I recently sold my .30-06

[kid44]

mostly because I just didn't like the rifle. So now I am down to 2 rifles, a .270 and a .45-70
Between those two do you think I have the bases covered for lower 48 hunting? I am in no rush to
get another .30-06, not just now anyway. If I were I may just skip over the .30-06 and go to
7MM or .300 magnum. I feel confident in the .270 and .45-70 being enough gun though.

 

[TxxAgg]

Sounds like you need a 223 or 243

 

[False_Cast]

You need a handy 223/5.56 with 1:8” twist or better (faster). They sell themselves if given a shot, and I mean that quite literally.

 

[spc7669]

I have something similar to what you propose. I have a Tikka T3x Ultralight 6.5 and a JM stamped Marlin 444. As several recommended, I also have a .223 bolt gun that I love to practice with. These meet all my needs and then some. Big bore lever guns are a load of fun.

 

[HighUintas]

I would say you're in a pretty good spot. Except you're going to really miss out being part of the cool crowd when the 06 makes its come back and becomes cooler than the 6.5

 

[slvrslngr]

I would say you're in a pretty good spot. Except you're going to really miss out being part of the cool crowd when the 06 makes its come back and becomes cooler than the 6.5

The -06 always has been and always will be cooler than the 6.5. Think of it as Teddy Roosevelt vs. Justin Bieber.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Ding. Ding. Ding.

Get a .223!

Nothing in the lower 48 that I wouldn’t point one at with the right bullet.

 

[Newtosavage]

The -06 always has been and always will be cooler than the 6.5. Think of it as Teddy Roosevelt vs. Justin Bieber.

Except that Teddy got his ass handed to him by the 7x57.

 

[slvrslngr]

Except that Teddy got his ass handed to him by the 7x57.

Was the rifle not the round.

 

[Newtosavage]

Was the rifle not the round.

perhaps, but the 7x57 is still a superior round to the '06 for the purpose either was designed for.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Ding. Ding. Ding.

Get a .223!

Nothing in the lower 48 that I wouldn’t point one at with the right bullet.

What about a grizzly bear?

 

[kid44]

In this case pointing it at him and pulling the trigger are two different things.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

A life without a 30-06 is a life I wouldn't want to live.

 

[kid44]

A life without a 30-06 is a life I wouldn't want to live.

I thought the same thing, but I'm still breathing.

 

[Clarktar]

A life without a 30-06 is a life I wouldn't want to live.

Agreed! Sent you a PM thin.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[Jim1187]

I can't really think of anything I would do with a 7mm Magnum or .30-06 I wouldn't be as happy with a .270 doing, assuming equal construction bullets. Even a .300 magnum wouldn't get me reaching for my wallet in a hurry.
Put me in the fast twist .22 centerfire camp, if you are wanting a third rifle.

 

[Laramie]

I think you sold the wrong gun.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I can't really think of anything I would do with a 7mm Magnum or .30-06 I wouldn't be as happy with a .270 doing, assuming equal construction bullets. Even a .300 magnum wouldn't get me reaching for my wallet in a hurry.
Put me in the fast twist .22 centerfire camp, if you are wanting a third rifle.

What about loading up 200-220g bullets???

 

[TheGDog]

Yeah.. so now just get a .223 Rem or .243 Win and you're pretty much golden. Although... you still have to add .17 HMR in there just because nothing is as fun and as accurate!

 

[Jim1187]

What about loading up 200-220g bullets???

I've never seen 200-220 grain 7mm bullets so I'll assume you're defending the .30-06 and .300 Magnums. Didn't mean to imply they aren't great cartridges and extremely versatile. Just I wouldn't be inclined to hunt anything with a .30-06 or a .300 magnum that I wouldn't use the .270 WCF or 7mm magnums for, exception Bison in NA and some African critters and for those I would prefer a .35 Whelen or a 9.3x62 or .375 much more than a .30 cal.

The 200 grain partition or Accubond from a .30-06 or .300 Magnum would be top contenders if someone offered to foot the bill for an all of NA hunt but I had to use a single rifle and load. Fortunately or unfortunately I am not fielding those kinds of offers.