirstFreedom Junior member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: The Toll Road State, U.S.A. Posts: 12,451	What do you hunt? That could make a difference. Without know more, it's pretty much 6 of one, half dozen of the other. I like .270 win - slightly flatter trajectory with a 130 gr bullet. Smidgeon less recoil. Take your pick.

August 20, 2007, 07:51 PM	#13
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,249	Well my vote is for the .270 Winchester as well. You would be hard pressed to find a better Deer cartridge. Since you own a .308 there is no need to have a .30-06 unless you really want to try heavier than 180 grain bullets. If you hand load you can start your son on the .270 pretty easy with some 90 grain bullets and let him shoot varmints and other small game with it. Then gradually work him into some heavier recoiling rounds up to the tried and true 130 grain bullet. I think the .270 is an adequate Elk caliber as well with 150 grain bullets if that is ever in the future. Art made some very good points and I hate to disagree with him, but I can't put the .243 or 7-08 above the .270. I own the .243 and have very limited experience with the 7-08 and both are very good cartridges. It is just my personal opinion that the .270 is a superior performer on game animals.

August 20, 2007, 09:18 PM	#14
TJ Freak Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2005 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 143	I vote .270 good all around cartridge. EVERYONE has a '06 (with good reason). I like to be a bit different, that's why I would go with the .270.

August 21, 2007, 08:22 AM	#15
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I'm not putting anything above the .270; I'm just thinking of a kid's learning curve and comparative effectiveness. Kids gotta learn to handle the adrenalin rush and all that self-control stuff. They gotta learn about not shooting at "way over yonder" deer. Gotta practice to get used to the particular rifle. Why beat on the kid's shoulder? I was a tall and skinny 16 years old when my father and uncle combined to put me into the '06 bidness. A 1917 Enfield. That steel buttplate "like to beat me to death". But I got good in spite of, not because of. Art

August 21, 2007, 09:36 AM	#17
tyrajam Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 467	The old '06 is by far the more versatle, you can load up to 220gr bullets. If you're just hunting deer, I would say the 270 and 30'06 are so similar it really doesn't matter. But I have to tell you, GET A 6.5x55 Sweed! It is hands down the best deer cartridge in my highly biased opinion. It has practically the same recoil with a 140gr as the 243 with a 100gr (you can look it up if you don't believe me). And because the bullet has such a high bc, it carries well at long ranges. It is THE gun to start a youngster out with.

August 22, 2007, 12:25 AM	#18
Yellowfin Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2007 Location: Lancaster Co, PA Posts: 2,311	I have used both the .243 and the .30-06 in my years of hunting and love them both dearly. Both deserve the religious followings they have and will continue to have forever and have put loads of meat in the freezer. I for one am curious as to who here is a 7x57 fan...something tells me that round is direly underrated and underutilized for its potential. I also have a strong temptation to go with a .303 in the near future as a shop near me has one that is giving me an itch like few things have lately.

August 22, 2007, 09:51 AM	#19
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	US factory loadings for the 7x57 are limited to 40,000 psi because of the existence of the old single-lug rifles that are "out there". With a modern rifle having two lugs, you can load right on up to .270 or .30-'06 pressures. These three cartridges, with the usual 130-, 140- and 150-grain bullets, are pretty much equal, really. While the 7mm bullet of this weight is possibly the best for ballistic coefficient, the practical difference for typical deer-hunting distances isn't worth worrying about. Bambi sure won't care. Art

October 31, 2007, 11:05 AM	#21
Army GI Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2006 Posts: 284	That's what's great about America; choice.

October 31, 2007, 09:43 PM	#23
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	You didn't mention how old your son is? If he is over 16, I'd say go with the 270. If under 16, I go with the 6mm/243. Should work fine. Have him practice with the rifle a bit. My first deer rifle was a 243 and I shot it quite a bit hunting varmints and deer. The varmints taught me about estimating range and careful aiming.

November 1, 2007, 01:24 AM	#25
CamoCop Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 133	.25-06 is my favorite, shoots flat, hard hitting and low recoil. between a .270 and a .30-06, i'd pick the .30-06 due to the unlimited ammo choices and ease of finding ammo.